Newly diagnosed

[MidwifeDee]

Hi All
Found out 4 weeks ago that I have a type 2. I’m 47 and mother of 2. I also work as a midwife. BMI 38 so tall and over weight. Bloods 76. Not shocked but upset I have not looked after myself. However, since diagnosis I have lost 1 1/2 stone and started exercise which after 1 week seemed to make a difference to my bg. Went from 9 to 7 on wakening, lowest reading 6.8. However, been back at work and bg rising even though low carb diet. Do you think it could be stress? Not on meds yet. Any advice welcome.

 

[VashtiB]

Hello and welcome.

What a great way to start losing 11/2 stone- I'm envious.

I have found that stress definitely effects my bg levels. Which when the bg levels increase makes me stress- which is not helpful.

How low carb are you going? You may want to consider reducing your carbs to a Keto level and seeing how your levels go. It also may be that it will take some time for your levels to settle down to a lower level. Are they still in the 6s during the day?

Welcome!

 

[Resurgam]

What are your readings two hours after starting to eat?
Tweaking the food choices and amounts can make a big difference to blood glucose levels. Once I was regularly getting under 8mmol/l after meals I kept to the same regime and numbers continued to fall and I have been at the top edge of normal for some time now.

 

[Rachox]

Hi MidwifeDee and welcome!
I’ll just give you the link to our useful info:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.17088/
And in answer to your question yes stress can have a detrimental effect in blood sugar levels.
Can you post what you eat in a typical day, we may be able to help you tweak things a bit?

 

[MidwifeDee]

Hello and welcome.

What a great way to start losing 11/2 stone- I'm envious.

I have found that stress definitely effects my bg levels. Which when the bg levels increase makes me stress- which is not helpful.

How low carb are you going? You may want to consider reducing your carbs to a Keto level and seeing how your levels go. It also may be that it will take some time for your levels to settle down to a lower level. Are they still in the 6s during the day?

Welcome!

More 7-9 in the day. If I have anything like cake even a tiny piece ( which I did on my birthday) they shoot up to 12. Seeing nurse in Nov for review to see if I need Metformin.

 

[MidwifeDee]

What are your readings two hours after starting to eat?
Tweaking the food choices and amounts can make a big difference to blood glucose levels. Once I was regularly getting under 8mmol/l after meals I kept to the same regime and numbers continued to fall and I have been at the top edge of normal for some time now.

Wow. That’s good to know. I have really slashed my portions which I feel ok with now. I try and keep under 130g if carbs and track on my fitness pal. Mostly live of salad and meat. Still seeing what triggers as early days. More exercise. Exercise makes a difference and can lower by bg. Just need to get a steady routine going. Every where I look is carbs/sugar!!!! Thank you.

 

[kencom]

In most areas you have a Diabetes disciplinary team . I felt my diabetic nurse at the surgery was not very good so I contacted the Diabetic disciplinary team who I see quite regular while the get me on track. If you live in Northampton give them a call and if this is not your area I am sure they can point you in the right direction 01536 492121 or 01327 708113 they cover all of Northamptonshire.

 

[Resurgam]

Wow. That’s good to know. I have really slashed my portions which I feel ok with now. I try and keep under 130g if carbs and track on my fitness pal. Mostly live of salad and meat. Still seeing what triggers as early days. More exercise. Exercise makes a difference and can lower by bg. Just need to get a steady routine going. Every where I look is carbs/sugar!!!! Thank you.

130gm of carb - ah - I stick to under 40 gm.
I do not live on salad and meat - but 130 gm of carbs from salad is one huge salad - I'd need a bucket rather than the large bowl I actually use.
Sugar is a carb, it is included, so you don't count both the total carb and the sugar - if that is what you are doing.

 

[VashtiB]

hi - I think exercise can be really helpful but I think diet is probably more important.

I also keep to much lower carbs but that is what is working for me. Now that you are checking for what triggers it should get a bit easier.

I agree- carbs are everywhere!