New to Type 2.

ViolaterUK

Member
Messages
17
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Good Evening, I hope everyone is safe and well.

First time here and first time posting.

I'm a 41-yr old male.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 just before Covid-19 hit. I had a score of 67, this was discovered during a sleep study test for sleep apnea (severe).

It was then followed up by my GP and they also noticed I had high blood pressure. I'm a big guy. My blood pressure has never been an issue before and part of me thinks it's because of the fear of the diabetes but I'm happy to take the help offered.

Initially, I was prescribed Metforming (500mg twice daily) and Ramipril one daily for the blood pressure.

The other results from my blood test, whilst faded from my memory were actually all good apart from the blood sugar, so I thought that's positive.

The prescriptions were supposed to be for 4-6 weeks initially with advice on reducing my sugar intake and obviously to reduce my weight. But, as Covid hit my doctors called me and told me there are not doing any face to face and my appointments have been cancelled and to carry on the medication for now.

I've worked from home for 5-years, very little excercise and whilst my eating isn't completely bad I got through stages of what is 100% lazyness and got for the quick options. Basically, unhealthy.

I've noticed from below my knee, during the day my legs appear to retain water and I can press into the skin and it stays in a short time. Once I've been to bed and wake up they are usually back to normal. I've had this since before I was diagnosed and was told to elevate my feet throughout the day or take some walks, but doesn't seem to help. Maybe I'm not doing enough or trying hard enough?

To be honest, I don't think I have taken the diagnosis 100% seriously. I have reduced my sugar intake, but I still have stages where I think, I've been good I can have this or that but doesn't end up with just this or that, but it's definately reduced overall.

I was called into the hospital last week for my diabetic eye test, the results came in today. They noticed at the back of my eye something to do with my blood vessels and said I had some retinopathy. It has hit home a little harder today. The fear of losing my eyesight I think may have gave me the kick up the ar*e I needed.

I must admit, I am scared. My weight, this diagnosis, possible blood pressure issues, my legs and my overall fitness and mobility I think add to my worries and I think I may have some depression. I don't think I've every admitted that before. We've had a rough couple of years, I have a 2-yr old son. He was born extremely early at 24-weeks. He's amazing, he's been through so much and he's still under so many teams, mostly to help him catch up with most other 2-yr olds. But I think my depression and large amount of weight gain is from this period. 4-months in intensive care, the first month every day was a blessing as he wasn't expected to survive. It's just rolled on and I think with my condition now it's just all hitting me quite hard.

I can talk to my wife, I don't talk about how I truly feel as she was diagnosed with PTSD (she didn't handle my son's start to life very well) and she's in a good place right now. She knows about my condition.

I'm not actually sure now where I am going with this, I think I just needed to "say it out loud" , maybe hearing from people in a similar situation will help me understand my own feelings.

Ultimately, I know what I have to do. Diet is key and I feel I can do this, I love to cook and it's about reducing carbs and sugar so I can manage this. Snacks, if I'm honest I prefer crisp over everything else but I need to cut that out also. I think I need to get back in and tested so I can see where I am at and get some more help and support.

I feel because the doctors cancelled my appointments I've kind of been left, I didn't get that much info from my previous visit I presume most of it would have came after my initial month on the meds. I think I need to do this ASAP.

I wasn't told to check my blood sugars with the tabs/meter - so I've no idea what my blood sugars are at any time. Am I supposed to be checking? Am I suppose to do this myself or should the nurse/GP go through this with my and explain what I am to do/look out for and how best I can control the results?

I feel lost with all this and think I am in a place where I want to start to face this head on. I've spent most of the day reading other peoples posts, some scare me but others are inspiring and the community on the whole seems very welcoming and friendly.

I do apologise for the long post and I can see I've gone off track here and there, but this is the first time I've opened up like this so I am sorry if it's too much.

Any advice, suggestions or questions I really do appreciate your time and help.
 

xfieldok

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,182
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Welcome to the forum. and you are going to be fine. Check out the link in my signature for Jo's brilliant advice for newbies. Diet is key. Check out dietdoctor.com for food ideas. There are alternatives to just about everything. Anything you fancy google tit putting keto first. Loads of help and support here.

A meter is essential. We can advise on them if you want.
 
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buikevina

Newbie
Messages
2
Dearest, worry less.
You will be fine if you follow up aggressively.
My blood sugar was about 300mg/dL two years ago. My fasting is now between 87 - 99mg/dL.
Meter is very important. It will get to a point where you will only check once a week or a month.
Taking your medication and your doctors advices seriously can give you rest of mind from the fact that you are on top of things.
That in turn will calm you and affect both your blood sugar and pressure positively.
Become invincible to stress.
I walk 30 mins daily, at least 30 mins.
I eat plenty of fiber rich foods daily.
Try to get your 8hours sleep every night.
Go to bed early and get plenty of exercise.
But you must lose the extra pounds of weight. It seems to be amongst the most important.
I weighed about 110 kg. although my weight has been up and down, I now weigh 86kg.
Finally, drink a lot of water. I try to drink all the plenty water between 7am and 6pm so i can avoid using the rest room during my night sleep.
Wish you well dude
You will be fine if you fight it now.
 
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Debandez

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,019
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
Good Evening, I hope everyone is safe and well.

First time here and first time posting.

I'm a 41-yr old male.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 just before Covid-19 hit. I had a score of 67, this was discovered during a sleep study test for sleep apnea (severe).

It was then followed up by my GP and they also noticed I had high blood pressure. I'm a big guy. My blood pressure has never been an issue before and part of me thinks it's because of the fear of the diabetes but I'm happy to take the help offered.

Initially, I was prescribed Metforming (500mg twice daily) and Ramipril one daily for the blood pressure.

The other results from my blood test, whilst faded from my memory were actually all good apart from the blood sugar, so I thought that's positive.

The prescriptions were supposed to be for 4-6 weeks initially with advice on reducing my sugar intake and obviously to reduce my weight. But, as Covid hit my doctors called me and told me there are not doing any face to face and my appointments have been cancelled and to carry on the medication for now.

I've worked from home for 5-years, very little excercise and whilst my eating isn't completely bad I got through stages of what is 100% lazyness and got for the quick options. Basically, unhealthy.

I've noticed from below my knee, during the day my legs appear to retain water and I can press into the skin and it stays in a short time. Once I've been to bed and wake up they are usually back to normal. I've had this since before I was diagnosed and was told to elevate my feet throughout the day or take some walks, but doesn't seem to help. Maybe I'm not doing enough or trying hard enough?

To be honest, I don't think I have taken the diagnosis 100% seriously. I have reduced my sugar intake, but I still have stages where I think, I've been good I can have this or that but doesn't end up with just this or that, but it's definately reduced overall.

I was called into the hospital last week for my diabetic eye test, the results came in today. They noticed at the back of my eye something to do with my blood vessels and said I had some retinopathy. It has hit home a little harder today. The fear of losing my eyesight I think may have gave me the kick up the ar*e I needed.

I must admit, I am scared. My weight, this diagnosis, possible blood pressure issues, my legs and my overall fitness and mobility I think add to my worries and I think I may have some depression. I don't think I've every admitted that before. We've had a rough couple of years, I have a 2-yr old son. He was born extremely early at 24-weeks. He's amazing, he's been through so much and he's still under so many teams, mostly to help him catch up with most other 2-yr olds. But I think my depression and large amount of weight gain is from this period. 4-months in intensive care, the first month every day was a blessing as he wasn't expected to survive. It's just rolled on and I think with my condition now it's just all hitting me quite hard.

I can talk to my wife, I don't talk about how I truly feel as she was diagnosed with PTSD (she didn't handle my son's start to life very well) and she's in a good place right now. She knows about my condition.

I'm not actually sure now where I am going with this, I think I just needed to "say it out loud" , maybe hearing from people in a similar situation will help me understand my own feelings.

Ultimately, I know what I have to do. Diet is key and I feel I can do this, I love to cook and it's about reducing carbs and sugar so I can manage this. Snacks, if I'm honest I prefer crisp over everything else but I need to cut that out also. I think I need to get back in and tested so I can see where I am at and get some more help and support.

I feel because the doctors cancelled my appointments I've kind of been left, I didn't get that much info from my previous visit I presume most of it would have came after my initial month on the meds. I think I need to do this ASAP.

I wasn't told to check my blood sugars with the tabs/meter - so I've no idea what my blood sugars are at any time. Am I supposed to be checking? Am I suppose to do this myself or should the nurse/GP go through this with my and explain what I am to do/look out for and how best I can control the results?

I feel lost with all this and think I am in a place where I want to start to face this head on. I've spent most of the day reading other peoples posts, some scare me but others are inspiring and the community on the whole seems very welcoming and friendly.

I do apologise for the long post and I can see I've gone off track here and there, but this is the first time I've opened up like this so I am sorry if it's too much.

Any advice, suggestions or questions I really do appreciate your time and help.

Oh my word what a rollercoaster you've been on, and are still on.

Completely get you not wanting to share your feelings with your wife. Its a selfless act. You are putting your wife before yourself.

Regarding your health and wellbeing you have come to the right place.

To confirm which foods suit you I would recommend you invest in a blood glucose monitor. We are all different and sadly its not one size fits all. You can get them free with a few strips. It doesn't really matter which one you get, its a tool that will confirm how your body reacts to certain foods. I use codefree when I finger prick. There are discount codes available for the strips. I also use a CGM. If you have £48 to spare this will be a great investment. 14 days and you can scan every 5 mins if you choose to. It will show exactly how certain foods effect you. 14 days will confirm so much.

https://www.freestylelibre.co.uk/libre/products/sensors.html

As an example this was mine today.

Brunch smoked mackerel
Afternoon brew with a 5 9g carbs choc and nut bar
Dinner mixed meat salad, glass of red, few nuts

I've also linked my experiment with the Diabetes.org.uk guidelines, 2 slices of wholemeal bread with butter!

Check out reversing diabetes videos on you tube. Dr David Cavan, Dr Jason Fung, Dr Sarah Halberg, and people like you and me. I went from hba2c 62 to 36 in a short space of time. Symptoms disappeared within a week of starting to change my way of eating.

This book would be a great £6 investment

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0857836226/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uv1fFb7F7SP21

Have a watch of this, Dr Unwin has seen 82 patients into remission to date


Have a look around the site, any questions fire away.

Once I found out what suited me I did a swap sheet.

Not much support out there under normal circulation never mind in a pandemic! But plenty online thankfully.
 

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HSSS

Expert
Messages
7,465
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Welcome. You’ve been given great advice above to get you started. Yes it’s about carbs and a meter is almost essential to help you learn and see what’s happening. Would you drive a car without a speedo and just wait for a ticket or not?

Sadly unless you were one of the lucky few you wouldn’t have got anything much at your next (cancelled) appointment. Most still get vague lose weight, be active, take these meds advice. Some get even worse and told to eat regular carbs and even more meds. Very few get given testing advice or equipment as the nhs doesn’t understand how useful that is for type 2 controlling levels by diet and cost cut (Short term thinking there!) by not issuing these tools.

Stick with us and do the reading and you’ll quickly have many of your issues under control; not just diabetes but weight and blood pressure may well improve too. More energy might allow more exercise and the virtuous circle begins. By the time your dr does see you again you could well have it all under control.
 
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Goonergal

Master
Retired Moderator
Messages
13,466
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi there

As others have mentioned, a blood glucose meter is important. Testing is an important way to understand the impact of food on your blood sugar levels. Test immediately before and 2 hours after you’ve eaten. In that way you’ll understand the impact that meal has on your blood sugars. You’re looking for a ride of no more than 2mmols. Any more and there were too many carbs for you to handle and the meal needs adjusting.

In terms of blood glucose meters, there are a few popular ones used by type 2s on here. As we often have to self-fund, the cost of the strips is important as they’ll be what you spend most on.

The Tee2+ from Spirit Healthcare which has cheap strips (not the cheapest strips but very reasonable): http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-plus-blood-glucose-meter/ with the strips found here: http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-testing-strips/ I got a free Tee2+ by phoning up to order the meter and 10 boxes of strips and they threw the meter in for free. Phone number 0800 8815423

The meter with the cheapest strips is the SD Codefree. Strips need to be bought in bulk using the codes below and the manufacturer is in the process of switching people over to a new model (see below). http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/blood-glucose-monitor/ and here for the extra strips http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/Discount codes for bulk orders:

5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833

Also from Spirit Healthcare, with more expensive strips than the Tee2+ is their Caresens Dual. This can be used for testing ketones too (strips for that very expensive). https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/collections/caresens-dual

Home Health have recently brought out a new meter, the Navii, which will eventually replace the Codefree. https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/glucose-navii-blood-glucose-test-strips-50-strip-pack/. https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/gluconavii-blood-sugar-meter-glucose-monitor-starter-kit/ The latest news from Home Health states:

"We have a special promotion for switching Codefree customers to the GlucoNavii, whereby if you buy a meter with 2 or more packs of strips from the below link and add the discount code "dcuk" at checkout, we will subtract the price of the meter.

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-produ...ose-meter-test-strips-choose-mmol-l-or-mg-dl/

There are also discount codes for when you come to buy more strips - "navii5" and "navii10" will give you 20% off purchases of 5 packs of strips and 25% off 10 packs of strips.

Don’t forget to check the box if you have pre diabetes or diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)
 

Daibell

Master
Messages
12,642
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi and welcome. Not being able to see the GP currently isn't essential for you as long as you follow the low-carb diet, exercise when you can and use the meter. Use the meter 2 hours after a typical meal and just before as well if you can to see the difference various foods make. Metformin which many of us take never has that much effect and diet is key. Get yourself a BP meter as well as they are useful. I do several BP tests before I see the nurse and she uses the average to put on the system; surgery BP tests can give a bad answer due to the white coat syndrome. In the early days of diagnosis you should have an HBA1C blood test every 3 months if possible particularly as you have some retinopathy. Don't rely on the GP calling you. Ask for blood/urine test forms, set up an appointment with the surgery GP/diabetic nurse and get the bloods taken 1-2 weeks before the appointment. Get yourself added to the surgery online system for test results so you can see them.
 
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DCUKMod

Master
Staff Member
Messages
14,298
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi @ViolaterUK - I notice nothing much has been said on your thread about your letter informing you of some retinopathy being present at your scan.

What did the letter say about that. Do the Opthalmologists want to see you again, or will they review it at your next annual appointment?

I appreciate it must be really scary and alarming, but there have been several on her who have been found to have retinopathy during a routine scan, only to find at their next review it has resolved itself.

I had that happen to me on year. I am fortunate enough to be friendly with a Consultant Opthalmologist, specialising in diabetic eye disease, so naturally enough, I hot footed to my phone to call him.

His response to me was that certain grades of retinopthay can disappear, and that not all retinopathy is diabetes related. Coincidentally, I had a routine sight test in the following days (funnily enough "inspired" by the screening result). During the sight test, I had a similar (albeit not exactly the same) eye examination, which revealed nothing.

Another call to my friend.

His immediate response was to ask who had done the follow up test, and he was happy with my response, as it happened to be his own optician.

Again, he explained when the scan is done, there is no way to work out how long the marks have been present on the retina, and whether or not they are forming or repairing.

Here are a small number of threads you might want to read:

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/and-the-not-so-good-news.164693/#post-2060773

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/worried-by-my-retinal-screening-result.148002/

There are some others, but I don't want t bombard you.

In essence, achieving and retaining decent blood sugar control really seems to be one of the easiest and best ways to look after your eyes. That along with also keeping your blood pressure in a decent place.

You're at the beginning of a journey, but it needn't be a nightmare trip.

Good luck with it all.
 

Jennji

Active Member
Messages
43
Hi,

Well, like you, now is my time to start getting things sorted. So, I can understand how overwhelming things can feel.

Firstly, your son, no doubt like his father, is a little fighter. I am so sorry that all of you had to go through so much. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for both you and your wife to deal with things. But thank you for sharing.

Never be sorry Or feel bad about expressing your emotions. Emotions of all sorts are avenues for us to process our lives. Maybe not just speaking in her4 but keeping a journal or diary may help you process how your feeling and reducing your stress. I find talking through my issues helps me, even if I am only writing them down for myself. It helps me also to go back sometimes to see how much progress I have made in my previous feelings/emotions.

I wish I could give you advice, but I too am just starting my journey and am excited to explore my options. My weight too has been an issue as well and working from home does have downsides, but I find doing small things to start with can help get yourself moving and will help with your legs. Even things like I leave things purposefully upstairs to I have to go up and down more often. I fetch things myself instead of asking others. When I am out and have to wait for things, I pace back and to for extra steps. I am starting to do more garden work Instead of hiring a gardener for things i know I can do myself. Even things like perhaps helping clean /deep clean in your home can help you exercise more if you didn’t already do that. Once you start losing some weight you will have more energy.Getting good sleep will be helpful too. If you have a cpap now, make sure your mask has a good seal.

I certainly wish you well, I hope you can get a present A1C So you know where you are starting from.

and thanks again for sharing, we all gotta start somewhere, right?

Jennji
 

ViolaterUK

Member
Messages
17
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Thank you all for your responses and words of wisdom.

I can see I have a lot to read through. I ordered my meter today, I went with the Tee2 one which was suggested about. I don't know much about the monitors (yet) but thought this was a good starting point for me.

I'm so thankful I found the forum, found accidentally but it's been a happy accident.

I'm going to spend the next couple of days reading through all the material, there is so much and I don't want to just gloss over it when I can see from peoples signatures such great results.

I told my wife I joined the forum and whilst I didn't go into detail on what I posted, I told her I've had lots of great responses. She already knew I had to reduce the sugar intake but we didn't know about carbs. She said earlier we can sit and plan (meals/shopping) tonight to reduce/cut out the main ones and then once I have a better understanding of how my body reacts to foods and read all the material provided we can plan our food well in advance.

She's just as happy (well I am the cook so what I make she has to eat haha) but we both want to lose weight and I think this type of eating/prep will help us both.

Again, thank you all for the response - I will keep asking questions or querying anything I don't understand.

Paul
 
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Jennji

Active Member
Messages
43
Thank you all for your responses and words of wisdom.

I can see I have a lot to read through. I ordered my meter today, I went with the Tee2 one which was suggested about. I don't know much about the monitors (yet) but thought this was a good starting point for me.

I'm so thankful I found the forum, found accidentally but it's been a happy accident.

I'm going to spend the next couple of days reading through all the material, there is so much and I don't want to just gloss over it when I can see from peoples signatures such great results.

I told my wife I joined the forum and whilst I didn't go into detail on what I posted, I told her I've had lots of great responses. She already knew I had to reduce the sugar intake but we didn't know about carbs. She said earlier we can sit and plan (meals/shopping) tonight to reduce/cut out the main ones and then once I have a better understanding of how my body reacts to foods and read all the material provided we can plan our food well in advance.

She's just as happy (well I am the cook so what I make she has to eat haha) but we both want to lose weight and I think this type of eating/prep will help us both.

Again, thank you all for the response - I will keep asking questions or querying anything I don't understand.

Paul


Sounds great and a good idea to replan, it will save money too:) My husband does all the cooking in our house too and since he wants to lose some weight too and since he knows we are cutting carbs he is up for the change too. Good luck with the planning. Fingers crossed for us both to have better readings in a few months time.:)
 
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buikevina

Newbie
Messages
2
I wanted to mention to you that you will feel stronger when you lose any extra weight. in fact, you will feel happier and sleep better. I feel stronger and healthier.
Hey, remember also that you are not alone. Millions are diabetic. It is a very common health issue. But be thankful that medicine has advanced to the point where we can expect to live a normal life as those without the disease and even share encouraging experiences. You will end up taking care of yourself more than "healthy" folks. Remember that whatever worry you may have now is absolutely normal.
Do some research about foods that are good and bad for blood sugar.
It is an easy research really. Just dont stress. Stress does not add an inch to your life.
 

Nicole T

Well-Known Member
Messages
334
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
My mum was type 2, and lived with a diagnosis of retinopathy for a good 15 years without even coming close to going blind. The only thing she really suffered from was neuropathy in her feet. She died at 76 from pneumonia, completely unrelated to diabetes.

The worst case scenarios are downright scary, but take control of your blood glucose levels, and there's no reason why you should succumb to any of the horrible complications. Only 3 days in, but low carb is working brilliantly for my meter readings. I had bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning, just skipping the toast I'd normally put them on. I never thought that was possible on a diet. I've also lost between 3 and 5 lbs in 3 days if my bathroom scales are to be believed.
 

Andydragon

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
3,324
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
My mum was type 2, and lived with a diagnosis of retinopathy for a good 15 years without even coming close to going blind. The only thing she really suffered from was neuropathy in her feet. She died at 76 from pneumonia, completely unrelated to diabetes.

The worst case scenarios are downright scary, but take control of your blood glucose levels, and there's no reason why you should succumb to any of the horrible complications. Only 3 days in, but low carb is working brilliantly for my meter readings. I had bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning, just skipping the toast I'd normally put them on. I never thought that was possible on a diet. I've also lost between 3 and 5 lbs in 3 days if my bathroom scales are to be believed.
My dad had pretty much every complication from uncontrolled diabetes. Worst case scenarios are awful. But the main thing to take away is about uncontrolled.

The low carb changes for me have very fast weight loss to start and immediate improvement on blood levels. However, the first few loss does slow down but the weight loss is continual, that's the main thing, it's a lifelong change