Dont know where to turn

[smudgie]

Hi all

I hope someone can help.

I was diagnosed type 2 diabetes on 19 May 2011. Doctor told me she would refer me to the diabetic clinic and I am still waiting. I went back to see the doctor about 2 weeks ago and explained that I was still waiting and was completely lost with it all. He said he would refer me again and try and rush it through so someone could see me as soon as possible. I am still waiting, I really am at a loss as those at work who are type 2 have said to me that I should have seen someone by now.

My fasting level was 9.3 and the 2 hour test was 17.4. (Which I had to ask the second doctor for as I had been given no information by the first).

He said my results were extremely high and I should be on tablets straight away. I said I didnt want to go on tablets and wanted to see if i could do it thought diet and exercise alone but I needed some help with that. I asked for a meter so I could keep a track of my readings but he said I didnt need one.

I am trying to eat healthily and have lost a wee bit weight but I dont know if i am doing the right thing for my sugars.

Thanks

 

[Toms Grandma]

Hi,
You are with friends here........I was diagnosed at Christmas and had the same experience....but this site has been marvelous for information. Read read and read again all the info. I am sure a moderator will tell you where to find the information given to newbies......I took that advice and found it so so helpful. I also bought a tester etc and strips, so expensive but it gave me control. I now have a spare monitor and so if you cannot afford to buy one I will happily let you have it.

Take a deep breath, read all you can on here and then get back in control.
Good luck and there are lots of peeps on here happy to give advice.
Wendy x

 

[daisy1]

Hi Smudgie and welcome to the forum. The first thing I would say is to accept the tablets the doctor wanted you to take. And carry on pushing for your appointment as you should be given one very soon. It is essential to test to be able to see what you can and can't eat so if they won't give you any test equipment you will have to do like many of us here and get your own. Manufacturers will frequently give you a free meter as they want you to use their strips and many members here get their strips off ebay. I can give you some general advice on how to look after yourself which should help you to start managing your diabetes. This is advice which was written for new members.

Here is the advice that Ken and I, as Forum Monitors, usually give to newly diagnosed Diabetics. We hope that these few ideas gained through experience help you to gain control and give you some understanding of Diabetes. This forum doesn't always follow the recommended dietary advice, you have to work out what works for you as we are all different.

It's not just 'sugars' you need to avoid, diabetes is an inability to process glucose properly. Carbohydrate converts, in the body, to glucose. So it makes sense to reduce the amount of carbohydrate that you eat which includes sugars.

For more information on CARBOHYDRATE see here:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20306

This is NOT a low carb diet suggestion, just a reduction in your intake of carbohydrate. You have to decide yourself how much of a reduction will keep your blood glucose levels in control.

The main carbs to avoid OR reduce are the complex or starchy carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, starchy root veg and also any flour based products. The starchy carbs all convert 100% to glucose in the body and raise the blood sugar levels significantly.

If you are on Insulin you may find that reducing the carb intake also means that you can reduce your dose of insulin. This can help you to keep weight gain down as Insulin tends to make you put on weight and eventually cause insulin resistance. This should be done slowly so as not to cause hypos.

The way to find out how different foods affect you is to do regular daily testing and keep a food diary for a couple of weeks. If you test just before eating, then two hours after eating, you will see the effect of certain foods on your blood glucose levels. Some foods, which are slow acting carbohydrates, are absorbed more slowly so you may need to test three or even four hours later to see the effect that these have on your blood glucose levels.

Buy yourself a carb counter book (you can get these on-line) and you will be able to work out how much carbs you are eating, when you test, the reading two hours after should be roughly the same as the before eating reading, if it is then that meal was fine, if it isn’t then you need to check what you have eaten and think about reducing the portion size of carbs.

When you are buying products check the total carbohydrate content, this includes the sugar content. Do not just go by the amount of sugar on the packaging as this is misleading to a diabetic.


As for a tester, try asking the nurse/doctor and explain that you want to be proactive in managing your own diabetes and therefore need to test so that you can see just how foods affect your blood sugar levels. Hopefully this will work ! Sometimes they are not keen to give Type 2’s the strips on prescription, (in the UK) but you can but try!!

For TIPS FOR STRIPS see here:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19002#p173253

If you are an Insulin user in theory you should have no problem getting test strips.

The latest 2011 NICE guidelines for Bg levels are as follows:
Fasting (waking and before meals).......between 4 - 7 mmol/l...(Type 1 & 2)
2 hrs after meals........................no more than 8.5 mmol/l.....( Type 2)

2hrs after meals......................... no more than 9 mmol/l ......(Type 1)

If you are able to keep the post meal numbers lower, so much the better.

It also helps if you can do at least 30 minutes moderate exercise a day, it can be split into 10 min sessions to start with. It doesn't have to be strenuous.

The above is just general advice and it is recommended that you discuss with your HCP before making any changes. You can also ask questions on the forum on anything that is not clear.

Finally a few QUESTIONS TO ASK AT DIABETES CLINIC.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17091



Sue/Ken.

 

[smudgie]

Hi Wendy

Thanks very much for your reply, I have been reading the forum but as you said I will need to read, read and read again. Its all very confusing but I know a lot of it is trial and error. Will go and get a tester from the local chemist and I am sure that will help.

Thanks

Carol x

 

[smudgie]

Hi Smudgie and welcome to the forum. The first thing I would say is to accept the tablets the doctor wanted you to take. And carry on pushing for your appointment as you should be given one very soon. It is essential to test to be able to see what you can and can't eat so if they won't give you any test equipment you will have to do like many of us here and get your own. Manufacturers will frequently give you a free meter as they want you to use their strips and many members here get their strips off ebay. I can give you some general advice on how to look after yourself which should help you to start managing your diabetes. This is advice which was written for new members.

Here is the advice that Ken and I, as Forum Monitors, usually give to newly diagnosed Diabetics. We hope that these few ideas gained through experience help you to gain control and give you some understanding of Diabetes. This forum doesn't always follow the recommended dietary advice, you have to work out what works for you as we are all different.

It's not just 'sugars' you need to avoid, diabetes is an inability to process glucose properly. Carbohydrate converts, in the body, to glucose. So it makes sense to reduce the amount of carbohydrate that you eat which includes sugars.

For more information on CARBOHYDRATE see here:

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20306

This is NOT a low carb diet suggestion, just a reduction in your intake of carbohydrate. You have to decide yourself how much of a reduction will keep your blood glucose levels in control.

The main carbs to avoid OR reduce are the complex or starchy carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, starchy root veg and also any flour based products. The starchy carbs all convert 100% to glucose in the body and raise the blood sugar levels significantly.

If you are on Insulin you may find that reducing the carb intake also means that you can reduce your dose of insulin. This can help you to keep weight gain down as Insulin tends to make you put on weight and eventually cause insulin resistance. This should be done slowly so as not to cause hypos.

The way to find out how different foods affect you is to do regular daily testing and keep a food diary for a couple of weeks. If you test just before eating, then two hours after eating, you will see the effect of certain foods on your blood glucose levels. Some foods, which are slow acting carbohydrates, are absorbed more slowly so you may need to test three or even four hours later to see the effect that these have on your blood glucose levels.

Buy yourself a carb counter book (you can get these on-line) and you will be able to work out how much carbs you are eating, when you test, the reading two hours after should be roughly the same as the before eating reading, if it is then that meal was fine, if it isn’t then you need to check what you have eaten and think about reducing the portion size of carbs.

When you are buying products check the total carbohydrate content, this includes the sugar content. Do not just go by the amount of sugar on the packaging as this is misleading to a diabetic.


As for a tester, try asking the nurse/doctor and explain that you want to be proactive in managing your own diabetes and therefore need to test so that you can see just how foods affect your blood sugar levels. Hopefully this will work ! Sometimes they are not keen to give Type 2’s the strips on prescription, (in the UK) but you can but try!!

For TIPS FOR STRIPS see here:

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19002#p173253

If you are an Insulin user in theory you should have no problem getting test strips.

The latest 2011 NICE guidelines for Bg levels are as follows:
Fasting (waking and before meals).......between 4 - 7 mmol/l...(Type 1 & 2)
2 hrs after meals........................no more than 8.5 mmol/l.....( Type 2)

2hrs after meals......................... no more than 9 mmol/l ......(Type 1)

If you are able to keep the post meal numbers lower, so much the better.

It also helps if you can do at least 30 minutes moderate exercise a day, it can be split into 10 min sessions to start with. It doesn't have to be strenuous.

The above is just general advice and it is recommended that you discuss with your HCP before making any changes. You can also ask questions on the forum on anything that is not clear.

Finally a few QUESTIONS TO ASK AT DIABETES CLINIC.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17091



Sue/Ken.

Hi Daisy

Thanks for the reply will have a good look at the advice and the links and take it from there.

Carol x

 

[IanD]

Hi Carol, the basic advice you will be given will include:

in any medical situation, mention that you are T2 diabetic;
look after your feet & report ANY problems - you are entitled to an annual foot check, as diabetics can lose sensitivity, resulting in injuries you are unaware of;
you are entitled to annual eye screening, when they photograph your retina & look for possible bleeds - which can be treated with laser surgery (in my case the slight damage disappeared with a low carb diet);
make friends with your pharmacist - she will be well informed & more accessible than your GP;
be careful with your diet - you will be advised to eat a "healthy diet" (low fat, low salt, low sugar) including starchy carbs (low-medium GI, multigrain bread, basmati rice, pasta ...) BUT many on this forum would advise a low carb diet;
feel free to ask questions - you have a condition you have to live with;
be aware that uncontrolled diabetes leads to serious complications;
get a test meter - free from many chemists - & ask for prescription test strips for it;
control your weight within a BMI range of 20-25;
ask for printouts of all your blood tests, & ask about the significance of every item highlighted.

Hope that helps.

 

[minitata]

Hi and welcome. I would say relax and don't panic. You'll bring your numbers down gradually. You've probably been high for quite a while before diagnosis. I would recommend looking at viewtopic.php?f=18&t=18803&start=60 it'll give you ideas of how some of us get our numbers down.

One reason for saying not to panic is that adrenaline can put up your bg and panicking raises your adrenaline. Diabetes is a nasty disease, but one which usually gives you some time to sort it out. Many people have it for years before they are diagnosed and still go on to live a full life.

Deep Breaths

MTT

 

[Daibell]

Hi

Until you receive an appointment, I would concentrate on keeping the carbs down and low-GI as far as possible and have as much exercise as you can. As recommended by others do get hold a of a free meter and you can get test strips over the web. If you join Diabetes UK and hence receive their Balance magazine or look at their website you will see adverts for meters together with offers. Ref carbs be aware that most bread and pasta etc is not 'starchy' but highly refined and hence can cause BS to rise. Even multigrain bread can cause BS to rise. Go for beans and lentils etc and any other veg. Don't turn down Metformin if offered by your GP. It is the first line of medication offered to most Type 2s and does help particularly if you are overweight.

 

[Gappy]

I'm in the situation of not having a meter (not working so can't afford one) but I made small changes and they made a big difference. I'm still losing weight, was always active anyway so gym wasn't strange for me. Then just total honesty about your diet, it's really common sense, i detected my weakness was bread so I cut a lot out, now have wraps or ryvita-had 2 blood tests by doc since and from 12.4 diagnosis I've had 5.8 and 5.9. You'll be in a better position by testing but be reassured small changes can have a big effect getting control

 

[Hannahbusa]

I was left type 1 diabetic following a nasty 5 months in hospital. Discharged on June 2nd, I am still waiting for an appointment. I dont have a clue what to do, I inject between 3 and 9 units depending only blood glucose and didnt even know I was supposed to record stuff until a few days ago...

I have also noticed recently that I need more and more insulin for the same diet and that the Novo rapid I take is taking longer and longer to eventually have an effect, if any, typically now up to two hours.

Blood glucose is rarely below 14, I ache, have no energy and can hardly stay awake. I was a muscly 15St and am now 11St having put on 2St since leaving hospital.

I badly need some advice; my first diabetic appointment is 21st September and my GP is useless. Anyone got any tips?

Adam.

 

[diadeb]

Hi Smudgie, in Lloyds pharmacies at the moment they are GIVING AWAY FREE BLOOD TESTING KITS WITH STRIPS, so go and get yourself one and the best of luck, you will soon find your feet, regards, Debra x