Newly diagnosed but am I type 1 or 2?!

ClaireMoz

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello Lovely People,

I am so grateful to of found the forum, my mind has been totally consumed by diabetes since my diagnoses 4 weeks ago. I had been very thirsty particularly overnight, had lost some weight and had continual yeast infections, class signs of diabetes but not classic enough for me to spot it!! My blood count was 22.2 when i was sent to hospital, I am told that my HbA1c was 11.1 - I am told I am probable type 1 but will not get a final diagnosis until I see the consultant in around 6 weeks time. I can't help feeling that if it is type 2 that it is my fault for being a little overweight and not particularly active - both parents have type 2. Would really appreciate your advice - thanks in advance 80)
 

IanD

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,429
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Carbohydrates
Welcome to the club no-one wants to join ....

We can't diagnose, & whatever type diabetes, it certainly isn't your fault. There may be a degree of correlation between overweight & diabetes, but plenty of overweight people are not diabetic, & normal weight people are. Obviously it could be genetic.

Have you been given medical treatment - insulin or metformin or other?

Have you been given a blood glucose test meter?

What sort of advice have your parents been given that you could follow?

My HbA1c was 11 when I was diagnosed 14 years ago. I'm still fit & well at 76, so diabetes is not a sign of the end, provided it is well controlled/ There's plenty of good advice on this forum.

The basic advice is to keep you carbohydrate consumption low, & to keep active. And to test.
 
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ClaireMoz

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi Ian, I have been given Novorapid and Lantas and have a meter that I use throughout the day. My parents are both diet controlled. Thank you for your words of support.
 

catinahat

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,386
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Reality tv
Hello welcome

I think everyone experiences a whole range of emotions when first diagnosed, fear, anger, guilt, it's only natural. With the knowledge and support you will get from this forum, you will soon come to realize that it's not the end of the world. I'll tag @daisy1 she will give you some info that is a great place to start.
 
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daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
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Cruelty towards animals.
@ClaireMoz

Hello Claire and welcome to the forum :)

Whichever type you turn out to be, this information which we give to new members should be useful to you. Ask as many questions as you like and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find over 140,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-whole-grains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to bloodglucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
 
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Patricia21

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,764
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Animal crualty
Hello and welcome Clairmoz.
Lots of good advice on the forum,stay with us.
 

Daibell

Master
Messages
12,642
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. The few things that can said about diagnosis and types without knowing test results for T1 is that those who are a lot overweight are most likely to be T2. Those who are slim and/or have lost weight around diagnosis and possibly younger may be T1. Either way the insulin will manage the blood sugar but do ensure your diet has low carbs and try to get to a normal'ish BMI as any insulin resistance will do just that and make your insulin needs higher.
 

ClaireMoz

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Diet only
Thank you all for your support - i am very lucky to have an amazing diabetic nurse, that along with this site I am sure will help me along xx
 
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moonchip

Well-Known Member
Messages
218
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello ClaireMoz, and welcome to what must be (from my experience) THE friendliest forum site on the net, bar none
 
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Baruney

BANNED
Messages
928
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hola Clairemoz

As moonchip says this is a great forum and I wish that I had found it on diagnosis. I have subsequently found it to be very useful and uber friendly and it has really helped me manage my t2 diabetes. Thank you all.

You'll find a lot of information and support here which will help you be prepared for your final diagnosis and enable you to live life to the full.

All the best.
 

himtoo

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
4,805
Type of diabetes
Type 1
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Pump
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mean people , gardening , dishonest people , and war.
why can't everyone get on........
Hi clairemoz
welcome to the forum :)

DO NOT blame yourself for this. it is not your fault.

It is the wicked media in this country demonizing people that is causing this sort of feeling.
there is lots of great help here as well as some lovely friendly people
 
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Heathenlass

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,631
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Welcome @ClaireMoz ! :)

Whatever the ultimate diagnosis, it sounds as if you are currently on an effective insulin regime, and are getting good support from your DSN until you see the consultant . The deciding factor in whether you are Type 1 or 2 is the results of the antibody test that I'm assuming they have done already . You don't say what your age is ( and I'm not going to ask - some things you don't ask a lady :D ) but again I'm assuming you are an adult :) It's something of a myth that all Type 1's are diagnosed as children or teens, many are, but it's also common to be diagnosed in adulthood. Sadly, many have been misdiagnosed as being a Type 2 solely based on their age .

It's fairly normal to feel guilt , it's part of the process, but there is nothing to feel guilty about . There are an awful lot of non diabetics who are overweight and inactive out there ;) , ditto an awful lot of diabetics who are slim and exercise . :rolleyes:

It's all a steep learning curve no matter what the actual diagnosis is, but the good news is that you have found your way here, where many of all types have lived with the beast for in some cases, a very long time indeed. There are a wealth of tips and hints, advice ( sometimes conflicting !:D ) and a lot of support and humour. :D I think you will find this invaluable .

Oh and the golden rule is ask questions. The oldie and goodie applies " There are no stupid questions "

Signy
 
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ClaireMoz

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Diet only
Wow what a great group of friendly people! :)

I really am a beginner with all this, can anybody point me in the direction of a site that will help me learn to Carb count? Also, I am looking for ideas on good things to snack on that won't blow my sugar - thanks in advance x
 
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Heathenlass

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,631
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Here you go :)

Free to register
www.bdec-e-learning.com/


This set of workbooks is worth reading and practising working examples of carbs and doses and corrections. Don't change dose without nurse approval


Workbook 1
www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9225%20Carbohydrate%20Counting.pdf
Workbook 2
www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9226%20Carbohydrate%20Counting%20the%20Next%20Steps.pdf

Carb list
www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9227%20Carbohydrate%20Tables%20A6.pdf

Diary
www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9228%20Free%20Diary%20Portrait%20A4.pdf


( credit to Jack412 for the links ) :)

Signy
 
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CollieBoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,974
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Hi carb Foods
I can't help feeling that if it is type 2 that it is my fault for being a little overweight and not particularly active - both parents have type 2. Would really appreciate your advice - thanks in advance 80)
if you are T2 and are a little overweight then remember correlation does not imply causation!
If you are T2 you will probably be a bit insulin resistant, so your body will have ramped up insulation to overcome the insulin resistance. As well as promoting glucose usage for energy, insulin promotes storage of the glucose as fat, so the overweight could be an effect of T2 not the cause. Ain't insulin a wonderful thing in T2:wideyed: