Sadly it’s not unusual. The level of 52 isn’t massively high (diagnosis is at 48). you should have been referred for education. The quality and usefulness of that varies a great deal. Also you should have had a urine sample checked and your feet too as part of an annual check. Your hb1ac should be done 3monthly til stable then 6 monthly according to NICE guidelines.
You’ll probably get more info from this site to be honest.
some info about how the majority of us type 2 in here handle it is below. It’s a lot so just work your way through it at your own pace.
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Can I suggest you take a good look at LCHF ie low carb higher fat (than typically recommended) methods of eating (keto is just a version of this). It’s how an awful lot of us get our blood sugar levels under control and for some even eliminate medications and achieve remission and also reduce or improve complications. It is often the easiest and most sustainable form of weight loss for a type 2 if you need that. Other conditions often improve including but not limited to blood pressure, joint pain, inflammation, PCOS, and despite the dire warnings of the last few decades it improves cholesterol for most, yes improves cholesterol. Some jump right on it, others edge their toes in a bit at a time.
Try clicking these links for more detailed explanations that are well worth readings.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.26870/
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog/jokalsbeek.401801/ for info including low carb made simple
And
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/success-stories-and-testimonials.43/ to show it really works and for motivation
and
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-eaten-today.75781/ for food ideas
also
https://www.dietdoctor.com/ for more food ideas and general info of carb content of foods. Excellent site and first port of call for many getting their head round low carb.
Lots of other websites for recipes out there too. Just use the term low carb or keto with whatever you fancy.
Also it’s very important to be able to check for yourself what’s happening so you can make the necessary adjustments day to day and meal by meal rather than wait 3, 6 or even 12 months and then have no idea what had what effect. It also helps keep an eye out that any meds are working appropriately not too much or too little. Getting a blood glucose meter is the only way to do this (no matter what contradictory advice you may have heard - it’s usually budget based rather than anything more scientific). Test before a meal and 2hrs later hoping for a rise of 2mmol or less. More and the carbs eaten were too many! Please ask if you want any guidance on this.
IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE ON DIABETIC MEDS (other than metformin): if you lower your carbs then any glucose lowering meds or insulin increasing meds may need to be adjusted accordingly to make sure you aren’t taking more than your new diet requires. It can cause a hypo if you have more gliclazide or insulin etc than your new carb intake requires. (This is not a concern for metformin on its own). Keep a very close eye on your numbers and do this with your dr’s knowledge. Please don’t be put off by an ill informed out dated rubbishing of low carb diets or being told you should eat carbs to match meds, it should be the other way around.
