DazG
I was SO confused, scared, uneducated, train-wrecked when I was diagnosed. I left the surgery in tears and didn't know what to do. Was given almost no advice.
Then I found this site. I spent hours reading, going to other sites to find out more. I'm a relative new comer to this with a diagnosis early Feb so still learning.
Most GPs are used to seeing T2 patients who are on the heavier side so if you are not overweight then that is why they may think you are T1? I'm not for one instance implying that being overweight causes diabetes so please don't think that. I am a skinny T2 and it took a while for the right test to be done when I presented myself ill at the GP. 20% of us T2s will not fit what GPs are looking for.
My 2 hr reading was around yours. If we weren't diabetic after the 2 hours the reading would have almost been back to where it was prior to the glucose drink. But our bodies (T2) are either not making enough insulin to lower sugar levels or our insulin is not processing sugars correctly. Doesn't matter which the results are the same = diabetes. If not controlled we face a whole host of health problems (eyes, kidneys, loss of limbs...) But by taking control we can avoid those problems and live a long and healthy life. In fact I'm healthier ssince diagnosis than I have bee for years! Much more aware of my health, diet, stress levels, exercise quota etc. So there is a positive side.
Get yourself back to the GP and at least get basic answers to why the confusion on the type, can you have a meter pre-June (demand nicely), a form to get your Hba1c tested at the hospital, a urine test to see if there is sugar in it, a kidney test to see if you have a problem. No-one here will offer medical advice just the benefits of experience. When you have all the information it is easier to develop your attack back strategy.
There can be vociferous debating here on how low you should go with carbs but testing will give you your solution. Get the Collins Calorie Counter which tells you the carb count of everything. Whatever diet route you choose you will need to cut back on carbs. Carbs are what turn to sugar and affect your levels. For me that means I have eliminated all store bought bakery (now bake low carb alternatives), pasta, starchy veg (potatoes), milk (but not other dairy), beer (a very rare thing for this lady but nice cold lager on a sunny evening will be missed this summer - red wine is OK), rice, cous cous etc. Others here will say you can have small amounts of these. One size does not fit all. Explore the options by reading and eat to your meter.
The Hba1c test measures the average sugar level over the past 8-12 weeks and should be useful in your regular reviews. It will show the trend. Most on here set themselves a target and some aim for n0n-diabetic levels (5 or below). My OH calls it the playground sneak in that it can tell tales.
There is so much info on here. Use the search engine. Wow I have gone on a bit but hope some of this helps.
I really understand as I felt so alone at the beginning and had no db friends to turn to. But have found heaps of support here. M
