Confused Newbie

[duckwoman]

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in November when I had a kidney infection which turned into a HONK (I can't pronounce or even spell it but for info look on NHS website). It was a great shock after 4 days in Intensive care and 2 weeks in hospital - never having been ill before. Then I was sort of left to get on with it, and had to sort myself out about what I should and should not eat and do. I read everything on the internet and became totally confused, but decided I would have to work out what is best for me. Thanks to supportive friends and relatives i am getting over the panic and worry, and am experimenting with different foods. I found Anthony Worrall Thomson's books a vast help with lots of clear and sensible advice and delicious menus - which i needed as i have to provide and cook for my family.

Now i have found this thread, and can see other people have the same problems. A big part of my life is doing meals with friends, but that seems to be on hold as they don't know what to cook. I am scared to go out for a meal, as perhaps i could have a glass of wine, but what else can i drink? I hate coke, and the best i can think of is water - why don't pubs etc have bottles of diet lemonade? Well that's me. At least the rounds of hundreds of doctors/hospital appointments are over for now, and i just want to get back to normal, but wonder if life will ever be normal again.

 

[hanadr]

Hi Ducky
You tell a common story,
Many people get left to work things out for themselves. Then the HealthCare professionals, who didn't help in the first place, often step in and tell them they are doing it all wrong. Go with what works. Set your blood sugar targets and check if you hit them. Even if, like me, you have to buy your own supplies.
Read all you can and learn to understand the complexities of this condition. A well motivated person can often get on top of it.
Hana

 

[theblokefromstoke]

Hi Duckwoman (great name by the way)

I was diagnosed a month ago after being treated for what the doctor thought was a bladder infection. It was when i mentioned my 'massive day dreams' lately and unquinshable thirst that they tested me for diabetes.

I ended up in hospital with my BG at 26, they thought i was type 1 but after seeing my BG drop in a couple of days with metformin they determined i was type 2 and turfed me out the door.

Like you, i felt totally alone and terrified after being read the riot act about toes dropping off, risk of heart attacks, kidney, liver etc. At a 'young' 40, my life too consisted of lunches out ( I work in Manchester city centre), drinks and a bite to eat after work and grabbing a sanwhich during the day in between meetings.

To say my life has been turned upside down is an understatement but i am slowly getting back to some sort of social life. I met friends in town today and we went for lunch - they all had steaks, chips, etc but i had scampi with salads. It wsn't on the menu but i explained to the waitress that i couldn't eat chips etc and they made it special for me. It was delicious.

I have been low carbing for about 2 weeks, and i would have to say that my desires for carbs such as potatoes, crisps, bread etc is dwindling away and i am now fancying a nice bit of fish more than chips.

I have decided to give up the alcohol for a bit until i am settled - or maybe i will stay off it for good. I had sparkling water today with ice and lemon it was lovely.

I would have to say that this web site has literally been a god send, the folks here know way more than some high and mighty doctor who has diagnosed you and wants you now out of the surgery. I have posted lots of questions and someone always comes back having similar experiances.

Good luck with things

Carl