Diagnosed a few days ago and left high and dry

Someone will be along shortly to give you the advice to get you started.
You are starting on the journey that most of us are on. Any questions ask away. Have a look around the site and learn about how we tackle this condition.
Welcome to the site

Hi, and welcome.

You've definitely come to the right place - there is much more common sense and helpful advice than I have ever received from a doctors surgery!

First off, you need to decide what diet your are going for - but if you have already ordered a BG meter, then that will sort you out rapidly. Simply eat a portion of carbs (just like you've been doing for years) and test what it does to your BG.

If you are anything like me, you will switch to a low carb diet pronto!

So then you need to decide how many carbs are optimal for you (because we cannot avoid them all), and find a sensible sustainable, enjoyable way of eating that works for you.

If you haven't already found them, have a look at the threads in the low carb section of this forum, and anything with Newcastle diet in the title - because a lot of people think its brilliant (I don't, but that is another story).

You might also find it interesting to read threads like 'help! I have so much weight to lose' and ' what have you eaten today'

there's also a 'don't involve yourself in the blame game' thread, which is wonderful.

Oh, and the best diabetic factual info website I've ever found is bloodsugar101 (see the link in my signature). That is a fantastic read.

And keep asking questions! Were a very friendly, helpful bunch.

Seems you are on the right path. Testing is crucial.

I can recommend http://www.dietdoctor.com/ . I do a strict LCHF, Low Carb HIgh Fat and that works very well for me to control bg and it seems very effective for weight loss.

This is a really good site too http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/index.php Lots of information there.

Welcome to the forum, you really are in a good place here. there is a lot of useful tips to keep your blood sugars low. As for diet, only you can make that decision, testing will be the key as you will soon get to know what spikes your blood sugars and what you can tolerate without spikes. I eat lowish carb as in small portions, I don't eat a lot of fat as I don't like fatty foods. Good luck, I am sure that with your positive attitude you will succeed.

Hi Jo and welcome to the forum

Here is the information we give to new members which will add to the info you have already received from other members. Ask as many questions as you need to 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 100,000 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.

Well the good news is diabetes has saved your life, the bad news is you have diabetes.
A lot of telletubbies don't get diabetes, infact its 50% from low to moderate risk group

Anyhow, you got the lchf and BS101 site
The only thing left is ...carbs are the spawn of the devil and don't give.up without a fight

Spend some time reading this page and the links off of it

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbliving/a/Food-Cravings.htm

I went cold turkey and the first 2 days were hell , I ate peanut butter and coconut oil by the spoon to get me past it.

hello and welcome
how rude of your gp telling you over the phone
has your gp arranged for you to see the diabetic nurse?
lioke you, i have alot of weight to lose, and have had alot of encouragement from members here

devonshiredumpling said:

Hi there, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on Thursday over the phone and all my GP said was to Google it and change my diet! I have until the end of September to get my reading down or I have to start using medication. The problem is I feel very overwhelmed with it and Google is full of conflicting information especially when it comes to carbs. I was a bit of a carb-monster before diagnosis but now I don't know what I should be doing.

I've ordered a glucose monitor thingy and strips from Amazon and have got a couple of books coming too. I have had what I call 'funny turns' for the past year or so and most recently last night but now I'm starting to wonder if it is a hypo. I feel like I'm going to faint and become incredibly light headed but after something to eat and a good sleep I am back to normal, though saying that I still feel quite shaky this morning.

I have a lot of weight to lose, I'm talking over 15 stones to go, so my diet definitely needed to change as I was addicted to sugar and high fat food. I don't really know what to eat now either especially breakfasts. I've been having eggs on toast but I worry about the bread even if it is wholemeal. I used to have oatsosimple golden syrup flavour but obviously they are out. My diet was absolutely shocking so I am not surprised to be diabetic now but I am not going to weep and wail about it, I am going to change to a healthier lifestyle.

Well thanks for reading all my waffle, I hope you can help me with my questions xx

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Hi! And welcome! I'm only 7 weeks diagnosed, wasn't expecting it so was a shock, three days later I came here and have not looked back!! Lots of good advice, friendly support- far, far more than offered by the nhs!! Been doing lchf for 7 weeks and love it, never hungry, rarely snack and don't miss any of the old things!! Levels going down nicely, weight going down - benefit of lchf seems to be not in a dramatic harsh way and I'm not looking drawn and wrinkly!!

Hello there, I like the way you all add your readings on here my nurse just says all is fine no need to worry never gives me any readings...

PatsyB said:

Hello there, I like the way you all add your readings on here my nurse just says all is fine no need to worry never gives me any readings...

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Yep.........Even though i got good, reduced levels on Thursday from latest hbA1c, my lovely nurse said she didn't need me to test but I could if I want!!!! Obviously!!

well I think this is wrong I think we should all test just to keep a track on what not to eat and when but seeing as the NHS is in such a bad way maybe they want to cut down a little, I shall be requesting more test strips thats for sure

Hello and a big welcome to the forum

Hello and welcome.

Diagnosed early June, given pills and referred to a dietitian. That appointment is mid September, so petty much on my own. My initial test was 13.8. Found this site and these wonderful people. I picked the LCHF diet about 4-5 weeks ago, and since then. Current average reading is mid to high 5s. Vast improvement! Also. Lost nearly 10kg in that same time without trying. Feeling much better over all. More energy...etc. if I can do this, so can you. You came to the right place!

Note: I know the diet is working, as when I eat grain carbs as a test, my fasting BS spikes at least 2 Points.

Hi and welcome. You've already had lots of good replies. Yes, reduce the carbs and don't worry too much about the fats. The Newcastle diet is OK but focuses on overall calorie reduction rather than carb reduction; not all calories are equal and the carb ones are the real baddies.

Devonshire, I feel your pain! It took 14 months for my GP practice to tell me I'm diabetic. I found out 8 weeks ago and as well as being shocked at having Type 2 in the first place, I'm angry that the practice failed me and have continually done so. The diabetic nurse has been no good at all. I really can't say it in a polite manner. In frustration I sought out my GP, a man I've only seen once in about 10 years. He did an immediate fob off, ie "Why don't you ask the diabetic nurse?" and "You know who's good to answer these questions? The diabetic nurse..."
I told him it was because she wasn't giving me the information I need that I was booking another day off work to see him for some proper info. I requested to be referred to a dietician but he said it wasn't necessary. But surely if I need to lose weight and control the diabetes, a dietician would be a great help? After all, the other GP who told me I had diabetes offered me a gastric band in the next breath; I think a dietician would cost the tax payer much less!
I accept that my weight and eating habits brought the diabetes on and I'm determined to take control and not be dependant on the NHS for things such as gastric band. I will lose weight by myself and thankfully have been.

But yes, I sympathise with the problems you have being taken seriously. Diabetes is a serious condition and everyone with it should have the right to proper details to help them help themselves.

This site is a great source of info. Keep reading the advice and experiences of your band of brothers.

Good luck!

Move drs ASAP and get something clear YOUR WEIGHT DID NOT CAUSE DlABETES IT IS A SYMPTOM NOT THE CAUSE.
Read up on low carb high fat ignore diaticians they wont help

ally1 said:

hello and welcome
how rude of your gp telling you over the phone
has your gp arranged for you to see the diabetic nurse?
lioke you, i have alot of weight to lose, and have had alot of encouragement from members here

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My GP told me over the phone too recently very casually on a Friday and I could not ask any questions because she had to go home! Not impressed



Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

well I got a phone call from a GP at our surgery saying Can you get down straight away as your readings are very high I was nto at all pleased as I had been going back and forth to the docs complaining of things which i realy should have known what they were pointing to but didn't.... I have not seen the doctor since just the nurse but have to say she is very good..... but I think finding out you have diabetes is very scary I was realy frightened when I found out but surprised afterwards at how many people have Diabetes....