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Diagnosed but still in denial

M

Marrilyne

Newbie
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1
Hi, I don't expect anyone to read this, but I just need to get it down on paper....sort of. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a few months ago. I went to my first appointment. and the nurse was just talking and talking, I nodded and said yes every now and then, but really all she said went over my head. She gave me leaflets and appointments for my feet, eyes.. all of which I have read and attended. After my first appointment I went home and just cried. I don't know why I cried but I just did. I haven't really spoken to my family, they are aware, but unaware of how I am feeling.

Like so many others, trying to get through to my surgery is a nightmare. My regular doctor of 15 plus years retired 2 years ago and since then its a different doctor at a different surgery each time I have tried to see someone ... in fact I don't even think I have an allocated doctor anymore. All I want is a doctor who knows ME...to just sit with me for 5 mins and explain what is happening.

I just feel totally lost.
 
Hi Marrilyne and welcome to the forum, I often describe it as the best little corner of the internet for type 2s. When I was diagnosed 2 and a half years ago I was shell shocked (the title of my first post here) but soon received loads of help and advice. There is a lot of info to take in but you’ll get there, there’s no rush. Here’s a link to the useful info for newbies we provide. Have a read and ask any questions you may have, there’ll always be someone to answer you:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.17088/

Edit for typo
 
Hello @Marrilyne being diagnoses is a huge shock, and grief is a natural response.
The advantage of talking to people here is that we live with diabetes every day, which the doctors don’t.
Tell us how you feel and what you would like to know. Perhaps we can help a little.
 
Hello and welcome,

You have come to the right place. There are many p[eople here with knowledge and who are willing to provide support. Like Diakat said- we live with diabetes every day.

First of all it iOS totally normal to be overwhelmed and to grieve. I think it was at least 2 weeks before I wasn't crying everyday.

My first piece of advice is that if you do not have a blood sugar meter you should get one. It will become your most valuable tool in the life of a diabetic. Regular testing can tell you how you are going. Testing before a meal and two hours after will tell you the effect that meal had on you.

My second piece of advice is to dramatically reduce the carbohydrates in your food- not just the sugars.

Enough advice from me for the moment. You are welcome here and please ask any questions- feel free to vent we are here to walk with you and help if we can.

My personal view is that you will get better advice and support here than from the medical profession.

Welcome.
 
Hello, I think any news you weren’t expecting is a big shock! And then makes most of us feel upset and confused. This website has loads of useful information and this forum has lots of practical real advice from people in the same boat, all trying to find out what it all means and how best to treat/feel better/know more etc. The GP has never sadly been very helpful for me in my diabetes story. I found here the best place to get information and once I started to know more I felt less worried. I would also say you know your body best, so try and listen to it. If you feel side effects from high blood sugars for example, then know you can make changes to feel better and change that.
I was told 3 years ago I was pre diabetic, and although it doesn’t sound much I went home and like you was very upset! I’d had gestational twice and the last one had to inject insulin, I was convinced I’d never have to do that again, that my diabetes was gone for good. It’s lifelong! That helped me accept it and then work on what I could do to feel well again and keep my numbers in a healthy range. Start with one small thing, rather than trying too much at once.
You can do this, it is just a part of what makes you..you. It’s not the whole of you.
As for the drs, the best help I’ve had is since been referred to specialist diabetes nurse at the hospital.
I’d try calling your surgery and asking for an appointment with the dr who’s specialist area is diabetes maybe? There’s a dr in my surgery who is the diabetes lead. Best of luck x
 

I feel your pain. I felt exactly the same on diagnosis. I cried for 2 days solid. Couldn't even tell anyone apart from direct family I had been diagnosed T2d. I still have the bunch of leaflets I was given, the eatwell plate I was drawn. I said no to the meds offered as I had heard you could reverse t2d. Went on Google. Input 'reversing diabetes' and found this forum. Everyone was regaining control of blood sugars by lowering carbs and increasing healthy fats. I started straight away. Hba1c went from 62 to 47 (prediabetic range) in 2 months. Then by my next diabetic appointment it was 41 (normal). It went into the 30s subsequently. My symptoms disappeared as soon as I changed my way of eating. I now work with my surgery. I hold support clinics. Patient to patient. Because I want there to be someone to talk to that understands and explains everything clearly. And to give advice that is going to help them and not make the diabetes progressively worse. I was told testing wasnt necessary. 'It can get obsessive'. That my 6 or 12 month hba1c would be sufficient to keep things in check. This is nonsense. Testing is so beneficial. We are all different so without testing we wouldnt know which foods suit us and which dont.

This site was my lifesaver. The members are knowledgeable, friendly, and someone is always there to help.

You have come to the right place.
 

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I remember going to my first appointment with the GP. I thought I had Type 2 diabetes. She said no - your Type 1 you need to start insulin today and the diabetes coordinator will show you how to use the pen. A bit of a blur and shock. Three months in my BG level is safe and I am coming to terms with a life time of injections. Not the same situation as you but the shock will pass and you will feel more able to take control. Good Luck - my thoughts are with you.
 
Wow - you got leaflets.
I was told I was a very bad diabetic and sent away with a prescription.
On the way home I went into the butchers and ordered a whole lamb (actually a hogget, a big lamb) and that did me far more good than the tablets - and I have not seen the doctor since. It is now just over three years since diagnosis. I went back to low carb eating, sorted out a meter to test my blood glucose, and have been in remission for some time now.
If you are a type two diabetic, and lucky, the problem is a simple one - there are too many carbohydrates in the diet we are expected to eat. By cutting them out blood glucose levels fall, metabolisms regain balance and all is well. I even lost weight.
I can have breakfasts of steak and mushrooms or kippers and a slice of low carb bread or other shocking options. Blow cereals or porridge, they are no good for me. I drink coffee with cream. I can then go all day without feeling hungry, but eat a stirfry with meat or fish, or a salad with seafood, or eggs and cheese.
I don't need tablets - just eat so few carbs that my levels don't spike, but there are enough choices to keep my diet interesting. I use herbs and spices for variety. I find my diet very cheering - it is difficult to be otherwise, and I can add in some berries and cream with sugar free jelly a couple of times a week
 
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