Diagnosed Type 2 two days ago

A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with a sugar intolerance. I was given the warnings to lose weight and reduce my alcohol intake or I would become diabetic. Stupidly I ignored the warnings

2 days ago I got my annual blood test mid morning at my GPs. Before 6pm the GP called me to say that the lab had contacted him to advise that my blood sugar count was 24, which was "quite high". He put me on to metaformin that evening - 500 mg daily for a week and then double the doze.

My father-in-law is Type 2 so he let me borrow his meter - I was down to 22.3 just after the doctor's call, down to 21.6 at the same time yesterday (both readings before meals). I took a reading this evening an hour after eating - down to 20.1. Ah well, it seems that I'm heading in the right direction :mrgreen:

I've read much useful information, particularly on diet, on these forums, for which I'm very grateful. I am still researching and obviously will continue to do so for a while yet. I've read advice re taking readings first thing in the morning, just before and 2 hours after food and last thing at night. I suppose in my case I had better get my blood sugar down to a reasonable level before keeping a food diary and 4 daily readings?

The diagnosis of diabetes explained a few issues - thirst, tiredness, excess weeing etc. I've considered whether I should go to work next week or not. I have a stressful job and feel that it would not be wise to go in. The doctor has arranged an appointment (Wednesday) with the practice's Diabetic Nurse so I'll ask her if I should go back or need a sick line for longer when I see her. No doubt I'll pick up my very own meter and strips. I'll need to ask to speak to the dietician. I don't know if there's anything else I should be asking her but I've got a couple of days to think about it.

I'm still a bit stunned despite the previous warnings. One thing I've learned through reading these forums - if I'm sensible I can minimise any effects. Thanks again - were it not for forums such as this, we newbies would be lost

Hi Graham and thanks for the welcome .

My old diet was all over the place - lots of sweet things such as chocolate, buscuits and cakes, ice cream, beer, etc.

The "normal" eating part would be;-

Breakfast/lunch - I would take six sandwiches and a packet of crisps to work, to last me until I got home. Bead would be wholemeal and fillings would consist of corned beef, chopped pork or ham and cheese (looks as if cheese will have to go). Bread always wholemeal.

Dinner - Fortunately my wife is a good cook, so this varied. Red meat, white meat, fish. As I don't like vegetables (except peas and beans) these were frequently missing from my plate. Don't know what I'm going to do re vegetables - maybe make sure peas on the plate every night.

Evening and weekends - ice cream, pancakes, biscuits and other rubbish. At weekend would often have a Morrisins pie (individual!) for lunch. All of this will change.

Supper - Toast with low fat sunflower spread.

Other - I would tend to binge, often Friday and Saturday, on beer. Often 10 pints or more. This has stopped as of the weekend just ended. In my job I fly a lot and would have access to airline lounges - I would often binge there (food and alcohol). I have already decided my flying days are finished (except for hols) as it is an unhealthy lifestyle (up at 4am, home at 8pm on day trips).

I am still considering what precise changes need to be made to my diet, but feel that I need the help of an expert, hence my previous mention of seeking the dietician's help. I'm still researching this issue on these forums and will be making obvious changes in the interim.

I'm no expert, but I guess that the BG levels have been rising steadily to reach such a level - they were last checked 13 months ago and were OK then. I know its going to take some time to get them down.

Thanks Ken & Dermot

It is early days and I am still researching and learning, so all advice is welcome I've identified that diet is pretty much key to progression and I'm still learning. Ken....thanks for suggestion re looking at diet forum areas. This seems more sensible that relying on dietician. I'll spend some time there over the next few days.

I should get my meter and strips in 2 days time. I'll start keeping my food diary and taking multi day readings once I've got these.

Thanks again

Alex