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Feeling overwhelmed

G

GDinn

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Hello, My husband passed away last August and miss him so much. I have not really been looking after myself since then. I broke my ankle 5 weeks ago and last Monday I was told I have diabetes type 2. I know nothing about it and just feel like giving up before I even start. It's just so much to deal with.
If anyone has any advise which would help I would really appreciate it. I have heard lots of bad things about metformin and I'm really scared about starting it.

I have just edited this post to say thank you as I cannot seem to get my replies to load even after watching the video it still does not work for me. HELP PLEASE
 
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@GDinn hello. I’m sorry to hear that you are going through such a hard time. I’m sure that other posters will help with information about dealing with diabetes. I just wanted to say, don’t be afraid of the metformin. I speak from personal experience when I say I have found it very useful in helping me to reduce my blood sugar levels. I find taking it after a meal helps to eliminate side effects. If you have the slow, or prolonged release type you should be fine. If you have the regular kind and experience an upset tummy then ask to be prescribed the slow release and see if that helps.
You are dealing with a lot of difficult situations all at once so remember to be kind to yourself. This website is brilliant for providing information and support.
 
hello @GDinn
I am sorry to hear about your loss, and your injury. No wonder type 2 feels so bad on top, but it really isn't, its a manageable condition that is very common and really only needs a few food changes.
I'm just a year ahead of you and was feeling very much horrified at first, guilty and lost but a year on and my numbers have dropped way back and I now know I can cope.
You will get to this point too, in time.
You need patience, research, a bg test monitor and to eat low carb. All of which this forum is very good at supporting
Can you tell us your hba1c figure, whether you are on any meds and if so which, and if you have weight to lose?
All this will have us give the right advise
 
Thanks for the tag @Goonergal

Hi @GDinn and welcome to the forum, so sorry to hear that the last year hasn’t been kind to you.
You have come to the right place for advice and support. I have taken Metformin for nearly four years and apart from the initial 10 days or so, I don’t have any side effects. I’m not sure what percentage of people get side effects but remember those are the people who will shout the loudest! Have you been advised to start on one tablet for the first week and to increase by one tablet per week until you reach the total dose. I can’t advise you to do this if your prescription says different but most Drs do this to let your body get used to it slowly.
 
Hi and Welcome. Metformin is a very safe drug which I taken for 20 years. The plain version can sometimes cause bowel upset for a few weeks. The Slow Release (SR) version normally avoids that. There are rare situations where the bowel upset continues but that is very rare.
 
@Goonergal @GDinn has just added a last part to her post at the beginning of the thread saying she cannot get her replies to post and she would like some help. Can you help her please?
 
GDinn said:
I have just edited this post to say thank you as I cannot seem to get my replies to load even after watching the video it still does not work for me. HELP PLEASE
Click to expand...

Could you say more about the problem you’re having? Post it in the first post again if you can’t reply to this. I’m about to turn in for the night, but will check back in the morning and let the other moderators know.

Thanks @mo53 for flagging this.
 
Hello @GDinn ,

My sympathies on the loss of your husband. This diagnosis must feel even more overwhelming without him by your side.

First of all know that feeling overwhelmed. by the diagnosis is totally normal. It took me over 2 weeks before I wasn't crying at least once a day (real carboholic here)

The good news is that you have found this site and there are many people who are willing to provide help advice and support.

At the start it feels like there is a lot to get your head around. It will get better.

Let's start with Metformin. Some people can have issues with it. Many people seem to find the slow release version better so ask your doctor to prescribe that. I am on the slow release version and haven't had many problems.

The second thing is getting a meter. Many doctors don't believe type 2 diabetics need a meter- I disagree. it does not have to be a progressive illness but you will not be able to make decisions without the information that a meter provides.

Many type 2s here have found that by dramatically reducing your carb intake you can bring your blood sugar levels back to the normal range- I'm one that has.

Anyway- take care of yourself and I hope your ankle heals properly. Take heart and know that there are people here willing to listen and help.

Welcome.
 
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