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Hello everyone

J

Jody70

Member
Messages
8
Hi there

I was diagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes on Monday . I saw the diabetic nurse for the first time yesterday and was given a sleeve full of information. I have done some research on the internet, mostly by reading through the information on this site. I seem to be armed with oodles of information but still don't know anything! lol. I am told that changes in my diet should be enough to control things at least until I go back to see the nurse in 3 months time. (I'm guessing this is normal for a 'new' diabetic?). My initial reaction was one of relief, as I have felt unwell for over 12 months with no real idea why. At least I know now. The nurse assures me that once I have my diet sorted, I'll start to feel much better. Bring it on!!
 
hya jody and welcome to the forum
have a good read of the forum and if youve any questions at all, plz ask
 
hi jody it can all feel overwhelming at the start but things start falling into place and you soon get the hang of it ,ask plenty of questions, you seem to have a good attitude ,thats half the battle best of luck dermot
 
Thanks totsy and Dermot.

I'm still looking through all the information and trying to sort out the basics. For example, when I asked the nurse if my headaches could be due to the diabetes she said yes, but that they would settle once I had it all under control. However, what I didn't think to ask is WHY I have headaches. Is it because my sugar is too low or too high? Or does it vary from person to person? She also told me that I didn't need to get a meter to check my blood because 'we weren't at that stage yet'. Again, I didn't ask what that meant. (Information overload I think). Is it wrong for me to think that it would benefit me at this early stage to know what my bloods are so I can to grips with what makes me feel okay and what makes me feel ******? ? I still feel a bit like I have loads of information but don't know anything. That said, I don't want to become obsessive either.

Any advice gratefully received.
 
Hi Jody and welcome to you.

You asked whether it would benefit you to know what your blood sugar levels are during this 3 months you have been given to get them under control. If you don't test then how are you going to know? Unfortunately, although the advice you have been given that you don't need to test is completely illogical, I'm afraid the nurse is simply following the instructions of your local PCT who will have told GP practices not to prescribe test strips in order to reduce costs. This is happening all over the country - have a good look round the forum and you will find it is a subject that crops up in pretty much every other thread.
 
hiya Jody70! Welcome to the forum!

I'm Salsasue and was diagnosed start May. Been there, done that with the information overload situation, it's overwhelming at first for sure but it does get clearer and easier and you couldn't have done better than join this forum as far as info, advice and support goes! I can only advise you to check everything out here as lots of information and many will be able to confirm/clarify better for you. Once you've got some more help/info here you could well go back or to another surgery/health centre and see if you could have an appointment with another nurse who could turn out to be more helpful/supportive.

I do agree with Dennis and others here though there are some diabetic nurses worth their salt so to speak as from my experience, was given the chance to have a meter the very first appointment I had though it may be different with various people/places so I can't speak for all obviously!

best wishes, Sue
 
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