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Hi from Scotland!

P

puddock

Member
Messages
11
Location
North-East Scotland
Hi to you all. I've just registered on this forum. I have type 2 (around 3 years) and up until recently was only on oral meds (Metformin, Pioglitazone). Just started Victoza this week and so far so good. I have a fantastic support team including GP, nurse, dietician, podiatrist, etc. and got everything for free on the NHS - Contour meter, sticks, etc. I receive support phone calls from my nurse at least weekly and attend regular clinic appointments for support at both my local health centre and hospital. It saddens me to hear about some who have to buy their own equipment and don't have the same level of support. I couldn't ask for any more support than I'm getting.
 
Welcome to the forum Puddock. :D

Glad to hear that support for you is good. :) What led to you having to use Victoza :?:
 
Hi synonym, well my level was around 11.9% and not reducing with oral meds. The options were Victoza or insulin. The consultant would have preferred insulin as he thought my levels were too high for Victoza but my nurse disagreed and thought I should try it. I am being closely monitored but after only a few days I feel I have more energy, my appetite is much reduced, I'm feeling fuller for longer and I only have to jab once a day! My BG is the lowest it has ever been (I know, early days!) including after meals. Although I was dreading taking insulin due to the side effects (my sister takes it) I'm feeling quite optimitic about Victoza.
 
Hello again Puddock :)

Sounds like you had a few problems there, glad the numbers are better and you are felling so much better too.

I am trying to ensure I stay off anything at all for as long as possible - I certainly don't like needles! :roll: I have had to cut out all the starchy carbs just to stay level but it is working for me so that is good.
 
Hi Synonym, it's good that you're where you are. I didn't pay much attention if truth be told to watching what I eat, exercise, etc. when on oral meds. Perhaps this would have made a difference. I felt a bit cheated in terms of the genetics - it seems to run in my family on my mother's side so it seemed like there would be no escape. However, I am coming out of Diabetic Denial and becoming more proactive regarding diet and exercise. The book by Gretchen Becker helped (Type 2 Diabetes) and acted like an almighty slap across my coupon! She doesn't pull any punches and reading this was probably the wake up call I needed.
 
At least you are getting to grips with things now and this is a good place to find help and get questions answered or even have a whinge when necessary :!: 8) I expect you will have to be quite careful with what you eat on your new regime but there are a good many others on here in a like position who will help you if you need it.

I am just relieved to find out what was causing all my problems but a bit sad with what it has left me with; but it could all have been far worse. As for dealing with T2 we are all very different and what is good for one is not necessarily good for another. There does not seem to be a set pattern for what causes T2 and along with some others on here I have to be very careful that my weight doesn’t fall off so have quite a balancing act to do. Stops us getting bored I suppose!! :roll: :)
 
Hi Puddock
I am also new on this forum, (see my post above) but was interested to see you have read Gretchen Becker's book. I have just received my copy from Amazon this morning, and am looking forward to getting into it. This diabetes lark is all foreign to me at the moment, but no doubt I will get used to it. You seem to have good support, and although I was only diagnosed this week, I have to wait until July 20th for an appointment with the local diabetes nurse. Meanwhile I am left floundering, but find the web a great help in finding information, and dispelling a few myths.

Brian
 
Hi dorsetlad and welcome. :)

As a new T2 I wonder if you have found the ‘advice for new T2s’ usually posted by Sue and/or Ken, the Forum Monitors, on various threads in this Greetings and Introduction section. Have a hunt through if you haven’t seen it and even cut and paste it into a document as it will really help you. The advice is not necessarily what you will receive elsewhere but is what those living with T2 have found actually works for us! :roll:

This is a brilliant resource so explore and read as much as you can and any questions you have will be answered by one of the many helpful people on here. 8) :D
 
Thanks Synonym, yes I've seen that advice, and will take your tip to copy it. I am confused at the moment, but that is natural, as it will take time to come to grips. I have read several threads that spoke about diets, but contained some terms (GI & GL, I think) plus others, which don't make a lot of sense to me as yet. Perhaps someone could produce a "key" to all the terms we are likely to come across.

Brian
 
Hi Brian,
Here is a good guide to G.I. approach.

http://www.glycemicindex.com

The advice you have been given in Ken/Sue's post to newly diagnosed still applies here. You have to test your response to any foods as different people find some are prohibited whilst others have no problems. We are all unique and no one size fits all.
A meter and test strips is the only way to understand what your body's response is and so testing is a must for newly diagnosed.
Hope this helps,

Catherine.
 
Hi Dorsetlad
I know how you feel re the information overload :(
What confuses me more is the controversy over whether to reduce carbs or not. My dietician says keep eating carbs but everywhere else the evidence suggests reduction is better. Add Victoza to the mix, and it becomes even more confusing :shock:
I suppose time (and blood glucose readings!) will tell :roll:
The important thing to remember is that we are all individuals and what suits one, may not suit another :)
 
Hi Puddock

Sorry I seem to have comandeered your thread. :oops:

I agree with you regarding the lo/hi carb diet business. I guess I will need to start testing to see how different foods affect me. However, I am reluctant to buy a meter until I have seen the diabetes nurse next month, in case I get one on prescription. I suppose if I have probably had the condition for some time, another month is not too critical.

Brian
 
No worries Dorsetlad...it keeps "hi from Scotland" bumped up the chain :lol:
I have only recently started testing and that is because I was given a Contour meter from my diabetic nurse. I thinks it depends where you are in the UK. Luckily, in my neck of the woods, they appear to be seeing the "type 2 diabetes epidemic" as a priority and ensuring that everyone gets a diabetic health team for support alongside all the equipment needed. I have even managed to get a sharps bin on prescription (now free) and an agreement from my local chemist to dispose of them when they are full. I suppose if you don't ask you will never know...all the best on your journey :)
 
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