Hi, nice to meet everyone on here.Diagnosed type 2 two weeks ago, tbh deep depression already

[GerardSinclair]

diagnosed type 2 two or three weeks ago, tbh deep depression already setting in. All I've ever wanted was to see my children grow up and know they have made the right choices.....Two or three weeks ago, I wasn't well at all....Dry throat, thirsty, lost weight.... Months before had been Incredibly moody.Went to the A&E with what seemed like a heart attack or bad panick attack. Had ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray, bottom line told it was anxiety, blood apparently fine, no problems with sugar level, done repeat blood tests with GP, who then checked my sugar levels over the past three months with some test, test came back 9.1 for average....I was told to change diet and lose weight, and then just done another test again to confirm with GP that I was diabetic, when I rang the receptionist to confirm blood test results she said it had dropped to 8.1 level...And no further treatment needed....Does anyone know what that means,."no further treatment needed"? I'm very confused, a different GP I. The same surgery has now put me on Meterformin 500mg twice a day.Am I diabetic or am i prediabetic, sorry very confused.My toes feel like they are tingling and numbness..Does this mean diabetes has already started to kick in and therefore the process for foot amputation is on Its way most -probably? I'm hoping it's the metformin and or my anti depressants I've had for the past week is serotoline....Can it really be that quick and aggressive...bloodyhell I've just had the test. I'm not talking to my wife, I can't look at my children without tears coming to my eyes and dreading the future...I don't know if I should do brisk walking to lose weight or will this make things worse, I don't know what to safely eat as everyone says different things.I've been starvng myself and keep wondering how long before I'm in the A&E again with a complication such as my toes/foot legs tingling this early on..Can somebody please tell me where I stand, and how long do they think I have? As I know doctors do not always tell the truth until you're actually In The hospital at the last minute dying....Sorry for long post..Can someone please tell me where I stand?

 

[Rachox]

Hi Gerard, I'm no expert yet but here's my two penny worth. I was diagnosed Type 2 seven weeks ago and have also been put on Metformin. The night I was diagnosed, in a state of shock, I stumbled on this forum. It has been my saviour. So much support and information. I'll tag @daisy1 who will post loads of useful links for you. I've successfully seen my blood sugar levels drop and I've lost a chunk of weight, by starting a low carb diet and investing in a blood sugar monitor. Stick around here, you'll soon be feeling better both physically and mentally. Please believe it'll all come good.

 

[DCUKMod]

diagnosed type 2 two or three weeks ago, tbh deep depression already setting in. All I've ever wanted was to see my children grow up and know they have made the right choices.....Two or three weeks ago, I wasn't well at all....Dry throat, thirsty, lost weight.... Months before had been Incredibly moody.Went to the A&E with what seemed like a heart attack or bad panick attack. Had ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray, bottom line told it was anxiety, blood apparently fine, no problems with sugar level, done repeat blood tests with GP, who then checked my sugar levels over the past three months with some test, test came back 9.1 for average....I was told to change diet and lose weight, and then just done another test again to confirm with GP that I was diabetic, when I rang the receptionist to confirm blood test results she said it had dropped to 8.1 level...And no further treatment needed....Does anyone know what that means,."no further treatment needed"? I'm very confused, a different GP I. The same surgery has now put me on Meterformin 500mg twice a day.Am I diabetic or am i prediabetic, sorry very confused.My toes feel like they are tingling and numbness..Does this mean diabetes has already started to kick in and therefore the process for foot amputation is on Its way most -probably? I'm hoping it's the metformin and or my anti depressants I've had for the past week is serotoline....Can it really be that quick and aggressive...bloodyhell I've just had the test. I'm not talking to my wife, I can't look at my children without tears coming to my eyes and dreading the future...I don't know if I should do brisk walking to lose weight or will this make things worse, I don't know what to safely eat as everyone says different things.I've been starvng myself and keep wondering how long before I'm in the A&E again with a complication such as my toes/foot legs tingling this early on..Can somebody please tell me where I stand, and how long do they think I have? As I know doctors do not always tell the truth until you're actually In The hospital at the last minute dying....Sorry for long post..Can someone please tell me where I stand?

Gerard - Lots of people find it to be a shocking diagnosis in these early days, so plenty of people will identify with what you are saying. One thing I will say in return is whatever you do; don't panic.

For most T2s who arrive here there is period of adjustment and a bit of work to do on what we eat and drink. Don't think all the things you like are going to be off limits, because there's loads to eat whilst getting your blood sugars under control.

Spend a bit of time reading around the forum, and seriously think about investing in a blood glucose meter, so that you can see on a day to day basis how you're getting along.

Take it steady. On a final note, many people say a few months after their diagnosis that they are then the healthiest they've been in years. It' certainly not all gloom and doom.

 

[Resurgam]

Don't book the hearse yet - I think that with a bit of luck you'll not need it for a while.
I was diagnosed 15th November last year, I went back to a low carb diet and have never felt better. The blood tests show my blood glucose is not far off normal, my Hba1c (which shows how good my control has been for the last few months) was 41 after 6 months - that isn't even pre-diabetic.
Stop eating high carb foods, do a bit more exercise and perhaps take alpha lipoic acid as it is supposed to be helpful if there is nerve damage. There will be diet advice in plenty, so you might like to show the forum to your wife if she is the chef. I do basic old fashioned Dr Atkins and it is a great way to eat.

 

[Art Of Flowers]

The blood test they usually do for diabetes is called HbA1C. See http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html

A reading of 8.1% corresponds to 65 mmol/mol. That is not that high compared to me at diagnosis (11% or 99). You need to aim to get down to 6% or 42 mmol/mol. The best way to reduce blood sugar is to cut back or avoid food high in carbohydrates such as breakfast cereals, bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. Also avoid fruit juice and fruit like bananas and grapes. See https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb for examples of what is good to eat on a low carb diet.

A blood glucose meter is very useful to check which food spike your blood sugar. Consider getting one asap.

I was getting some pins and needle sensations after taking Metformin. This maybe due to a vitamin B12 deficiancy, so I started to take vitamin B12 supplements. Metformin can cause a B12 deficiency which results in neuropathy symptoms. I also took Alpha Lipoic Acid which is also good for symptoms of neuropathy. I am getting a B12 vitamin deficiency test as part of my next blood test. By eating low carb I have reduced by HbA1C from 99 down to 44 mmol/mol in about six months and have now stopped taking Metformin. You should be able to get down to non-diabetic levels on a low carb diet in 3 to 6 months. Intermittent fasting is also a useful way to reduce blood sugars.

 

[Bluetit1802]

diagnosed type 2 two or three weeks ago, tbh deep depression already setting in. All I've ever wanted was to see my children grow up and know they have made the right choices.....Two or three weeks ago, I wasn't well at all....Dry throat, thirsty, lost weight.... Months before had been Incredibly moody.Went to the A&E with what seemed like a heart attack or bad panick attack. Had ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray, bottom line told it was anxiety, blood apparently fine, no problems with sugar level, done repeat blood tests with GP, who then checked my sugar levels over the past three months with some test, test came back 9.1 for average....I was told to change diet and lose weight, and then just done another test again to confirm with GP that I was diabetic, when I rang the receptionist to confirm blood test results she said it had dropped to 8.1 level...And no further treatment needed....Does anyone know what that means,."no further treatment needed"? I'm very confused, a different GP I. The same surgery has now put me on Meterformin 500mg twice a day.Am I diabetic or am i prediabetic, sorry very confused.My toes feel like they are tingling and numbness..Does this mean diabetes has already started to kick in and therefore the process for foot amputation is on Its way most -probably? I'm hoping it's the metformin and or my anti depressants I've had for the past week is serotoline....Can it really be that quick and aggressive...bloodyhell I've just had the test. I'm not talking to my wife, I can't look at my children without tears coming to my eyes and dreading the future...I don't know if I should do brisk walking to lose weight or will this make things worse, I don't know what to safely eat as everyone says different things.I've been starvng myself and keep wondering how long before I'm in the A&E again with a complication such as my toes/foot legs tingling this early on..Can somebody please tell me where I stand, and how long do they think I have? As I know doctors do not always tell the truth until you're actually In The hospital at the last minute dying....Sorry for long post..Can someone please tell me where I stand?

The blood test that shows your blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months is called the HbA1c. Those results of 9.1 and 8.1 put you firmly in the diabetic range. It is normal to follow up the first HbA1c with a second one to confirm the diagnosis, which is why you had two. I imagine your GP says no further treatment needed because there isn't. You were given the first line treatment of Metformin. This should be reviewed in 3 months, and if things go to plan you should be called in again at that time, and meanwhile be given an appointment with a diabetes nurse who will be your main contact. GPs often delegate diabetes care to a senior nurse. It is normal.

As for the tingling and numbness in your feet, these are caused by high blood sugar levels. There is NO reason to believe they will worsen providing you get your sugar levels under control. In fact, many of us find this neuropathy improves.

Many of us on this forum regard our diagnosis as the kick up the bum we needed to change poor dietary habits, lose weight, and become healthier in every respect.

Take your time, read round this forum and ask all the questions you like.

You will find it very useful, if not essential, to buy your own blood glucose meter as this will guide you on which foods your blood sugars reacts to. If you buy one we will help you use it to the best advantage.

 

[Mbaker]

Hi @GerardSinclair I have every confidence that you will do what is required to have a normal life expectancy, you have great reasons to for your family and yourself. It does look like you are Type 2 diabetic as Metformin has been prescribed, but this is not end stage anything, it is a warning that must be acted on.

Your numbers of 9.1 and 8.1 are at a level that could be put right i.e. within the non-diabetic range between 3 to 6 months in my opinion (mine were over 20, now around 4.7 in the morning and average circa 5.5) - if I can do this so can you. I say 3 to 6 months based on what others have achieved who take control of their food.

It looks like you may have some neuropathy, I had this mildly and no longer do (not even a little bit). Some say not to walk with this, but I did and walked at under 12 minute miles, so you can try this, obviously if you feel worse seek more professional advice.

Please do not starve yourself, in fact do the opposite. I posted earlier today on a different thread, the below food example, I have just cut and paste for you to look at:

Breakfast
Bacon / Sausages (quality), scrambled egg / omelette, tomatoes, mushrooms, quarter avocado, spinach

Or

Nuts (I have in the same sitting Brazil, Walnuts, Pecan, Macadamia, Cashews (smaller amount), Almonds and Hazelnuts as a base; with on top Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Red Currents, 2 dollop of Greek full fat yoghurt / double cream, pumpkin and flax seeds.

Lunch (If you have it)
Oily fish, reddish, salad, leeks / Onions, quarter avocado

Dinner
Any fish / meat, mixed vegetables, salad

You will notice there is no bread, pasta, rice or potatoes, ready meals and the like.

I don't eat past 6 or 7pm and do at least a walk after eating. This will keep you full due to the good fats. This is more of a lifestyle than a diet as the food is not specialist. This is under the banner of low carb high fat.

Alternatively you could look at the Newcastle diet to get your numbers quickly into at least pre-diabetic range or better. Information is available on both these protocols on this site. Whatever you choose carbohydrates will need to be restricted, and rather than planning for the worst, by addressing your "diet" you should have at least the same outcomes as anyone else in the general population.

 

[librarising]

@GerardSinclair You've had some great advice so far. If you choose to follow it, you'll get a sense of taking control. Nothing could be better for any sense of depression associated with a diabetes diagnosis. GPs etc can be great, but sometimes can trot out a fatalistic view of it getting worse and worse. Don't let any encounter leave you down. We're here for you.
Are you up for a fight ?
Geoff

 

[Prem51]

Hi @GerardSinclair and welcome to the forum. The shock of being diagnosed as diabetic is traumatic and does seem to have triggered your depression. The depression will make you imagine the worst scenario for your diabetes. But try not to stress and worry as stress can raise your blood sugars too. I know you will think that is a difficult thing to do, but please understand that you can control this condition.
Your readings of 9.1/8.1 aren't very high. There are many on here who have reduced their bs levels from much higher than that to pre-diabetic or non-diabetic levels. Some have done it fairly quickly, within 3 months, others take longer. Our bodies are all different.
Many of us have found that adopting a Low Carbohydrate High Fat (LCHF) approach to eating has reduced our bs levels and often our weight too.
Also people who have had neuropathy or retinopathy have found these have improved or gone completely as they reduced their bs levels.
Your toes are not about to drop off! You are not going to have your feet amputated! You are not going to die!
You can restore your body to health and you will feel better.
You will get a lot of good advice and support on here. Ask anything you want to. the people on here are friendly and supportive.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. I agree with Bluetit. An HBa1c of over 8% is too high but mine was 12% at diagnosis. Your target is to get below 7% in old money and below 6.5% eventually. A low-carb diet is the highest priority. Metformin will help a bit. You should see the GP/Nurse again in 3 months. Book an appointment yourself if the surgery doesn't; I always book mine. Get a blood test done 2 weeks before and ask reception for a blood test form if you don't have one. There are further meds that can be given if you need them in 3 months. Do buy a glucose meter.

 

[keitjones]

Hi I was diagnosed 1st Jan. And I have felt the same as you. Very depressed, anxious, angry and confused. However, I made several adjustments to my diet, started exercising harder. I have read a lot about reversing T2. I have now lost 16lbs in weight. My last hba1c reading was 35. The doctor was amazed. He reduced my metformin to 1 tablet per day. I still battle with weight and bad snack days (fewer now). With care there should be no reason not to live a long happy life. Yes it needs to be taken seriously, yes it's serious. But with the right diet and exercise it's manageable and potentially reversible. If there is still doubt about diagnosis then ask your doctor for a glucose fasting blood test. You fast bloods are taken you drink a special glucose drink bloods taken two hours later. You also need to know your hba1c levels. Long term sugar marker. Hang in there things will improve

 

[Liam1955]

Hi @GerardSinclair and Welcome to the Forum .

 

[SugarDaddy91]

diagnosed type 2 two or three weeks ago, tbh deep depression already setting in. All I've ever wanted was to see my children grow up and know they have made the right choices.....Two or three weeks ago, I wasn't well at all....Dry throat, thirsty, lost weight.... Months before had been Incredibly moody.Went to the A&E with what seemed like a heart attack or bad panick attack. Had ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray, bottom line told it was anxiety, blood apparently fine, no problems with sugar level, done repeat blood tests with GP, who then checked my sugar levels over the past three months with some test, test came back 9.1 for average....I was told to change diet and lose weight, and then just done another test again to confirm with GP that I was diabetic, when I rang the receptionist to confirm blood test results she said it had dropped to 8.1 level...And no further treatment needed....Does anyone know what that means,."no further treatment needed"? I'm very confused, a different GP I. The same surgery has now put me on Meterformin 500mg twice a day.Am I diabetic or am i prediabetic, sorry very confused.My toes feel like they are tingling and numbness..Does this mean diabetes has already started to kick in and therefore the process for foot amputation is on Its way most -probably? I'm hoping it's the metformin and or my anti depressants I've had for the past week is serotoline....Can it really be that quick and aggressive...bloodyhell I've just had the test. I'm not talking to my wife, I can't look at my children without tears coming to my eyes and dreading the future...I don't know if I should do brisk walking to lose weight or will this make things worse, I don't know what to safely eat as everyone says different things.I've been starvng myself and keep wondering how long before I'm in the A&E again with a complication such as my toes/foot legs tingling this early on..Can somebody please tell me where I stand, and how long do they think I have? As I know doctors do not always tell the truth until you're actually In The hospital at the last minute dying....Sorry for long post..Can someone please tell me where I stand?

Take a deep breath before reading.
I've had it about as long as you and I know exactly where you're coming from! I've seen a lot of diabetic complications through my work so I dreaded the worst, especially blindness and even made a few posts about it. With this illness, it seems, you can do so much to reduce the risk of the complications, it's not even worth thinking about complications at this point. You have enough to think about! From what I've heard from the surgeons at work and from my diabetes nurse, you can do so much to prevent these complications that you do not really have to worry about much more than keeping your blood sugars in range. I've used the shock and depression and tried to turn it into something positive. Of course, I often let out the tears with my partner. I use my crippling fear of the complications whenever I crave sugars or want to return to my old lifestyle. I think of the legs and the eyes and am so happy that I have started changing my ways and am really motivated to do so. I would really suggest talking to your wife about it. I've involved my partner in the process and she really is my supportive pillar when I'm feeling sad or guilty. A lot of the time, talking to someone who can calm you down is just what is needed. You seem a bit worried about not having a lot of time left. Let me link you the following from this wonderful page:
"
What causes a shorter life expectancy in diabetics?
Higher blood sugars over a period of time allow diabetic complications to set in, such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Kidney disease
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)

Higher blood sugars can often be accompanied by associated conditions such as

• Higher blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Both help to contribute to poor circulation and further the damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves in particular.

In some cases, short term complications such as hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis can also be fatal."

Please note that it says that higher blood sugar over time can cause complications. It is not guaranteed that you will, at all! In fact, I've heard talk of - at the hospital - the new generation of diabetics being quite healthy, in fact. If you imagine a type 2 diabetic who had an inactive lifestyle up into his 40s and in a slight moment of panic decided to change his lifestyle. Compare him to the average Joe who sits in his flat after working his office job, snacking on burgers and smoking a pack of cigarettes each day. Which one would you think would live longer? Which one would live a better life with less ailments in older ages. For a lot of the users of the forum, it seems the diabetes has truly caused them to change their lifestyles for the better. I am of course not saying that type 2 diabetics are always in bad shape. In fact, someone may be in a terrific shape and well trained, but sadly, fate had intended them to be diabetic eventually. You did not do this to yourself. But eating right and excercising can do wonders.
If you look at any of the complications; e.g. leg ulcers, diabetes is just one of many causes. If you do your best to stay within the ranges you will reduce or maybe even eliminate the chances of getting the complications. In fact, changing my lifestyle will eventually lead to some of my obesity decreasing which will reduce my risk of getting a whole lot of illnesses that I would otherwise be in risk of getting later on.

What I am trying to say is: Take a few deep breath, talk about it with someone (this forum has helped me so much!) and try to come to terms with it.
About your legs: It sometimes happens that people get tingling or loss of feeling in feet or fingers. It could be peripheral neuropathy and my neurologist has assured me that the condition, if caught early, can even be reversed with good blood glucose control. It is quite common for those who have had peripheral neuropathy over time to have the feeling of walking on pillows. They also do not feel pain as easy in their feet. Or high / low temperatures!
Sorry about my english. Not feeling my best today. I'll leave the floor for the rest of the crew of this site, as I am new I am a bit worried I will somehow step on toes or say something I am not qualified to say. Just trying my best to help with what I can and I've recently, and still do, feel that anxiety you are describing.

 

[Blueyez]

diagnosed type 2 two or three weeks ago, tbh deep depression already setting in. All I've ever wanted was to see my children grow up and know they have made the right choices.....Two or three weeks ago, I wasn't well at all....Dry throat, thirsty, lost weight.... Months before had been Incredibly moody.Went to the A&E with what seemed like a heart attack or bad panick attack. Had ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray, bottom line told it was anxiety, blood apparently fine, no problems with sugar level, done repeat blood tests with GP, who then checked my sugar levels over the past three months with some test, test came back 9.1 for average....I was told to change diet and lose weight, and then just done another test again to confirm with GP that I was diabetic, when I rang the receptionist to confirm blood test results she said it had dropped to 8.1 level...And no further treatment needed....Does anyone know what that means,."no further treatment needed"? I'm very confused, a different GP I. The same surgery has now put me on Meterformin 500mg twice a day.Am I diabetic or am i prediabetic, sorry very confused.My toes feel like they are tingling and numbness..Does this mean diabetes has already started to kick in and therefore the process for foot amputation is on Its way most -probably? I'm hoping it's the metformin and or my anti depressants I've had for the past week is serotoline....Can it really be that quick and aggressive...bloodyhell I've just had the test. I'm not talking to my wife, I can't look at my children without tears coming to my eyes and dreading the future...I don't know if I should do brisk walking to lose weight or will this make things worse, I don't know what to safely eat as everyone says different things.I've been starvng myself and keep wondering how long before I'm in the A&E again with a complication such as my toes/foot legs tingling this early on..Can somebody please tell me where I stand, and how long do they think I have? As I know doctors do not always tell the truth until you're actually In The hospital at the last minute dying....Sorry for long post..Can someone please tell me where I stand?

Hi, Gerard. I was also diagnosed 2 days ago, precribed Metfornin & have experienced tingling in my hands. After doing a lot of research the last couple of days, I've realised that this can be the start of something great, not terrible in my life. I've already made some changes, started my meds & nearly halved my very high blood glucose level in two days. You need to try to muster some determination if you can. I KNOW I can get this under control & I WILL! And I'm ready to be healthier than ever after being very lazy about my weight & fitness problems for years.

 

[Fleegle]

I was diagnosed about 6 weeks ago. Went in for a tetanus injection from a garden wound and the rest is history.
I had no symptons at all. Yet my BG was way above yours at 95. I dread to think what would of happened had I not been diagnosed! I certainly would of got fatter and that causes all kinds of other problems and I fear that would be the least of my troubles.

I do already miss many of things I could eat before, I am just being honest - but actually if you consider that eating is one part of life - and family, friends, holidays and even work are a much greater proportion - and even the food I miss is a small percentage then I don't think it is so bad a trade for being healthier, fitter and thinner!

I hope to control my BG without medicine as long as possible and avoid complications as a result. Already I have taken a good slug off of my blood pressure which has to be good and I hope my AC1 next time will be 60 instead of 95 as I move a step closer to my goal of 40 at some point.

I agree with whom ever said it was the kick up the BS I needed - and indeed, I am training my wife and my daughter all of the time to keep them healthy and am an evangelist to whom ever takes an interest in how they could eat more healthily and trying to turn a negative into a positive.

This forum is priceless it really is.

 

[Swiggy]

Hi @GerardSinclair welcome to the forum. There's lots of support and knowledge here, there's no need to feel alone. I had an hba1c of 119 when the doctor told me that I had diabetes. I was devastated particularly because I had had an hba1c test some eighteen months previously which came back at 80 and nobody told me.
I didn't go back to my original surgery so I was given no medication or advice. I changed my GP, googled curing diabetes and read about the Newcastle diet which is an eight week very low calorie diet. I lost over two stones when I did the diet and my new GP said that I didn't need medication, he actually thought I was confused about my original level because my notes hadn't arrived

 

[Swiggy]

Hi @GerardSinclair welcome to the forum. There's lots of support and knowledge here, there's no need to feel alone. I had an hba1c of 119 when the doctor told me that I had diabetes. I was devastated particularly because I had had an hba1c test some eighteen months previously which came back at 80 and nobody told me.
I didn't go back to my original surgery so I was given no medication or advice. I changed my GP, googled curing diabetes and read about the Newcastle diet which is an eight week very low calorie diet. I lost over two stones when I did the diet and my new GP said that I didn't need medication, he actually thought I was confused about my original level because my notes hadn't arrived

Oops those fat fingers posted too soon again. Anyway I reduced my hba1c from 119 to 54 with no medication, no advice about what to eat or avoid to control my glucose levels. It wasn't until I found this forum that I realised that you can actually buy your own meter and testing strips.
I had lots of questions and people were very patient with me and I have learned so much about the condition and how to manage it.
I hope you stick around, diabetic complications are not inevitable and it feels great when you start seeing those numbers coming down.

 

[AM1874]

Hi @GerardSinclair .. and welcome
You have certainly made a good move coming here. I was diagnosed T2 in early Feb and, like yourself and many others, I was shell-shocked with no information and no real idea of what was happening to me. Since joining this forum, though, the folks here have given me so much info, advice and support that I am now much more confident about the journey ahead. So ask your questions and be assured that you will receive the answers that you need .. It's still early for me but, in my experience, it gets easier .. very quickly.

Managing and controlling your diabetes through exercise, diet and testing your Blood Glucose seems to be the best way forward for many people. For me, committing to an LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) lifestyle and testing 3-5 times a day seems to be working and you'll find that there is a wealth of info, relevant advice and positive support about LCHF on the forum ..

I see that @Rachox has already tagged @ daisy1 for you and I suggest that you read up on the Low Carb Program in the information that she will soon be sending you. You might also find the discussion on the Low Carb Diet forum helpful .. and the following Diet Doctor websites ...
Low Carb Intro and Information
Low Carbs in 60 Seconds

It is a top priority that you have your own meter and test regularly and, for this, the following websites might help:
https://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/
for the SD Codefree meter, which costs £12.98 (you don't pay VAT) or:
http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-blood-glucose-meter/
who distribute the TEE 2 meter, which is free.
I have both for comparative purposes and I have never found any significant difference between them. Unless you are prescribed test strips by your doctor (unlikely), the costs of testing comes down to the ongoing charges for test strips and lancets. I'm testing 3-5 times a day which works out at around £10 to £12 per month for either of the two packages above but, more importantly, I now know what my BG levels are .. and I can now manage them
Hope this helps

 

[daisy1]

@GerardSinclair

Hello Gerard and welcome to the Forum Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Ask questions when you need to and someone will help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 245,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

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[GerardSinclair]

Hi Gerard, I'm no expert yet but here's my two penny worth. I was diagnosed Type 2 seven weeks ago and have also been put on Metformin. The night I was diagnosed, in a state of shock, I stumbled on this forum. It has been my saviour. So much support and information. I'll tag @daisy1 who will post loads of useful links for you. I've successfully seen my blood sugar levels drop and I've lost a chunk of weight, by starting a low carb diet and investing in a blood sugar monitor. Stick around here, you'll soon be feeling better both physically and mentally. Please believe it'll all come good.