Did certain emotions come through
Not initially, as it's been a slow burn for me, and I was unaware really of what was approaching. First diagnosed with Impaired fasting Glycaemia, then borderline and now Type 2. My emotions did get engaged when I had a high reading for my BG one day - fear was the main one. My emotions have become more engaged now that I am fully taking charge of things. I don't think it sunk in initially. Now I keep realising that this isn't some clinical trial that'll be coming to an end shortly. I'll be monitoring and managing this for the rest of my life. Occasionally feeling sorry for myself - but mostly realising that this is, thankfully, a manageable disease. Could be a lot worse. I think I do feel shocked and a bit angry that I have had slightly raised levels for years - and there's been no advice or action taken until I reached diabetic levels. I am worried that damage has already occurred. I was always told, not to worry - that the raised levels would not be damaging me. Now I'm not so sure - and feel a bit gullible. I should have taken this seriously much sooner and I feel that I should have been advised to do so by my GP.
Was diagnosis handled well by your health care team?
I'm in the process of finding out. My GP who is usually excellent, was a little business-like about it - no reassurance that there is help available, or that it is manageable. He said I would probably 'end up' on Metformin eventually. I'm 48, so I would like to have heard something like " with the right approach, you may never have to have medication". I felt that the future looked a bit bleak.
I had been having blurry vision - and he really was dismissive about my question as to whether that could be linked to my BG levels. He said that my BG levels would not be doing me any harm........ as if I was becoming a bit of a hypochondriac.
The referral to the Diabetic Education Clinic was very efficient. I have already had my Optician's appointment and the results from that came swiftly. Only attended the initial education clinic up to now. Explanation of what Type 2 is, and why people get it was very clear and well presented. The lack of advice about self testing was , in my opinion, alarming. We were handed urine sticks to use. A urine stick shows negative up to 10mmol/l. Diabetic is, I believe, now diagnosed at 7mmol/l or above - so the people who are having raised BG up to 10 would not be aware that they are living with results that could lead to complications. We were told that, if we gained negative results on the urine test sticks , our diabetes was being controlled. I was appalled. I should have said something but wondered if we'd get better advice next time, and whether the idea of meter testing for greater accuracy and awareness would be introduced later so as not to frighten people.
The diet advice at this initial session was so soft. And the dietician said it was ok to have white bread - which surely can't be true for anybody, let alone someone whose body can't cope with the sugar from it. There was an atmosphere of appeasement. A myth - busting, 'thought you can't have any more chocolate??? Well- you CAN" scenario. Of course, the dietician went down a storm , because it didn't look like anyone would have to do anything much to change their diet. But maybe a more one to one, personal approach will be applied next time.
How did your family react and how did this make you feel.
My husband has been interested, supportive, comforting, encouraging and even had his BG tested to see how it felt. My Dad and sister have Type 2, but don't manage it actively. I feel like a bit of a diabetes bore ! A bit upset too, if nobody asks how it's going. Friends have been initially sympathetic but don't seem to grasp how seriously it will affect my life and how hard I'm working to control it.
Did your diagnosis make you feel different in any way.
Not initially. Again, until I started testing and becoming aware that I have a disease, I didn't realise how it would impact my life. Now I feel that I have to tell people if they are cooking for me etc and so yes, I feel different - and I'm not liking that at the moment. I don't know anyone else who is diabetic in my peer group. I think that would make all the difference! Being on the forum here is the only time I feel relatively ok about having Type 2.
Has your diagnosis affected your work in any way?
No. I am self employed as a Yoga and Meditation teacher. I have measured my BG before and after Yoga...... it always comes down. So my job is very good for me!
I was officially diagnosed Type 2 in March 2012. Found this forum in June and started to take action!