I think I’ve gone into denial…

[T2&confused]

Hello. I was diagnosed as type 2 recently, it was a complete shock as I don’t have any risk factors. I immediately cut down on carbs and sugars and felt like I’d taken some control.

Fast forward a few weeks and I fear I’ve fallen into denial about the diagnosis. It doesn’t feel like it makes sense, so I think I’m starting to doubt it - even though my hba1c is through the roof so there’s no denying my blood glucose levels are high. I’ve been awaiting GAD test results for over a month now and I suspect that is adding to the denial of it, even though that’s ridiculous because I know I’d still need to be taking the same steps to control it.

I find myself eating things that I know I shouldn’t, and then I get into a really negative spiral of self loathing for not taking better care of myself, and it becomes catch 22.

I’m really sorry for the rambling post, but if anyone could offer any words of advice I’d be really very grateful. Thank you

 

[EllieM]

Hi @T2&confused,

I think there are a lot of forum members who've been in your position (I don't remember my childhood diagnosis so possibly not me, though I've certainly experienced guilt when I feel I'm not controlling my T1 well enough).

Two recommendations from me.
1) It's normal to be upset about a diabetic diagnosis but try to avoid the guilt/self loathing spiral. Most of us fall off the wagon in some manner at some times, and feeling guilty is counter productive. To err is human, and all that.
2) Get a meter and see what your blood sugars are doing. That should help you make food choices.

Out of interest, are you getting a cpeptide test as well?

Lots of virtual hugs. Hopefully some T2s will be along soon to give you more advice/moral support.

 

[Hertfordshiremum]

Hello. I was diagnosed as type 2 recently, it was a complete shock as I don’t have any risk factors. I immediately cut down on carbs and sugars and felt like I’d taken some control.

Fast forward a few weeks and I fear I’ve fallen into denial about the diagnosis. It doesn’t feel like it makes sense, so I think I’m starting to doubt it - even though my hba1c is through the roof so there’s no denying my blood glucose levels are high. I’ve been awaiting GAD test results for over a month now and I suspect that is adding to the denial of it, even though that’s ridiculous because I know I’d still need to be taking the same steps to control it.

I find myself eating things that I know I shouldn’t, and then I get into a really negative spiral of self loathing for not taking better care of myself, and it becomes catch 22.

I’m really sorry for the rambling post, but if anyone could offer any words of advice I’d be really very grateful. Thank you

Hello
I think it’s such a shock and so upsetting at the beginning don’t beat yourself up for an odd slip up. I was told I had type 2 initially then type 1 after GAD antibody positive test result. A month is a long time, can you chase this? Sometimes difficult to get through to doctors surgeries though. Could you buy a Libre to see how you are reacting to different foods? I founds Hobbs pharmacy the cheapest £40 lasts a fortnight. Or definitely a blood glucose meter and check before and after food. I would look up some recipes and low carb treats. If I am feeling fed up I usually go for raspberries and double cream! We all need a treat every now and again. Hope you get your results soon and stick with it sounds like you are doing great and obviously care.

 

[T2&confused]

Hi @T2&confused,

I think there are a lot of forum members who've been in your position (I don't remember my childhood diagnosis so possibly not me, though I've certainly experienced guilt when I feel I'm not controlling my T1 well enough).

Two recommendations from me.
1) It's normal to be upset about a diabetic diagnosis but try to avoid the guilt/self loathing spiral. Most of us fall off the wagon in some manner at some times, and feeling guilty is counter productive. To err is human, and all that.
2) Get a meter and see what your blood sugars are doing. That should help you make food choices.

Out of interest, are you getting a cpeptide test as well?

Lots of virtual hugs. Hopefully some T2s will be along soon to give you more advice/moral support.

Thank you so much for your reply and good advice! No nobody has mentioned a cpeptide test, is that something that diabetics should be tested for? Thank you

 

[T2&confused]

Hello
I think it’s such a shock and so upsetting at the beginning don’t beat yourself up for an odd slip up. I was told I had type 2 initially then type 1 after GAD antibody positive test result. A month is a long time, can you chase this? Sometimes difficult to get through to doctors surgeries though. Could you buy a Libre to see how you are reacting to different foods? I founds Hobbs pharmacy the cheapest £40 lasts a fortnight. Or definitely a blood glucose meter and check before and after food. I would look up some recipes and low carb treats. If I am feeling fed up I usually go for raspberries and double cream! We all need a treat every now and again. Hope you get your results soon and stick with it sounds like you are doing great and obviously care.

Thank you so much for your lovely message! I’ve tried chasing my GAD results but was just told to ring back after Christmas if I haven’t heard anything - I’ll be having my next hba1c test before I get the GAD results at this rate!! I haven’t heard of a Libre but I’ll look into it, thank you. Can I ask whether you felt better once you were diagnosed as type 1 and had your treatment changed? Finding some low carb treats is a good shout, that’s definitely where I struggle the most - and PMT just makes it so much harder doesn’t it! Thanks for your help

 

[Skaz]

I know exactly what you mean. I was told recently I was type 2, jumped straight on low carb, very well I might add, lost weight, felt great and then fell with a massive bump into terrible food, wine and anything else, I know will do me no good!! I feel anger, denial and frustration!! Why!! I know what to do, I enjoyed doing it but for some reason I am hitting self destruct, I want to do what’s right but I want to be normal, eat what I want to eat, be normal, not care!!!!! But I know I need to accept and get on, anyone got a magic spell?

 

[EllieM]

Thank you so much for your reply and good advice! No nobody has mentioned a cpeptide test, is that something that diabetics should be tested for? Thank you

Normally/often they do a cpeptide test at the same time as a GAD test, to double check that you are T2 . It measures the amount of insulin you produce.

 

[MrsA2]

Finding some low carb treats is a good shout, that’s definitely where I struggle the most

I need treats, often
85% dark chocolate, just one or 2 squares. You may need to start at a lower percentage and work up. Many on here like 100%, I don't.
A big spoonful of creamy Greek yoghurt. Lidl do one that's 25% cream.
Some berries,
Spoonfuls of double cream eaten neat
Wine
A few brazil nuts
Try combinations of the above. Just be aware of quantities

 

[Ronancastled]

a massive bump into terrible food, wine and anything else . . . . anyone got a magic spell?

First thing I Googled post diagnosis "Can a diabetic drink wine ?"

I have a couple of glasses every most nights, more on the weekend.
I hit low carb, I lost the weight, I moved my ****.
6 months ago an Endo wanted to remove my diagnosis.
That's my little rant over about wine.

Now in your case, I take your bona fide about doing everything right, I'd push for those GAD & antibody results, I hope they ran a C-Peptide too.
Pure medical negligence on their part to let something like that hang over the Christmas period.

 

[Hertfordshiremum]

Thank you so much for your lovely message! I’ve tried chasing my GAD results but was just told to ring back after Christmas if I haven’t heard anything - I’ll be having my next hba1c test before I get the GAD results at this rate!! I haven’t heard of a Libre but I’ll look into it, thank you. Can I ask whether you felt better once you were diagnosed as type 1 and had your treatment changed? Finding some low carb treats is a good shout, that’s definitely where I struggle the most - and PMT just makes it so much harder doesn’t it! Thanks for your help

Hi

Yes I felt much better once on insulin as I was put on metformin which wasn’t helping much so was still in double figures all the time and feeling awful. I got the GAD antibodies test quite quickly as I already had another autoimmune disease and was in BUPA through my work at the time. I went to the local BUPA hospital for the blood test. The results were back in just over a week. The doctor was sent the information but really slow to act, I was told to wait a month for an appointment to be shown how to use insulin. They said I would be fine on metformin but in the meantime I got an insect bite on my leg which swelled up and next thing I was seriously ill in hospital with DKA. The hospital reported the doctor for lack of care, I changed doctors! Do look up DKA just in case and monitor your blood sugar levels with a blood glucose meter or Libre. Take care and keep ringing for that result.

 

[Lillytan]

Gosh, I was coming on here as a newly diagnosed T2 person to write pretty much the same post! I was 9.7 on my first non fasting test (although I’d only had a cup of tea that morning) the second fasting test I was 8 something. This was a few weeks ago and I have turned down medication as I want to try to get this under control by myself.
I ordered a home tester which arrived today. I had toast with peanut butter and jam and then a few hrs later a satsuma. I used the tester and it came back as 10.5 !! I guess even though I thought I knew what I was doing regarding my blood levels I actually don’t have a clue.
I don’t know if I can give up carbs, they are my main go to foods and I think I’m in denial.

 

[MrsA2]

I don’t know if I can give up carbs, they are my main go to foods and I think I’m in denial.

@Lillytan never say never. Once you see the results on your meter it becomes much easier to see the foods that really cause you problems, and to find the foods that don't and that you can enjoy without restriction. When I was first diagnosed I thought I could never eat they way people on here were telling me to, but here I am loving the life and in remission. There are low carb options for most foods but start simple with just real good food.
Have a look at the threads where some of us post what we eat. There's a huge range and none of us feel deprived

 

[Resurgam]

Gosh, I was coming on here as a newly diagnosed T2 person to write pretty much the same post! I was 9.7 on my first non fasting test (although I’d only had a cup of tea that morning) the second fasting test I was 8 something. This was a few weeks ago and I have turned down medication as I want to try to get this under control by myself.
I ordered a home tester which arrived today. I had toast with peanut butter and jam and then a few hrs later a satsuma. I used the tester and it came back as 10.5 !! I guess even though I thought I knew what I was doing regarding my blood levels I actually don’t have a clue.
I don’t know if I can give up carbs, they are my main go to foods and I think I’m in denial.

Ah - you ate carbs on carbs and then added some carbs - so yes, that would put up glucose levels.
We can cope with protein and fat, no problem and add some low carb foods - I set a limit of 10 percent carbs for any food other than chocolate - but I have 95% cocoa chocolate, and only one square a day at the most - usually it is one a week.