I was diagnosed last in 2011 as type 2. I still cannot accept it, I don't understand anything about the diet, medication or hba1c. I'm 58yrs old this month and feel my life is over. I'm confined to a wheelchair, for9yrs, and can't find anyone to help motivate me to loose weight. I'm lost and feel alone, I've only just joined the forum. Can anyone help me?
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In denial of my type 2 diabetes
- Thread starter Cuddles
- Start Date
daisy1
Legend
- Messages
- 26,457
- Location
- Switzerland
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Cruelty towards animals.
Hi Cuddles and welcome to the forum 
Happy New Year!
Plenty of people will come along and help you as you have done the right thing joining us. We all look out for each other. Here is the information which we give to new members which should give you a good start. Then, ask all the questions you like and someone will be able to help you.
BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS
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 30,000 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:
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
Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes ... rains.html
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
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
Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
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.
Happy New Year!Plenty of people will come along and help you as you have done the right thing joining us. We all look out for each other. Here is the information which we give to new members which should give you a good start. Then, ask all the questions you like and someone will be able to help you.
BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS
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 30,000 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
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
Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes ... rains.html
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
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
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
- Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
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.
Daibell
Master
Hi. The fact that you have come to the forum means you now have the means to see how others have managed thier diabetes and what HBa1c and the various medications are plus a lot of diet guidance. Daisy's post provides many links for this. I was diagnosed at around your age and have spent the time since gradually learning through the web, books, this forum and others who also have diabetes. I now feel I understand how to manage the condition for my needs and hopefully to avoid the serious complications that you can get later on. The diet advice can be simply put i.e. keep the carbs down and high fibre, low-GI. You can build more diet information from that starting point. Hba1c is merely your average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months so it's a guide to your overall diabetic 'health' and helps the GP decide what medication to prescribe if any. If your Hba1C (in old money) rises above around 6.0 to 6.5% then medication may be precribed. Normally this will start with Metformin with other tablets that can be added if needed. If you are a reasonable Internet surfer then go to the NICE Diabetes website area and look at and/or download the NICE Diabetes Pathways document which is very good and easy to read. In summary you are not alone on this forum so do come back with any more questions.
Thanks for replying to me. My Hba1c was I'm told around 65. I don't know what that means, but seemingly its been like that since I was diagnosed with type 2! All I was told by the surgery was to just watch my carbohydrates and fats, and sent on my way! The nurse at the surgery told me I didn't have to test my bld sugar unless I felt unwell. I'm on gliclazide and glucophage and simvastatin, plus other meds for other problems, I'm fed up with taking tablets. I know I'm moaning but the last time I saw a consultant he wanted me to have a trial period on once aday insulin. I said no, as although I don't mind the thought of giving myself injections, I said to him that once I start he'll want me to have it all the time. I was wondering if eating weight watchers foods would help me? How often do other people see their consultants and diabetic nurses? The situation here in north Wales is terrible, especially in Conwy ! :thumbdown:
I'll have a look at the sites mentioned to see if they will help me. Thanks everyone, I don't feel so alone now.
I'll have a look at the sites mentioned to see if they will help me. Thanks everyone, I don't feel so alone now.
Daibell
Master
Hi. Your HBa1c of 65mmol is in new money units of measure (brought in last year). In old money that's 8% which is quite high but not disastrous. I can understand your consultant suggesting trying some insulin which is the right action as NICE recommends doing this above 7.5%. I'm expecting/hoping for a similar move to insulin at my next review as I will be above 7.5. With the right diet you may be able to reduce your HBa1c so do try the right diet as far as you can. All diabetics are supposed to have a review with the GP/nurse at least once a year. At your HBa1c level, it should be measured every 3 - 6 months. At your annual review you should have your feet checked for neuropathy and your blood and urine tests discussed and medication reviewed. You should have an annual retinal screening at the local hospital. I'm not sure about Weight Watchers food but as long as it's low carb then give it a try.
susanmanley
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 596
good luck with coming to terms with your diabetis in this new year.
It is not easy but this forum will really help
It is not easy but this forum will really help
I feel very upset talking about my diabetes. In fact I'm crying while writing this. It's very hard for me and I really don't know if I can do this. I've struggled for over a year and haven't got any better at coping with it! At the time I was diagnosed, I was also told I had a very rare condition that threatens my life if operated on, and in fact the tests for that condition are ongoing! So I hope you understand that being told I also had developed type 2, I just pushed it to the back of my mind and thought, sod it, it's just another thing to worry about! I think that's why im in denial. I'm due to see a psychologist on the 11th jan, but I don't see how he will help. I've also got myself an appointment with a dietician, so I've got the ball rolling, but it's been me who has been chasing everything up.im warn out and feel as if I can go on.
(((()))) Sending you a massive hug Cuddles. It is a big shock to be diagnosed - if you have a look on this forum there are any posts from people who have been recently diagnosed who are struggling to come to terms with it and feeling like they don't know where to start.
The information that Daisy has posted for you at the start is v helpful and concise which can be good when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Please keep posting for support and with any questions you have and there will always be someone to try and help you.
Sending you best wishes xxx
The information that Daisy has posted for you at the start is v helpful and concise which can be good when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Please keep posting for support and with any questions you have and there will always be someone to try and help you.
Sending you best wishes xxx
Fraddycat
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 709
- Location
- Bedfordshire
Hi Cuddles, welcome to the forum, you have come to the right place. We have all been where you have, bewildered and overwhelmed by this condition. It doesn't matter that you have ignored it till now, you are taking steps now to deal with it by reaching out to us.
I was diagnosed in March 2010 and for 2 years I was a mess, got worse, had my meds increased and felt blooming awful. Then I found this forum in July 2012, I changed my diet as recommended, and I changed my life, literally, its that dramatic. By reducing the carbohydrates in my meals I have lost 3 stone and have increased my mobility and reduced my meds.
What I mean by reducing carbohydrates is that I don't eat any potatoes, rice, pasta, bread or food made with flour - at all. I have replaced those things with vegetables, good quality protein and fats. It seems completely different to what the doctor and dietician recommend but I know it has worked for me. I used this website www.dietdoctor.com/lchf to get me started. If cutting these foods out completely seems too drastic for you try cutting them in half, so only have half the portion you would normally have and replace the missing food with broccolli, cauliflower, green beans etc. Also try switching to the brown versions, brown bread, pasta, rice.
The reason is that your body turns all carbohydrates into sugar, and then because you are a diabetic, your body doesn't cope well with the sugar. So if you reduce the carbs you reduce the sugar.
You are not on your own, we are all here with you, ask any questions you have and we will do our best to help.
I was diagnosed in March 2010 and for 2 years I was a mess, got worse, had my meds increased and felt blooming awful. Then I found this forum in July 2012, I changed my diet as recommended, and I changed my life, literally, its that dramatic. By reducing the carbohydrates in my meals I have lost 3 stone and have increased my mobility and reduced my meds.
What I mean by reducing carbohydrates is that I don't eat any potatoes, rice, pasta, bread or food made with flour - at all. I have replaced those things with vegetables, good quality protein and fats. It seems completely different to what the doctor and dietician recommend but I know it has worked for me. I used this website www.dietdoctor.com/lchf to get me started. If cutting these foods out completely seems too drastic for you try cutting them in half, so only have half the portion you would normally have and replace the missing food with broccolli, cauliflower, green beans etc. Also try switching to the brown versions, brown bread, pasta, rice.
The reason is that your body turns all carbohydrates into sugar, and then because you are a diabetic, your body doesn't cope well with the sugar. So if you reduce the carbs you reduce the sugar.
You are not on your own, we are all here with you, ask any questions you have and we will do our best to help.
If you have a meter and test strips take a bg before you eat then 2hrs after you eat if you spike then you will either have to cut out or at least cut down on that particular type of food. Myself can't eat white bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, oats, cream crackers, but I believe a lot of us are like this my hba1c is 10.8 and until 6 months ago I had control but all of a sudden lost it.
Don't be disheartened this site is a great support site and as you are aware when you are told your diabetic your world seems to colapse remember you are someone who has diabetes you have control try not to let it control you :lol:
Don't be disheartened this site is a great support site and as you are aware when you are told your diabetic your world seems to colapse remember you are someone who has diabetes you have control try not to let it control you :lol:
spmccann
Active Member
- Messages
- 31
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hi Cuddles,
Got diagnosed before Christmas, so I can relate to the whole shock and denial thing. More importantly you are here and armed with the information you can manage this condition. I've gotten a lot of great advice and tips from the site and most importantly non judgemental advice. Like you I'm only starting my journey, only advice I have is make small changes. I'm cutting down on my carb intake and trying to take the carbs in the morning . However 38 years of a potato based diet isnt easy to shake off
Be gentle with yourself .
Sean
Got diagnosed before Christmas, so I can relate to the whole shock and denial thing. More importantly you are here and armed with the information you can manage this condition. I've gotten a lot of great advice and tips from the site and most importantly non judgemental advice. Like you I'm only starting my journey, only advice I have is make small changes. I'm cutting down on my carb intake and trying to take the carbs in the morning . However 38 years of a potato based diet isnt easy to shake off
Be gentle with yourself .
Sean
Thanks again for your replies. Unfortunately today I started with good intentions, bought veg ,chicken, whole meal bread, and looked on the website that was recommended to me. However, I've failed once again. I hate myself, I just can't seem to accept my situation. I want to change but honestly my heart isn't in it. I'm sorry, I've let all the people down who are trying to help me.
susanmanley
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 596
Please try not to look at slip ups as failures. In fact you succeeded in beginning by buying the right sort of foods. My big bug bare were potatoes. I adore them!!! I realized I am not strong enough to cut them out so I gradually reduced them and now just enjoy the odd one. I manage most of the time but then..whoops...i have a glutonus episode. I try hard to not feel guilty but to think of them as a blip. This works for me but, obviously, not everyones answer. Some people I suspect do better just stopping the food all together but not me at the moment.
i also have other serious health problems and felt my diagnoses was the last straw but [after 8 months] have come to terms with it as much as I ever will. Also the diet i was first given for this condition clashed badly with the diet I have to follow for another condition so had to do a lot of reading and juggling. The more i read, the more i felt able to control the diabetis.
I do hope things get better for you soon. depression is a recognised response to the diagnoses so do not hold back from asking for help and keep posting!!!!
i also have other serious health problems and felt my diagnoses was the last straw but [after 8 months] have come to terms with it as much as I ever will. Also the diet i was first given for this condition clashed badly with the diet I have to follow for another condition so had to do a lot of reading and juggling. The more i read, the more i felt able to control the diabetis.
I do hope things get better for you soon. depression is a recognised response to the diagnoses so do not hold back from asking for help and keep posting!!!!
Thanks Susan ,you seem to be just like me! I'm very depressed at the moment, and have been since Christmas day as my other health problem caused me to be ill. Also I seem to be dogged by misfortune, I'd booked a holiday to Scotland ,near loch ness staying in a log cabin with my son and daughter in law. They dropped the bombshell tonight that they've decided not to go! Now showing me a brochure for Blackpool! I was really looking forward to loch ness , I thought going there would help me.no it's not going to happen. I've tried to cope with my depression, diabetes, other health problems, now this!is it really worth carrying on anymore? I'm really fighting a losing battle with everything. Sorry for moaning again.
susanmanley
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 596
If you have already booked this holiday why not think about going with someone else. It might be good to go with even a relative stranger so that you can really relax [no expectations]. Sometimes [NO often] one disappointment leads to an oppotunity.
The lights of Blackpool might also be just what you need
Scotland is so theraputic though. We go when we can and always have a positive time
The lights of Blackpool might also be just what you need
Scotland is so theraputic though. We go when we can and always have a positive time
spmccann
Active Member
- Messages
- 31
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hi Cuddles,
Your being very hard on yourself and thats not helping. you had a slip but its not the end of the world.
I can absolutely get that you are cheesed off with everything at the moment and all the bad things seems to be happening at once.
The fact that your Son and daughter in law do want to go somewhere on holiday with you is the important thing and focus on that. It will pass, so try to focus on doing what you can for yourself now and enoying the small victories. Look forward to your holiday with the family. It takes courage to admit that there's something wrong and that you need help, that's huge step towards a better future. You'll have good days , enjoy them.
You are starting a journey and changing your lifestyle , buying the right foods is one of the first important steps to managing your condition. So well done there. Everyone's entitled to a moan now and again. You haven't let anyone down, guilt is very destructive and really doesn't help you get better. Remember to be gentle with yourself.
Your being very hard on yourself and thats not helping. you had a slip but its not the end of the world.
I can absolutely get that you are cheesed off with everything at the moment and all the bad things seems to be happening at once.
The fact that your Son and daughter in law do want to go somewhere on holiday with you is the important thing and focus on that. It will pass, so try to focus on doing what you can for yourself now and enoying the small victories. Look forward to your holiday with the family. It takes courage to admit that there's something wrong and that you need help, that's huge step towards a better future. You'll have good days , enjoy them.
You are starting a journey and changing your lifestyle , buying the right foods is one of the first important steps to managing your condition. So well done there. Everyone's entitled to a moan now and again. You haven't let anyone down, guilt is very destructive and really doesn't help you get better. Remember to be gentle with yourself.
Hi Cuddles
I was diagnosed type 2 in 2006 and I'm still in denial, but your messages inspired me to join the forum. I'm 57 and also have many other health problems; I have suffered from severe depression and had a breakdown 3 years ago. I'm glad that you're seeing a psychologist in January and hope this will help you to cope with your depression. I had psychotherapy for over 2 years and although I still suffer from depression, I can cope with it now.
I love sewing and making things, and my low moods are much worse when I'm not being creative. What has helped me most is learning how to do patchwork and quilting. I wonder if a similar creative activity would give you inspiration and something to look forward to? (for me it also takes my mind off food and eating)
You may wonder how this relates to denial of your type 2 diabetes, but my more immediate concern for you is how you cope with your depression.
There's obviously huge support for us all on this forum, so keep writing, and don't feel you're alone.
I was diagnosed type 2 in 2006 and I'm still in denial, but your messages inspired me to join the forum. I'm 57 and also have many other health problems; I have suffered from severe depression and had a breakdown 3 years ago. I'm glad that you're seeing a psychologist in January and hope this will help you to cope with your depression. I had psychotherapy for over 2 years and although I still suffer from depression, I can cope with it now.
I love sewing and making things, and my low moods are much worse when I'm not being creative. What has helped me most is learning how to do patchwork and quilting. I wonder if a similar creative activity would give you inspiration and something to look forward to? (for me it also takes my mind off food and eating)
You may wonder how this relates to denial of your type 2 diabetes, but my more immediate concern for you is how you cope with your depression.
There's obviously huge support for us all on this forum, so keep writing, and don't feel you're alone.
Sid Bonkers
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 3,976
- Location
- S.E.London, N.W.Kent borders
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- Customer helplines that use recorded menus that promise to put me through to the right person but never do - and being ill. Oh, and did I mention customer helplines :)
Cuddles said:
Hi Cuddles and welcome to the forum.
When your fist diagnosed it all just seems overwhelming, all this new information to take in and the jargon! HbA1c, BG, meters, carbs etc etc.... We all felt just like you when we were first diagnosed, you are not a failure nor have you "let anyone down" so dont hate yourself, you are just diabetic thats all
and by making a few small changes you can start to get on top of things.I would suggest you go back to the top of this thread and re-read the first reply to your post from Daisy, read it carefully and then read it again and let it all sink in, theres a lot of information to take in at first but soon it will start to get clearer.
I dont want to hit you with loads more information so all I will add is that brown bread is no better in terms of how it affects your blood glucose (bg) levels than white bread it just has a little more fibre but the same amount of carbohydrates, wholegrain or multigrain bread is usually a little better but still many T2 diabetics struggle to deal with bread especially in the early months while trying to get their blood glucose (bg) levels under control. There is a bread called Burgen Soya and Linseed bread which many diabetics find is easier on the bg, you will find it at most supermarkets.
You can control your diabetes but it wont happen over night, the more you can learn about it the better you will be able to help yourself get it under control. And once again, everyone here felt just as scared and confused as you do right now when we were all first diagnosed.
This is a great forum and you will get all the support and help you need you just have to ask
