Just diagnosed

Hi Dee and welcome, there is a wealth of information on this forum and from the internet in general.
Any questions just ask away, I'm sure one of the more experienced members will be able to answer any questions you have.
Do you have a meter and test?

Brekky said:

No I don't have a meter yet but the nurse said they don't usually give them out as people tend to go crazy using them all the time , I thought at the time that is daft as how am I going to know if the levels are coming down I was up to 22.5 yesterday .
Dee

Click to expand...

Ah!! The usual money saving excuse. Go out and buy yourself a meter. Or give one of the meter suppliers a ring. Bayer may send you out a free meter with 15/25 test strips. Just give them a ring and say their meter was recommended. http://www.bayerdiabetes.co.uk/sections ... r/overview

I use an Abbott Freestyle Freedom Lite, I bought it in Asda for £7, but it only comes with 10 test strips. http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/inspired-products

22.5 is not good, you should be monitoring before breakfast and before and 2 hours after each meal. Then you will know what foods put your BG levels up.
A lot of people who can't get strips from their GP buy test strips and lancets on Ebay. Just make sure you get the right strips for your meter. If you are not sure just ask here.
You can also buy strips direct from your meter supplier. I think someone said the Abbott test strips were £14 for 50 if you ring them.

Were you given any medication?

Hi Brekky,
Welcome to the forum.
As cocacola has said, you do need a meter and test strips to know what you should and shouldn't be eating. It is a bit of a postcode lettery as to whether your GP will provide them. Tell him that you want to be proactive in your management and need them.
Carbohydrates are what to look out for and testing will tell you whether you need to cut your portion size or eliminate them altogether. The main culprits are bread, rice, pasta, cereals, potatoes and some veggies and fruits. Everyone is different which means that you will have a different response to some other people. Some choose to cut these foods out altogether. Look at the labels on foods for sugar content as well. If you need help in knowing what and what not to drink then ask away.
Keep a food diary and test your response so that you know which ones are causing a spike.
It is quite difficult at first and the diagnosis is mind blowing for most people.
Take it slowly and ask all the questions that you need to.
Diabetes is mainly self management and we have to rely on ourselves with some input from our Dr. and Diabetes Specialist Nurse. You may be offered an appointment with a Dietitian.


Hope this helps,
Catherine.

hya and a very warm welcome to the forum

Hi Dee,

Welcome to the forum.

I was diagnosed on new years day so know exactly what you are going through right now.

I recommend you spend a lot of time here as it truly is a great place to learn all you need to know.

If you are used to using forums like these, but don't want to ask lots of questions in case someone else has asked similar before, just use the "search" button on the top right hand side of this page. It's a quick and easy way to gain fast answers to questions or queries you have.

Your GP's comment about people going made with BG meters made me smile. I was checking myself several times a day for the first 5 or 6 weeks, to see what foods made my BS go high. Now I barely check my bloods once or twice a week.

I wish you good luck on your "betes" journey, it is a lifestyle changing experience. Try and view it positively, as a wake up call if you like. From the changes I've made to my eating and drinking habits in this short space of time alone I feel 100% better than I did last year.

Hi dee;

Its always mind boggling initially; but as everyone on here will tell you, it all slots in to place.. I too am a cavalier owner (2 of) and as we both know, they are prone to gain weight !! So the easy way to remember it is; happy snacking, not too many sugary sweets and healthy eating all the way !! lol... My cavaliers have lost weight since my children have been diagnosed; Brittany like to take them out and burn off some of her sugar if its slighly high, so they are happy.. .

good luck and dont be afraid to ask anybody for any advice if your not sure ...

Sian

Go to your Doctors, see the Diabetic Nurse..they will provide you with the kit..and get a prescription for strips/lancets etc as well as a sharps bin.