Hi I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 weeks ago, so I'm still trying to adapt. I'm wanting to ask for some advice.
Last week or so I've been feeling very unenthusiastic and have no energy, very tired and just feeling under the weather. I started metformin 2 weeks ago.. is it the diabetes doing this or is it the medication?
I suffer from depression and very bad anxiety, so I dont know if that is clashing with the diabetes.. any advice would be appreciated
Thank you
Gemma Harvey Xx
First thing's first: Your life is going to improve more than you now realise. Just let that sink in a moment.
Okay, so the diagnosis is a kick in the head, but now you know what the problem is: you can't process carbs, (all carbs, white, brown, straight sugars as well as starches), they impact your blood sugar levels. So... Cut the carbs, and feel better. Is it that easy? Almost. You'll feel it for a bit, most likely, and there's a chance your vision'll be blurry for a week or two, fatigue may be present for a while... But you'll get out at the other end feeling like a new person. The fatigue you're now experiencing could well be from the diabetes, but could also be a direct result of the diagnosis itself. When I was diagnosed my depression just about exploded. I just cried all day. With a life-altering diagnosis comes grief, and if there's a pre-existing mental condition, well... It gets ugly. I didn't think I'd be actually celebrating my diaversary three years later, but it is true: once you know what the problem is, you can do something about it. Sure made my life a whole lot better. So yeah, it was something to celebrate.
Some background here: I'm Jo, I have introverted borderline personality disorder, an anxiety disorder, and I'm clinically depressed. And that's just the mental stuff that's wrong with me. Now, get this:
High blood sugars impact your mood as well. That means that if you get your blood sugars under control,
you will start to feel better. Personally, I'll always be a nutcase, that's just the way I am, and it's not a bad thing per sé, really, as it makes me a rather colourful type, haha...
But I'm not about to walk out in front of a train anymore. That is how big the difference between high blood sugars and alright blood sugars can be. I don't have panic attacks as often, and when I do have them, they pass quicker than before. And the depression isn't this overwhelming gaping black hole in my chest anymore. I've still got it, but it doesn't cripple me like it used to.
Getting diagnosed will change your life, yes, but it can and will change your life for the better. You can do this.
Quick start guide here that might help:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog-entry/the-nutritional-thingy.2330/ Also, you might want to read Dr. Jason Fung's the Diabetes Code,
www.dietdoctor.com and this forum's website
www.diabetes.co.uk (NOT .org!). Take this bull by the horns.
You're going to be okay. This is your new beginning.
Jo
