Was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes Thursday 9th October, so its very new to me. I have been given Metaform tablets and that`s all. I have to go back in Month. I have no idea what I am supposed to do as regards eating. I am 65 and weigh in at 13st 5lb. I have no idea what has brought the diabetes on as I have been the same weight for years. There is nobody else in my family that has the condition. Any help would be appreciated.
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Hi Wosup,
Welcome to the forum, first of all! I'm sure you'll find lots of information, advice and support here.
You have what is known as a type 2 diabetes, which is essentially where you become insulin resistant, leading in time to elevated blood glucose levels. The metformin you were prescribed should help alieviate some of the symptoms.
Your health team should, following their own code of conduct, have given you advice on how to deal with your diabetes through dietary changes and exercise, so they have jumped the gun, although that isn't unusual it seems.
The biggest single thing you can do to lower your blood glucose levels is to reduce or eliminate the foods which raise them. Sugar, of course, is an obvious culprit and you will benefit hugely from avoiding it altogether. Starchy foods also have a big impact and cause large increases in blood glucose. These include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and anything made with refined flour. Some type 2's find that if they restrict these foods sufficiently they can control their bs without medication at all.
All the best, and keep in touch.
fergus
Welcome to the forum, first of all! I'm sure you'll find lots of information, advice and support here.
You have what is known as a type 2 diabetes, which is essentially where you become insulin resistant, leading in time to elevated blood glucose levels. The metformin you were prescribed should help alieviate some of the symptoms.
Your health team should, following their own code of conduct, have given you advice on how to deal with your diabetes through dietary changes and exercise, so they have jumped the gun, although that isn't unusual it seems.
The biggest single thing you can do to lower your blood glucose levels is to reduce or eliminate the foods which raise them. Sugar, of course, is an obvious culprit and you will benefit hugely from avoiding it altogether. Starchy foods also have a big impact and cause large increases in blood glucose. These include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and anything made with refined flour. Some type 2's find that if they restrict these foods sufficiently they can control their bs without medication at all.
All the best, and keep in touch.
fergus
I found reading the links of Diabetes.co.uk to answer the most pressing of my questions helped ... it's a difficult thing to try and come to terms with as to begin with I don't think you realise how complicated it can get - terms used etc. I went onto Metformin a month after initial diagnosis but mine was because I couldn't keep my eyes open I was so tired - we'd tried with the diet but the tiredness was a concern. The forum is brilliant - ask any question and there's always someone who can answer it. I'm quite impressed with you - I read the postings for weeks and weeks before deciding to join in.
Take care
Kazzie
Take care
Kazzie
Thanks friends, doing a lot of reading at the mo but find it all a bit strange. It seems that people have found out what works for them with trial and error. Although not worried that I will get through this ok, I think a certain amount of anger about it has crept in at the moment. Nice to know you are all here on the forum to give support and I thank you for that. Not sure my wife knows how to react at the moment.
hanadr
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I am a T2 diabetic married to a T1 diabetic, so I see it from point of view of both patient and partner.
Wives pretty well always feel responsible for the health of their husbands and the children. . Don't shut her out, that's the most hurtful and worrying thing.
She's probably the expert on meal planning, so get her to do it for you. The ideal diet for T2 diabetes, is low in sugars and starches, high in protein and green veggies. You say you are 65, so I'm assuming your wife is of the same generation. The low sugar and low starch diet is good for all older folks.
Wives pretty well always feel responsible for the health of their husbands and the children. . Don't shut her out, that's the most hurtful and worrying thing.
She's probably the expert on meal planning, so get her to do it for you. The ideal diet for T2 diabetes, is low in sugars and starches, high in protein and green veggies. You say you are 65, so I'm assuming your wife is of the same generation. The low sugar and low starch diet is good for all older folks.
Wosup hi!
one of my "problems" has been that my husband is a bit of a wuss with illness and health issues and though i maintain my mantra that this is a condition not an illness he has struggled more than me. this was noticeable when we had a week off together and he was feeling guilty having food that i was not and alcohol (though i recall the alcohol guilt was always more short lived :mrgreen: )
i think he is scared that i am not helping myself by not eating carbs as i has heard from the professionals how we need them to survive (like an alcoholic needs wine in my view), but i have suggested he reads my Bernstein and makes his own mind up. he has not yet lifted the weighty tome but it is there for him whenever.
anyway it is early days for me still and you, it takes some getting your head round, especially if you didn't go to see the doc about diabetes but got it anyhow
i would strongly recommend a good poke around the forum and make your own mind up, there is much help to be had if you want/seek it
good luck and keep us posted
jacqui
one of my "problems" has been that my husband is a bit of a wuss with illness and health issues and though i maintain my mantra that this is a condition not an illness he has struggled more than me. this was noticeable when we had a week off together and he was feeling guilty having food that i was not and alcohol (though i recall the alcohol guilt was always more short lived :mrgreen: )
i think he is scared that i am not helping myself by not eating carbs as i has heard from the professionals how we need them to survive (like an alcoholic needs wine in my view), but i have suggested he reads my Bernstein and makes his own mind up. he has not yet lifted the weighty tome but it is there for him whenever.
anyway it is early days for me still and you, it takes some getting your head round, especially if you didn't go to see the doc about diabetes but got it anyhow
i would strongly recommend a good poke around the forum and make your own mind up, there is much help to be had if you want/seek it
good luck and keep us posted
jacqui
Thanks all, will keep you all posted. I think what will help is my Blood Pressure and Cholesterol has been controlled for a long time and a plus is that I do not drink alcohol or smoke. At the moment confusion seems to rule. Going back to my Doctor in a month so will know more by then. 
Wosup,
I'm in the same boat as you, having been diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. My wife is treating the diabetes as a project to get us all to eat healthily, telling the children "look at your dad, don't let it happen to you" !
I've calmed down a bit now, but initially was angry with myself for eating and drinking **** for years and thus contributing to my own condition, and daunted by the realisation that this is for life....
Still, I think we're amongst friends here, and advice offered will be sound because they've all been through it before us.
Mostly, I feel/felt exactly as you do, so you're not alone.
Cheers,
John
I'm in the same boat as you, having been diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. My wife is treating the diabetes as a project to get us all to eat healthily, telling the children "look at your dad, don't let it happen to you"
!I've calmed down a bit now, but initially was angry with myself for eating and drinking **** for years and thus contributing to my own condition, and daunted by the realisation that this is for life....
Still, I think we're amongst friends here, and advice offered will be sound because they've all been through it before us.
Mostly, I feel/felt exactly as you do, so you're not alone.
Cheers,
John
Dennis
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Hi Wosup,
We did the Nile cruise in March this year - a fabulous holiday, especially seeing the temples of the pharoes in the Valley of the Kings. But one thing you will need to learn off by heart is the phrase "laa shakran" (no thank you). You will find yourself using this at least twice a minute the moment you set foot off the boat!
We did the Nile cruise in March this year - a fabulous holiday, especially seeing the temples of the pharoes in the Valley of the Kings. But one thing you will need to learn off by heart is the phrase "laa shakran" (no thank you). You will find yourself using this at least twice a minute the moment you set foot off the boat!
