Newly diagnosed but determined to learn more.

Welcome to the forum. You will get lots of help and support here.

First fingerprick. Don't prick the pad of your finger, that's where the nerves are. Prick the side of the finger, near to the nail.

There is a link in my signature, have a read, it's really helpful.

Download the mysugr app to record your food and readings, it is really helpful.

Read around the forum and ask questions.

If you are an ordinary type two then by reducing the amount of carbohydrate you eat you can usually see your blood glucose levels drop to normal, and after that it is all plain sailing.
I have always been glucose intolerant, but never had a positive urine test, so it is not very useful to some people.
Sugars are carbohydrates, so it doesn't really matter if you decide to eat a potato with your dinner or have strawberries and cream for dessert - though I know which I would chose.

Hi welcome, some meters allow for alternate sites, my abbot freestyle lite shows a bunch. I usually prick around side of my finger, I’m a guitar player so I’m limited to one hand

I was diagnosed by 2 similar HbA1c results to yours, and started cutting out high sugar foods immediately, then did the same with starchy carbs when I understood that both were "culprits", and my glucose levels came down to pre-diabetic within a couple of months of diagnosis. At the time I didn't have a meter to assist me, so I reckon if you're testing and adjusting your carbs according to what those test results tell you, you should hopefully manage without needing any medications. If you're using a Libre sensor, IMO that'd even better as you can see exactly whats going on with diet and glucose levels 24/7. I was prescribed metformin, but I actually believe now that it was mainly the immediate reduction in carbs that did the job. You can try asking to be given a few months to work on reducing your levels by diet alone if you'd prefer to go that route.

Have a look at the online shop and make yourself a shopping list, and stick to it. Far less painful.

Hello and welcome,

Getting a meter is the absolute best thing you can do. With the one you are getting you will have access to a lot of helpful information. I think giving yourself time to try without medication is worthwhile if your doctor agrees. I am only on metformin but by going low carbs I reduced my blood sugar levels.

The link from @JoKalsbeek is great!- it answers so many questions.

Good luck and welcome.

Make sure you get some action taken over the 'too much iron' you mentioned. My cousin is one of those who have haemochromatosis, where the body stores too much iron and those diagnosed need treatment to prevent organ damage. The pancreas is one of the organs at risk. It sounds as if your doctor is sending you for a second blood test before taking further action. I would go for the second test as soon as possible.

Strawberrysue said:

Hi, I have been told my recent full blood test has shown I'm diabetic and that I need to repeat the renal test.
I suspected I might have diabetes and had been monitoring my urine with colour sticks weekly but they show normal results.
I am thin skinned and after a finger prick remain tender for days, so the first thing I've done is order the gadget you wear on your arm so I can monitor my readings
I believe stopping the two hours of exercise classes since lock down is what's tipped me over the edge so for now I'm going to follow some video workouts and follow a low carb low sugar diet.
I haven't talked with the GP yet but I prefer to try and improve things without drugs or will I need medication too, the test reading was hba1c 60.
Any advice much appreciated, I'm ignorant regarding diabetes I'm afraid.

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People've already mentioned my Nutritional Thingy, but if you're on the app you might not see it in their signatures (those don't show up in the app), so to be on the safe side: https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html

Also, far as I know the only proper way to get rid of "way too much iron" is signing up for blood donations. I know it's what I should do (my ferritin is too high), but with corona and slightly increasing xenophobia I haven't seen my way to signing up again. (I used to be anemic, ironically enough, so they couldn't use me anymore.).

Learn, take care of yourself, and you'll see this thing beat!
Jo

Edited to add: Not xenophobia, agoraphobia! Sheesh, what a difference!!!!!