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Newly Diagnosed (Scotland) and Overwhelmed :-(

R

ReillyGenX

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello
I’ve just had a HbA1c test result of 49 and received a letter from my doctor saying I’m in the Diabetic range. If, after repeating the test in 3 months time it hasn’t come down, I’m told Metaformin needs to be considered.
Although my readings have been in the pre-diabetic range for some time, this has still been a devastating development.
I have known for quite a while that I’m high risk due to a diagnosis of PCOS in my early 30s and NAFLD about 10 years ago. I have a long history of Binge Eating Disorder (B.E.D) which has led to me being obese for a very long time, especially the last 20 years (I’m now 51).
Because I have not been in recovery from B.E.D. for very long, despite my own diet and exercise efforts, the formal Weight Management Service hasn’t been appropriate.
After my PCOS and NAFLD diagnoses, I was left to my own devices. Two years ago I had to start taking medication for high blood pressure.
Because I’m gainfully employed, I’m not eligible for ‘exercise on prescription’ type help, and despite now asking for a referral to Weight Management Service, the waiting list is so long, I can’t even get an indication of when I might get seen.
I’ve been spending a fortune on Personal Trainers and now also paying for a Nutritionist, but I work for a charity and this is costing me about 20% of my income.
I’m educated, well-informed and motivated to help myself - but I’m so overwhelmed right now.
I feel lost and although I know if I can follow a low-carb diet and continue with my exercising I may be able to tackle this, not having any support is awful.
Extreme dieting is likely to backfire and trigger my E.D. but I have to do something very urgently.
I don’t want to be diabetic.
I watched two of my uncles die slowly from it and its complications. My husband’s Mum was the same.
Where should I start?
Thanks for being here
R (51, Female)
 
Hi @ReillyGenX and welcome to the forum.
It's far too soon to be overly concerned about T2 complications - they usually take years or even decades to develop. Also you are only just in the diabetic range of HbA1C, so you shouldn't need to make huge changes. Low carb not only reverses T2 Diabetes (at least if you keep doing it), but it also reverses NAFLD, PCOS and high Blood pressure along with some forms of depression.

If you are obese, then it's likely all you need is to reduce carbohydrates and that will make you feel better and the rest will follow from that. Lower BG can lead to more energy as well as better mood, motivation, weight loss and lower BP. All these good things tend to re-enforce each other.

Good threads to read are 'What have you eaten (in your case the Type2 one, not the Type 1. Also read success stories and testimonials.

Here's a link to the blog post by a member which started me on the right path to T2 remission (in remission for over 3 yrs now) - no drugs, no need for anything apart from the fellowship of other forum members:

The Nutritional Thingy

There’s a few things you should know. 1. Practically all carbs turn to glucose once ingested , so not just straight sugars, but starches...
josekalsbeek.blogspot.com
 
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I have an ED history too. AN in my case. In remission, more or less, for decades, but my relationship with food remained basically haywire until metabolic health concerns finally led me to forget about calories, lower carbs and concentrate on proper nutrition for the first time ever. It has been life-changing and for the first time in my adult life I have a relaxed and healthy relationship with my body and how I fuel it. I’m miles healthier too. Honestly, learning to see food as fuel and learning to love how being well- nourished makes us feel can be just what the doctor ordered for people like us.
 

Thank you for this - it’s really helpful and I’m feeling more positive. R
 
I completely understand your overwhelm, don't try to tackle everything at once start with just looking to lower your carbs/sugars by reading packaging and trying to swap certain things for lower carb/low sugar alternatives. And make sure you're not making yourself miserable because that can trigger unhealthy habits.

I also have PCOS and a history of disordered eating, I'm also overweight and autistic/adhd so sometimes struggle with needing to eat the foods I shouldn't for the dopamine hit. Don't focus on weight though, health is important and it's important to understand that weight is often a symptom, tackling the core issues might reduce some weight. And if not then it is possible to be fat and healthy It's a lot to process and these changes aren't easy so be kind to yourself! As someone said it takes time to develop complications and any changes you make will help reduce the risk of ever having to worry about that. My initial blood result was a ridiculous 109 and so far I am physically fine so try not to fret about all that.

On a side note I don't know if you have signs of insulin resistance (i have dark skin patches and skin tags for example) as I've had since I was very young, but eating low carb low sugar I have lost most of that discolouration and skin tags so putting everything else aside for me it's worth it just for that!

Oh and I'm also in Scotland! I wish you all the best
 

Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful reply. Yes, I believe I have insulin resistance and am heading for, if not already in the zone of Metabolic Syndrome.
I was fortunate enough (after almost a decade of diagnosis!) to get some Outpatient help from an Eating Disorder therapist about 5 years ago, and I totally understand what you say about needing to address all the many underlying issues and reasons that lead me to use food as a coping mechanism/comfort.
On a positive note, I’m also lucky to have already experimented with (moderate) Low Carb eating before and I know it seems to suit me. It’s a matter of focus and forward planning to make that work, and walking the tightrope of avoiding Disordered Eating. Being gentle and kind to myself is key.
It’s also good that as part of my exercise plan, I do weight training and swimming, which are both resistance exercises (as well as cardio) and I know these are helpful for moderating blood sugar.
Thanks again to taking the time to offer support!
R
 
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