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Newly Diagnosed
Newly Diagnosed Type 2
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<blockquote data-quote="Buster_" data-source="post: 2447282" data-attributes="member: 527600"><p>These aren't stupid questions at all, they're exactly the sort of thing you need to know.</p><p></p><p>Let's get the most important one done first, you don't have to give up your monthly drink! In moderation, alcohol itself is not usually problematic for type 2's, you just need to be aware of the carbohydrates in differing drinks. Beer can cause unwelcome blood sugar spikes where as pure spirits and dry wines are much less problematic. So, if you choose wine or something like gin and (slimline) tonic you'll likely be fine.</p><p></p><p>The first medication usually offered to newly diagnosed type 2's is metformin. It's a safe and (mostly) well tolerated drug that acts on your liver to lower the glucose it drips into your bloodstream. It can cause a bit of stomach upset in some and give you the trots, so just be aware of that when you first start taking it.</p><p></p><p>You're right that the key to managing your condition is lowering carbohydrate intake. It's carbs that the body is super efficient at turning into sugar and firing into your bloodstream, so giving it very low amounts to work on reduces the effect of that mechanism. The amount of carbs your system can deal with will be unique to you, it's something you're going to need to learn about over coming months.</p><p></p><p>Some people (me included) cut out almost all carbohydrate, meaning no bread, rice, pasta, potatoes at all, and certainly no direct sugars like jam or honey or sweet deserts. Others find that just reducing intake with less frequent or smaller portions will have the desired effect.</p><p></p><p>You may find the advice from your nurse specialist or GP differs from this. It's a source of frustration here that official NHS dietary policy is so far behind the curve on this matter. Don't fret, you'll figure it all out and find what works for you.</p><p></p><p>Probably the most effective thing you can do is get a blood glucose meter and test strips. This will allow you to start taking readings through the day and around meals to see what your BS level is at that moment and learn which foods your body tolerates well, and which it doesn't.</p><p></p><p>Again, the NHS often tells newly diagnosed type 2's that home BS testing is not necessary, but many here have found the knowledge and insight a meter and regular testing provides has been invaluable in improving their condition.</p><p></p><p>Ask away with any more questions that occur to you, there are plenty here who will be happy to offer help and support. Good luck!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Buster_, post: 2447282, member: 527600"] These aren't stupid questions at all, they're exactly the sort of thing you need to know. Let's get the most important one done first, you don't have to give up your monthly drink! In moderation, alcohol itself is not usually problematic for type 2's, you just need to be aware of the carbohydrates in differing drinks. Beer can cause unwelcome blood sugar spikes where as pure spirits and dry wines are much less problematic. So, if you choose wine or something like gin and (slimline) tonic you'll likely be fine. The first medication usually offered to newly diagnosed type 2's is metformin. It's a safe and (mostly) well tolerated drug that acts on your liver to lower the glucose it drips into your bloodstream. It can cause a bit of stomach upset in some and give you the trots, so just be aware of that when you first start taking it. You're right that the key to managing your condition is lowering carbohydrate intake. It's carbs that the body is super efficient at turning into sugar and firing into your bloodstream, so giving it very low amounts to work on reduces the effect of that mechanism. The amount of carbs your system can deal with will be unique to you, it's something you're going to need to learn about over coming months. Some people (me included) cut out almost all carbohydrate, meaning no bread, rice, pasta, potatoes at all, and certainly no direct sugars like jam or honey or sweet deserts. Others find that just reducing intake with less frequent or smaller portions will have the desired effect. You may find the advice from your nurse specialist or GP differs from this. It's a source of frustration here that official NHS dietary policy is so far behind the curve on this matter. Don't fret, you'll figure it all out and find what works for you. Probably the most effective thing you can do is get a blood glucose meter and test strips. This will allow you to start taking readings through the day and around meals to see what your BS level is at that moment and learn which foods your body tolerates well, and which it doesn't. Again, the NHS often tells newly diagnosed type 2's that home BS testing is not necessary, but many here have found the knowledge and insight a meter and regular testing provides has been invaluable in improving their condition. Ask away with any more questions that occur to you, there are plenty here who will be happy to offer help and support. Good luck! [/QUOTE]
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