Hi I’ve been diagnosed this week and my Hba1c 126 - they said it’s sky high and want to run more tests to see if I’m 2 or 1
They’ve started me on metformin 500mg three times a day. I’m obviously sorting my diet out which did consist of a fair amount of carbs - any advice would be appreciated .. thanks Paul
Good morning,
@Paulcambs ,
I know, it's scary... And right now it feels like you've lost grip on just about everything. It's a good thing you're being checked for type, as most of us are just guessed. Tests are expensive and many adults just get a T2 label until it turns out it was a misdiagnosis and a different type applies. Might as well get that bit out of the way right now, and know what you're up against.
So for the moment, it's mainly a waiting game.
@Art Of Flowers is right though, you could just get started on lowering your carb intake, that shouldn't affect the results of the typing tests.
https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html is geared to T2's and prediabetics, but for as long as you're on nothing other than metformin, low carbing should get your blood sugars down some, without risk of hypo's. If you're a Type 1, or a variant thereof, it's a whole different ballgame and you'll get help with insulin and all that. But that's for later. For now: Diabetes is often quite manageable. It's a steep learning curve, but it's not the doom and gloom it used to be, especially when you're doing research and educating yourself on treatment. With the NHS it's a bit of a mixed bag, it seems, as some diabetes nurses and specialists are quite up-to-date on low carb diets as a treatment, others still push the EatWell plate, which isn't very good for us... So while you're waiting in limbo for a T1 or T2 verdict, just read up, start testing around your meals, and learn what your body responds well to, and not so well. (Indeed, test before a meal and 2 hours after the first bite, with no more and preferably less than a 2.0 mmol/l rise between those numbers).
You're going to be fine. Doesn't feel like it right now, but... With a HbA1c of 126, I'm fairly sure you were feeling worn down all the time, possibly moodswingy, maybe other symptoms like yeast infections, wounds that don't heal...? Up all hours of the night to pee? Now you know what the problem is, and you're about to do something to remedy it, well... Odds are you're going to feel a whole lot better before winter comes.
It's scary, but you're just embarking on a journey to better health and quality/quantity of life. Hang in there, and have some hope.
Hugs,
Jo