Hello There - really confused about all of the info on websites relating to pre diabetes, having just been diagnosed. I was offered a programme by my doctor, however as I was unable to make contact with the managers of the programme due to overseas travel(work related) they kicked me off the programme. Despite several attempts to get back on seen as someone not interested in my health which is totally the opposite - anyone got any could advise on next steps with pre diabetes
Pre Diabetes
- Thread starter Neil40381
- Start Date
Down-Jai 001
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 350
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Alison Campbell
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,443
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hi welcome to the forum.
There are loads of pre d's here so I'm sure we can answer any questions you might have.
I going to start by tagging @daisy1 for her new member post which was so helpful to me when first diagnosed.
To get the best answers to any questions you have, it helps to explain if you are on any medications, have any other health conditions and your HBA1C if you know it.
There is also a section for prediabetes on this forum here: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/prediabetes.40/
There are loads of pre d's here so I'm sure we can answer any questions you might have.
I going to start by tagging @daisy1 for her new member post which was so helpful to me when first diagnosed.
To get the best answers to any questions you have, it helps to explain if you are on any medications, have any other health conditions and your HBA1C if you know it.
There is also a section for prediabetes on this forum here: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/prediabetes.40/
daisy1
Legend
- Messages
- 26,457
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Cruelty towards animals.
@Neil40381
Hello Neil and welcome to the Forum
Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it both interesting and useful. Ask as many questions as you like and someone will be able to help.
BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS
Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.
A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.
On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.
The role of carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.
If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.
The bad news
Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.
The good news
People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.
Controlling your carbs
The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.
The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.
Choosing better carbohydrates
The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.
Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.
Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.
Eating what works for you
Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.
To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.
The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:
Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.
You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.
Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.
Hello Neil and welcome to the Forum
Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it both interesting and useful. Ask as many questions as you like and someone will be able to help.BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS
Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.
A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.
On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.
The role of carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.
If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.
The bad news
Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.
The good news
People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.
Controlling your carbs
The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
- Reduce your carbohydrate intake
- Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.
The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.
Choosing better carbohydrates
The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.
Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.
Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.
Eating what works for you
Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.
To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.
The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:
Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
- Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
- structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
- self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education
Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.
You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.
Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.
- Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
- Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
Guzzler
Master
- Messages
- 10,577
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- Poor grammar, bullying and drunks.
Hello and welcome to the forum. You must have been left feeling a bit lost when you could not access the educational course for pre Diabetes but members here will guide and support you in your efforts to improve your health and well being. I have learned more here than any course could have possibly taught me no matter how long that course was. Grab a cuppa and wander the forum and ask as many questions as you like.
Alexandra100
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 3,742
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hello Neil, I am a pre-pre-diabetic with an A1c of 41 (42 is the start of the pre-diabetic range in the UK). Like you I am not getting any official help, but I have learned a lot here and found lots of good company too. Like you, too, I am very interested in my health and alongside getting suggestions here I have found it very helpful to read Jenny Ruhl's book "Your Diabetes Questions Answered". When I found out I had a problem with my blood glucose I took out all the books on diabetes in my local library system, but this is the only one I have kept on extended loan. JR is over 70 and has coped successfully with T2 diabetes for many years without developing serious complications. Her approach is very human and non-fanatical. She even has a chapter on how to get the best out of your GP, and on how to evaluate diabetes gurus you may come across. Good luck!
gardengnome42
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 212
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- diabetes and dieting
As a fairly newly diagnosed pre diabetic myself I'm curious what the programme was that you were offered. If it was anything like the appointment with the nurse [which I'm sure it wasn't] that I had then you probably missed nothing. I was merely shown the wall chart of the 'eatwell plate' which I'm afraid I told her I thought was rubbish and it was irresponsible of the NHS to be pushing at patients. All that carbohydrate - oh dear.
I'm trying to work myself into the right frame of mind to start 'the 8 week blood sugar diet' although I don't have too much weight to lose. I hope it will lower my HbA1c the next time it is taken.
Hello there - thanks for your reply - the programme was set up by the doctor so to be fair something was done - it was a 12 week programme once a week attendance was required. Unfortunately I was overseas and the invite and reminders came in and when I finally got around to calling they said I could not now attend as I had ignored letters and it would be referred back to GP - this was over 8 weeks ago and despite chasing no response . I don’t go to the DR’s often and lucky to say it’s been 10 years and the only reason I got went was over an ear infection and they tested my BP etc . The initial healthcare was excellent and living in a city further tests were done so no complaints there !! However when I did receive details of the programme and listening to others it did feel that I could get same information from internet and I did not like the idea of all of the games they played , group chats on how much you eat etc etc . So I am looking at taking it into my own hands to reduce any further risk hence why I came to the forum.
Hi There - thanks for this and your suggestion of the book is a useful one - like you I have looked at some books and if I am honest they are not worth reading at all and so much of it is obvious. As I travel significantly and my job requires a lot of socialising I know my limitations and have put breaks on this. I am back at gym and have now really started to focus on lowering carb intake and sweet things ( a weakness especially after a few beers). My brother who does not live in the same country as me now was diagnosed with Type 2 last year and my uncle and grandmother had it too so I am guessing their is a genetic challenge here too but I am determined to stop developing type 2 - good luck with your journey too and wish you all the luck - I will update you on progress and please if you can share yours.
Thank you - have now looked useful information - thanks for the tip - appreciated
@Neil40381
Hello Neil and welcome to the Forum
BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS
Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.
A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.
On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.
The role of carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.
If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.
The bad news
Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.
The good news
People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.
Controlling your carbs
The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
Reduce your carbohydrates
- Reduce your carbohydrate intake
- Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.
The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.
Choosing better carbohydrates
The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.
Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.
Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.
Eating what works for you
Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.
To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.
The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:
Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.
- Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
- structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
- self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education
Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.
You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.
Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.
- Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
- Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
Hi Daisy - thanks for this - this is really useful information and I have taken note - determined to halt progression into Type 2 as much as possible. It does run in the family so I think an additional challenge but let’s see - thanks again !
Hi there - sorry I did not answer you question fully. I was diagnosed with borderline high pressure and high cholesterol too as we as been pre diabetic - all came at once ! The only medication I take is for the blood pressure - daily tablets of 5mg - I have taken these since September and I am pressing for an appointment to check if alternatives as I really don’t like the whole drug thing !! In terms of cholesterol no advice and of course I have given the diabetic update !!! I am approx 79kg and weigh should be around 73kg - I love a beer and a few wines and eating out so I am guessing this does not help but aware lifestyle needs to change and happy to do this ( I do go to gym)
Jo123
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 718
Hi Neil, I was diagnosed as pre diabetic about 8 years ago when I had a normal bmi and got loads of exercise.
I bought a blood glucose meter tested before and 2 hours after eating and never eat anything which raised my above 2 points. It turned out these were high carb foods. I don't eat high fat, I eat moderate 'healthy' fat. My next hba1c was normal and still is.
If I were you I would get a meter and test, if your bmi is 25 or over them lose weight, and lastly exercise if you don't already.
What motivated me if I felt like cheating was seeing a TV programme about diabetes saying that excess sugar in the blood was like shards of glass in your arteries damaging them constantly giving you heart disease and damaging your nerves. I found this really helpful, I imagined the shards of glass of I craved something.
I bought a blood glucose meter tested before and 2 hours after eating and never eat anything which raised my above 2 points. It turned out these were high carb foods. I don't eat high fat, I eat moderate 'healthy' fat. My next hba1c was normal and still is.
If I were you I would get a meter and test, if your bmi is 25 or over them lose weight, and lastly exercise if you don't already.
What motivated me if I felt like cheating was seeing a TV programme about diabetes saying that excess sugar in the blood was like shards of glass in your arteries damaging them constantly giving you heart disease and damaging your nerves. I found this really helpful, I imagined the shards of glass of I craved something.
Jo123
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 718
No worries!
I love the analogy too, it so works for me.
Occasionally I have strayed, normally under the influence of a lot of red wine, which helps keep liver busy therefore keeping the blood sugar down!
I think we're both lucky being caught at pre diabetic level which (hopefully) gives the pancreas an opportunity to recover if we watch what we eat.
gardengnome42
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 212
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- diabetes and dieting
Gabrielle_Tai
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 185
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
