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kgreen

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3
Hi

I have just been diagnosed last week with type 2 diabetes. I shouldn't be surprised as I have a family history on my mother's side but I was a bit shocked as I was'nt expecting this at 52.

I have been feeling unwell since December and have been having recurrent chest infections and sore throats (x 4) I have had 3 different antibotics and just completed my last one last Thursday. I have been extremely tired all the time and have no energy. Also I am being treated for fungal infection on my toes. Following a series of blood tests and investigations - x 2 fasting glucose at 7.2 & 6.9, HbA1c 52. My total cholesterol was 7 and I had a blood pressure of 146/96. I was started on metformin 500mg x 1 (to increase to 2 tabs next week) and atrovastatin 10mg. My BP is being monitored. My weight is 76kg which is heavy for my 5ft height.

I have always tried to follow a healthy diet and don't have sweet foods/chocolate on a daily basis although i do have a sweet tooth so I have focused on having low fat low calorie food when looking at food labels. I need to now focus on the carbs/sugars but what is the recommended daily carb intake? In the last 4 years my weight ahs steadily increased and I have put this down to the menopause though to be honest I have hardly suffered with symptoms.

One of my concerns is the recurrent chest infections and in particular sore throats which seem to be recurring on a weekly basis. I also have a dry mouth which I am not sure is due to my chest infection/minor sore throats or is this me having increased thirst as thats why I am drinking more to ease my dry mouth!!! I have only started metformin and change in diet since Thursday and my blood sugars are now running between 5.4-6.6. Also I am still extremely tired and just don't feel well. How long before I will start to feel well again.

So sorry for long post but it is getting me down as I feel like my quality of life has gone and keep asking is this it - feeling old and frumpy etc etc.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

regards

Karen
 
Hi. A few points. Any body infection will tend to cause blood sugar to rise during the infection so be aware of this. A diabetics needs to focus on having a low-carb diet rather than low-fat. This will help you lose weight. This means low-GI carbs when you do have them and sensibly small portion sizes. Metformin should help reduce blood sugar within a few days, but it will only reduce sugars by 1 - 2mmol even at full dose as diet is the most important thing to concentrate on. With regard to carb daily intake I personally try to keep below 150gm/day. Some people go much lower. Set a target that does make your weight gradually reduce.
 
Hi

Thank you for your advise - your right about the portion size as that has always been my problem. From my recent reading on diabetes I realise that it is the carbs that I need to be aware of. I have so much to learn so I will keep on perusing.
 
Hi & welcome! I'm new too although 2 months feels like 2 years, you need to read read then read in my opinion, everyone here has been where you are to varying degrees and can give you amazing amounts of help, everything you want and need to do is achievable, it's hard work but life goes on and it's not all doom and gloom, I have days when I think diabetes has actually improved my life (weird as that sounds) but other days too, remember if you say you can or say you can't, you are right, good luck :)
 
Hi and thank you - I am reading its a bit addictive as I am searching and looking for reassurance that it is the diabetes that is causing me to feel so unwell and the reason for my recurrent infections but also how long it will take before I start to feel better
 
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