Hi everyone, My name is Carole and I have just received a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes so at this stage I have no idea what I should or what to expect so I'm looking to make some new friends here where I can ask questions and share what I'm thinking and what I'm going through, I will probably ask some stupid questions but that's me all over.
Thank you
- Thread starter caroleuk
- Start Date
- Messages
- 1,562
- Type of diabetes
- Other
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hi and welcome to the forum @caroleuk. You have made a great first step by joining this forum. Lots of members have been where you are now. Please feel free to browse through the forums. Ask as many questions as you like.
If you feel like sharing may I ask what your HbA1c numbers were like at diagnosis.
If you feel like sharing may I ask what your HbA1c numbers were like at diagnosis.
JoKalsbeek
Expert
- Messages
- 6,595
- Type of diabetes
- I reversed my Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Good morning, Carole,
Sorry about the diagnosis, but you're in a good spot to learn how to deal with it all... The only stupid question is the one not asked, so knock yourself out. Hopefully we can help!
Jo
I haven't been given any numbers just yet as I only had a phone consultation, I was told that I had type 2 and that I had been borderline for some time and that my last bloods showed that I was over? He also said that my potassium levels were high (I don't know if that has any relevance here?)
I have an appointment booked for next week which I think is with the practice nurse so I'm hoping to find out more then.
Thank you Jo I have loads to ask at the moment but I will get my appointment with the practice nurse over with first. I'm only type 2 at the moment so I know that it's not that bad but My biggest worry is that sister had type 1 and she didn't do too well, she later passed away with dementia.
On top of that I just love chocolate, Ice cream, well almost everything with sugar in it LoL
- Messages
- 2,375
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Hello and welcome @caroleuk
I agree with previous posters- no such thing as a stupid question- the best way to learn is by asking questions. It will probably feel like there's a lot to learn but be comforted by the fact that you have found the best resource for learning things and for support. Read around and ask questions.
If you haven't already I highly recommend that you get a meter. It is the tool that will give you the information you need to make the right decisions for your health.
Good luck and welcome
JoKalsbeek
Expert
- Messages
- 6,595
- Type of diabetes
- I reversed my Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Good morning,
Personally, I'd ask whatever I could before seeing the nurse. Sometimes it helps to know what to ask them, after all, and if the terminology is new, you might spend more time on explanations than on making a plan of action to get your blood glucose back in line. I had my new GP on the phone the other day, and she kept vaguely referring to a HbA1c without actually mentioning the name, like I'd never heard the term, and she went about very convoluted ways to explain a test I've been having done for the past 9 years...! "Your average of three months of blood glucose was beautiful" -no, it wasn't, it was back in the prediabetic range due to certain other conditions temporarily driving my numbers up a little- "so we're not testing that again for now." (The heck we're not... She might not be, but I certainly will, before my appointment with the nurse in May! I'll wear a monitor before that time for two weeks, and have my estimated numbers ready.
). It was a very long call where she was very gentle and nice and very, very slow to get to the point... It could've been a lot quicker if she'd not explained everything to me like I hadn't been a diabetic for almost a decade now. Just like she didn't mention the blood pressure medication she wanted to put me on. From the dosage she mentioned I could suss out myself she wanted me to try Candesartan (and it was). But the whole conversation could've lasted two minutes, rather than ten... Just to illustate my point: your time with the nurse is limited. If you have to start from scratch, there's a lot of explaining headed your way, and afterwards you'll end up with more questions, and no more time to ask them. Just make sure you get a print of all your blood test results; they can tell you something is fine or not so fine, which is generally okay but not very specific, and you'll want numbers. That'll help you see where you're starting from, and it'll be one heck of a morale booster when you see your numbers and health improve. "I'm only type 2 at the moment", not entirely sure how to read that? Type 2 means you have a whole lot of insulin going around, but your body can't use it; because there's such an abundance of it, you become insensitive. Thus the high blood sugars. With Type 1, it is a matter of the immune system attacking the pancreas and damaging the bèta cells that make insulin, so there's not enough of it. Hence, high blood sugars. Everyone's usually assumed T2 unless there is reason to test for T1, like people in the family who have it, sudden diabetic keto-acidosis or being unable to gain blood glucose control with oral meds, etc etc. Either way, blood sugars are high and need looking after so they don't cause complications. It's just the methods that can vary, as the causes are different. With T2, you can opt for medication, a dietary change or a combination of both. With T1, there's mainly insulin and maybe supportive meds, and if difficult to control, a lower carb diet can make a bit of a difference, but insulin injections are unavoidable, unlike for T2.
I'm sorry you lost your sister, but I do hope you'll be able to get a grip on your diabetes, whatever type, so you won't have to go through what she went through. Being very involved with your diabetes treatment can help with that. Also, try a Lindt 85% or higher chocolate bar. Not all in one go, but just a square or two a day... They're very strong so you won't crave much more anyway, and might take some getting used to if you are accustomed to large amounts of sugar (I know it took me a few months, but my palate changed and I can't stand actual sugary chocolate now!), but I'm up to 100%, and they don't mess with my blood glucose at all. If it's too bitter for you, try it with a mouth full of heavy cream or some pecans or walnuts.
And I hear Oppo ice cream is low in carbs, but I never tried that one, due to milk issues. But who knows... It might make the future look a little less glum for you. Hang in there eh.
Jo
