There's nothing worse .....

.... than someone being smug about their numbers but I've just been in for a review and am really pleased with where I have got to after 12 months (roughly) being diagnosed as T2. The very first set of blood tests that I had done showed an Hba1c of 88, total cholesterol of 4.9 (not too bad, really) and fasting blood/sugar of about 15 (I forget the exact number). These figures were a bit misleading, to be honest, because I'd been ill with a stomach bug/virus for several weeks and I have no doubt that they pushed up the Hba1c and fasting B/S, so probably didn't give an accurate picture.

Since then, my numbers have dropped steadily and at this morning's review, the numbers were: Hba1c: 30; total cholesterol: 3.0; and fasting B/S of 7.0 (I still seem to suffer from an early morning liver dump but it's not as bad as it was and clearly, from the Hba1c, it's not lasting very long). Liver, Kidney and Thyroid are all normal, as are protein levels in my wee (bordering on too much information, here ). The only fly in the ointment is that my BP is still higher than I would like. I am pretty sure that a lot of it is down to white coat syndrome, as when I take measurements at home they are just about OK (averaging about 130/85) but every time I get my pressure taken in the surgery it shoots up. Anyway, I'm going to take readings again for a few weeks, to see if the picture's still the same and then discuss it with the quack.

In the meantime, the Practice Diabetes Nurse has suggested that I halve my metformin dose, from 2 to 1 per day "and the Doctor may even suggest that you come off them altogether, when you see him". The Doc is new to the Practice but apparently has a particular interest in, and expertise in dealing with, Diabetes, and will probably want to know "how you've managed to get such good figures".

You will probably have guessed, by now, that the answer to that is the advice I have received on here, coupled with guidance from my previous GP, who was and is a personal friend. Whilst I've not been a lchf, I have significantly reduced my carbohydrate intake, continued to eat the same amount of fat as before (not massively excessive, but I've always liked a bit of cheese and a nice rump steak) and also continued to eat lots of green veg. I'm also exercising a lot more than I used to.

So - in response to the "How the Diabetes Forum has Helped" thread, my answer would be "quite a lot frankly". Over the years I have come to be quite wary of some online communities but others - of which this is one - are a source of excellent information, advice and mutual support. Thanks to each and every one of you on here, both the other posters and the guys (and gals ) who run it.

Right; that's quite enough smugness for one day ...............

Thanks all, I feel lucky as well as smug. I have been trying to eat better, and take exercise but I won't pretend t hat my life since diagnosis has been a non-stop torrent of austere self-denial and 24/7 gym-bunnying, because it hasn't. In fact, I am surprised at the progress I've made and how easy it has been to make it and I hope many more of you will have, or have had the same experience.