Thoughts on new diagnosis

Mousey123

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I was diagnosed with diabetes at the end of September. I had gone to the GP due to a loss of sensation in my feet, which, combined with excessive thirst and unexplained weight loss made me think diabetes, which turned out to be correct. My HbA1c was 128. I was given Metformin and was immediately referred to the diabetes clinic at the hospital and put on insulin to get my numbers down as quickly as possible. Since starting the insulin on 3rd October (and drastically changing my diet) my blood glucose has dropped from 21 to around 10. I'm still struggling to get down into single figures consistently, but they did warn me it could take a couple of months to achieve this so it feels like I'm still on the right track. I get a lot of headaches, and am told that it's just my body adjusting to the sudden change in blood sugar. Other than that I feel GREAT. I had no idea just how bad I was actually feeling. Without wishing to talk too much about my private life, the previous 18 months had been hellish, with bereavements and my husband being diagnosed with a progressive disabling condition. I was under a huge amount of stress, and ended up having to take two months off work when it all became too much. I was eating appallingly, many crisps, chocolate and takeaways, thinking I was "treating" myself. As it turned out, I was making myself much much worse. But I had come to feel that permanent exhaustion and brain fog were just my normal, and it turns out that was not the case. With my sugars nearly down to a normal range I feel brighter and more energetic than I have in years. I am 47 years old - note to self, feeling exhausted all the time is not normal for this age!

I can understand the guilt that some people have mentioned about bringing this condition on yourself. I have always been a bit overweight and until fairly recently had quite a sedentary lifestyle. I've never been great at eating sensibly, and I hate most sports and forms of exercise. However since adopting a dog during lockdown (and now my husband is too disabled to walk her) I walk for at least an hour every day, which also helped me to lose weight initially. Until recently I also had an allotment (no time for it now unfortunately) which was great for exercising the muscles and growing lots of nice healthy fruit and veg. I do think my poor diet and lack of exercise probably didn't help, but I have also read that chronic stress can be a factor in diabetes, and I've certainly had that in spades. Also my dad has T2 so it's in the family. I have chosen not to beat myself up about it - I have the condition and now I have to manage it. I have to stay healthy to care for my husband, so I've got no excuses.

I am still at very early stages - they haven't even 100% confirmed that I'm T2, although that is the assumption. I have a call with the diabetes nurse next week and should hopefully get the other blood test results which should confirm. My body is still producing insulin. I have an atrophic pancreas (found during tests for something else some years ago) which muddied the waters somewhat. With this ambiguity it has been tricky to know what is best to do with my diet. I have cut out pretty much all sugar apart from fruit and been cutting down on carbs on the assumption that I'm type 2. Unfortunately I'm really struggling with the Metformin. I can tolerate one with breakfast in the morning but whenever I try to increase the dose it just messes with my guts (I'm sure you know what I mean). I've not been able to get past 3 days without giving up and going back down to one per day. I'm hoping there is an alternative. The nurse suggested to give it a week and see if it settles down but I can't go that long, I need to be able to stray further than a few metres from a loo - I have a dog to walk and a disabled husband to care for, as well as a full time job! The Metformin I am taking in the morning seems to be having an effect, because my sugars are always higher in the morning than in the evening.

I'm not sure just what the point of this post is, just that it's pretty overwhelming at the beginning, especially with regards to figuring out what to eat etc. I would love to know if I will have to be on the insulin long term or if I will be able to manage it with diet, exercise and medication. But I will discuss that with the nurse next week. I guess it depends on a lot of things and will take time to figure out. Weirdly, I'm not really too upset about the diagnosis. It explains a lot and it can be managed. I may never get full sensation back in my feet but the nurse was pretty happy with the sensation I do have so it shouldn't really cause any issues hopefully. I've got my first eye screening coming up - fortunately I live just across the road from the eye unit so I can walk there which is handy! I haven't noticed any changes in my vision so fingers crossed.

I have already read a lot of very useful information on the forum so I will definitely check in regularly if I have any questions, which I'm sure there will be many.

Look after yourselves and be well x
 

MrsA2

Expert
Messages
6,242
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I'm only an amateur who learnt everything from here (and various links) but I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up being diagnosed T1 but in a way its irrelevant . Neither T1 nor T2 is brought upon yourself. The first is autoimmune and just happens. The second has weight gain as a symptom, not a cause. It's more likely some combination of genetics/metabolic dysfunction/Western style food that causes it.
I say this just so that in the midst of everything else you have going on you don't have to have any guilt.
I'm sure you'll get lots of help and support.
Just breathe, time will help
 

Pipp

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
11,018
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Just want to welcome you, @Mousey123 .
I see you have already been reading the forums. That is a good start.
Regarding Metformin, you could ask your doctor or nurse to change the prescription to a slow release version. That is less likely to cause the gastric problems.

You are doing well, with the reduction and management of your blood glucose levels. When you get more clarity on the type of diabetes you have members will be able to target specific advice from their own experiences. In the meantime, keep reading, and keep in touch. Most importantly, come back for support and info as you see the need. You have a lot to contend with, so look after yourself , too. Oh and dump the guilt. None of this is your fault.
 

Outlier

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,865
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
@Mousey123 you are doing BRILLIANTLY! You have come a long way in a short time, and are showing beyond doubt that you have the will and the ability to help your body adjust to your new lifestyle. Please do stay with us, ask things, share things, but above all never ever think this is your "fault" - it is an illness, and for all every one of us here would rather it hasn't happened, it is manageable.

Welcome.
 
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JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
6,258
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I was diagnosed with diabetes at the end of September. I had gone to the GP due to a loss of sensation in my feet, which, combined with excessive thirst and unexplained weight loss made me think diabetes, which turned out to be correct. My HbA1c was 128. I was given Metformin and was immediately referred to the diabetes clinic at the hospital and put on insulin to get my numbers down as quickly as possible. Since starting the insulin on 3rd October (and drastically changing my diet) my blood glucose has dropped from 21 to around 10. I'm still struggling to get down into single figures consistently, but they did warn me it could take a couple of months to achieve this so it feels like I'm still on the right track. I get a lot of headaches, and am told that it's just my body adjusting to the sudden change in blood sugar. Other than that I feel GREAT. I had no idea just how bad I was actually feeling. Without wishing to talk too much about my private life, the previous 18 months had been hellish, with bereavements and my husband being diagnosed with a progressive disabling condition. I was under a huge amount of stress, and ended up having to take two months off work when it all became too much. I was eating appallingly, many crisps, chocolate and takeaways, thinking I was "treating" myself. As it turned out, I was making myself much much worse. But I had come to feel that permanent exhaustion and brain fog were just my normal, and it turns out that was not the case. With my sugars nearly down to a normal range I feel brighter and more energetic than I have in years. I am 47 years old - note to self, feeling exhausted all the time is not normal for this age!

I can understand the guilt that some people have mentioned about bringing this condition on yourself. I have always been a bit overweight and until fairly recently had quite a sedentary lifestyle. I've never been great at eating sensibly, and I hate most sports and forms of exercise. However since adopting a dog during lockdown (and now my husband is too disabled to walk her) I walk for at least an hour every day, which also helped me to lose weight initially. Until recently I also had an allotment (no time for it now unfortunately) which was great for exercising the muscles and growing lots of nice healthy fruit and veg. I do think my poor diet and lack of exercise probably didn't help, but I have also read that chronic stress can be a factor in diabetes, and I've certainly had that in spades. Also my dad has T2 so it's in the family. I have chosen not to beat myself up about it - I have the condition and now I have to manage it. I have to stay healthy to care for my husband, so I've got no excuses.

I am still at very early stages - they haven't even 100% confirmed that I'm T2, although that is the assumption. I have a call with the diabetes nurse next week and should hopefully get the other blood test results which should confirm. My body is still producing insulin. I have an atrophic pancreas (found during tests for something else some years ago) which muddied the waters somewhat. With this ambiguity it has been tricky to know what is best to do with my diet. I have cut out pretty much all sugar apart from fruit and been cutting down on carbs on the assumption that I'm type 2. Unfortunately I'm really struggling with the Metformin. I can tolerate one with breakfast in the morning but whenever I try to increase the dose it just messes with my guts (I'm sure you know what I mean). I've not been able to get past 3 days without giving up and going back down to one per day. I'm hoping there is an alternative. The nurse suggested to give it a week and see if it settles down but I can't go that long, I need to be able to stray further than a few metres from a loo - I have a dog to walk and a disabled husband to care for, as well as a full time job! The Metformin I am taking in the morning seems to be having an effect, because my sugars are always higher in the morning than in the evening.

I'm not sure just what the point of this post is, just that it's pretty overwhelming at the beginning, especially with regards to figuring out what to eat etc. I would love to know if I will have to be on the insulin long term or if I will be able to manage it with diet, exercise and medication. But I will discuss that with the nurse next week. I guess it depends on a lot of things and will take time to figure out. Weirdly, I'm not really too upset about the diagnosis. It explains a lot and it can be managed. I may never get full sensation back in my feet but the nurse was pretty happy with the sensation I do have so it shouldn't really cause any issues hopefully. I've got my first eye screening coming up - fortunately I live just across the road from the eye unit so I can walk there which is handy! I haven't noticed any changes in my vision so fingers crossed.

I have already read a lot of very useful information on the forum so I will definitely check in regularly if I have any questions, which I'm sure there will be many.

Look after yourselves and be well x
There's a whole lot of types of diabetes out there, so give yourself some grace while things are still a bit up in the air about what type you are. You didn't do this to yourself, it's mainly genetics for T1 and T2, and the "normal" diet we're taught is fine that gangs up on T2's. But now you know there's something off, and you can tackle it properly when you know what type you are. You're willing to do it, you're highly motivated, though I wish you had happier reasons... You'll get the hang of this diabetes thing.

Do be careful with low carbing mixed with insulin, as you could hypo on that combination, but so far you seem to have kept an eye on things very well... One thing, fruits might drive your numbers up more than you might think. And the liver considers fructose a toxin, so it tends to store it as fat in/on the liver. So maybe take it easy on the fruit, stick with berries for the most part? But again, go easy on any changes, your glucose might drop more than you expect.

I hope a slow release metformin will be kinder on your insides, and always take it with a meal... On an empty stomach, things can get even more explosive. I couldn't tolerate the stuff at all, which is why I ended up going low carb. But I didn't have your pancreatic issues, -far as I know anyway, .. Take time to figure stuff out, what works for you, and what doesn't. This didn't happen overnight, you don't have to get everything right immediately either. It takes time to get things sorted, so... Take that time.

Hugs,
Jo


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VashtiB

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
2,328
Treatment type
Diet only
hello and welcome @Mousey123

As others have said- there are more than 2 types of diabetes so give yourself some grace while the necessary tests are done.

There are also a lot of people here with a vast amount of knowledge and experience so you have a huge resource you will be able to draw on.

As others have said the slow metformin may be easier on your body- definitely worth a try.

And again as others have said- you don't need to feel the guilt (though in my experience it takes a while to really process that). Some people's bodies are just not good at processing carbs while others have no issues.

Take care of yourself, particularly as a care giver.

Welcome and good luck