Thoughts on new diagnosis

Mousey123

Member
Messages
5
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
6,523
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
11,126
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
1,983
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.
 

JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
6,438
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
2,361
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
 

Aspermlm

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi Vashti how are you? I see your treatment type is diet only. I am newly diagnosed with Type 2 and on oral meds and finger pricking 4 times a day. Family history of diabetes so I guess that it was sort of handed down. I retire from work next year and the access to medicine, testing kits etc isn't that easy to where I am retiring to. So want to go to diet and exercise only.

I currently live in the Middle East, and my doctor doesn't believe in CGMs, as I am an expat and the insurance company don't pay for them. They like the insurance money to pay for each visit, each blood test, each medicine that they prescribe (which is actually all available over the counter).

So, with that said, have you always been diet only or transitioned from injections or oral to diet only? I will move to a beach house in the tropics, and we are already planting a veggie garden and ready to go fishing. We sort of have supermarkets but full of processed food from China..... Any advice is much appreciated. I am planning on the Mike Mosely style diet. I like the idea of the 2 days fasting if you have any experience with that or know anyone who has.

Thanks in advance.
 

Mousey123

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Just by way of an update. I am definitely Type 2. I have been given the slow release metformin which seems fine but I haven't attempted increasing the dose yet. Will do tomorrow after having been on it a week. My sugars are creeping up a little which is frustrating as I've stuck to no sugar / low carbs pretty well, so I'm still having to increase my insulin dose. Hopefully if I can increase the metformin it will help. I would really like to be able to come off the insulin one day but will have to see how it goes, if I can't I will just have to live with it. It could be worse I guess.

Just heard back from my eye screening, there is background retinopathy but nothing that will have damaged my sight. I suppose I shouldn't worry about this unless I fail to control my diabetes, but anything eye-related is a bit scary isn't it.

I am missing chocolate quite a lot but surprisingly, given how many I was eating, giving up crisps has been easier. Now I know I was basically poisoning myself I am looking at food very differently. I am quite fussy so it's hard to know what to eat at times, but I seem to be managing ok. I worry about eating too much cheese and nuts as I also have slightly high cholesterol, so I'm having to be careful there, but berries and sugar-free jelly are keeping my sweet tooth at bay for the moment. Christmas is going to be interesting.

At least the headaches are becoming less frequent, hopefully that means my body is adjusting to lower sugar levels.
 

Chris24Main

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
797
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
@Mousey123 - there is definitely a period of withdrawal for some people - but if you think that for most of the time it's existed, sugar was thought of as a powerful drug - that's not surprising - and should at least make it easier to realise that this is a totally normal response...

Good for you!!

and - I realise you are de-toxing, but high cocoa chocolate isn't necessarily on the naughty list, and nothing wrong with cheese and nuts - nuts particularly are fantastic for managing that *need to snack on something* feeling - provided you feel comfortable with the priority being to just hold insulin down (personally - I've had to wean myself of nuts as well, but they were a godsend as I was adjusting).

Cholesterol is a whole other can of worms - don't want to deluge you in all of that, but the bottom line is that attitudes are changing - and in the least contentious way possible - even the studies that claim cholesterol to be a problem, describe it as a tiny issue compared to high blood glucose and insulin, so everything you are doing is heading in the right direction...
 

KennyA

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
3,631
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi Vashti how are you? I see your treatment type is diet only. I am newly diagnosed with Type 2 and on oral meds and finger pricking 4 times a day. Family history of diabetes so I guess that it was sort of handed down. I retire from work next year and the access to medicine, testing kits etc isn't that easy to where I am retiring to. So want to go to diet and exercise only.

I currently live in the Middle East, and my doctor doesn't believe in CGMs, as I am an expat and the insurance company don't pay for them. They like the insurance money to pay for each visit, each blood test, each medicine that they prescribe (which is actually all available over the counter).

So, with that said, have you always been diet only or transitioned from injections or oral to diet only? I will move to a beach house in the tropics, and we are already planting a veggie garden and ready to go fishing. We sort of have supermarkets but full of processed food from China..... Any advice is much appreciated. I am planning on the Mike Mosely style diet. I like the idea of the 2 days fasting if you have any experience with that or know anyone who has.

Thanks in advance.
Hi Aspermlm

We noticed your post and thought that you might get a lot more response to it if it was in a thread of its own. At the moment you're posting in someone else's thread. Mods can move your post for you. Just let us know by replying to this post.

kennyA
 

Mousey123

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I've had my first set of blood tests since I was diagnosed in October, and my HbA1c has dropped from 128 to 53, which I'm pretty happy with. I have an appointment to discuss these with the nurse but from what I've read online it looks good.

I am consistently within range with my daily glucose readings now, hovering around 7, and am on full dose of slow release metformin, which is much easier on the stomach than the normal one, and a steady daily dose of insulin (26 in the morning and 28 in the evening). The headaches are infrequent now and usually an indication that I'm going too high or too low. I'm still figuring out the diet, but low-ish carbs and very little sugar seems to be working for me.

I suppose if I ever want to come off the insulin I'm going to need to cut down the carbs further but I know I am going to struggle with that. I blooming love carbs. And I still need to lose about 1.5 stone to get down to a "healthy" weight for my height. I guess this is all stuff to discuss with the nurse.

Anyway, just to say, I'm feeling a lot more normal and think I am coping with things OK. At Christmas I learned that I can have the occasional treat without it impacting my numbers too much. At least having the possibility of the occasional mince pie makes it easier to cope with!
 

MrsA2

Expert
Messages
6,523
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
128 down to 53 in 4 months is amazing. Definitely on the right track. I think I've read somewhere that insulin causes weight gain (can't prove it) but you might want o discuss with nurse reducing soem meds, a bit at least, perhaps