Type2 diagnosis . From being pre diabetic

[Rosie Shaw]

Hello…I know it’s late for posting and I’ll be off to bed myself in a bit. But I just needed to put this out there and offload a bit…

I’ll be honest I’m kind of freaking out a bit. It has become apparent that I’ve been lost in the system from being pre diabetic, which I was told about over 5 years ago but not had any follow up…I’ve recently been unwell with a couple of back to back kidney infections. Which the practice nurse basically told me I was diabetic and get a review sorted. I had my bloods taken in 19th December, I got a text message from
The surgery on the 21st saying my GP wanted a telephone consultation with me on 23rd. Christmas food shopping done…the phone call came at 9am, to get down to the surgery with a urine sample pronto as my HbA1 thingy was… and I quote
“If I was to tell you as a type 2 diabetic your mol (?) was 58…that would be high…yours is 122…”

I’ve been a prescription for metformim and gliclazide as well as statins because my cholesterol is through the roof too. ( I don’t do things by halves)

Joking apart…I’m reading through all the information here and yes I know it’s normal to be overwhelmed…but I’m proper scared. I can’t even get my head around what the numbers mean at the minute…

I see the diabetic nurse on Friday and I’ve written a list of questions and I’ll be sure to get a glucose finger prick monitor…but right now, Friday feels a long way off and I feel completely in the dark with what’s happening with my body.

Sorry for offloading…I just need to tell people how I feel to people who know how I feel. If that makes sense.

 

[Antje77]

Sorry for offloading…I just need to tell people how I feel to people who know how I feel. If that makes sense.

Hi @Rosie Shaw , welcome to the forum.

Please don't be sorry for offloading, that's just one of the things this forum is for!
It's fine to feel overwhelmed and scared right now, just try to breathe and give yourself some time.

It's bedtime here as well, sleep well!

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Hello…I know it’s late for posting and I’ll be off to bed myself in a bit. But I just needed to put this out there and offload a bit…

I’ll be honest I’m kind of freaking out a bit. It has become apparent that I’ve been lost in the system from being pre diabetic, which I was told about over 5 years ago but not had any follow up…I’ve recently been unwell with a couple of back to back kidney infections. Which the practice nurse basically told me I was diabetic and get a review sorted. I had my bloods taken in 19th December, I got a text message from
The surgery on the 21st saying my GP wanted a telephone consultation with me on 23rd. Christmas food shopping done…the phone call came at 9am, to get down to the surgery with a urine sample pronto as my HbA1 thingy was… and I quote
“If I was to tell you as a type 2 diabetic your mol (?) was 58…that would be high…yours is 122…”

I’ve been a prescription for metformim and gliclazide as well as statins because my cholesterol is through the roof too. ( I don’t do things by halves)

Joking apart…I’m reading through all the information here and yes I know it’s normal to be overwhelmed…but I’m proper scared. I can’t even get my head around what the numbers mean at the minute…

I see the diabetic nurse on Friday and I’ve written a list of questions and I’ll be sure to get a glucose finger prick monitor…but right now, Friday feels a long way off and I feel completely in the dark with what’s happening with my body.

Sorry for offloading…I just need to tell people how I feel to people who know how I feel. If that makes sense.

Hey Rosie, and good morning,

Okay, so... The not doing things by halves bit, it does sound like a joke. But it also gives me the impression that you might be kicking yourself around a bit. You might want to stop that. Thing is.... Type 2 is something you're genetically predisposed to. That's point one, so no blame there, okay? Point two: most T2's have what is called Metabolic Syndrome. That can include any or all of the following: Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So if you're diabetic, that high cholesterol isn't surprising, really. The nice part is, get the blood sugars under control, all the rest should fall in line eventually too.

As for the meter, most T2's don't get one, and have to self-fund. But as you're on gliclazide, which forces the pancreas to make more insulin, you've got a case to get one on the NHS, as gliclazide can cause hypo's.

I know you've been reading around the forum and you've likely heard us go on and on about low carb diets. While quite wonderful, do be careful if you want to try that while on gliclazide. You'll potentially want to alter the dosage if you do change your diet, with the help of your GP or nurse. I didn't know gliclazide and a low carb diet could cause hypo's (to be fair, my specialist didn't know either!), so I had a few, and it wasn't nice. So whatever way forward you choose, do test your heart out. If at any point you feel funny, whip out a finger pricker.

So yeah, while it is normal to be overwhelmed and scared, -you just got a life-changing diagnosis, after all- you're not in this alone and there's people here who brought down higher HbA1c's than the 122 you've been diagnosed on. It can be done. Okay? Things can get better, and you'll not get kidney infections every other week anymore if you get this sorted.

Basically, try looking at it like this: Now you finally know what is wrong. It's a christmas gift, really. You can start learning how to fix it, so 2025 will be a healthier, happier year for you.

Be good to yourself eh, and take a deep breath: you're on a path to feeling better, believe it or not.
Hugs,
Jo

 

[Rosie Shaw]

Hey Rosie, and good morning,

Okay, so... The not doing things by halves bit, it does sound like a joke. But it also gives me the impression that you might be kicking yourself around a bit. You might want to stop that. Thing is.... Type 2 is something you're genetically predisposed to. That's point one, so no blame there, okay? Point two: most T2's have what is called Metabolic Syndrome. That can include any or all of the following: Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So if you're diabetic, that high cholesterol isn't surprising, really. The nice part is, get the blood sugars under control, all the rest should fall in line eventually too.

As for the meter, most T2's don't get one, and have to self-fund. But as you're on gliclazide, which forces the pancreas to make more insulin, you've got a case to get one on the NHS, as gliclazide can cause hypo's.

I know you've been reading around the forum and you've likely heard us go on and on about low carb diets. While quite wonderful, do be careful if you want to try that while on gliclazide. You'll potentially want to alter the dosage if you do change your diet, with the help of your GP or nurse. I didn't know gliclazide and a low carb diet could cause hypo's (to be fair, my specialist didn't know either!), so I had a few, and it wasn't nice. So whatever way forward you choose, do test your heart out. If at any point you feel funny, whip out a finger pricker.

So yeah, while it is normal to be overwhelmed and scared, -you just got a life-changing diagnosis, after all- you're not in this alone and there's people here who brought down higher HbA1c's than the 122 you've been diagnosed on. It can be done. Okay? Things can get better, and you'll not get kidney infections every other week anymore if you get this sorted.

Basically, try looking at it like this: Now you finally know what is wrong. It's a christmas gift, really. You can start learning how to fix it, so 2025 will be a healthier, happier year for you.

Be good to yourself eh, and take a deep breath: you're on a path to feeling better, believe it or not.
Hugs,
Jo

Thank you Jo for relying…and you’re right in everything you say. I’m not usually one for the ‘worse-case-scenario’…I think I’m just trying to process it all. I also think my lack of knowledge and understanding of it isn’t helping my confidence in tackling it.. I know it’s going to take time to learn everything I need to…I think deep underneath my outward, everything is gonna be fine, persona I’m a bit of a control freak and I’m not feeling particularly in control right now.

Big hug back thank you

 

[Rosie Shaw]

Hi @Rosie Shaw , welcome to the forum.

Please don't be sorry for offloading, that's just one of the things this forum is for!
It's fine to feel overwhelmed and scared right now, just try to breathe and give yourself some time.

It's bedtime here as well, sleep well!

Thank you… I did sleep well I hope you did too. That’s actually a plus for me at the minute, since being on the meds I’ve not had to get up to go to the loo every 2 hours

It’s a new day and things feel a little brighter

 

[Outlier]

I'm a bit of a control freak too, and you know what? My control freakery has helped me immensely once I channelled it and with the help of the lovely people on this Board waded into what would help me, what wouldn't, who wouldn't, and bit by bit day by day got this by the throat and shook it. Knowing your own strengths is a huge part of getting to grips with the new normal. However you would need your help to be, we have it. Whatever you are going through, many of us have done similarly. We are here to help, to discuss, to support. Welcome.

 

[Rosie Shaw]

I'm a bit of a control freak too, and you know what? My control freakery has helped me immensely once I channelled it and with the help of the lovely people on this Board waded into what would help me, what wouldn't, who wouldn't, and bit by bit day by day got this by the throat and shook it. Knowing your own strengths is a huge part of getting to grips with the new normal. However you would need your help to be, we have it. Whatever you are going through, many of us have done similarly. We are here to help, to discuss, to support. Welcome.

thank you…yes I think I need to give my inner tiger a kick in the butt. I’ve noticed how supportive you all are and as a newbie it’s very very much appreciated. knowing that there’s people out there that totally understands this monster is so helpful

(Nearest emoji I could find for a tiger lol)

 

[Antje77]

Thank you… I did sleep well I hope you did too. That’s actually a plus for me at the minute, since being on the meds I’ve not had to get up to go to the loo every 2 hours

It’s a new day and things feel a little brighter

I slept well, thank you!
Having to get up to go to the loo is one of the main symptoms of high blood glucose, so it may well be the meds are already lowering your numbers!

I also think my lack of knowledge and understanding of it isn’t helping my confidence in tackling it.. I know it’s going to take time to learn everything I need to

I think you'll like this piece by Jo, it explains T2 (and the way many of our members tamed the tiger) in a nutshell. Mind, you are on gliclazide and you don't have a meter yet, so like @JoKalsbeek said, don't go all out with diet changes before you have a glucose meter. Also, keep something sugary on hand at all times in case you feel wobbly or faint (or when your future glucose meter shows you're low). https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html

Keep reading and you'll be half an expert before meeting the diabetes nurse on friday!

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Thank you Jo for relying…and you’re right in everything you say. I’m not usually one for the ‘worse-case-scenario’…I think I’m just trying to process it all. I also think my lack of knowledge and understanding of it isn’t helping my confidence in tackling it.. I know it’s going to take time to learn everything I need to…I think deep underneath my outward, everything is gonna be fine, persona I’m a bit of a control freak and I’m not feeling particularly in control right now.

Big hug back thank you

Like @Outlier said, the control freak in you will be an asset without equal in all this. It'll help you get on top of the how and what, as well as help you keep track of the numbers. Also, as you do keep track of the numbers, you'll see them come down. That is also a very empowering, hopeful thing to witness.

You might not feel in control now, far from it even, but once you get the hang of testing and how diabetes works for your body specifically, -and that will happen- you're going to get a grip on things. Don't feel like you have to rush it. Especially with the medication you're on, take it slow, and take the time before your appointment to learn. Reading here, maybe watching some Dr. Jason Fung on youtube or something, will help you ask the right questions when you see your nurse. And if you have questions before then, throw them into the forum. We can't diagnose and such, but we do have a truckload of experience between us all, so we might know a thing or two about a thing or two!

 

[Lupf]

Hi @Rosie Shaw welcome to the forum.
This place is excellent to get lots of useful information,
but please don't panic or get overwhelmed.
While this is easy for us to say, we've been there as well.
In hindsight, I found the diagnosis a relief, even it was a big surprise.
Once I knew that it was T2 that caused these symptoms,
I could start to deal with it.

I also can attest that getting your HbA1c/ blood sugar under control
should be the priority and most other things, e.g. cholesterol will follow.

 

[Rosie Shaw]

Like @Outlier said, the control freak in you will be an asset without equal in all this. It'll help you get on top of the how and what, as well as help you keep track of the numbers. Also, as you do keep track of the numbers, you'll see them come down. That is also a very empowering, hopeful thing to witness.

You might not feel in control now, far from it even, but once you get the hang of testing and how diabetes works for your body specifically, -and that will happen- you're going to get a grip on things. Don't feel like you have to rush it. Especially with the medication you're on, take it slow, and take the time before your appointment to learn. Reading here, maybe watching some Dr. Jason Fung on youtube or something, will help you ask the right questions when you see your nurse. And if you have questions before then, throw them into the forum. We can't diagnose and such, but we do have a truckload of experience between us all, so we might know a thing or two about a thing or two!

I will have read and thank you for the advice. I have noticed how supportive everyone is with each other and I’m very very grateful for that. I’ve given myself a little respite, for most of the day, from information gathering. Ive realised I need to do this a bit at a time.

Thanks again for your support

 

[Rosie Shaw]

Hi @Rosie Shaw welcome to the forum.
This place is excellent to get lots of useful information,
but please don't panic or get overwhelmed.
While this is easy for us to say, we've been there as well.
In hindsight, I found the diagnosis a relief, even it was a big surprise.
Once I knew that it was T2 that caused these symptoms,
I could start to deal with it.

I also can attest that getting your HbA1c/ blood sugar under control
should be the priority and most other things, e.g. cholesterol will follow.

Thank you for the response, it’s been a rollercoaster of a week with Christmas thrown in the mix. I am going to do things slow, as all the advice has been, like you say blood sugar under control first.

Thanks for the support it’s much appreciated

 

[VashtiB]

Hello and welcome @Rosie Shaw

I can empathise with a lot of what you say. To say I freaked out when first diagnosed would be understating it hugely. I threw myself a giant pity party.
Many of the people who have responded were there for me also. They are truely amazing people who provided me with so much advice and support that I cannot describe it. In fact for me- the positive about the diagnosis is meeting some of the people here- they are among the wisest and kindest people I know.

Like everyone has said please don't blame yourself. The diet generally recommended for everyone can be the diet that pushes some into diabetes. Without knowing that there is no real way to prevent it.

Take heart- you will be okay and you have entered into a wonderful community of people here.

Welcome and take care.

 

[Rosie Shaw]

Hello and welcome @Rosie Shaw

I can empathise with a lot of what you say. To say I freaked out when first diagnosed would be understating it hugely. I threw myself a giant pity party.
Many of the people who have responded were there for me also. They are truely amazing people who provided me with so much advice and support that I cannot describe it. In fact for me- the positive about the diagnosis is meeting some of the people here- they are among the wisest and kindest people I know.

Like everyone has said please don't blame yourself. The diet generally recommended for everyone can be the diet that pushes some into diabetes. Without knowing that there is no real way to prevent it.

Take heart- you will be okay and you have entered into a wonderful community of people here.

Welcome and take care.

thank you so much for your kind words and reassurance. everyone has been so kind. I’ve gone from a gibberish wreck, that I was last night, to feeling ‘yeah I got this’ (or I will do eventually lol). It’s a positive step up. Thank you.