What to expect at first appointment

[Mum23boys]

Hi, I am new here. I recently had an eye test as have noticed change in sight. The optician recommended I was investigated for diabetes due to what I described. I have a strong family history, so would not be a surprise. Long story short, it has taken 3 weeks and 2 raised HbA1c (100 & 92) and am finally seeing nurse tomorrow, so will get formally diagnosed then.

I was wondering what I might expect at this appointment (I have had to fight to get it as wanted to give appointment in 2 weeks time)?

I have read that they don’t recommend testing for T2 other than HbA1c. I have sourced my own meter whilst waiting for own peace of mind, and not had 1 reading in range despite changes in diet & increased exercise (been 2 weeks 4x a day). I am assuming that with this information, I will need medication of some kind as not really changing with diet alone.

I guess what I am wondering is if there is anyone else with HbA1c of these levels who could share their experience of management. I am happy to go with whatever the nurse recommends, but I want to go with realistic expectations if that makes sense?

Apologies for the long winded post, just wanted to give some context.

Thanks in advance for any advice/response.

 

[Lakeslover]

Hi, and welcome to the forum,

While you wait for answers from other members you might find it helpful to take a look at some of the links in my signature below, in particular what to ask at a diabetic follow up.

It’s great that you have a meter. Can I ask how and when you are testing? To see how a particular meal affects your blood sugar the usual advice is to test just before you eat, and then two hours afterwards. That will show you how much that meal has raised your blood sugar. By comparing meals over time you will be able to see which are better for you.

If you are able to give us some idea of your diet/the meals you generally eat we might be able to give some pointers on foods to avoid.

 

[Mum23boys]

Hi, thank you for your reply.
I will have a look.

I have been testing before meals & before bed.

There doesn’t seem an apparent theme. I can eat the same meal on different days and sometimes the reading has gone up, sometimes it’s slightly lower.
I have changed pasta/rice to wholewheat versions and tend to have a lesser portion than recommended (60g rather than 75g for instance). Majority of plate veggies/salad, trying to avoid potatoes. Most meals have been chicken/tuna/eggs.
I am eating so much broccoli/spinach/kale that I am surprised I have not turned green!
Breakfast I am having mostly Greek yogurt with berries & flaxseed or Chia pudding with berries (made with almond milk), occasionally weetabix.

I am almost feeling scared to eat anything!

Any pointers welcome.

 

[Melgar]

Hi and welcome @Mum23boys . One thing to consider is that all carbohydrates and starches are turned into useable sugars by the body. So that means a pasta, whether it’s whole-wheat or plain white pasta will result in the body turning those carbs into sugars and likely increasing your blood glucose. Many foods contain hidden carbs as fillers such as wheat, rice , corn flour. Therefore, it is the carb content of foods that are important when trying to reduce sugars through diet.

 

[lovinglife]

@Mum23boys
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