Pre Diabetic

Hello all. This is my first post on this forum and I'm wondering if anybody else has been diagnosed pre-diabetic and referred to a "Healthier Living" course. They comprise a series of days over several months and address different issues to prevent becoming diabetic. If anybody has attended can you tell me if you think they are worth while please. I am a reasonably sensible person, eating a mostly healthy diet being a vegetarian or should I say pescatarian because I eat fish. I do have a sweet tooth but try to be sensible Doesn't always work though I'm not very good at exercise and know I should try harder. I'm Hypothyroid/Hashimoto's, asthmatic & mild COPD. Cholesterol 6.8, and a bit on the heavy side for my height. If anybody has attended one of these courses, do you think it helped you? Many thanks in advance of any replies

[ceejayblue]

Yes, after I was diagnosed T2 in 2011 (I had been pre-diabetic for years and not acted on it), I was referred to the Xperthealth.org.uk course. It was a half day once a week for 6 weeks and I found it excellent. I've done the following half day seminars too. Really recommend it as it will help you understand portion control and how carbs are important to keep in check.

[Hidden in reply to ceejayblue]

Thank you ceejayblue. Your reply is really helpful. The course you did sounds very similar to the one that I am due to start next Tuesday. I have 18 sessions spread over several months beginning next Tuesday and finishing at the end of July 2018. Sounds like an awfully long time but hopefully worth it and it will be good to meet up with other people in the same situation. Many thanks I really appreciate your support

[Winelover]

I am on the same course as the one you will soon start and now towards the end of the various sessions. I attended the 6 month, one on one follow up a couple of weeks ago.

I found the experience very helpful especially the dietary information at the start. There is a reference book handed out to each participant that is very good. There are several sessions providing advice and practice sessions on useful, gentle exercises and an emphasis on setting targets for yourself pervades the course.

[Hidden in reply to Winelover]

Thank you winelover. It's really encouraging to read your positive feedback on the course. It's one thing to hear about it from the surgery nurse but much better to hear from someone like yourself who's actually experienced it. I think I am quite looking forward to it now whereas I was a bit cynical before. Thank you

[Matrix]

I haveon Friday been told I'm nowiabetic ,was pre diabetic for a few years .I was so shocked when dr told me over the phone.I have not heard of Healter living but have been booked to see diabetic nurse week Monday and he has put me on tablets today .Reading down below it looks as if it's a good idea .Let us know how you go on I will be in very interested to see how you go .xx😇

[Hidden in reply to Matrix]

Hi Matrix. I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis and hope you manage it well. I had a routine blood test a few months ago and my GP called me in to say that my blood sugar HBA1C was at a level to cause concern that I could become diabetic if I don't take control now to halt it. Apparently the levels are as follows HBA1C below <42 normal >42 + is pre-diabetic, and >48+ is Type 2 diabetic. Mine was bang on 42. I was referred to the practice nurse who advised me and gave me information on the 'Healthier You' course funded by the NHS if I wish to be referred to it. To be honest with you, most of it sounded like pure common sense that I could do for myself but I'm not too good at sticking to things without some support so I thought I'd give it a try. I had to wait a while for a course in my area and then attend for an initial weigh-in and another finger prick blood test before being given a place on the course. I think it varies in length in different areas but the one I'm on is 18 elements spread over a number of months starting with an hour a week for 6 weeks, then monthly until completion. I only started last week with a small group of 6 which is ideal. We were given an A5 ring binder file each to keep with each of the modules which include spaces to fill in your progress on weight loss, exercise etc. Also given a pedometer. Each module focuses on a different element on lifestyle, food, exercise and much more, which as I said sounds common sense but makes more sense when you learn more about it and discuss it with a group, and get all the support you need. One of the most beneficial thing for me so far if the 'my fitness pal' app which was recommended. I'm using it daily for logging meals (not exercise) but honestly it's brilliant. Just type in a food and it finds it and gives you all the calories and nutrients and adds them all up for you. So easy and so worth while, and it's free Also, with the pedometer I'm making the effort to do my 10,000 steps daily (not there yet but hopefully soon will be. Session 1 was 'Understanding Prediabetes', and session two next Tuesday is 'Making every day Active'. It continues over the weeks and months with 'Know how to eat well', 'Keeping Regular', 'Carbs,Carbs, Carbs'. 'Fats under the spotlight', 'Get your heart rate up', 'Know your external triggers', 'know your internal triggers', 'Sugars under the spotlight', 'Eat out and party', 'Feel fuller for longer', 'Review and reset your mindset', 'Shopping and cooking for diabetes prevention', 'Build your strength', 'Relax and de-stress', and finally, 'Moving forwards'. Phew!!!

As I said earlier, this particular course runs for several months but I have heard that some cover everything in 6-8 weeks. I'm not sure if everyone will last the whole course but I hope so and I hope I do too.

Sorry to make this entry so long but I am very enthusiastic about it and I only hope the enthusiasm lasts I will update as time goes on.

Best wishes for your journey and if it gives you any hope, we were told that it is quite possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes to normal if you follow a similar pattern to the above. Maybe you Diabetes Nurse can direct you to a similar course x

[Matrix]

Thanks for all the info ,it sounds very sensible approach as we will have to change things .Im worried about the excersie as I have amongst lots of other things fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so expe ding energy is hard as I tie so easily .Hope you enjoy the course .xxx

[Hidden in reply to Matrix]

Don't worry too much about the exercise. Even just a little is better than nothing and I'm sure your nurse will recommend some form of passive exercise just to keep your limbs and muscles moving. I get really out of breath with asthma and COPD and when I'm walking I often have to stop to catch my breath and take a dose of my inhaler. I'm finding it really hard to make 10,000 steps a day and have been reaching between 6 and 7. I'm not too worried though because it's more than I was doing. Another thing is that I hate food shopping and usually have it delivered so of course there are no steps!! Now I'm thinking I should do it myself and add to the daily steps that way.

Anyway Matrix, just a little at a time will hopefully get results. You take care xx

[Matrix]

I have mild COPD but I also get breathless have tablets and two inhalers worst of it is I have never had a cigarette in my mouth my parents smoked a lot , my sister has it bad and she never smoked either . I also have very painful feet plantar fachitis in both feet . Thank you so much for the encouragement xx😇🤗🤗