New diabetes t2

[DareI]

Just been diagnosed with diabetes type 2. What a bummer. However need to face up to it and get healthy. Bit of a lifestyle change. Any quick tips for a newbie

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Hi Darel,

Firstly don't panic. It took time to become a type 2 diabetic. It'll take some time for things to sink in and to change your eating habits. Don't look for quick fixes. Look for lifestyle changes which will result in an overall healthier eating pattern, but one that will fit in with most of the eating habits you have now. That's to say, if you have to rely heavily on, say, ready meals and don't cook much, don't try to change your whole eating regimen. It won't work long-term.

Secondly read lots. About diabetes that is. Especially useful is the dietary advice on 'the healthy plate' offered by the British Heart Foundation. (bhf.org.uk). It very much works for diabetes too. Read labelling information when buying your food too. Backs of packets, tops of cartons. Check for sugar content, overall calories and look at those stats on nutrition.

Thirdly, up your exercise. You don't have to suddenly become a gym bunny, or do anything dramatic, but factor in some enjoyable walks, a bit of swimming if you can, and a new active hobby, such as dancing or ball sports, if you are still quite mobile. If you are older and can't, think of joining an exercise class for the more mature, or some adapted yoga for the less mobile.

Take up all checks you are offered. Diabetes nurse checks, nutritional classes, blood pressure checks, etc. All will help you in the long term. Have your eyes checked for retinopathy annually and care for your feet carefully. Even worth paying for the odd chiropody appointment. Keep skin moisturised, to help avoid injury. Take extra care not to get flu and viruses, as far as possible.

Finally, get a good routine going with your medication so you don't forget to take it. Take it at the same time every day. The medics will tell you there's no need for a blood sugar monitor for type 2, and there really isn't, but it is handy for some people to take a couple of finger prick tests every week, so they can see a trend in their blood sugars and can take action if they begin to creep up.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[TheAwfulToad]

Join the LCHF group here on HU.

healthunlocked.com/lchf-diet

T2D is reversible in 80% of cases, but as usual the medical profession is a decade or two behind the curve. Fortunately there are people like Dr David Unwin who are attempting to drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century, but it's going to be a long, hard road.

All that's required is that you stop eating the kind of diet that caused it in the first place (simplistically, that means the ultra-high-carb, low-fat diet prescribed by nutritionists). You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you can eat instead.