Can someone help me? I was diagnosed with type 2 a week ago, but with the Christmas break I've had no chance to ask any questions and I'm now in a very confused state. I've had this diagnosis and been sent away with some tablets and basic instructions on what to do and some stuff to read on line, but I have had this diagnosis out of the blue and I can't get any help anywhere because of the bank holidays.
My doctor says I need a second fasting blood test to confirm the diagnosis but sent me away with Metformin and said to take them straight away. She said to get the second blood test done in March but won't the tablets effect the result of that blood test? Could that then change the diagnosis? I've also been reading about all these tests for eyes and feet etc but she didn't offer any of those. Do I need the second blood test to confirm the diagnosis first? Which brings me back to my first question.
I would be so grateful if anyone could help. I'm so confused and scared.
Hayley.
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Hailes
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Try not to worry and I know this may be a confusing time for you as you seem to have been thrown in with little information due to the timing of your diagnosis. You need to take your metformin tablets as these will control your blood sugar levels based on your previous test results. After your 2nd fasting bloods your Doctor will then advise you if you need tablets or increase / decrease your medication.
Metformin can have side effects such as nausea or frequent trips to toilet which may be in pleasant. Always take your metformin tablets as prescribed with food .
The test for eyes and feet will be be set up by your doctor after your 2nd test. Your eye test or retinopathy test is not normally done at your doctors but at a specialist clinic. Your doctor will put you on their list and you will receive a letter with appointment time and information regarding retinopathy screening procedures. You have the eye test once a year. My feet are checked in my doctors by our diabetic nurse when I have my bloods checked or a tablet review.
If I were you after the holiday period I would ask at the doctors if you have a specialist diabetic nurse or doctor and make a further appointment to answer your questions.
Thank you Karen. That does ease my worries. I do feel like I've been left in the lurch a bit. The doctor was very matter of fact and didn't really deliver the news with much care so once the shock subsided a couple of days later the panic set in! Thank you again.
Firstly please stop worrying as nothing drastic is going to happen just because you have been diagnosed - at least now you are "in the system" and have been given medication to help with the symptoms.
Be careful to take the Metformin during or straight after meals and remember to take them every day. These will help to regulate the level of sugar in your blood.
Cut right down on sugary foods and eat smaller meals. Try to get any excess weight down.
Exercising, like walking 20 minutes a day is good.
The three month test will show how well the above has been in controlling the diabetes and it may well be all that is needed for the time being.
You will be sent to a hospital for your eyes to be tested. This is only to check whether any damage has been done to the retina. It is not painful and doesn't take long.
Hopefully your doctor will arrange for you to be "educated" on diet, exercise and foot-care.
I am not a medically trained person but one who is also Type 2 and I'm still "clivealive" at 75
Thank you for your kind words Clive. I feel so much better knowing the answers and that I'm not alone. This forum is great! I have been cutting down on my portion sizes. Mainly because the meds are giving me nausea and heartburn which make it difficult to eat, lol. It's only been a week and I have to remind myself that I have a long time to get used to this. Best wishes to you and happy new year.
Sorry about your diagnoses. However, the good news is that nothing is likely to happen straightaway. Take your meds, address the factors in your life that affect your diabetes ( weight, exercise, carbs etc. ) and stay calm.
Do you have a blood sugar monitor? When you have one make it your best friend.
In the end there are so many diabetics around these days and you just have to play the long game. By taking care of yourself and your diabetes you can live a long and active life.
Further,it is said that T2 is due to the insulin resistance...and to calculate insulin resistance along with your fasting sugar you may go for your fasting insulin test done.
One you understand both figures..you may take scientific approach to limit you carb intake depending upon your insulin resistance.
There are many ppl around us who are managing blood sugar just with diet.Plz do not worry...be active and limit your carbs.
There is nothing to be scared about. The second reading will always be done to get the true situation. It is possible that the medicine will effect the test, but it will give your doctor an indication. Once the diagnosis is finally done you can start working on it. There is always a way to manage the situation if the diagnosis is positive, but then you have to do it right from the start. You are welcome to send in your questions, because you will get the support from your fellow friends in arms.
If I were given the chance I would work hard to keep it at bay. Make yourself go for walks etc, do not have foods that are high carbs, low carbs are better. T1 your pancreas does not work ,T2 it may work 20% or 80%. I have a friend who is off all his T2 medication but walks the legs off his poor dog ! Good luck
Low carbs definitely worked for me as did increasing my walking. Could really do with a big strong dog to walk.
I also got a grip of portion control then I discovered what spiked my blood by testing before and after every meal and recording everything I ate, so now I don't eat grain based carbs and I eat very few potatoes - jacket potatoes really spike my blood as does mashed, a few baby new are fine - I get my carbs from other sources.
Very early on I discovered DietDoctor.com - they run a great free 6 week online food education course and there are lots of easy to understand guides you can download to help you on your way, like photo charts that show how leafy veg are lower carb than veg that grow underground. Also liked the Diabetes.co.uk website.
When I was diagnosed T2 this time last year I was lucky that my surgery decided to give me three months to work in increasing my exercise and altering my diet. I bought a blood glucose meter (AccuChek Mobile - not cheap but definitely easy to use) a book about Reverse Your T2 Diabetes by Dr David Cavan and set to work recording everything I ate and eliminating everything that spiked my blood sugar, which sadly turned out to be the things I liked best! Once I'd cut all that sort of stuff out and upped my exercise I managed not to be put on the Diabetes Register. I've had to work hard at it and there's no let up but I'm hoping to stay as I am now. I feel so lucky my doctor didn't go straight for metformon etc.
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