Recently Diagnosed

kingsanford · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 05:01 PM

Hello everyone, my name is Rachel and I was just diagnosed this past week with Diabetes. I am taking 2 - 500 mg Metaformin a day, put myself on a diet, and am exercising like crazy to get this extra weight off. I do not want to have to take others meds to help in my battle and am determined to loose weight and get healthy. So far I am going great having lost 10 lbs in the first week of my diet. The doctor is monitoring me, so this keeps me motivated because I know he will be seeing me each month.

I am still confused a little about meal plans and things of this nature. There are so many things out there for a person to read, but I need sample menu's, does anyone have any suggestions? I would welcome any tips that anyone has to offer. The doc says that I should be able to get myself straightened out soon and that I can control it all with eating right and exercise. For this I am thankful

. I look forward to chatting with some of you and and getting to know you. Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Have a great day!

Rachel

kensjo63 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 07:08 PM

Hi Rachel, I dont have any advice because I was just diagnosed last week too.

I just thought I would say hello and that you arent alone.

I spent the first few days thinking my dr was crazy and the rest of the week trying to make sense of it all. Today I cried all day and now I am ready to get to work. My dr did not give me any meds, just basically sent me home with a meter and said, see ya in six weeks. I am lost.

The people here recommended a great book, The first year Type 2 diabetes by Gretchen Becker. I bought it from amazon.com as used and it only cost about $6. It's worth it's weight in gold. I started reading today and I feel a bit better.

Great big hug!
Jo

EllieK · #3 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 07:38 PM

Hello to both of you.

Bersteins book (Diabetes Solution) has some good meal plans.
I haven't thought about an actual menu in ages. I'd start looking for cookbooks that have low carb items (but watch for the carbs - sometimes they claim low carb but is still high in carbs). There are some chefs running around here - hopefully they will chime in too.

Just wanted to say welcome!

shutterbug · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 07:56 PM

Hello Rachel,
Welcome to DF. You are on the right path. In addition, I'd suggest testing a lot during your initial months after diagnosis. This gives you an idea on how your body react to various food.

Keep up you exercise routine. Don't over work, take it slow and steady

Good luck

LittleMaxi · #5 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 08:10 PM

Hello All,
I was diagnosed about 1 and a half months ago, and like yourself am quite overwhelmed.
One of my close friends told me that when he was diagnosed with Type 2 first thing he did was go to the local book store and get the thickest diabetic cook book he could find, well I did the same, and found that my life got a little more simple, this book took all the guessing out of my meal preperation.
Between my new exercise regimen and the cook book, my Fasting Blood Glucose went from the high 200's to low 100's, I still have alot of work to do, but things look brighter..
Keep your eye on the prize Rachel !!!

kingsanford · #6 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 02:11 PM

Wow Jo, I so know what you're saying. It is shocking when you first hear those words, I certainly was, but I have to admit, I had been traveling a lot for my job and I was eating terrible! It just caught up with me. I hope that with my exercise and diet that I can get myself back in check. I will check out that book you suggested. I would just like to know what I can eat and some menu examples, lol. I get so confused with all this stuff. Great chatting with you and hope we can remain chat friends. Have a great afternoon.

Rachel

kingsanford · #7 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 02:14 PM

Thanks so much for the reply. I am trying to be very careful and look at everything checking carbs and sugar and all that. This is like greek to me and I don't want to head down the wrong path. Thanks so much for the advice and the book info. Have a great day!

Rachel

kingsanford · #8 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 02:15 PM

Thanks Chris! I am focused and I will get this back in check!

Rachel

kingsanford · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 02:19 PM

Hey there Maxi! Thanks for the info. I am really being good and working hard on this. I have numerous books that I have had for a long time, simply because I've always treid to cook healthy. My grandmother on moms side is diabetic and I have always tried to be careful. Unfortunately, this last 6 months or so have been very trying and I have been very stressed and very bad, lol. However, as of 9-12-08, that is over with. I am on the right path and moving at a steady pace, lol! Thanks for your reply. It's nice to talk to others who know how this all feels. Have a great weekend!

Rachel

BrianSCohen · #10 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 03:45 PM

Rachel,

Welcome to the forums. Of course, diet and exercise are the first line treatments for diabetes, and it really makes a difference. You will learn a great in coming months, but as a first step, look at meals that avoid sugar, flour, pasta, rice, potatoes and corn. A great resource for recipes is actually any low carb recipe book, such as those offered for the Atkins diet. Look through the recipe forum. If you have particular questions about styles of meals or certain ingredients, ask question in that forum. I love to cook and always like a challenge.