[elawton]

Hi, I am a newbie here and I am still in denial of having type 2 but I guess I really need to get with the program, does anyone feel angry or sad about having it or is it just me?

I went to the classes, and have done better at eating. I was doing good testing but can't afford the strips right now so I quit.

I had several surgeries back to back (it is "practicing" medicine afterall) came out of one surgery with diabetes, I'm okay now but just able to get back to exercising very recently.

My biggest problem is one: being able to afford the strips and two: recognizing the difference between low and high as the symptoms are sometimes similar to me which relates to why I need the strips. Geez it's an endless cycle, no wonder I am depressed about it.

[princesslinda]

Welcome elawton. Glad you found the forums.

I think it's only natural to feel sad/angry/depressed/confused, all kinds of different emotions whenever you're given a life-changing diagnosis such as diabetes. However, I promise you things will get easier for you emotionally as time passes. It soon becomes just another part of your life that you learn to deal with.

Testing is very important. Walmart, Target and the pharmacies all have a "generic" meter with cheaper strips.

Testing 2 hrs after your first bite of food will allow you to see how different foods affect your blood sugars and help you make smarter food choices.

You can't rely on how you are feeling to tell if you are high or low. At diagnosis, most of us have had really high blood sugars for some time, and our bodies get used to the high numbers. When our blood sugars start to normalize (due to diet/exercise/meds), our more normal #s can actually feel low to us.

Many here find that watching carbs (esp. white foods like bread, rice, potatoes, pasta) and getting regular exercise help keep numbers stable.

There's a great book you should read, "The First Year, Type 2 Diabetes, " by Gretchen Becker. It has a lot of helpful information in it.

Hope you post often, ask lots of questions and learn all you can about this new chapter in your life. By reading all these posts, you'll see it is possible to have a pretty normal life with diabetes....You're not alone, and you will be fine.

[pinkytricia]

~**~*~* ooo goodie (claps)

Welcome ELAWTON ~**~*~* uummm yip been there done that ... in

time things will even out... Good thing is... it is up to YOU ,

NOONE can make you change ,habits,eating,exercise,etc..

blaha bhahah lol you know what i mean ... giggles ...just know this forum is awesome, plus the people in it. visit often

(((hugs)))

Trish

[davef]

Hi,

Welcome to the forums, stick around and you will find it's a great place for information and support.

Most of us have experienced the same feelings and range of emotions you are going through, it's completely normal and in a way you are grieving for your old lifestyle. The good news is that it can and does get much, much better.

The book Linda mentioned is very good and well worth reading.

Visit and post often,

[cheric]

Linda brought up a good point about "generic" meters and test strips. Check with your insurance company (that's assuming you have insurance) and see what their generic diabetes supplies are. Once you get that information, then you can get your doctor to prescribe the "generic" brand for you. My insurance provides the Tru Track Glucometer and test strips at no cost to me because they consider it a generic version. That really helps out especially after having to pay for all of my insulin! If you do not have insurance, then you can always go to your local pharmacy i.e. walgreens, target, wal-mart, etc. and pick your supplies up. No prescription necessary

[buddy7]

Hi elawton!
Hello, good evening and welcome to the forum, you’ve chosen a great site, for warmth friendship and loads of information, understanding ones condition and support, you'll be more than delighted with us, glad you’ve join up.

Stick around this forum, and you'll learn a-lot, about self-management and controlling this condition.

[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum!

Karen

[tkl]

I'm new too, my husband has type II as of a week ago - total surprise, look online for better pricing on strips!