Newbie Here-diagnosed Yesterday

[joan1965]

Hi
My Name Is Joan. I Was Diagnosed Yesterday With Type 2.
I Was Started On Metformin Twice Daily.
My Fasting Bg Was 181.
I Think This Forum Will Help Me Alot.
This Is Strange To Me,any Advice Would Be Helpful..

[skinny 'betic]

I'm pretty new here too. These forums are full of friendly and helpful 'betics whose knowledge and experiences will serve you well on your new journey. Welcome!

[davef]

Hi there and welcome,

You have found a great place for information, support and help. The early days can be rife with a range of emotions but it really does get better.

A while ago somebody asked what our top tips for the newly diagnosed would be, well here are mine for a Type 2:

1. Relax, I know it seems like the end of the world right now, but it really isn't that bad. You can and will gain control, you will feel much better. But you have to give yourself time.

2. It's normal to feel a whole range of emotions, anger, greif, denial, sadness, fear and to feel overwhelmed. Yes, diagnosis is a big thing, it's a milestone but you will feel better. Grasp it as a chance to live a healthier life and don't ever feel alone, the forums are full of great people here to help and support you.

3. Test, test, test. Testing is probably your best tool in gaining control. Test morning, before each meal and two hours after first bite and last thing at night. By testing before/after meals you learn how different foods work for you, we are all different and it's only through testing that we learn what works best for ourselves. As Art here on the forums once wrote "Test, Eat, Test, Learn".

4. As another wise person (xMenace) once said, you can eat anything you want, but you will choose not to eat somethings. Don't get frightened about the idea of being on a special diet, you are not, you will find what works for you and you will find treats that you can eat from time to time.

5. Exercise, if you have not been exercising then fit some into your life. Don't try and do it, there is no try there is only do or do not (Yoda I think said that ). It really does help, especially with fasting numbers - in my experience.

6. Watch those carbs. Many of us find that reducing/limiting the number carbs we eat really helps. I have found that it helps to avoid high carb foods such as white bread, white rice, pasta & potatoes.

7. If you have been prescribed Metformin (Glucophage) don't expect to see immediate results, it does not work like insulin. It takes time to reach full effect, it is not unusual for it to take 3-5 weeks to reach full effect. Some people experience gastric issues (wind, diarrhea) but in most cases this will pass, reducing carbs helps this as does making sure to eat and then take the metformin. If you have gastric issues that don't subside after a week or so, talk to your doctor and see if Metformin ER (Extended Release) might be better for you, or if you could start on a lower dose and build up to the dose that was prescribed.

8. Get the book "The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes" by Gretchen Becker. I found it easy to read and very informative.

9. Relax (I know I said that, but do try)

10. Visit these forums, ask lots of questions, never be afraid to ask for help/advice, if something works for you then do it, if not then don't. Know you can come here to vent to people who will just "get it".

11. Build new habits. I found that working to build new habits, whether it's about what/how you eat, when you test etc. it really works. Once a habit has been established it's hard to break it.

12. Build a relationship with your Doctor, drug store etc, they are all part of team you. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your Doctor. Become the captain of your team, work with your team and draw on their knowledge/experience.

13. When I joined these forums, I was told to remember that "You control your diabetes, it does not control you" - it's true. Don't let it rule your life, there's is no such sentence as "I can't I have diabetes" - you can do what ever you choose to do.

14. Oh yeah, relax

Remember you are not alone. Will you stumble? quiet possibly, most humans do stumble from time to time, the important things is to get back up and start over.

Visit and post often,

[princesslinda]

Welcome Joan! Glad you found the forums. You've been given great advice already, follow it, and you'll be fine. Post often, take advantage of the wealth of personal experiences you'll find here.

[kgm0612]

HI Joan & Welcome!
We're glad to have you with us.

Follow davef's great advice in his above post and you'll do fine.

I also wanted to add that Metformin can take a good month or so to start working and also causes gastro issues for many people. I find it works best when I take it on an empty stomach 10-15 minutes prior to eating a meal.

Good luck!

Karen

[jer.lawrence]

Welcome to the forums! Follow Dave's advice, and you'll be fine.

[ramon]

Hi Joan and welcome from Texas. Go SAINTS

[Dis-N-Dat]

Welcome to you Joan:

Dave's excellent advice will serve you well. This is a strange journey and while frustrating at times, it can help bring you to feeling very happy and healthy.

These forums are a remarkable help. We're all in this together and we help and support each other in good times and bad.

P.S. Like Ramon said...GO SAINTS!

[buddy7]

Can only endorse what the others have said, just like to say welcome to the DF Joan we're glad to have you.