Found out this week: Type 2

[ANewDay]

My life changed on Monday! Went to a new Dr; mentioned a possible UTI - asked for test; was called back to office within an hour to take A1C (sugar in the urine/no infection) - Another call in about an hour saying A1C was 11 and the Dr wanted me to come in next day. On Tuesday found out my Thyroid is way way low as well; and Dr said I'm diabetic. Of course I wasn't surprised since my A1C came back as an 11.

This diagnosis is not a surprise to me since way back in early 2000 I had some borderline readings. Since my Dr didn't take it seriously, denial was much more convenient than facing facts. My best friend, (a Nurse Practioner; a diabetic; and a way back when, she was actually a diabetes educator) told me my Dr was not up on the newest findings and in fact I was diabetic. Finally changed Dr's and new Dr found I had Thyoiditis and focused on that rather than questionable blood sugar readings - again, denial. That was in 2006 and here it is 2009.

The only Dr I really have been going to is my super Allergist, who is also a client of mine (I'm a Travel Agent). He referred me to his Internist, and I'm so happy I have found a really good Dr, who is brilliant (according to my Allergist); and after meeting with him, is approachable; takes time with you; and it seems as though acts quickly to test results.

He's referred for me to see a Diabetic Educator. I've already started to eat better, but don't have specifics yet. I want to do it right to get my levels down, so I've been a bit frustrated since I didn't get the call till Friday from the Diabetic Educator. I had to call the office closer to us, so I still don't have an appointment, but hopefully it will be soon. Sorry, sometimes I give too much detail...can you tell? OK, now for my questions:

1. I've started on 1 Metformin 500/extended release in the evening; next week 1 am & 1 pm; the next week: 1am and 2pm; the next week: 2am & 2pm. My next appt is in a month. In the meantime, I want to do my part to do the best I can do. My question: Since my readings started out pretty high, how soon should I see my numbers look better? I've seen fasting AM readings this week between 197 to 256. 2 hours after meals between 201 to 303.

2. This week has been that of a learning experience since I'm learning what works and what doesn't. I've read that what works for one is not good for another. If this is true, I'm seeing a cup of steel-cut oatmeal, makes my levels go too high. I had 3 red skin potatoes (a bit bigger than small) with high readings. I've really had low blood sugar symptoms and almost left work early because I felt so bad (and I NEVER use sick time). Is this normal?

OK, enough...I have lots of questions, but I do get long-winded.

Thanks so much for any input...I'm glad I've found this community because I'm no longer in denial and look forward to a LONG and active life!

[Granny Shanny]

OK, enough...I have lots of questions, but I do get long-winded.

Whoa baby . . . you ain't seen nuthin' yet! You gonna fit right in here! :D :D :D

But kidding aside, it's a real shame the professionals blew this off for so many years, and yet I think your NP friend used good sense in preserving your friendship by not nagging you about your denial. She must be jumping for joy about now! Your new internist doc sounds like the real deal - one that pays attention and listens to you.

As you've already noticed, oatmeal and potatoes are often "villains", in this diabetes drama. Some can tolerate it, but many of us can't, at least not right now. Same goes for most "white" foods, i.e., rice, breads, pasta, potatoes, anything made with sugar and/or white flour. The good news about limiting these high-carb foods is that the hunger pangs often subside also. My experience has been that these foods literally generate craving for more of the same, but once I've been off them for a day or so, those cravings disappear.

A lot of what you'll find about diabetes diets seem to fly in the face of what the dietary pundits say about "healthy" eating. Regardless of all the years we've been "taught" that fat is so bad for us, the truth about controlling our blood glucose is that the fats can help us. Used without all the carbs, they help with the sense of satiety, and as I realized at the beginning of my own journey . . . if I can't have my baked potatoes, it sure makes it nice that I can have a dollop of butter on my spinach! :D

But I'm a relative newcomer to this odyssey, and others will be posting here who have much greater experience, knowledge & insight than I.

So welcome to the board, and your new LONG and active life!

[Moonglo]

Welcome!

To answer your question about how long it will take for your readings to normalize, all I can give you is my experience, which is that it took several weeks for my numbers to get into the range that my doctor recommended. I probably could have gotten them there sooner if I was going super duper low carb(some here go as low as 20 grams/day), but I chose to do more of a moderate low carb diet (75-100 grams/day) instead, because my busy lifestyle and lack of funding makes going truly low carb more difficult.

How much exercise are you getting? If your bg is over 200-250, studies have suggested you want to hold off, but below 200 and you need to be exercising. As little as 30 minutes a day, even 3-5 days a week, can help control bg levels, and adding in more gradually will be even more beneficial.

I know it seems overwhelming right now, but it'll get easier. I promise. You've already taken a huge step by coming here and facing it head on. Congrats for taking that step, and please keep coming back. Don't be a stranger. :)

[ANewDay]

Welcome!

To answer your question about how long it will take for your readings to normalize, all I can give you is my experience, which is that it took several weeks for my numbers to get into the range that my doctor recommended. I probably could have gotten them there sooner if I was going super duper low carb(some here go as low as 20 grams/day), but I chose to do more of a moderate low carb diet (75-100 grams/day) instead, because my busy lifestyle and lack of funding makes going truly low carb more difficult.

How much exercise are you getting? If your bg is over 200-250, studies have suggested you want to hold off, but below 200 and you need to be exercising. As little as 30 minutes a day, even 3-5 days a week, can help control bg levels, and adding in more gradually will be even more beneficial.

I know it seems overwhelming right now, but it'll get easier. I promise. You've already taken a huge step by coming here and facing it head on. Congrats for taking that step, and please keep coming back. Don't be a stranger. :)

Whoa baby . . . you ain't seen nuthin' yet! You gonna fit right in here! :D :D :D

But kidding aside, it's a real shame the professionals blew this off for so many years, and yet I think your NP friend used good sense in preserving your friendship by not nagging you about your denial. She must be jumping for joy about now! Your new internist doc sounds like the real deal - one that pays attention and listens to you.

As you've already noticed, oatmeal and potatoes are often "villains", in this diabetes drama. Some can tolerate it, but many of us can't, at least not right now. Same goes for most "white" foods, i.e., rice, breads, pasta, potatoes, anything made with sugar and/or white flour. The good news about limiting these high-carb foods is that the hunger pangs often subside also. My experience has been that these foods literally generate craving for more of the same, but once I've been off them for a day or so, those cravings disappear.

A lot of what you'll find about diabetes diets seem to fly in the face of what the dietary pundits say about "healthy" eating. Regardless of all the years we've been "taught" that fat is so bad for us, the truth about controlling our blood glucose is that the fats can help us. Used without all the carbs, they help with the sense of satiety, and as I realized at the beginning of my own journey . . . if I can't have my baked potatoes, it sure makes it nice that I can have a dollop of butter on my spinach! :D

But I'm a relative newcomer to this odyssey, and others will be posting here who have much greater experience, knowledge & insight than I.

So welcome to the board, and your new LONG and active life!

Thanks so much for the welcome by you both and for your replies to my questions! I've had a good day except my plan was to start some exercise. When I was about to go out and ride my bike, I felt some 'low' symptoms and decided it might not be wise. Of course I also felt a bit guilty because my adult daughters were very happy I was going to use the bike they gave me last year. So moonglo, the bg you mentioned, say I should wait a bit to exercise...I feel better about not going out today already! My goal is to wait till Wed, which is my day off and do something; even if it's not riding my bike.

Granny Shanny, your experiences makes so much sense. I will just have to see what works for me and what doesn't. Knowing I can still have some butter on my veggies does make me feel better, and do know (from dieting) the cravings go away when high-carb foods are absent from the diet. I'm looking forward to looking back to where I am right now and realizing how much better I feel w/o the foods that been my staples for way too long.

Thanks again, and I look forward to soaking up the knowledge and experience that can only be learned from experiencing literally the high and lows from diabetes!

[kgm0612]

HI & Welcome to the forum!

Metformin usually takes a good month before you start seeing results. In the mean time, cut back on your carbohydrate intake and start exercising. Either ride your bike or walk. I always test prior to my evening walk and if I'm under 100, then I grab something (PB crackers, mini candy bar, etc) that will raise my blood sugar.

Good luck!

Karen

[ANewDay]

Thanks kgm, I appreicate your advice! I feel so silly because I I choose to not say stupid! My husband is being wonderful and really supporting me. On the way home from work he said: "I read the book you brought home from the Dr's office..." I asked what book he was talking about? I guess I was so overwhelmed with everything I didn't remember being given a book (well, not that big, but a lot of info)

I really felt good about this new Dr and must admit, I was surprised he sent me away with a lag time between the diagnosis and seeing the Diabetes Educator. Now I realize I did have a starter manual...and just didn't know it. OOPS!

Mid morning I heard from the Diabetes Educator and my appt is Wed at 8am. I am really looking forward to going to the next level!

Tomorrow I start on 500ER am in addition the the one I take at night. I'm hoping it will help me with the low symptoms I feel when I'm not actually low. Knowing it can take up to a month to feel the effects of the meds helps too! Thanks!

In the meantime, I would appreciate any ideas on QUICK breafast ideas; and snack ideas that will work around 5:30 to 6pm. I work 3 LONG days from 9am to 8pm so I don't eat dinner till pretty late. Oh yes, due to the pressures of my job; very often I'm not out of there till 8:30 and sometimes even later. I will say this: My health is more important than anything, so those nights leaving after 8 I sure hope to do something about!

Thanks in advance of any tips!

[davef]

Hi there and welcome,

Snap, I too was diagnosed after going to the Doctor about a nasty UTI.

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,

[jer.lawrence]

Hey and welcome! You can see very fast results, or you can see them take a bit longer!

When I was first Dx, I was scared silly and cut back almost all of my carbs -- down to the 20-30 a day range. My numbers were down within about 7 days or so. (Fasting was 320 at Dx, and 106 7 days later)

I don't necessarily recommend that approach, though, because I'm sure it wouldn't work for everyone. In addition to that, bringing your numbers down TOO quickly can lead to some oddities.

My eyesight was horrible for the first week or so after getting "in control." It leveled out and was totally back to normal after a week or two, but was caused by my numbers falling so rapidly.

Also, you can get "false lows" if your numbers drop too quickly. You'll feel like you have a low even when your numbers are normal, or even slightly above normal. This is because your body has been used to the high numbers for so long, the normal numbers feel low. If this happens, it should be fine, it just takes another few days / week to get used to.

So anyway! That's just my experience. I don't know if it helps you or not. I was glad to have my numbers down to normal, and quickly, but there are other ways to do it that are a bit less "severe" than the way I handled it. I'm not saying that I regret it -- it worked great for me. It just isn't for everyone. :P

Welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy your stay! :)