me 2

[slewpnj]

Have been reading and learning. Thought I knew a lot because of T2 in my family but amazed at how much I don't know.

Diagnosed type 2 about 5 weeks ago after applying for life insurance. Thought I was perfectly healthy and bloodwork came back with 9 out of 20 results in the high range, including glucose, A1c, triglicerides, cholesterol and on and on. I have been getting annual bloodwork (with normal results) for about 23 years since having gestational diabetes.

After a day of shock, got into my doctor and have been taking 500mg of metformin 2x a day since. After 4 wks I was finally getting a.m. fasting readings in the 130's and now seem to be moving into the 20's.

I have to admit it's taking longer than I expected to normalize. Following strict diet recommendations and exercising. I go back to doc at end of Nov and will get more bloodwork at that time. Of course, I have weight to lose and that's moving slowly as well but since this is permanent, I'm trying not to focus on that, hoping that if I keep doing what I'm supposed to do that the weight loss will happen.

My maternal grandmother, my mother and 6 of her 8 siblings have either had or have T2 and my husband was diagnosed aobut 5 years ago.

Like I said, I'm learning much from this website, thanks!!

[jenb]

Hi and welcome!

There is a lot to learn, isn't there? It's like a graduate course.

What are the diet recommendations from your doctor? Let us know if we can make it any easier.

Jen

[kgm0612]

WELCOME to the forum!

Be sure to test as often as you can and limit your carbohydrate intake.

Karen

[slewpnj]

thanks, doc has told me to keep it simple at this point, so am limiting carbs and fats.

I'm eating shreddred wheat and half banana for breakfast; salad and plain tuna or some other small plain protein for lunch ; chicken or fish with salad and green veggies for dinner.

Also having an apple between lunch and dinner. Making an effort to increase my water intake. Last 2 days I'm finally into the 120's in the a.m. and 2 hrs before dinner today was 91.

My head is spinning with all the more scientific stuff I'm reading on here but I'll absorb what I can and appreciate any tips. Thanks again!!

[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum!

My advice is to test your blood sugars as often as you can, cut back on your carbohydrate intake and get in some form of exercise if you're able and not already doing so.

Karen

[slewpnj]

thanks, karen, I'm doing 40 mins at the gym 4x/wk -- 20 mins of elliptical and 20 minutes of weights/crunches,

thanks again

[fafafouy]

I was diagnosed two weeks ago and moved from once a day to twice day 500mg Metformin last Thursday. Fortunately I haven't seen BG over 300 since moving to twice a day but still averaging about 200-260 on my reads.
What was your BG at Dx? Just hoping to get to 100 over the next few weeks. Been sticking to a (fairly) strict low carb/sugar diet. Just wondering what your experience has been and how long before the Metformin really started to "kick in".

[genie86333]

I was diagnosed two weeks ago and moved from once a day to twice day 500mg Metformin last Thursday. Fortunately I haven't seen BG over 300 since moving to twice a day but still averaging about 200-260 on my reads.
What was your BG at Dx? Just hoping to get to 100 over the next few weeks. Been sticking to a (fairly) strict low carb/sugar diet. Just wondering what your experience has been and how long before the Metformin really started to "kick in".

Met takes 4 or 5 weeks to "kick in." Welcome.

[davef]

Hi there and welcome,

You have found a great place for information, support and help. In the early days all the new information and knowledge can nearly be overwhelming, but you will work it out - just don't ever stop learning.

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,

[slewpnj]

To the question about my levels at DX. I applied for life insurance and got the results a week later......327 bg and 9.9 A1C!!!! Needless to say, I was in shock and got into the doc immediately.

After 1 month on metformin 500mg x 2, my morning readings finally hit the 130s and my doc said to stick with it but neither he nor I will be satisfied until it gets lower and consistent. THis is about my 6th week on metformin and a couple of days this week, I was in the 120s in the morning but other days, it's in the 150s again. I go back to the doc right before xmas which will be the 3 month mark and hopefully, i will have more consistency and better blood work.

But thanks to this forum, I'm staying positive and not beating myself up. It's all so complicated!!

Thanks to all of you for making this much easier!!

[ANewDay]

Have been reading and learning. Thought I knew a lot because of T2 in my family but amazed at how much I don't know.

Diagnosed type 2 about 5 weeks ago after applying for life insurance. Thought I was perfectly healthy and bloodwork came back with 9 out of 20 results in the high range, including glucose, A1c, triglicerides, cholesterol and on and on. I have been getting annual bloodwork (with normal results) for about 23 years since having gestational diabetes.

After a day of shock, got into my doctor and have been taking 500mg of metformin 2x a day since. After 4 wks I was finally getting a.m. fasting readings in the 130's and now seem to be moving into the 20's.

I have to admit it's taking longer than I expected to normalize. Following strict diet recommendations and exercising. I go back to doc at end of Nov and will get more bloodwork at that time. Of course, I have weight to lose and that's moving slowly as well but since this is permanent, I'm trying not to focus on that, hoping that if I keep doing what I'm supposed to do that the weight loss will happen.

My maternal grandmother, my mother and 6 of her 8 siblings have either had or have T2 and my husband was diagnosed aobut 5 years ago.

Like I said, I'm learning much from this website, thanks!!

I so understand...I too was in shock when I learned I have type 2. At my first appt with a new Dr; I mentioned I was having some urinary tract syptoms. After I left the office and was driving into the parking lot at work, my cell phone rang and it was from my Dr's office asking me to come back for more tests since there was sugar in my urine. 2 hours later had another call: The nurse said: You have diabetes and the Dr wants you to come in tomorrow to discuss the next step. She said the A1c came back at 11. The fasting BG came was 277. I know enough to know that the 11 is past even my knack of staying in denial! I knew right then my life was about to change! When I went back the next day he said my thyroid was way out of whack as well. He said simply: Your thryoid is gone. I asked where it went and his reply: Your body ate it! Actually I like his humor, however after more tests the antibody tests Anti TPO: 378 (<35); Thyrogobulin: 473 (<20). I'm hypo-thyroid and have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which means I will be on Thyrioid meds going forward.

With the above said; I can certainly understand your statememnt saying you were in shock! I'm also working hard on learning how to eat carb friendly-foods with the goal of bringing down my weight too. On Monday my fasting BG was 116...to say I was thrilled is an understatement. I really thought I had turned the corner and all my results would be in the 'good' range to equal how well I'm doing eating right and the big miracle...I'm even exercising: A real miracle! Then yesterday I saw my readings up some (a really stressful day at work); and this morning even higher. Oh yes, this morning I my weight actually showed my good efforts are being recognized; and must say, the 176 fasting BG was a surprise. Another stressful day at work and 2 hrs after a dinner that was right on I just tested a 192.

I guess I have turned the corner: Reality has set in! Oh yes, I've just begun my 4th week and am now at 2 500 extended realease Metformin morning and 2 at night. Actually when I look at it; I am down from my readings when I was diagnosed...so guess I should quit whinning!

I'm glad someone who replied to your post mentioned that Metformin takes 4 to 5 weeks.

By the way, is anyone else dealing with Type 2 and Hashimoto's? I'm interested in hearing how both impact controling Type 2.

I too am learning a lot from all the replies and feedback from people who deal with diabetes day in an day out...thanks!

[slewpnj]

Hi Anewday

My thyroid numbers were ok but had a bunch of other results that were off the map. Dr has said it will all come into line with getting the sugar under control.

I was glad to see the post that metformin takes 4 to 5 weeks to kick in because that's what I'm seeing. I just got my first a.m. fast reading under 120, it was 117. I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen. I hope the same thing happens with the weight -- would love to see that budge too with all the good changes.

But since i'm viewing this that I have no choice in the matter, there will be no more yoyo dieting for me whether I lose weight or not!!

I go back to the doc right before xmas which will put me at the 3 month mark from the dx. Hopefully, my bloodwork will improve.

Good luck, nice to be in this with you.