Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Diabetes support

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Scared of getting a dx and being able to make the potential lifestyle changes

120 replies

Graphista · 03/02/2023 16:27

I'm 50, fat, sedentary and love my carbs though try to eat relatively healthily.

I had a load of bloods taken recently as I've had a rubbish winter health wise and wanted to get to bottom of it.

Drs just called me (how rare is that?!) to have me make another appointment to test blood again as showed raised blood glucose.

On day of test I hadn't eaten before testing which is what's really worrying me!

Also family history of type 2 and yes I am kicking myself for not being more sensible but I have a lot of other health issues to contend with too inc ocd.

I'm scared I won't cope with the dx, the changes I'll need to make (creature of habit), or even that with the ocd I'll go too far the other way and be too controlling with it all.

Can anyone relate? Been through similar and can reassure?

Appointment is in 2 weeks so not urgent response from them but still...

OP posts:
Graphista · 19/02/2023 12:06

@MillicentTrilbyHiggins THANK YOU! That's exactly how I feel about all the advice/info it's woefully unclear with even hcps and supposed diabetic experts not agreeing on how you should eat! Not helpful at all!

@CentrifugalBumblePuppy yes I've an appointment with diabetic nurse (well nurse, I am assuming diabetic nurse I'm calling Monday to check some things will ask then) next week after drs appointment this week. And yes I'll be asking for monitor to be prescribed but don't know if that will happen. Money is so tight for me just now (as I know it is for many) it's disgraceful diabetics have to pay for their own essential equipment.

I'm already on LCWRA and pip with my health which will give you some indication of my difficulties. One of them is a spinal issue too, sucks doesn't it?

I already take 3000 vit d, b complex, vit c and magnesium - when I remember I've missed a couple days as head all over shop!

The last time I took a med with a slight chance of diarrhoea as a side effect I ended up so dehydrated I almost had to go hospital. Yet dept prescribing were telling me to "push through it'll ease off" it was my then GP who said to them "no! It's making her seriously ill she needs to come off it"

@Destiny123

This was also a supposedly slow release version - hence my concerns.

I do get things are really tough in nhs just now of course but ultimately I have to look after myself.

Exercise on prescription (gym, classes) would not be suitable for me as I can't do that kind of exercise due to my disability.

Re ALP I'm concerned about bone loss yes family history there. Calcium is just within normal range but on low side.

Unfortunately I cannot change that mindset it's part of the ocd believe me I and many therapists have tried.

I sort of naturally intermittent fast due to the insomnia and a weird body clock. I've been looking at and reading the advice by experts like Mosley but they're clueless on vegetarianism to be frank. Paying mere lip service to it most of the time.

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 19/02/2023 12:21

@Graphista I'm sorry you are getting mixed messages re T2 diabetes from the NHS. They don't yet have a clear message though they are beginning to get to grips with low carb

DH was diagnosed back in 2006. The first really helpful resource evans from Dr Bernstein bookk*

It took about a year of strict low carb to reverse his T2 according to his blood results. The GP still doesn't 'believe' it is reversed but acknowledges that the blood results no longer indicated T2

Destiny123 · 19/02/2023 12:34

Graphista · 19/02/2023 12:06

@MillicentTrilbyHiggins THANK YOU! That's exactly how I feel about all the advice/info it's woefully unclear with even hcps and supposed diabetic experts not agreeing on how you should eat! Not helpful at all!

@CentrifugalBumblePuppy yes I've an appointment with diabetic nurse (well nurse, I am assuming diabetic nurse I'm calling Monday to check some things will ask then) next week after drs appointment this week. And yes I'll be asking for monitor to be prescribed but don't know if that will happen. Money is so tight for me just now (as I know it is for many) it's disgraceful diabetics have to pay for their own essential equipment.

I'm already on LCWRA and pip with my health which will give you some indication of my difficulties. One of them is a spinal issue too, sucks doesn't it?

I already take 3000 vit d, b complex, vit c and magnesium - when I remember I've missed a couple days as head all over shop!

The last time I took a med with a slight chance of diarrhoea as a side effect I ended up so dehydrated I almost had to go hospital. Yet dept prescribing were telling me to "push through it'll ease off" it was my then GP who said to them "no! It's making her seriously ill she needs to come off it"

@Destiny123

This was also a supposedly slow release version - hence my concerns.

I do get things are really tough in nhs just now of course but ultimately I have to look after myself.

Exercise on prescription (gym, classes) would not be suitable for me as I can't do that kind of exercise due to my disability.

Re ALP I'm concerned about bone loss yes family history there. Calcium is just within normal range but on low side.

Unfortunately I cannot change that mindset it's part of the ocd believe me I and many therapists have tried.

I sort of naturally intermittent fast due to the insomnia and a weird body clock. I've been looking at and reading the advice by experts like Mosley but they're clueless on vegetarianism to be frank. Paying mere lip service to it most of the time.

Exercise on prescription isn't like that, it's designed for people who can do very little not whatever stereotype you're making. Eg my current gym it includes yoga pilates chair based exercises, really easy hand weight classes often aimed at people over 65. Please don't just dismiss offers like this as "oh I can't do that". The gyms will work with you during your inductions to work out what you CAN do.

(Patients that attend with "I can't do this this this" attitudes, can be a real challenge to manage.... my mums is one smokes/ overweight/ real strong family history of cardiac disease, but doesn't do anything to help herself, so I've given up trying to help her as it's almighty frustrating when can see so many solutions but all the replies are always can't do that cos xyz, (not saying you are doing that) but we see it all the time in medicine and its so sad cos can see the end result kidney failure/high blood pressure/heart attacks, diabetic vision loss and in the instance of v poor diabetic control nerve damage causing difficult to treat pain, then toe then foot then lower leg amputations in worst case scenarios)

You've got real opportunities now to change your future but you need to work with the medics to do your bit, as there's only so much throwing drugs at a problem can do

ALP could be anything (could be nothing, often self resolves if recheck in 3m), take vit d supplements I think I've only had about 5 patients with normal vitamin d. You can buy calcium and vit d for pennies in supermarkets.

Ladyofthesea · 19/02/2023 14:17

First of all keep going with ditching unnecessary carbs or lowering how many you eat. The fact that you're already looking into it is a good thing. I don't know if you drink alcohol but best stop that too.

Once your glucose levels are more controlled your depression and anxiety could even lighten a bit. Uncontrolled diabetes does make certain MH conditions worse. No guarantees but it could be a nice side effect of being healthier.

Is there any exercise that you are able to do? Doesn't have to be anything heavy or sweatty: walking, cycling or swimming at your own pace are very healthy exercise options as well. Any movement us better than none, so if you can only do a little bit more that you're not doing right now then that's fine. Try to build it up over time to something sustainable.

It's easier to keep making little and often tweaks to your lifestyle than suddenly eating nothing and training for a marathon. You need a lifestyle change that you can keep doing for decades and too drastic stuff most often isn't sustainable.

Graphista · 19/02/2023 21:55

@FinallyHere it's frustrating not just the nhs either.

Doesn't help when hcps aren't up to date with latest research does it?

@Destiny123 please don't presume I don't know what I am talking about with regard to my own disability that I've had almost 20 years. I can't do the exercise on prescription I've been referred to that here before. The supposed expert gym person did more harm than good that time, because they are not hcps. The exercises are not suitable for me plus I cannot commit to eg Tuesday every week because if I'm having a bad day I can't move!

Yes I know what I can't do, I know what I can do too. On fair to good days I can do my physio, maybe a walk on good days I can do yoga and on best days swimming but it isn't predictable or guaranteed. I also have lots of other things to juggle health wise.

My frustration with hcps is so often they don't listen to patients, think they are saying they can't do x y z just to be awkward or because they're defeatist or a wuss or narrow minded or whatever. When most of the time patients do know their own bodies, minds and what they realistically can and can't manage. Instead of getting annoyed at us when we say we cannot do x perhaps instead listen to us and work with us?

I've recently had this happen with a dental issue, I was referred to a dental specialist for completely the wrong reason it was a waste of an appointment for me and the specialist. If the original person referring had listened, it wouldn't have been the case.

The last thing I want is throwing drugs at the problem! I actively avoid medication where possible, certainly for minor ailments, and would much rather take a natural approach. Sometimes meds are crucial (as in asthma) but I think generally best avoided where possible.

In the last several years I've started to have real issues with meds, developing full on allergies to ones I took no problem at all most of my life, others stopped working and others the side effects were horrific. I was in discussion as to why with another mner some years back but when I took the theory to my gp guess what? Didn't listen, totally dismissed MY concerns and now I am loathe to change meds or try new ones because of this.

I already take vit d, my calcium has been on low side for about 7 years, again with primary care doing zero to help, I have taken otc calcium supplements and they made no difference to my levels, my diet is pretty rich in calcium too,

There are 2 rare conditions that there is a family history of, one would at least explain the low calcium, the other the ALP and I've suspected may be present for about 5 years... again can't get primary care to test for it!

It's not just patients that are stubborn!

@Ladyofthesea yes that's all I can think to do at the moment keep carbs as low as poss. That's asda delivered and put away, I've reorganised my cupboards so that the very sweet treats are top of cupboard where it's hard for me to reach, hate waste so won't throw out but they'll do for guests (biscuits etc) & perhaps my student daughter next time she visits. So now I'm stocked up on low carb, high protein and some high fat items (the advice on whether to have low or high fat is very confusing!)

Not a big drinker and I'm fine forgoing that for now, doesn't bother me. The problem I have is I don't usually drink fizzy drinks when out as can upset stomach. Fruit juices are out can't abide plain water so where does that leave me?

Perhaps Mh will improve, not holding my breath as it's mainly ocd which I've had all my life albeit not dx until I was in my 30's because I hid it.

See earlier comments on this post re exercise, some I can do but depends on how I am that day etc.

I do tend to be an all or nothing person so yes I do need to watch that. I think Fri/sat I panicked and went too low carb for now initially. Need to do it gradually.

OP posts:
Destiny123 · 20/02/2023 06:52

That's fine, you obviously know yourself best, so I'm out, all the best with whatever you choose

Ladyofthesea · 20/02/2023 07:30

Not a big drinker and I'm fine forgoing that for now, doesn't bother me. The problem I have is I don't usually drink fizzy drinks when out as can upset stomach. Fruit juices are out can't abide plain water so where does that leave me?

Mint tea is nice in all kinds of weather if you're in a cafe. At home you can try experimenting with flavouring a jar of water with cucumbers, mint, ginger, lemon peels, orange peels, basil or a mixture.

Whiskyinajar · 20/02/2023 08:00

Hi OP

Diabetes.org.uk is your friend here. Loads of info and recipes there.

If you can't exercise then just do what you can. Seated exercise counts so stretches etc.

I was diagnosed 18 months ago with a HbA1c of 66. My last reading was 33 so I am well in remission.

I manage it with diet alone now.

Your HbA1c is high so the focus will be on getting that down and medication is very good.

And finally stop blaming yourself. All the obesity crisis has shown us is how many people are genetically susceptible to diabetes.

Good luck

Patchworksack · 20/02/2023 08:16

Sorry I haven’t RTFT but my husband was diagnosed T2D in 2020 with hba1c of 60. The NHS support has been woeful. He’s in diabetic remission with non diabetic readings and just wanted to recommend some resources - The Diabetes Code by Jason Fung, any of the Caldesi cookbooks, Michael Moseley fast 800. All based around the DIRECT trial - the protocol is now available throughout Scotland and in some places in England from NHS. Basically 12 weeks of very strict dieting - 800-1000 calories a day and low carb to shed 2 stone/15% weight and get rid of visceral fat, then maintain on low carb diet. My husband is ok on 50-80g carbs a day (no sugar or white carbs at all). In our experience a lot of newly diagnosed folk are not even told this is possible and just stick on metformin with wishy washy diet advice.

sashh · 20/02/2023 10:07

Graphista · 18/02/2023 15:27

Go with their recommendations, take the medication if offered and hopefully you'll start feeling a lot better soon

Not as simple as that with other health issues & meds & Mh stuff.

Would much prefer to do diet controlled, I am still not convinced on the numbers being so high with no symptoms and no fasting tests having been done.

OP

You keep saying you have no symptoms but then you say you have had a rubbish winter and peri symptoms, don't you think this could be how your diabetes presents?

I was diagnosed last year and my main symptom was an itchy groin.

Anyway I got a free sample of a libre 2 - its a sensor you wear for two weeks and checks your blood sugar continually, you read it on your phone.

This allowed me to see how my body reacted to different foods, bananas sent my blood sugar sky high so I don't eat them anymore.

I'm on metformin twice a day and I eat low carb but not no carb and I have protein for breakfast.

I've lost 10 kg and my fasting glucose was 6.8 this morning, I find out my latest A1C on Wednesday.

Graphista · 20/02/2023 11:00

Destiny123 kinda proved my point there didn't you?

@Ladyofthesea Was meaning more bars/clubs they don't really do mint tea or any tea around here.

@Whiskyinajar yea been on there most of weekend. Well done getting it into remission. I do what exercise I can it just depends if it's a day I can. Definitely agree on genetics side, type 1 type 2 and genetic pancreatitis in the family both sides.

@Patchworksack thank you to you both I'll look at those books, started looking at some books & info over weekend, there's a lot to take in. Just based on my experience with nhs primary care generally, I'm not holding my breath for good support/advice! Secondary care has always been pretty good but primary care is a mess and it's not just down to lack of resources.

@sashh you could be right but the meno symptoms aren't ones that could be t2 ones, the getting constant bugs could be due to lowered immune system due to the diabetes but certainly I've had no purely obvious t2 symptoms.

Will see how it all pans out.

OP posts:
Graphista · 20/02/2023 11:09

@Patchworksack I've pmd you hope that's ok

OP posts:
Graphista · 20/02/2023 12:34

Lost 3.25 lbs over weekend, looser bowels may be part of that, but think I'm on right track, don't know about blood sugars yet though.

OP posts:
BurbageBrook · 20/02/2023 16:05

Would you ever consider introducing some limited meat or fish into your diet? Whole proteins like meat massively help me control my appetite.

Graphista · 20/02/2023 17:06

I discovered by accident after I went veggie that meat actually makes me very unwell. Back then 80's there wasn't clear labelling and on a few occasions I ate meat unintentionally it landed me in hospital twice.

OP posts:
MillicentTrilbyHiggins · 20/02/2023 17:27

@Graphista oh I'm glad my post didn't come across as "it's all too difficult, you'll never manage" or whatever.

Well done on the initial weight loss. That's a great start.

Graphista · 20/02/2023 19:11

@MillicentTrilbyHiggins not at al!!

Was good to know I wasn't the only one frustrated by all the very conflicting advice! It's maddening!

I can be rather stubborn and bloody minded Grin the ocd makes me a demon for details - finally all that may come in useful!

OP posts:
sashh · 21/02/2023 05:01

OP

Don't you have a blood glucose meter?

Graphista · 21/02/2023 10:35

No not as yet, just dx Fri not seeing dr till this Friday.

OP posts:
sashh · 22/02/2023 13:24

Hi OP

I'm back from the Nurse, my A1C was 35.

Will you get a glucose meter from the Dr? Mine just handed one to me with my diagnosis.

Graphista · 22/02/2023 13:28

Is that a good result for you? Lower than before?

Don't know if I'll get a glucose meter from dr yet, appointment not till Friday. Received dx in a brief phone call which I think was very poor practice to be honest.

OP posts:
Patchworksack · 22/02/2023 13:38

sashh · 22/02/2023 13:24

Hi OP

I'm back from the Nurse, my A1C was 35.

Will you get a glucose meter from the Dr? Mine just handed one to me with my diagnosis.

Well done @sashh ! @Graphista that’s a non-diabetic reading (<42 non diabetic 42-48 prediabetic, >48 diabetic)

JengaNonConfirming · 22/02/2023 15:59

Graphista · 22/02/2023 13:28

Is that a good result for you? Lower than before?

Don't know if I'll get a glucose meter from dr yet, appointment not till Friday. Received dx in a brief phone call which I think was very poor practice to be honest.

I was told by the receptionist when she rang to say I needed to make an appointment to see the diabetic nurse.

The nurse was very nice and went through some information with me, checked my feet and tested a urine sample. She signed me up for the specialist eye test and some talks that the community diabetes nurses give - Diabetes and Me and Diabetes and Food.

My test result was 48, so only just into diabetic range, but the eye test has shown up the start of some changes, so I'm glad to be on the books, so to speak.

Graphista · 22/02/2023 22:52

@Patchworksack thank you, I'm still learning all the numbers etc

@sashh that's amazing

OP posts:
Graphista · 22/02/2023 22:56

Gah posted by accident.

@sashh that's amazing then! Congratulations! So pleased for you.

@JengaNonConfirming I think it's a terrible way to deliver a life changing dx

My eyes are bad lately, tested less than 6 months ago I think. prescribed varifocals which I cannot get on with at all. Feet ok so far

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread