Diabetes

[Butterytoast]

I'm wondering if anyone is able to help me. DMIL was diagnosed yesterday with diabetes. It's not a complete shock as her mother and brother got it in later life, however it's really bad timing as DFIL had an operation the day before which means that they will have no transport for 8 weeks -at least- until he is able to drive again.

MIL does not really have any knowledge of diabetes. She says she has to go back for more blood tests and is due to see a dietician at some point after Christmas. She will also be given tablets once they have judged the strength she needs?

She has had no advice on day to day management in relation to diet and looking after herself and is very anxious now about everything she is eating and the Xmas period in general. This is not helped by the fact she has eye problems anyways and some unhelpful friend told her she could go blind if she doesn't get everything under control right away...

Could anyone recommend any simple books or give some general advice on how we can help her come to terms with the diagnosis and support her over the Xmas period until she gets a clearer picture of her results and sees professionals in jan?

Well, a lot of people with diabetes advocate a low carbohydrate diet (including me - I have type 2, which from your description it sounds like your MIL has too)

Basically I just started by cutting down on bread, potato, pasta and rice portion sizes, and trying to eat low GI (glycaemic index) versions instead ie new potatoes, brown rice, wholemeal bread/pasta, as these take longer to break down into sugars.

Also exercise has a good effect on blood sugars, so she should try and build up her exercise, half an hour walking 5x a week is a good start.

Although it is important to try and get blood glucose levels down to as near non-diabetic levels as possible, your MIL doesn't need to worry immediately as it will take a while for diet, exercise and medications to have an effect.

I would recommend taking a look at the diabetes.co.uk. website as they have really good information for the newly diagnosed and a useful forum with lots of helpful posters if you have any questions.

HTH

My dh has been diagnosed this year tell her not to panic not as bad as she thinks. She is probably not too bad if they haven't given pills yet, dh was on them straight away as his sugar was very high but he has been fine since the tablets kicked in. She will get pills if needed and may have to try out a few to find out what works. Important thing is lose weight. A few different diets are recommended by different ppl so it is confusing. My dh has opted to reduce sugar and junk and generally cut back but he didn't want to do low carb. if she would like to try a slimming club I think slimming world have a diabetic diet that you can do with slight modification to normal sw. Also I am not sure how to find it but I think diabetes UK may have a helpline for newly diagnosed ppl who are worried.

care line info

Also all her prescriptions should be free so this may help slightly with finances this includes all prescription not just those directly related to diabetes.

Diabetes uk has good info.

I second diabetes uk.

I would also highly recommend ringing her surgery and speaking to the diabetic nurse to ask about a DESMOND course and ensuring that she is referred to her local diabetic eye screening programme ASAP.

It's also important that she keeps her BP at as near normal levels too

Thanks all for the advice- I will pass it on. I think she is on blood pressure tablets already! I shall direct her to the websites and care lines. She seemed a bit brighter when I spoke to her today

That's great it is a scary diagnosis for sure! But dh says his nurse is late 50s and says the advances in treatment during her career are wonderful and so many less bad complications occur nowadays. In the past amputation was quite common now very unlikely indeed. Same with eyesight as your dm is worried about.

It also seems she has got tablets (think she got them the day after) tho they are giving her the runs..

She is a worrier by nature so I'm trying to keep her calm!

I have heard this is a common side effect to tablets. I think you may get used to them after a few weeks but talk to nurse if concerned.

She needs to normalize her blood sugars, and the best way to do that is go low carb, as other posters have suggested.

She's been on the website suggested upthread and was very impressed! I think she feels a bit more in control. I've also ordered her a book from amazon about living with diabetes which should arrive soon too. Thank you for all the advice :)

Also good is the support forum www.diabetessupport.co.uk - this is the one supported by Diabetes UK & has lots of diabetics of all types with lots of experience & sympathy.