Type 2

[Fabulousfreaks]

I am devastated as I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am not even 40. I am probably about 2 stone overweight, certainly no more and my family on all sides have a history of diabetes but I feel like such a fat freaking failure. I am so depressed and have a history of depression. Plus when I am depressed it is so hard to motivate myself so now feel even worse. I just don't know how to come to terms with this and feel like a waste of space as a human. Is there anyone else who has been in this position.

nobody dealt with this? At my wits end

Does noone really have anything to say?

You are not a waste of space and there are plenty of positive things you can do about this diagnosis!

First of all, what is the extent of the problem? Are you on insulin, tablets or diet controlled?

You are young, and newly diagnosed - many people with type 2 have reduced, or even reversed diabetic levels of blood sugar by radically changing diet from the "normal" diet to a more natural diet (low carb, paleo, ancestral...). Please, take a few days to read up as much as possible on why our "normal" carb heavy diet is responsible for making us fat, diabetic and depressed... to be closer to a natural diet we need to cut grains and other carbs, increase protein and natural fats, and increase our activity levels.

Links to free info sites...

www.dietdoctor.com/

robbwolf.com/

This is something you have to make up your own mind about though... it is not in line with the current guidlines... Diabetes is not the end of the world but you CAN make a big difference to your future health!

Good luck

Thank you Scotch for your words of encouragement. I am scared though that I will fail to make the necessary changes. I know this is all up to me but in a way that makes it more scary. Currently tablet controlled.

currently tablet controlled is VERY good news Fabulous, while you are reading up on the blogs I suggested, you will see this (tablet controlled) is very likely to respond to a radical change (ie ditching the carbs).

Possible failure doesn't mean you shouldn't try... remember, if you decide to give this diet a go, and it doesn't work out for you, you are no worse off than now, so it's worth a try, right?

I promise you this (as a complete sugar addict, wheat addict, binge eater, and many years failed low-fat dieter), if you low carb/high protein and fat diet for a month, PROPERLY, your urge to overeat will disappear and you will feel so much better mentally too.

Get yourself on the Bootcamp thread, its low carb & perfect for type 2 :)

Also, watch if you can, its a talk bythe guy linked to by Scotch, the diet doctor, and may be of some help to you.

It must be hard for you to adjust to your new reality. I think you must know you are in no way a failure but a normal person with family tendency to type 2. You and a whole heap of other people - I'm sure you wouldn't be hard on them, so why beat up on yourself? Hug icon!
There are stacks of books and websites extolling the benefits of high fruit/veg/protein diets. Try not to think of it as lo carb as that makes me think of denial. Try slowly changing your eating habits. Bread/pizza and pasta are not your friends and should only have a bit of plate room. Instead gorge on veg/salad, pulses, meat and fish (and butter and cream). I hope this doesn't sound patronising as I'm sure you do cook but id suggest avoiding the celebrity recipe books and finding slow cooker books and healthy eating books for new menu ideas.

Fabulous I am rushing off to work but marking my place for later! I promise to come back as a type II as well!

Hello there, please don't feel disheartened - the very fact that you take this so seriously is a huge positive, as I have heard (although im aware this is anecdotal, not data) many people diagnosed with T2 think along the lines of 'no big deal, I'll take my tablets'. - you however clearly see that some lifestyle changes will be required. Yes, it's intimidating, but not insurmountable!
I have T1, so although a different beast in many ways I very much understand the challenge of trying to control wayward blood sugar levels. As well as all the good dietary advice mentioned here ( I also advocate a lower carb diet), I would definitely recommend exercise. It doesn't have to be hardcore gym sessions, decent (and I mean pacy!) walking will help. Being physically active makes your body use its insulin (and therefore process sugar) much more effectively. Good luck!

Ps I hope you can speak to your gp about the depression as well as the diabetes, it's a lot to cope with. Take it a day at a time. You will get better, just imagine your future self saying well done for getting through this and possibly having a wardrobe of fab clothes a dress size smaller