just found out I have Type 2 diabetes

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tamsin66
tamsin66 Posts: 10
in Introduce Yourself
and now, I'm faithfully logging in MFP daily and using it to count carbs, calories, nutrients and so on. I've been going to the gym for a few months, but I hired a personal trainer April 1 to learn how to burn fat and build muscle. I'm working hard, but I'm down in the dumps about my diagnosis. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
Thank you!

Replies

  • pyewackett9
    pyewackett9 Posts: 21
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    So sorry to read of your diagnosis, tamsin66.

    It seems like you're facing things heads-on and have a plan in place to slay the beast. That's really admirable, especially when you're probably a bit in shock. I wish you all sorts of goodness and strength!

    - pye
  • songbirdwoman
    songbirdwoman Posts: 15 Member
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    hi (((((((((Tamsin:flowerforyou: )))))))))

    I am not familiar enough with Type 2 diabetes to give you added information. It sounds like you are doing the best you can with proper diet and exercise to get this diagnosis under control which I do know can be reversed which happened to my hubby. I do understand that you would feel ""down in the dumps"". This is a new health issue which has just been diagnosed and that can be scary. Sweetie, try not to think the worse. I am sure there are others here that can support you with more information than I can as well as through your doctor and what is on the internet. I just want to say to you is that I am sending you all my positive energy. I am also sending you safe and warm nurturing hugs.

    Love Linda:heart:
  • stephanieogle35
    stephanieogle35 Posts: 50
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    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Many people with Type 2 diabetes are able to keep their blood sugar in range by watching their meals and exercise. Also, if you do have some extra weight to lose, losing just 10% of your body weight makes a huge difference in helping control blood sugar levels. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, so I know how hard it is to have to overhaul your lifestyle, but you can do it. I love exercising because it helps keep my blood sugar in range for hours after a workout. And it feels like something I can DO to keep myself healthy. I was initially treated as a Type 2 diabetic for several months, so I've learned quite a bit about both types of diabetes. You're welcome to add me as a friend, or message me if you want to talk to someone.
  • jen81uk
    jen81uk Posts: 177 Member
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    Hey my step dad is type two. He was told to use utterly butterly spead as it had more of the fats he needs. I've read that a low GI diet is good, so wholemeal pasta, rye bread, new potatoes and sweet potatoes are better than normal, I think I read basmati rice good but don't quote me. Everyone assumes you have to cut down on just sugar but carbs can be bad too. Things like pulses and legumes are good too and nuts. Most cheese ok for diabetics. Eat more lean chicken, turkey and fish, rather than red meat. Try and reduce veg like parsnip, sweetcorn and peas to some extent but my step dad just eats those. I think if you cook and know what's going in then you'll be pretty much ok. xx
  • jen81uk
    jen81uk Posts: 177 Member
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    still eats those, not just x
  • paulofessex
    paulofessex Posts: 5
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    Not sure if you are in the UK, if so hopefully your GP or diabetic nurse at the surgery may have knowledge of the DESMOND program. http://www.desmond-project.org.uk/aboutus-269.html

    It is run by the NHS and is very informative.

    Regards

    Paul
  • vickyg1
    vickyg1 Posts: 211 Member
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    No point in being down in the dumps about it. Youre doing what you need to do and thats great! Diabetes isnt the death sentence it used to be. You can control it with diet and exercise so remember that every time you get down about it. :)
  • centarix
    centarix Posts: 123 Member
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    No point in being down in the dumps about it. Youre doing what you need to do and thats great! Diabetes isnt the death sentence it used to be. You can control it with diet and exercise so remember that every time you get down about it. :)

    I agree 100%. Its definitely NOT the death sentence. So many ways to control it. You are taking the most important step by watching what you eat. So many people have beat this disease and YOU can too!
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
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    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, OP.

    But take heart - there are many success stories from people here who have been able to get their Type 2 under control to a point that they can reduce / stop / avoid medications for their diabetes. Working towards reducing your weight will help manage it!! You can do this.
  • reverendzor
    reverendzor Posts: 27 Member
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    tamsin66,

    You are taking the right step by using this site and tracking your caloric/carb/sugar intakes!

    As an example, I myself started my health journey when I got diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes back in July 2010; these were my vitals back then:
    Weight 300ish pounds
    Blood Sugar - Over 250
    Triglycerides - over 1600 (unable to get an accurate reading above 1600)
    Cholesterol - 648
    Blood Pressure - 122 / 88

    By using this site to help me change my eating habits, as well as incorporating cardio and exercise into my daily routine, over the lat 3 years I have completely turned everything around. Latest set of vitals has me at:
    Weight: 195lbs
    A1c Hemoglobin Level: 5.3 (normal)
    Blood Sugar/Glucose Level: 85
    triglycerides: 37
    Total Cholesterol: 115
    Blood Pressure: 110/69

    I have been off of all Diabetic and Triglyceride related medicines for a year or more now, and my endocrinologist (Diabetes specialist) wants nothing more to do with me; he jokingly banished me from his practice because I have seemingly been able to beat type 2 diabetes :-)

    Overall, what I am trying to say is that if I can do it, so can you. I will take some time and effort, but it can be done!
  • gadgetgal
    gadgetgal Posts: 1 Member
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    Not to jack your thread tamin. But Wow. Your post is so encouraging.

    How much have you exercised. I ask because my knees and back limit me. Ibamnewly diagnosed with a1c. 11.9. Good luck tamin
  • cassnh
    cassnh Posts: 3
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    I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes almost three years ago, and with the help of the community outreach education program at our local hospital, and a nutritionalist, I am under control and med free. Exercise is critical, so is an understanding of the disorder, wt. control, etc. I am healthier in general and have more energy now too. Don't dispair..you have a lot of control over your outcome! Good luck!
  • MissJJ74
    MissJJ74 Posts: 111 Member
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    You're not alone, we even have a Type 2 Diabetics group on here, feel free to join it!!

    I was diagnosed in December with a A1c of 7.2 and I was at 186lbs. My average blood sugar at the time was 160. I started on here in January.

    As of my last blood work in March, my A1c was down to 5.6. I'm down to154 lbs. So it is possible to get the disease under control. I still have spikes when I eat something bad, so I try to limit myself and just get creative with food.

    It won't be easy. Sugar is hidden in almost everything in so many ways. You will also need to find out what your triggers are that spike your blood sugar. Some people spike even from sugar free things. (My mom and myself included). Yet I can eat a bowl of pasta and be fine. Go figure. Also you will need to watch carbs more than sugar. Most sugar free items are sky high in carbs.

    You can do this and you are heading in the right direction. Feel free to add me if you need extra support. Also don't be afraid of weight training. It's actually good for burning off sugar.
  • Bbjka
    Bbjka Posts: 8
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    tamsin66,

    You are taking the right step by using this site and tracking your caloric/carb/sugar intakes!

    As an example, I myself started my health journey when I got diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes back in July 2010; these were my vitals back then:
    Weight 300ish pounds
    Blood Sugar - Over 250
    Triglycerides - over 1600 (unable to get an accurate reading above 1600)
    Cholesterol - 648
    Blood Pressure - 122 / 88

    By using this site to help me change my eating habits, as well as incorporating cardio and exercise into my daily routine, over the lat 3 years I have completely turned everything around. Latest set of vitals has me at:
    Weight: 195lbs
    A1c Hemoglobin Level: 5.3 (normal)
    Blood Sugar/Glucose Level: 85
    triglycerides: 37
    Total Cholesterol: 115
    Blood Pressure: 110/69

    I have been off of all Diabetic and Triglyceride related medicines for a year or more now, and my endocrinologist (Diabetes specialist) wants nothing more to do with me; he jokingly banished me from his practice because I have seemingly been able to beat type 2 diabetes :-)

    Overall, what I am trying to say is that if I can do it, so can you. I will take some time and effort, but it can be done!

    So this is encouraging but I wanted to ask a few questions.
    #1 Do you get sugar spikes after exercise? I get readings over 250 after a workout
    I have had type 2 now for 1.5 years. I have only been able to control it with eating less than 60 carbs a day. But I am also advised that eating that low carb forever is not healthy. If I eat anything (besides green veggies) with carbs my sugar is in 300's. I exercise 6 days a week with running/weight training/cross training and have lost a total of 9 pounds since January. I am wondering if it is just harder for diabetics to loose weight????
    I am very diligent but can't seem to get it all right. after 2 months of super low carb I started eating a more balanced diet. I still don't eat potatoes, rice pasta or bread. I am uninsured so I have to self regulate. I see all these success stories and I just wonder how I can do the same to get rid of my diabetes as well.
    stats: 5'1 154.5 lbs 32 years. sugar ranges from 150+-305 daily.
  • SSarahh23
    SSarahh23 Posts: 22 Member
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    Well done for using the site to make changes in your life :)

    My mom was diagnosed with Type 2 about 10 years ago, and she spent a few years taking a range of medicine to control it, but then she started making changes in her life and lost about 30kg (~65lb) and doesn't need to take medication anymore. She can still eat sweets but she's a lot more balanced.

    Good luck for your journey!
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
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    So this is encouraging but I wanted to ask a few questions.
    #1 Do you get sugar spikes after exercise? I get readings over 250 after a workout
    I have had type 2 now for 1.5 years. I have only been able to control it with eating less than 60 carbs a day. But I am also advised that eating that low carb forever is not healthy. If I eat anything (besides green veggies) with carbs my sugar is in 300's. I exercise 6 days a week with running/weight training/cross training and have lost a total of 9 pounds since January. I am wondering if it is just harder for diabetics to loose weight????
    I am very diligent but can't seem to get it all right. after 2 months of super low carb I started eating a more balanced diet. I still don't eat potatoes, rice pasta or bread. I am uninsured so I have to self regulate. I see all these success stories and I just wonder how I can do the same to get rid of my diabetes as well.
    stats: 5'1 154.5 lbs 32 years. sugar ranges from 150+-305 daily.

    Although this was directed at another member, I thought I might add my experience.

    I was diagnosed T2 just 2 wks ago, so I'm still learning what makes me spike.
    I had BG's in the 260 mg/dl range. I bought the kindle version of these 2 books at the recommendation of a couple of diabetic MFP'ers, this helped immeasurably to help me figure out what was going on & how to tweak my situation. Jenny Rhul's 'Blood Sugar 101' and 'Dr. Richard K Bernstein's Diabetic Solution'. Both were cheaper from Amazon when you buy the kindle version (I got it for my android tablet).

    Here's is Jenny Rhul's website, it has everything the book does, it's free & instant.

    http://www.bloodsugar101.com/

    **I've found that weight training (heavy) jacks up my blood sugar during, but about 30 minutes after, I'm down to around 112mg/dl. There are a variety of reasons for this, check the website listed above for an in depth answer.

    **Snacking seems to help keep my BG's stable. Every 2 hours I have a bite of something, a tablespoon of peanut butter, a slice of ezekial bread with 1 oz of cheese, a small handful of nuts, you get the idea.

    A spoonful of peanut butter right before bed also helped me bring my fasting BG down to a dull roar (140mg/dl or below) from the previous 160 to 200 high. If you're experiencing highs first thing in the morning, google 'dawn effect' or 'dawn phenomenon' to understand what's happening. Again, you can check bloodsugar101.com and I'm sure you'll find it there too.

    I have been able to ascertain (if I did the math correctly) that I can tolerate 10 or less g of carb per meal, in other words, each gram of carb brings my blood sugar up 1.2 to 1.5mg/dl.

    I'm aiming low to no carb & moderate fat for now, this means no bread, pasta, rice or potatoes, brown, white or otherwise. As long as I'm able to keep BG's (both pre and post meal) to below 150 mg/dl, weight melts off me effortlessly.

    I'm 5' tall, very small frame (asian descent)
    SW 160
    CW 150
    44 yrs old

    I hope this can help you. Test like crazy, take notes, and check out bloodsugar101.com :flowerforyou:
  • tamsin66
    tamsin66 Posts: 10
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    Hello Everyone, I haven't logged in to the community portion of this site since I posted my initial message. I am overwhelmed by your encouraging, informative and supportive notes. Thank you everyone very much.

    I am sending out friend requests to those who invited me to friend them.

    I have been working out faithfully with my personal trainer 2x weekly doing weight training. On top of that, I've been going to the gym and walking/running on the treadmill 3 or 4 additional days per week. I've been cutting calories and using MyFitnessPal to guide me there.

    I am now down 19lbs and just received the results of my 2nd A1C. I was at 7.5 in the spring - now I am at 7. Out of all of this, I am most thankful for a good night's sleep. I wasn't sleeping very well because of the diabetes and the weight. Now, I am getting much better sleep and it's great.

    My goal is to lose about 35 more pounds - maybe even more.

    Oh, and I was able to run my first mile ever!!! I never thought I'd be able to do that, but I did it.

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