Scary diagnosis

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romachel1978
romachel1978 Posts: 36 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I received results from bloodwork yesterday. Turns out I have type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure at 36 years old. I am absolutely overwhelmed and terrified!

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  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    Hi, there! Want some good news? Type 2 is an entirely controllable condition. If you are here you are already used to tracking what you eat.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    http://www.idf.org/bluecircle
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    edited October 2014
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    Did your doctor give you any resources or recommendations?

    If it helps, break things down a little. You may not be able to fix everything right now but you can take steps NOW to improve. Depending on what physical/medical limitations you have: go for a 10-15 minute walk. More if you can, and if that's all you can do then do it 2-3 times a day. Start drinking more water, and be aware of portions when you eat.
  • wilsoncl6
    wilsoncl6 Posts: 1,288 Member
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    Don't be freaked out, my Dad had Type 2 diabetes since he was 35 and is now a healthy 65. It's all about management, diet and exercise. There are also a lot of great medications on the market today that assist with management.
  • bokaba
    bokaba Posts: 171 Member
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    Management and doing what your doctor instructs is key and making lifestyle changes like exercise and losing weight if you haven't already. I don't have diabetes nor does anyone in my extended family. Many family friends do, however. Those who manage appropriately seem to live fairly normal lives while those who disregarded their doctors instructions had terrible complications and usually did not live more than two years after the onset of symptoms.
  • romachel1978
    romachel1978 Posts: 36 Member
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    Thanks everyone! I will be going to a Diabetic clinic the next time there is a session. I am sure that will help alot. Right now, I guess I am still just a bit shocked :(
  • RoseyDgirl
    RoseyDgirl Posts: 306 Member
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    yes, that's a scary diagnosis, but a relief that you heard it while still in seeming good health, so that you have a chance to improve these results.

    You have some research ahead (I'm sure there's lots of books out there on Diabetes and Heart Disease); and schedule a talk with a nutritionist and perhaps a specialist (if necessary). I'm sure You can beat these results if you are willing to work on it; most maybe with changing diet and improving your exercise routine.

    Yes, it's a cause for worry, but you can beat it if you set your mind and willpower into working on the solution.

    Good luck.



  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,626 Member
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    Did you discuss them with the doctor yet? Maybe when you do that, he will give you advice on steps you can take to improve these things.

    Try not to wig out. Just do what you're told. Very often, just doing what the doctor says will help a lot!!

    Work on improvement. No time for looking back, no purpose in too much worry. Focus on the goal and work for it. :)
  • GlucernaBrand
    GlucernaBrand Posts: 486
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    It's great that you have an appointment at the diabetes clinic, and the good news as others have said is that there is a lot you can do to improve your health. The American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org has a lot of helpful information, and you'll learn even more at the diabetes clinic. ~Lynn /Glucerna
  • romachel1978
    romachel1978 Posts: 36 Member
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    Thanks everyone! One step at a time and I will get there :) It's great to have others to talk with!
  • kikityme
    kikityme Posts: 472 Member
    edited October 2014
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    First off. Read this, you did not EAT your way to diabetes. http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046739.php Then let go of any guilt. Bam.

    Diabetes was the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to change in a way I wouldn't have without the diagnosis. And problems I had been having for some time (eyesight problems, circulation problems) have all gone away. I went from a 10.4 (diabetic) A1C to a 6.4 (pre-diabetic) in 4 months.

    Do your research, but what worked for me.

    I eat more than ever, but at regular times. The goal is to avoid highs and lows with your blood sugar.
    I keep my carbs at 100g/day, spread evenly. 30 at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the rest for coffee/snacks.
    Net carbs are carbs minus fibre. I count net carbs. And yes, fruit and veg are carbs. I stick to low glycemic and have pretty much dropped fruit except berries.
    Always eat a protein and a fat with your carb. Even if it's just a little. I might have a whole wheat english muffin, but there will be peanut butter on it.
    High fat food is your friend. Low fat is often ridiculously high carb. I looked at a weight watchers mini-pizza thing on sale at the grocery store today. 80. EIGHTY carbs!
    Exercise. I've lost almost 50 pounds just by walking 90 minutes a day. Yes, you have time.

    Definitely do the diabetic nutrition course. Don't know where you are but in Canada it's provided. So are the eye tests and podiatrist appt.

    A lot of diabetics succeed with ketogenic, you'd have to research that, cause I don't know anything about it.

    Oh...and....the medication...for the first while, every time I ate something that was a little high in carbs, there was....gastrointestinal distress...

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