Newly diagnosed with Type II diabetes.........scared and confused

I'm diabetic - relax. Diabetes takes a long time to do it's adverse things to the human body. Here's a book for you. It's published by Cyrus Khambatta and Robby Barbaro the title is "Mastering Diabetes". I just got it myself through Amazon. So sit back, take your time, relax and read at your leisure. You have years to work this out to your needs. Once you have absorbed the book you should be on your way. Now have a decent night's sleep.

Speaking as a long experienced diabetic: while such a diagnosis can initially be scary, there is so much one can do to improve one's situation. For example, of course proper diet and exercise. Also, one can buy and use a diabetic monitor to test one's glucose levels daily at home. Fasting tests (after not having eaten for 8-10 hours such as overnight) are important and informative. There is much to learn, but you can gradually add to your knowledge about what to do. It sounds as though you received your diagnosis early, so that's to your advantage!

Going on 50 years of Diabetes. I wish I knew then (at the onset of Diabetes) what I know now. If I had, I might not be experiencing some of the “adverse things” I’m experiencing now. I maybe could have implemented some beneficial preventative strategies. I think knowledge is power and it can’t hurt to learn as much as you can about your ailments, then do the best you can to take care of yourself. I’m also a Christian believer. I try to pray as though everything depends on God while behaving as though everything depends on me.

Rubywitch67: You can do this Ruby! When dealing with food there are many approaches. There is no such thing as “Diabetic Food” - you do have to moderate and limit the size of food portions and be aware that meals including high sugar and/or high carbohydrates will RAISE your blood sugar levels dramatically. Doc will give you blood testing prescription and you will start each day with a fasting (overnight fast) blood test. These frequent blood tests will help you make good food and exercise decisions. Your goal is to keep your range between 70 and 180 - most days it is a challenge. We make food choices every day… now you need to think which food amount is the best for diabetics! Each day write down your testing results along with food/exercise and any questions you have - take this with you to show your doc at every appointment.
Ask doc to give you rx for Continuous Glucose Monitor - this has drastically helped make controlling my diabetes MUCH easier (Free if on Medicare).
Ruby, this diagnosis is given to so many of our peers and they learn to deal with it… you can do this too!!!

Please don’t be afraid! I diabetes diagnosis is not that bad, but only if you make a few adjustments. I was officially diagnosed with type 2 in 2019 at age 59, after many years of having pre-diabetes. Lots of family history, so I was surprised that I wasn’t diagnosed sooner. 1) keep all of your portions small at meals. (Especially White bread, white rice, potatoes to start) 2) be sure to eat protein at all meals. I put protein powder in my morning coffee or smoothie. 3) eat healthy snacks between meals to help keep your blood sugars steady. 4) go for a 20+ minute walk after meals, if possible, especially after dinner. And get extra exercise as well, but start slowly 5) it’s OK for you to *occasionally* eat small portions of sweets! A Diabetes Nutritionist/Educator will help you get to know the way to go. Ask your physician to help set you up with one. Keep asking questions about anything you need more information on. Keep asking until you understand. Medicare and AARP helped be in navigating this and other aging issues. Hope that this is helpful!!

If, as you say, it takes a long time to do it adverse thing, I wasn't diagnosed with this until I was 78. When do you think it will hit me if I keep my A1C under 8? Thanks.

I am not a doctor, and I doubt even a doctor could tell you. But I can relate the comment made by a PA friend when I was diagnosed at age 59. “It takes a long time for bad stuff to develop. You’ll probably die of something else.” Morbid, I suppose, but I was scared like you and the comment calmed me. At 78, I suspect you’ll be fine if you make the changes suggested above.

rubywitch67, My dad is 79 years old, with DM Type 2 with 2 insulin pens. Trying to understand what's really involved in the day to get his blood sugar under control range. I made him a "Daily Log Sheets" made about 30 sheets with a clipboard. By keeping track of his schedule on paper, gives him a visual. Of which insulin to take in the AM/PM and results from his finger prick to how many unit to inject. Checked. What meal he had. Its works great! It took all the guessing work out. Or if or when, if he took the shots by putting a check in the box. So on the daily sheet, he has a copy of a sliding scale and depending on those results he ready for the next adjustable injection Novolog pen, how many units he injected before breakfast. Next line was repeated for lunch and dinner. Next line, his PM injection Solostar. I also added a space for his blood pressure, heart rate. By keeping track on his own and seeing it, he was better of understanding adjusting his intake of food. It sounds like a lot but it works. Check it out, and tailor it to your daily needs.

"When do you think it will hit me....." KDSM there's really no "hit" to it. It doesn't all of a sudden come up and smack you along side of the head. It's far more insiduous than that. However, if you're keeping your A1c under 8 your primary should be able to have a "hit" answer for you. This is not a 1+1=2 situation. Take your time to research, there's ton's of info out there. One of the best things I ever did was to obtain a Libre 3 Constant Blood Glucose Monitor. That device will open a whole new world for you. With a Libre 3 in place not only will you have constant glucose info but the device can also instantly transmit that same data to your physicians. It's a Godsend. You, me, and ALL diabetics should have a CGM. So go get a prescription, bolt one on and see more info than you will ever need. Best of luck to you - and luck has nothing to do with it. Hope this helps.

Good idea! I have a Libre 2 and always check my blood sugar many times a day.