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

Posted by rubywitch67 @rubywitch67, Feb 26, 2023

I hope someone is out there because I'm REALLY scared and need help to process this. I was just diagnosed three days ago with diabetes and feel totally overwhelmed. I WAS able to talk with a Certified Diabetes and Clinical Education Specialist the next day, but was given so much verbal information I became frantic trying to retain it all. Which I didn't! I was given a very small booklet titled "Introduction to Diabetes," with bits and pieces of information, but it didn't tell me what my next step should be or the one after that. I'm a 71 year old woman and there is no diabetes in my family that I know of. I want to get this into remission and the educator I saw said that was a very reasonable goal considering my numbers. I'm sorry this is so long. Thanks so much. Linda

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

seapen | @seapen | Mar 23, 2023

Your comments are very helpful. Thank you!

collegeprof | @collegeprof | Mar 24, 2023

@rubywitch67 Did the doc tell you of your A1C values? My mother at your age improved with her pre-diabetes with diet and exercise. There are so many schools of thought with this disease from intermittent fasting to the type of diet. Mayo recommends the Mediterranean diet but your dietitian could help you with what is best for you.

All_in_1963 | @burrkay | Apr 8, 2023

In reply to @dextolen "First of all, don't panic! There are many resources and support groups out there like this..." + (show)

@dextolen

First of all, don't panic! There are many resources and support groups out there like this one.

Knowledge is power - get a copy of your blood and urine labs. You want to know your HbA1c - this is a 90 day or so average of your blood glucose. It will give you an idea of how much change you need to make to get it reduced.
A urine test will determine if you have protein in your urine, which is a marker for kidney health and artherosclerosis (heart and kidney troubles go with long term diabetes).

Get a blood monitor. There are some very affordable models on amazon. The meters are all cheap, what you need to compare are the cost of strips. You'll be checking 2-3 times a day, especially at first. Some meters are for techy types and have bluetooth connections to your smart phone, others are simple meters. Whatever you are comfortable with.

Set up an appointment with an endocrinologist at least 2 a year and demand full blood / urine panels. Knowledge is power. Set up an appointment with a dietitian. Having a dedicated team of doctors will help you.

The dietitian may suggest a low fat, low calorie, high carb diet. There are two camps on the best diet for diabetics. I'm not going to choose for you but I had the most success for the longest part of my life doing low carb or keto type diet. This type of diet can be tough for some, however. The fact is that ALL carbs convert to sugar in your body - rice, pasta, bread, corn, oatmeal, cake, fries, mashed potatoes - all carbs. You will find it easier to reduce blood glucose levels when you eat less carbohydrates. Having bloodwork done also lets you know if you have high cholestrol, liver issues or anything else that can influence your diet. If you stick to the lowfat/high carb diet, be sure to pick whole, high fiber, un/low processed choices in smaller amounts.

If you really want to revolutionize your eating - check out Dr. Berg and Flav City on youtube. Getting seed oils out of your diet (vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil, etc) will reduce inflammation but this is not the first priority now. Diet and exercise can stave off meds for many people, but don't fear meds if doctors feel you need them.

Walk - the simplest effort burns calories - in the form of sugar in your bloodstream. So walk every day. If you can't walk, ride an exercise bike. Move a bit - doesn't have to be aerobic workout. Walking a mile or so may do wonders for your glucose levels 1 hour post meal.

Ask questions. Ask here, ask your doctor.

Jump to this post

Wow…you seem well informed!
I have been “prediebetes” for a long while and ready to attack! I have sworn off the alcohol, knowing that is certainly not good for one with “high blood sugar”!

I have spent the last 8 years as caregiver for my wife who recently passed. Everybody says it’s now time that I take care of myself.
So…here we go!
Thanks for your help.
Bill

dextolen | @dextolen | Apr 8, 2023

In reply to @burrkay "Wow…you seem well informed! I have been “prediebetes” for a long while and ready to attack!..." + (show)

You'll do great! I stopped drinking 3 years ago because bourbon was doing a number on my blood pressure. I miss it occasionally but still have coffee!

Judy | @honeychild | Apr 27, 2023

I am 56 years old, and I was diagnosed with Diabetes II, and I was diagnosed with gastroparesis and I have it running in the family. My brother died last year from complication of the gastroparesis. I go day by day and I am doing better today and eat better. It will get better once you process the information. If you have access to the computer, look up diabetes and foods and that will help. I hope things get better for you. I was let know by my sister that gastroparesis usually showed up 10 years after diabetes diagnosis. I had neuropathy and gastroparesis before I found out I had diabetes. It is scary and I still am unsure of what is going on. I live day to day and be thankful for what I have. Good luck on things.

lewin | @lewin | Aug 14, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@rubywitch67 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you see there are others with Type 2 Diabetes..." + (show)

I am not convinced that people who are able to drop lbs easily and lower A1C were diabetic to begin with . Diabetes is more than high AIC involving heart and many other systems. It is a very difficult disease. Most true diabetics are insulin resistant which means taking off weight is very difficult.

auntruthie | @auntruthie | Aug 15, 2023

Obviously work with your providers first and foremost. There is some disagreement in the dietician community about what actually works. Consider reading “Intuitive Eating” by 2 experienced dieticians.

Also research antidiet diabetes dietician. I’ve worked with Ms. Neuman and there are several others. Ms. Neuman works primarily with teens/Type 1, but she helped this 50 something with a prediabetes dx.

Stressing out does you no good either. You can manage this and live a full life, without going on an extreme diet like keto or other craziness. ( I’m certain others will take umbrage with me on this, but it has been my experience that keto is neither helpful or sustainable. ).

Best wishes and be kind to yourself.

dbamos1945 | @dbamos1945 | Aug 16, 2023

This diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is just another phase of your life. Be more active and find replacement foods (low carb &sugar) that you enjoy. Test your blood sugar several times a day that will help you make good food/exercise decisions. Take a walk after meals -that will bring down blood sugar. Stay hydrated.
Diabetes does not go away… hopefully you will find ways to alter your eating/activity to CONTROL it… you can do this!

pumaguy79 | @pumaguy79 | Sep 19, 2023

Linda,
I was told to start insulin about 12 years ago. Went for a second opinion and learned that I was 'borderline " diabetic. I took oral meds that helped for years. Then I discovered Intermittent Fasting(IF). Saw my weight go down, saw my glucose numbers get normal(even low) , stopped taking Januvia(expensive) with Dr's concurrence. Still take a small dose of Glipizide.

All is good.

cpd54 | @cpd54 | Sep 20, 2023

My husband has been diabetic for 14 years. In all that time , we have found that eating low carb(less tHan 50 grams a DAY) is what helps keep his numbers in check. Daily exercise also, just walking for us. Good luck on your journey.

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