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Freshly diagnosed diabetic...

7K views 41 replies 14 participants last post by  lawprop 
#1 ·
Hi hi... I'm feeling a little awkward about introducing myself because I am introducing myself as a diabetic (in this forum) and today is the 3rd day since I was diagnosed and I'm still in the phase of "oh yeah, I'm diabetic"... 10 mins. later... "oh yeah, I have diabetes"... 15 mins. later... "omg I have friggin' DIABETES, oh shit". So it's a pretty new label to add to my labels and I'm not quite there yet... still digesting.
Well, I'm a 35 y.o. woman in Canada. My biggest passions in life are my work and cats. I work with kids/teens with special needs. I supervise their home and sometimes get to mentor new caregivers to the field. I find my work extremely fulfilling and it's the main focus in my life. Being single w/o children myself I can put all of my energies into it. Anyways, my 2nd passion is cats. I've limited myself to owning only 2 (it's only fair to them). I'm only mildly affected though... I don't force christmas sweaters on my cats (or any clothing at all in fact), I'm not a super-weirdo or anything. Really.
The Dr. that gave me the news (at a walk-in clinic, I tend to steer clear of medical stuff as much as possible thereby not having my own Dr.) told me the results of my bloodwork, "you're DEFINITELY diabetic, your blood sugar was through the roof!". I'm thinking, wow, you sound kind of excited... should I ask for a prize?! Then I think, OMG he's going to take away my cigarettes, pepsi and after work trips to 7-11. Yeah, he says, "NO SUGAR". Ok, that's cool I can switch to diet pepsi... I'm not really big on sweets anyways... I guess I can force myself to eat at least 3x a day. Meh, big deal. Then he tells me my cholesterol is through the roof too, enough that he is prescribing me medication. Huh? I'm only 35, THIRTY-FIVE!!! They obviously got my blood tests mixed up with some 68 year old! Nope. Now he tells me I need to quit smoking. NEED to.

-prescribed "crestor" 10mg/day
-prescribed "metformin" 500mg/3x daily
-soon to join a diabetes support group @ local pharmacy to obtain a glucometer and learn about diabetes.
-for now just browsing info. and have joined this forum.

This isn't gonna be an easy journey is it guys?

I'm joining this forum because I see honesty and reality here, and also support and encouragement. Someday I hope to offer my own sage advice based on experience and time. For now, I'll poke around here and may ask for yours once in a while.
 
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#2 ·
Welcome to the D You will learn a lot, starting now.

You need to find an endo and a dietitian.

Its not just sugar its carbohydrates that raise BG ALL carbs raise BG
different foods raise your BG different amounts and speeds

rice, bread, pasta,potatoes and most fruit will raise BG. A bowl of mashed potatoes is worse for your BG than a bowl of table sugar.

when you get your meter
test your BG before you eat, test again 1 hour after and 2 hours after

This will tell you what the food did to your BG and when your BG was at the highest or spike.

Then most people test only at the spike.


Carbs raise BG
Fat,protein and fiber slow the absorption of carbs.
exercise lowers BG
Strenuous exercise raises BG

You did not get to be diabetic over night it will take a while to get it under control, so dont fret, just work on it.
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the forum.

Yes, this is not going to be easy. the alternative is loss of sight, fingers, feet, limbs, and/or death.

Scary? absolutely.

You do have an advantage though, imo. You are single, to me thats huge. you can do this. stop eating crap RIGHT now. Get out and walk at least a mile a day (to start) and of course, stop smoking.

i hope that you visit us regularly. This is by far, THE best place for us diabetics to talk freely and openly about whats going on with us.

Please feel free to ask any questions that you might have, as i feel that there are no "dumb" questions

You can do this, you can.

-Eric
 
#4 ·
I bet if you get your BG under control ***AND QUIT SMOKING***

those lipids will come back under control, too.

Welcome, we have a lot in common -- cats without clothes, and special needs kids added into the amazing experience of controlling diabetes!

I smoked for 10 years but quite like 28 years before being diagnosed with T. It was no picnic, but well worth it.
 
#5 ·
Hello Tam . . . thank you for joining us. We can help you get used to your new situation since most of us experienced those same first days of shock & disbelief. And we can attest that diabetes isn't a death sentence - it isn't even a disaster, but it does take discipline to get control and maintain it.

I won't repeat what the others have already told you . . . just know that I am in full agreement with them. You'll need to start testing a lot, especially at first, to determine which foods you tolerate & which ones send your bg to the moon. Try to stay under 7.7 (140), and when you gain that much control, you may wish to lower the bar further . . . a target range of 4.4-6.6 (80-120) is good.

Take care and hurry back . . . it's good to have you on board!

:welcome:
 
#6 ·
The journy only has to be as hard as you want it to be. The more you fight it the harder it will get. As far as quiting smoking there is only one way to do it. Go to your trash can right now and through it all away and dont think about it again. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have.
 
#7 ·
The journy only has to be as hard as you want it to be. The more you fight it the harder it will get.
but...the less you fight, the quicker your journey ends, no?
 
#9 ·
Welcome from a fellow cat lover, blessed with only one octogenarian feline with "not so good health", but for 13 she's amazing.
 
#10 ·
The problem is that people think it has to be a fight but it doesn't. The sooner you just face the facts and do what you know you have to do the sooner things start getting better. When people say they are fighting diabetes what they are really saying is they are fighting the changes that need to be made. Everyone knows you can't fight it you have to work with it in order to ever get better.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Tam, I hope you will adjust well to your diabetes. The fact that you are here so soon after diagnosis shows that you are willing to put forth the necessary effort to get good control. I suggest that you see an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) ASAP. An endo is most likely to give you a correct diagnosis as to your type of diabetes, and the appropriate treatment. Certain tests need to be done for that purpose.

I am writing this message while a really big male cat is stretched across my lap, between my laptop and my stomach. It is a tight squeeze. I have to reach over his body to type. :rolleyes:

Richard
 
#12 ·
You all are determined to get me started, arncha?!
Okay, we have a beloved feline too . . . we're missing him this weekend because we're in a hotel for a class reunion & he's in our vet's kennel, along with our other spoiled-beyond-all-reason furball, a german shepherd.


Fritz, Chuck, Shan, Waylon

And Waylon covets the spot between the laptop & stomach also, except that he's too big for me to be able to type around him!
 
#20 ·
How in the world did you and DH get out of town without the furballs? I bet Fritz was fit to be tied! :D
 
#13 ·
Hi there! All of the above....ditto. I have heard diabetes described as an unwanted hitchhiker....you eventually get used to having it around, but you can't turn your back on it. Oh, yeah...sitting here with a 20 lb Russian Blue curled around me on the back of my chair...
 
#14 ·
I had a good laugh your scenario... I have a senior female that absolutely will not take no for an answer and wedges herself between my lap and my desk. How do we ever manage to type?
 
#15 ·
Thank you so much to you guys for taking the time to read/reply. I appreciate your words of wisdom and advice.
I love the kitty bits!
 
#16 ·
7 months sice diagnosis

I did enjoy your post! You reminded me what it was like after diagnosis and I'm very impressed that you were together enough to write about your situation only 3 days after finding out. And I don't think I'm being over dramatic when I say it's a bit like processing a death. You waken up on a morning and you've forgotten, and then there's this horrible lurch in the stomach when it all floods back. There was the old you, and then now there's this new you, and it takes time to become acquainted.

So you have joined the Club no-one, but no-one, wants to join. Good luck for the journey. A lot of people probably feel a lot of grief when they are told about their diabetes but I think a lot of how you handle it depends on how you think of things. For example, instead of saying to myself that I can't eat chocolate; I think "I don't eat chocolate" and that makes it easier because that means I'm the one in control.

I am quite angry about the endless media rants about weight and the idea that it's our fault we have been struck down by this horrid disease. Has no-one ever thought that perhaps thrifty genes and diabetes are linked? This modern environment is toxic with food and I truly fear for young ones today. This situation is not going to be changed by education. Most overweight people do not get diabetes. You need to have the genes for it. And not every Type 2 is overweight. It's the food culture that needs to change and governments could make a difference, if they wanted.

OK, rant over. We all have to deal with the hand that life deals us... And it is sad to think of all the things that we'll probably not eat again. But the important thing is that we process the information and take it on board and we'll all probably outlive all the non-diabetics who don't take such good care of themselves.

And the one good thing about having this disease in the 21st century is that we live in the computer age so we can reach out to one another for support. My husband has been urging me to go to a diabetes support forum for months - it's taken me seven - so not quite as up to speed as you with your three days....

P.S. Got twin cats and a Golden Retriever.
 
#40 ·
I did enjoy your post! You reminded me what it was like after diagnosis and I'm very impressed that you were together enough to write about your situation only 3 days after finding out. And I don't think I'm being over dramatic when I say it's a bit like processing a death. You waken up on a morning and you've forgotten, and then there's this horrible lurch in the stomach when it all floods back. There was the old you, and then now there's this new you, and it takes time to become acquainted.

So you have joined the Club no-one, but no-one, wants to join. Good luck for the journey. A lot of people probably feel a lot of grief when they are told about their diabetes but I think a lot of how you handle it depends on how you think of things. For example, instead of saying to myself that I can't eat chocolate; I think "I don't eat chocolate" and that makes it easier because that means I'm the one in control.

I am quite angry about the endless media rants about weight and the idea that it's our fault we have been struck down by this horrid disease. Has no-one ever thought that perhaps thrifty genes and diabetes are linked? This modern environment is toxic with food and I truly fear for young ones today. This situation is not going to be changed by education. Most overweight people do not get diabetes. You need to have the genes for it. And not every Type 2 is overweight. It's the food culture that needs to change and governments could make a difference, if they wanted.

OK, rant over. We all have to deal with the hand that life deals us... And it is sad to think of all the things that we'll probably not eat again. But the important thing is that we process the information and take it on board and we'll all probably outlive all the non-diabetics who don't take such good care of themselves.

And the one good thing about having this disease in the 21st century is that we live in the computer age so we can reach out to one another for support. My husband has been urging me to go to a diabetes support forum for months - it's taken me seven - so not quite as up to speed as you with your three days....

P.S. Got twin cats and a Golden Retriever.
Bridget,
I have been using your advice about the chocolate, "I DON'T eat ______" instead of, "I CAN'T eat ______". It works! And then I feel all proud of myself to boot.
Thanks again everyone!
 
#18 ·
Hi everyone :)
I'm enjoying the posts, thank you.
Just a little update. I got my glucometer on Thurs. and have been testing at least 3-4 times a day and trying to document food/blood sugar levels. I don't know what my original blood sugar levels were before I started the Metformin. So far I've made some quick changes to my diet by eliminating all obvious sugar (aka sugar, reg. pepsi, pastry, white refined foods) and eating more often throughout the day (previously I ate 1 meal a day + late night snacking before bed). Keep in mind I have NOT yet been to a dietician (I'm planning to!). My prediagnosis diet was really quite shameful, so I'm already pleased with the changes I've made. I'm really really enjoying fruit, but am having trouble adding more veggies (self discipline!) and am having a hard time figuring out what to eat that will fill me up, be satisfying and hopefully a "good" choice. I know it will come with knowledge, testing and time. I also need to figure out how to make exercise a daily routine. Still "thinking" about that one. Any good tips on how to get motivated???
Can anyone direct me to a good site (or link on this forum) with helpful tips on what to grocery shop for, meal planning, timing, etc. ?
Thank you!
 
#19 ·
As you start to eat less, you will require less to "feel full"

Read all labels and follow what they say is a "portion", no matter how small you feel it is.

Eat to your meter. Test 90 to 120 minutes after each meal to get a good gauge about how what you just ate has effected your bs levels.

As for exercise, i recommend walking. Its free and great for your bs numbers. If you own an iPhone, i high recommend an app called "Pandora" it's a free radio channel, its fantastic.

You get into your routine and you're good to go
 
#38 ·
Pep Talk



Wow! what a Pep Talk! I am newly diagnosed also and after the first
week I am kind of in denial but you just woke me up. Lost 5 pounds the first week and then another 2 in two weeks, now at a standstill.
Have blood problems so my oncologist says nothing artificial andthe
nutritionist says no sugar, use a sugar substitute, so that is difficult.
The kit sent from Liberty had a defective lancet so I am waiting for new ones and have been unable to test for the past few days. Very
frustrating. Hoping to recevie support and many ideas from this post.
Thanks for all your help.
 
#22 ·
Hi Tam,

You have found a good place here to find your feet. The knowledge these guys have is incredibly helpful and no question is deemed stupid. Lucky for me! :)

Something that may help is to try and not think about having to give up everything. Mostly you will be finding new things to eat and new activities to do that will make you feel better then you did before knowing you were diabetic.

I was never very active and ate ok but not great. I now run half marathons and cook up a feast that I love and thta makes me feel happier then I ever did before.. You can do what ever you want to do and achieve great results if you put the effort in.

You sound like you are wanting to take control so I think you will be great at this. Just listen to these guys here as they really can help with the smallest detail that can make the biggest difference to your health.

Good luck.

Oh, my Chocolate Lab can't sit on my lap thankfully. I wouldn't even be able to see the screen.
 
#26 ·
Tam,

thank you for your input. "getting it out there" is a great first step.

For the most part, everyone here that posts on a regular basis has diabetes (more T2's then T1's, if i had to guess, not that that matters)
and are very friendly and want nothing but the best for our D brothers and sisters.

Please feel free to keep asking questions, to keep learning and each passing day things will get a little bit better.

This place is the best place that ive been to, and i like coming here and posting, learning and hopefully helping others.

i get here what i cannot get anywhere else (especially at home)...

others that actually UNDERSTAND what i am going through. unless you have diabetes, its not possible for someone to understand what its like to have diabetes.

so stick around, and help the best diabetes forum grow to bigger and better things!

-Eric
 
#29 ·
Hey Eric, thanks for your support and I hope to support you as well. I'm sorry to hear you don't have enough understanding from your home front. Does that mean your family hasn't changed their habits in support of you? If so, I am lucky to live alone. That never occured to me. I do cook at my job (group home) and they're kids, so of course they need a healthy diet but also a kid friendly diet with some treats. I have to keep remembering, "oh yeah, I don't put (insert food here) that in my mouth anymore".
 
#27 ·
Well that explains the black toilet mold problem we had in Maine
 
#35 ·
Hi lawprop, I had never thought about having a race with our diabetes and, perhaps, outrunning it....leaving it far behind, eating our dust. You can be the roadrunner, and diabetes can be Wylie Coyote. :D

Have you seen that cartoon in Australia?
 
#37 ·
I grew up in the UK where we definately had that great cartoon.

I'll have that image in mind on the next run I do. LOL
 
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