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Newly Diagnosed

Diabetic Connect Member jcheung

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Just found out that I am Diabetic

by jcheung
October 2, 2009 8:52 PM
55 Replies
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I am 29 years old and currently found out that I have Diabetes, Dr doesn't know what type yet but he has put me on Metformin 500mg twice a day. I am very scared and don't know what to do. He said something about my sugar level being 10.9 and average is 5-7 and that I have a metabolic thing.

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Diabetic Connect Member Gabby
Gabby
Gabby replied October 2, 2009 9:00 PM 

Welcome to the site and I know you will find all kinds of answers to your questions and relief for some of your fears.
Your A1c is the test you speak of, and it is the averaging of how much glucose is staying in your blood stream during a 3-6 month period. Diabetes messes up how our bodies take in the glucose, so it hangs around in our blood (this is very basic, but a good place to start) A good goal by the ADA is anything below 7%, but many doctors would like to see it in the 5-6% range. When you are first diagnosed, it is always high. It will go down as you gain control over it.

Cruise the discussions and articles. Watch some videos and you will start to understand what is going on. Don't be afraid, be fearless and take it head on. There are so many of us who live great lives with diabetes. Some of us, like me, are actually healthier now than we were before we were diagnosed. So hang in there, you will just take it one day at a time, learn a little as you go and try not to focus on the whole thing. Pick a battle a week to work on, then before you know it, Wow!! You are teaching us a thing or two. You'll see.

jcheung replied October 2, 2009 9:26 PM 

Thank you so much for the kindly response, I feel like I've been enclosed in a bubble where I am different from my family members and my partner. I keep thinking of how sad I am and why does this have to happen to me. The thought of not being able to control this and not living a long life just frightens me.

I asked my doctor if I can get better and stop taking meds once my levels go down, his reply was "no" its for life. I was told that the meds we take to control diabetes affects the organs such as the Kidneys and etc and will eventually damage them.

Gabby replied October 2, 2009 9:48 PM 

There are some who have gotten off of meds, it is possible. Though it will not be for ever, but as long as you can without is better. It will take alot of hard work to do that, but it doesn't go away. When I was first diagnosed, I did not have a doctor, no meds and on my own I was able to drop my average BG levels by over 100 points. Now I see a doctor and am on meds, and my control is better, but I learned that I can do a lot for myself. So always keep that in mind. My goal is to drop more weight, exercise more and eventually drop at least one of my diabetic meds.
If you are type 1, that is a different story. You will always have to take insulin until a cure is found, but that is less harmful than all the other drugs. At least it is something more natural for your body.
Diabetic Connect Member SuzyAttendorn
SuzyAttendorn
SuzyAttendorn replied October 2, 2009 9:20 PM 

I am newly diagnosed as well, 8 weeks ago today. Try not to be overwhelmed. There is so much information on this site. Don't try to take it all in at once, but don't be afraid to read read read. Knowledge is power. I wish you the best of luck. You will find many friends here...don't be afraid to ask questions. Suzy

jcheung replied October 2, 2009 9:27 PM 

Thanks Suzy, I've been diagnosed just 3 days ago. I am still trying to face the fact that I have this diaease and trying not to cry but I don't know how much long I can hold it.

ladyfox001 replied October 12, 2009 5:06 PM 

Hi, just want to encourage you and tell you.. to let those tears go! Go ahead and cry, that why we have tears, but don't dell there. I was diagnosed 4/25/09 and the news was overwhelming (all the testing, exercise and changing eating habits and shopping habits. After my first Diabetes class (my health care provider provides free) with an RN and a Nutritionist, things began to get better. This is a wonderful site with lots of support and resources. You Can and will be in control after becoming knowledgeable. ASK Questions...knowledge is POWER.
Diabetic Connect Member SkipT
SkipT
SkipT replied October 2, 2009 10:08 PM 

Welcome,
I always tell the new members of our group to check out this website for very useful information:

http://www.bloodsugar101.com/
Diabetic Connect Member stevemanwaring
stevemanwaring
stevemanwaring replied October 2, 2009 11:50 PM 

you need a better doctor.

vgarrison replied October 3, 2009 7:10 AM 

OH that was helpful wasn't it!!
Diabetic Connect Member vgarrison
vgarrison
vgarrison replied October 3, 2009 7:16 AM 

Ok first thing to rememeber is that you control diabetes, diabetes does not control you. Repeat that as a montra and it does help...or at least it does me.

Also if your doctor put you on Metformin instead of insulin then you are more than likely a type 2.

If at any point in time your doctor is saying or doing things that you do not understand and will not clarify things to you, then it's time to start looking for a new doctor. I went 3 or 4 doctors before I found one that I felt I could be comfortable with and that knew what they were doing and talking about.....

Diabetes is a scare thing at first, but once your start getting more information and things are being more routine for you, then you can sit back and look at how far you come. When you get your next A1c done and see those numbers coming down, its almost like a warm gushy feeling all over, knowing that you did that.

Good Luck
and welcome to our family
Vicki
Diabetic Connect Member Judimar
Judimar
Judimar replied October 3, 2009 8:40 AM 

We're here for you. Not sure if there is anything I can add... just try to remember you're not alone and if you need us we are here.

*hugs*

Judi
Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 3, 2009 3:06 PM 

THank you all of you, its been my pleassure to meet all of you and the warm welcome I've been given. I was hoping that I was just pre diabetic but I guess if the doctor has given me Metformin that probably means I am out right type 2 Diabetes. I've been eating small portions, eating a lot of veggies and jogging every night. But I find that after jogging I've experienced light headed, sleepiness and a few other symptoms.

2catty replied October 3, 2009 4:43 PM 

Hey and welcome to our group. I have been diabetic since 18. I had gestational diabetes when I was 16 and turned permanent T2. I am on a pump now and it is very confusing and overwhelming at first but you will adjust and it will be ok. But until then we are here for you to help the adjustment go easier. We all still need help now and then. So if you need help just let us know.

jcheung replied October 3, 2009 5:22 PM 

Thank you,

I am just in the initial scared phase where I dont know what I am doing, what i can or can't eat, i don't know how long of a life span I have.. all these questions are very scarying me out every day.

2catty replied October 3, 2009 10:13 PM 

I know that feeling very well. I still have those days. That is why I am on a pump and go to the Dr. and make sure I get my A1C's tested every 3 months. Mine is 6.4 right now which is good since before my pump it was 8. They want it to be under 7 for diabetics. Do you know your number? That is a big way I cope with my diabetes. Also helps me know if I am on the right track. Make sure you know your numbers.

2catty replied October 3, 2009 10:15 PM 

Was he talking about your a1c being 10.9?

jcheung replied October 4, 2009 3:01 AM 

yeah, my glucose level was 10.9 when I tested

2catty replied October 4, 2009 4:06 AM 

That is definitely something you need to work on, but you can do it. Mine like I said was 8 and 3 months after my pump it dropped to 6.4. Which I was so proud of. I would look into getting a pump and getting some diabetes classes. There are a lot of diabetes recipes on here a all over the internet to that helps you come up with cooking ideas. It will be an old shoe in no time.
Diabetic Connect Member lipsie
lipsie
lipsie replied October 3, 2009 6:31 PM 

jcheung,

There is no reason you can't cry. You have a whole new life to live, but it's not the end of life that is for sure. You are entitled to a good cry after finding something like this out. But Vicki is right you don't let it control you, you control your diabetes...a great point to be made. It'll take time for you to get regular probably so don't panic either, you'll get there. Did you get a test kit also? You do want to be testing regular also. We are here for you always remember that, any questions you'll get some answers that's for sure. Good luck hun! Hugs! Sheila

jcheung replied October 4, 2009 3:02 AM 

Thank you, I haven't gotten anything yet, I am seeing a nutritionist next wednesday in which they will prescribe me a one I guess. I was on metformin twice a day but it made me feel sick and diarria a lot so I called the Dr and he told me to just take 1.

Diabetic Connect Member Lulusa
Lulusa
Lulusa replied October 4, 2009 12:50 AM 

I was in denial for a long time about having diabetes, I neglected it until I had several complications in August that sent me to the hospital, yes, I am scared too, but I know that knowledge will help me to know how to manage it, I am starting getting information, on Monday I am starting a healthy diet and in spite of my reluctancy I am exercising 10 minutes five days a week. Last year I had my stomach reduced, the doctor told me that with the weight lost the diabetic would dessapear, none of the two things happened so, now I really need to work to control this sickness.

I hope you find strength with all the encouraging replies you had, they increased my hope to manege the sickness. I will take the opportunity to make a question, I am taking medicine Metformin 1000mg. twice daily, Glipizide 10 mg., and Lipitor 20 mg. once a day, I am eating "decently" and exercising 10 minutes, I meassure my sugar level every morning before I eat or take any medicine, my sugar level has been from 129 to 175, somedays it is low, and others gets high. Are this results dangerous? I do not ask my primary care doctor because he wanted to give me insulin, something that I believe will make the sugar levels going really down and up. Any body can help me? Thanks.
I am very grateful for diabetic connect and for all of you.

Laura M replied October 9, 2009 5:09 PM 

For me, I learned quickly when I eat right, I feel great. When I eat something I should not have, I feel very ill. I like to feel great so I try to always eat the correct portion size. I have learned to listen to my body. I know when I've done something wrong. I correct that and don't beat myself up for making a mistake. It's a life long thing. Treat yourself good and you'll feel good. I don't consider it a diet and I eat well. Make good choices and feel better.

Diabetic Connect Member shellyj
shellyj
shellyj replied October 4, 2009 1:19 AM 

it's ok to cry I found out I was diabetic at 28 with type 2 I do know it not easy to be in your twtentys and be diabetic I am now 31 and diabetic does not stop me I live my life with it mind but it just one part of me it ok to cry we all need too at time it does get easer over time hung in there

THE SWEET ONE replied October 5, 2009 5:49 AM 

I WAS 15 WHEN I FOUND OUT I WAS ONE AND IT'S STILL HARD AT 31. BUT NOW THAT I HAVE A GROUP TO TALK TO IT SHOULD HELP. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND DON'T GIVE UP.
Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 4, 2009 8:32 AM 

its 4:30 am, I've just woken up and I don't know why.

Sarguillo replied October 5, 2009 6:11 PM 

dont know if you know this or not, but at abour 3-4 am is when your body starts to rev up your systems to start the day. Its not a bad idea to take your blood sugar at that time just to see what its like when you would normally be asleep. Good luck.
Diabetic Connect Member somoca
somoca
somoca replied October 5, 2009 10:04 PM 

Welcome. do not fear..we know what you are going through and you will be fine. You are on the same meds as I am. Exercise and eat at the same time each day. Make a journal of your eating for now, it will help you. I do not let it get me down and I feel alot better since I have been here. You are welcomed here.

jcheung replied October 6, 2009 1:52 AM 

once again, thank you all.. I've found out that a few others at work is also diabetic for many years and have told me that people with diabetes can still a normal life.. minus all the good food :( but we all still live long happy lives.

Therefore these past two days before heading to bed I have been either drinking a glass of milk or eating a cup of low fat yogart before heading to bed and that seems to help with the waking up in the middle of thenight.

can anyone comment on this?

Anonymous replied October 6, 2009 2:10 AM 

I was diagnosed back in 1979 or there abouts - I am still kicking and have no complications to date except some VERY mild neuropathy which considering my eating habits I am surprised that is all I am contending with at the moment. I certainly have given up a lot of junk food, but now that I cook more meals at home I actually eat better and more satisfying food then the MickeyD days. Life is great! Food is good! May it be the same for you.

Judy(JP) replied October 6, 2009 3:22 AM 

Last edited about 1 month ago

Hi,
The milk or yogurt is probably keeping your blood sugar level. It tends to drop in the middle of the night for some of us and you are the lucky one that wakes up from it. Some people don't and don't realize it's low. That might not be it as it's only been a few days just a guess. Could just be your body adjusting to the medication. One thing to remember, even though you have to change your eating habits, you don't have to give up everything. It's better to try to change one thing at a time. Like increasing your vegetables every week by one serving, learn to count carbohydrates, start walking every day or riding an exercise bike while you watch tv or read a book. It sounds more daunting than it is. You'll learn about it at the nutritionist and don't be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is power in this game!!

Good luck to you
*Judy (JP)

somoca replied October 6, 2009 3:54 AM 

Missing good food? noooooo You just learn how to cook it differently. I avoid McD/ Wendy's but I save money. I did get rid of white sugar and thats one less thing I have to buy. I donot buy white flour or bread but muligrain is great.....see where I'mgoing with this?We just have to be more creative with our foods. and after awhile you wont miss the bad stuff. Hang in there.
Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 6, 2009 8:08 PM 

Thank you every one who posted in this discussion, I really really appreciate it and I've felt a lot better about myself. I am not educated in what I should or shouldn't or how much I should be eating yet but I've changed my life style totally already by eating wheat brans cereal in the morning with some blueberry's then for lunch I would eat 1 slice of whole wheat bread with turkey and cheese then for snacks I am eating apples and a glass a milk. I exercise 25 mins on the treadmill every evening.. hopefully I am doing the right things. :D

2catty replied October 7, 2009 3:02 AM 

Hey that sounds like a great start. I ride my recumbent bike everyday for 20min. and I eat a lot of fruits and veggies. I stay away from the juice though. Unless I have a low.
Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 8, 2009 2:42 AM 

I got my blood sugar tester today, tested before dinner... was at 7.2 but strangly after dinner which I had a litle bit of white rice, beef and fish with veggies, I tested 2 hours later and it was 6.2 ?

Gabby replied October 8, 2009 12:36 PM 

Last edited about 1 month ago

Are you taking any kind of medicines other than your metformin? Sometimes for me, now that I am on a medicine called glimperide that my numbers go down after I eat, no matter what I eat.

The other thing is that perhaps your hands had something on them before dinner. If you tested after you prepared food, you have to make sure you wash your hands really well. That can make a big difference.

Sometimes people peak earlier. Since you are new to it all, if you test every 30 minutes after a few meals, you will see if you peak at 1 hour, 2 hours or even 3 hours. Depending on how much fat is in the meal, you can peak a lot later. It takes some experimenting to find out how you work, because we are all so very different. Once you find your time frame, then you can test around that time for a more accurate read. I peak between 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours. So I know if I test in that time frame I will get a fairly accurate number.

jcheung replied October 8, 2009 3:11 PM 

no, I am only taking metformin 500mg and once a day in the mornings. I thought it would have went up a lot after dinner specially what I ate. I will investigate more.

Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 9, 2009 2:22 PM 

Tested this morning after fasting last night, 5.4!

Laura M replied October 9, 2009 5:00 PM 

I found a magazine at the grocery store, "Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book". This had the most information in one book concerning diabetes. It is easy to read and understand. I loved it. I also went through the diabetes classes offered by our local hospital. It helps to have as much information as you can get on it. Best wishes! You can learn to manage it!
Diabetic Connect Member monica wilson
monica wilson
monica wilson replied October 9, 2009 5:11 PM 

I also found out about two month's ago and I am a little scared. I don't know my type and I haven't taken any medicine. I also have high blood pressure and I take Lisinipril and my dose went from 5mg to 10mg and I will be seen by my doctor again in a month. In the mean time I changed what I eat and try to excercise. I am not going to let it control me I am going to control it and hopefully have better control of the high blood pressure as well. Hang in there and with proper diet and exercise we all will get through this. I also pray. God bless all of us and we have to stay focused and strong.

ladydragon replied October 12, 2009 1:03 PM 

I was diagnoised in Feb. 2009. My intitial A1C was 8.4. After 3 months, I had dropped to 5.9% and my second test was also 5.9%. I am taking one 500mg Metformin before my largest meal, which my doctor says ususally everyone's is at night. I was on 2 10mg. Lisinopril a day when I started; have dropped to 1 10mg a day now. I have lost 60 pounds since being diagnoised. I am new to this site, but have also had a lot of help from dlife.com. My insurance company would not pay for dietary classes, but was fortunate enough to have a one time session with a dietician. There is so much information online. The American Diabetes Association has a site and another one I use is DiabeticLivingOnline.com.
I know this is a progressive condition; but have come to realize that we can control some of our destiny. We can and have to be in control because this our body we are taking care of and nobody else can do this for us. They can guide and help teach, but it is up to us to do what is best.
I think I read in one other writing that the person said she is healthier now than before being diagnoised; I know I am.
Ladydragon
Diabetic Connect Member Barbi
Barbi
Barbi replied October 9, 2009 5:56 PM 

Hi, Welcome to the Diabetic world. I'm sure you have had tons of great advice so far...and I only have a couple of things to add from my own experience. First off don't run out and buy tons of diabetic cookbooks, you only need one or two to start with and beware of the ones that have more desert recipies than anything else....they don't help much! Don't try to absorbe too much information at one time...there is a ton out there and you could find yourself completely overwhelmed very easily. If you only want to read one book I recommend the book called The Born-Again Diabetic by William Dubois. You can find it on line at Amazon or www.redbloodcellbooks.com It is an excellent easy read that will explain everything you need to start taking real control of your diabetes. Hang in there....it is tough to start, but there is life afer being diagnosed! Best wishes.
Diabetic Connect Member Mark B
Mark B
Mark B replied October 10, 2009 6:43 PM 

I was diagnosed 6/24/2009 so I know what you are going thru, and yes it can be scary and depressing. I'm lucky my health care is taken care of by the Vetrans hospital. They have a very good teaching program for diabetics and I feel understanding is the key to getting a handle on your diabetes. You can try the internet and see if there are any training classes in your area. Nutrition classes are also a big help.

jcheung replied October 13, 2009 3:51 PM 

well the scare is in the past now, I am working on controlling it but its been hard. My eating habits haven't been well controlled lately as Ive been eating out and noticing that I am waking up with a fasting bg level of 6.6/118.8mg

Diabetic Connect Member reebaby
reebaby
reebaby replied October 13, 2009 10:18 PM 

i too just found out i'm a Diabetic and everyday i'm learning to control it just take it one step at a time and please eat right
Diabetic Connect Member reebaby
reebaby
reebaby replied October 13, 2009 10:24 PM 

i am a diabetic to i was on metformin 500mg twice a day but i got sick taken that med so all i can say is don't be scared and talk to your doctor about everything because stress make u sicker with this diesease people with diabetic need to stick together hope u feel better and stress free
Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 15, 2009 4:20 PM 

Whats a normal range or what should I be at when I do my bg test? I am seeing a range that is very different each day.

2catty replied October 16, 2009 2:39 AM 

Last edited about 1 month ago

Well the standard is 80-125. I feel my best when mine is about 110 though. This is pre-meal of course.

jcheung replied October 20, 2009 1:47 PM 

I am mostly between 6 and 7 (108-126), rare times 5.5.

2catty replied October 20, 2009 7:28 PM 

These are good blood sugars. Boy I wish mine was as good when I started out. Mine was 600. Usually stayed in 400's. But now it stay at a normal range with my pump.
Diabetic Connect Member jcheung
jcheung
jcheung replied October 29, 2009 5:17 PM 

saw the endo on the weekend, heard some bad news, she said I am mostly going to become Type 1 sooner than later as I might be in a Honeymoon state. This new has really scared me because I have accepted the fact that I am Type 2 and can control this with diet and exercise but now being Type 1 and having to take insulin its somethine totally different.

lipsie replied October 31, 2009 5:03 AM 

I am VERY sorry to hear this! Did he explain his reasoning at least to you?? Insulin really is not that bad though, but I can only imagine having to accept it for life. I really sympathizing with you. Hugs! Sheila

2catty replied October 31, 2009 6:13 AM 

Please explain the sooner or later part. You either have T1 or T2 from the beginning. One does not turn into the other. Have they ran tests yet on c-peptides and such to see which you are? I myself have been T2 since 18 and am on a pump. I actually have to have insulin to live because my pancreas is crapped out and makes a micro of insulin. Not enough to live with. But enough to be considered T2.

Cate replied October 31, 2009 3:00 PM 

If you are Type 2, you may become insulin-dependent, but you will still be Type 2. Type 1 diabetics produce no insulin at all. These people are usually fairly thin, as well. Metformin is never used to treat Type 1.

Don't be afraid of insulin. I'm a Type 2 but started glargine (Lantus) within 3 months of diagnosis, at my request. I am very happy on 42 U daily, with Metformin 500mg at breakfast and dinner. I use carb counting and my pattern is 4-5 carbs at each meal, plus a single scoop ice cream cone every day. My A1c has been under 6 for more than 2 years. I'm an ice cream-aholic and just couldn't live without it. I'm also fairly active. I have a horse so that gives me regular exercise.

Diabetes is a self-managed disease. Learn as much as you are able. The more you know, the better you will manage your diabetes.

I had an edge when I was diagnosed. I was working with diabetic outpatients and knew exactly what was wrong with me. I believe having a solid diabetes knowledge base has been my greatest tool.

jcheung replied November 3, 2009 7:49 PM 

I am confused about it as well, they haven't done any test but the doctor thinks that my Pancras will stop working shortly and I will need insulin. She used the term I might be a Type 2 or 1 and she isn't sure. That's what she said. i am averaging 5-6.5 daily right now. I noticed 4.5 the other day before heading to bed, but yeah I am only Metformin right now twice a day, thats about it.

Diabetic Connect Member JBobosh
JBobosh
JBobosh replied November 4, 2009 5:37 PM 

I work with the National Diabetes Education Program. There is a lot of information for people that were just diagnosed with diabetes available on our website, all free.

http://ndep.nih.gov/i-have-diabetes/index.aspx