Any advice on type 2 diabetes will be very welcome!
By oldchem1
@oldchem1 (8132)
May 5, 2010 7:54am CST
Hi there
I have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
During my pregnancies (the last one 14 years ago) I was gestational diabetic and with my last child was insulin dependent, I had to inject three times a day.
So I was not really surprised to find that I now have diabetes, I was told 14 years ago it was likely.
What I would like is other people's tips or stories on this illness any help will be very gratefully received.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@gerald_lian (2188)
• Australia
5 May 10
There is just so much to say about this topic that I don't really know where to start! 
Anyway, the most important thing you need to focus on would be to try and keep your blood glucose level below the target value. I hope your doctor would have given you some information about the target levels you should aim to achieve to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Regular monitoring of your blood glucose level is recommended too. There are target ranges for pre and postprandial (before and after food), so keeping check of your blood glucose levels will help you to identify when your level control goes out of the range and when you should be cutting down on sugars and carbohydrates. Exercise is very important, and you need to do that regularly (at least 20 minutes, at least 5 times a week). Learn to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) too, such as sweating, confusion, fatigue and faintness, and do let your loved ones know how to recognise them too so that they can assist you if it happens. I was wondering if you were put on any medication so far? Normally people will start with metformin, but it all depends on individuality. Also, it might be worth linking up with diabetes associations where you can get more information about the condition. This is just a rough guide on what I can think of at the moment. Feel free to drop me a question if you have any queries! 
Anyway, the most important thing you need to focus on would be to try and keep your blood glucose level below the target value. I hope your doctor would have given you some information about the target levels you should aim to achieve to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Regular monitoring of your blood glucose level is recommended too. There are target ranges for pre and postprandial (before and after food), so keeping check of your blood glucose levels will help you to identify when your level control goes out of the range and when you should be cutting down on sugars and carbohydrates. Exercise is very important, and you need to do that regularly (at least 20 minutes, at least 5 times a week). Learn to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) too, such as sweating, confusion, fatigue and faintness, and do let your loved ones know how to recognise them too so that they can assist you if it happens. I was wondering if you were put on any medication so far? Normally people will start with metformin, but it all depends on individuality. Also, it might be worth linking up with diabetes associations where you can get more information about the condition. This is just a rough guide on what I can think of at the moment. Feel free to drop me a question if you have any queries! @oldchem1 (8132)
•
5 May 10
Hi#yes I have been started on Metformin, but I have not been told to monitor y blood sugars.
I was surprised as when I was gestational diabetic I had to test them three times a day.
I am keeping to my diet and trying to up my exercise levels.
Thank you for your help
@gerald_lian (2188)
• Australia
5 May 10
Hmm, in that case, maybe your doctor will introduce you to blood sugar monitoring soon. Maybe he just doesn't want you to be overburdened with too many facts and things to do at the moment. Well, hope all goes well for you and just a reminder, if you have any queries at all, don't hesitate to ask!
@vinuthan (29)
• India
7 May 10
good diabetic diet is necessary. avoid sugar. avoid potatoes and veg that grow below earth.
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
6 May 10
I'm type 2 as well, my advise would be to eat well, and reguarly, low fat and salt meals with plenty of fresh veges. Keep a close eye on your hands and feet, I've developed diabetic neuropathy which is nerve damage in my feet and is extremely painful, I'm currently taking morphine to help with the pain.
We have a good diabetic website here in New Zealand, it is: www.diabetes.org.nz take a look, also see if there's any diabetic websites in your country.
@clevengay (129)
• Philippines
15 Aug 10
the best way to control your sugar is through diet and exercise..i have known a diabetic and his only secret was to make biking a hobby and wherever he goes he uses his bike to commute..he said that it is a great help especially in controlling his sugar and relieving his cramps..but you should put more effort to it..
i hope i helped...
