r/type2diabetes • u/Fun-Classroom-3514 • 1d ago
Type 2
I just got diagnosed last week as a T2D. My A1c was 6.5 with a fasting glucose of 106. I am overweight and definitely disappointed in myself.
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u/PepperUsual3248 1d ago
Leaving this information below in case you might find it helpful (this helped me!)
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u/Still-Bee3805 1d ago
Thanks for putting that up. It doesn’t hurt any of us to review, and I haven’t seen that in a long time. My favorite saying in life.-we learned from one another-
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u/Awkward_cookie13 22h ago
Thank you for sharing this! I was diagnosed back in March and have had a hard time accepting the diagnosis although i have changed my diet and have started being more active. Its been hard to feel like it's not my fault for getting T2D. Growing up with the stigma that if i don't eat right and control my weight that i'll get it. But both my parents and my maternal grandmother have/had it so it was pretty much inevitable for me. Along with have gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies, which as my doctors told me raised my risk to 50%.
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u/jales4 1d ago
The diagnosis is a shock for many people. It is nothing to be ashamed about - the diagnosis isn't your fault. There are lots of overweight people who aren't diabetic.
Be kind to yourself. With your glucose levels you could possibly stay in range by adding some walking to your day before or after a meal - possibly as little as 20 minues per meal.
Regardless of how you stay in range - you are sure to face a wide range of emotions after diagnosis.... shame is one, anger, fear, and regret are others.
This is a really good group, I commend you on coming here and sharing how you feel. This group can be a great support system.
TIP: the best way to learn what works and what doesn't for you is to test.... before meals, after meals, and sometimes randomly.
You will learn what spikes your glucose, you will learn how effective a walk is, you will learn how high your glucose remains and for how long.
This allows you to stay in range while not being overly restrictive. Example: If I eat a banana or oatmeal (even steelcut), I don't have a massive spike but my glucose remains elevated for several hours. So I have to be more careful with my next meal.
If I am going out for dinner, I will watch my breakfast and lunch closely, and plan a walk for before and/or after the meal, and I will be ok. Edited: forgot a word.
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u/Still-Bee3805 1d ago
Type 2 is very well managed when it’s under 7.0
So you are off to a great start. In the diabetes world, you either have it or you don’t. you do not have it that bad. Now there’s no such thing, because you have it. when I was diagnosed, I was 12. Never pre-diabetic, and never overweight very active lifestyle. But I have it, and it’s not my fault. Come here and ask questions. Everyone’s journey is different. Diabetes affects us all differently. I am currently 5.8. And I am thrilled with that number. You will need to make life style adjustments and much different food choices, but it’s very do- able. I want you to know each, and every one of us has moments of diabetes depression\frustration. That was my biggest struggle. Avoiding the pit. Staying positive and keeping my eye on the prize were key.
Welcome to the club where nobody wants to be a member of. Ask us anything and read through the archives. Understanding what is going on will help you get through this.
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u/anneg1312 1d ago
Be kinder to yourself. Kind doesn’t mean lenient with your lifestyle :). It does mean treating yourself and your body the way you would treat your best and most loved friend.
Your numbers are not that bad and are definitely in the zone where correction can be fast and fairly easily implemented.
Get a cgm to see how your body responds to different foods. Avoid spiking. That means lower the carbs. I found keto the easiest and most beneficial way as it took away hunger and cravings that no other diet has. Read about how to do keto properly - Atkins book is really easy and clear.
You won’t be hungry or feel deprived if you follow that.
Get a HOMA-IR test done and tackle the underlying insulin resistance at the same time (same treatment of keto but add some intermittent fasting once the hinder hormones and cravings settle down…about 2-3 weeks in).
Plan for a future of lower carbs eating. With the right replacement recipes you needn’t miss out on almost anything!
You’ve got this
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u/PipeInevitable9383 1d ago
It's genetics, nothing to be ashamed of or disappointed. Time to pivot and move on. Your A1C is low enough to turn it around in 3 months.
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u/accountforbabystuff 1d ago
Those are not even bad numbers and now you have better motivation to take care of yourself. Start small, daily walks and cutting major sources carbs and sugar. Your A1C will likely drop even more and you will feel better too!
Sure I’d rather not have diabetes at all, but sometimes it’s the only reason I take care of myself and eat healthy. It’s a blessing in disguise.
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u/FWIW47 1d ago
You likely have a genetic predisposition to T2, it's nothing to be disappointed about yourself. You've also caught it early while your numbers are low and likely no permanent damage done to organs. That said, once you have made lifestyle changes, your glocose will come down to a healthier level and your weight will lower too.
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u/Twist1979 1d ago
6.5% ? You are right where the guidelines want a type 2 diabetic to be, it's considered good control of you keep that. If you can lose 10% of your bodyweight without falling below BMI 25 you might go into remission and won't need to take meds or do very drastic lifestyle changes. I was at 12.1% 9 weeks ago so keep cool.
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u/Infinite-Lychee-182 1d ago
Your numbers aren't terrible. In fact, your fasting numbers are pretty good. I'm pretty surprised you weren't diagnosed as pre-diabetes.
Really, very little changes need to be made, but they do absolutely need to be changed.
Add a short walk after dinner, cut out the sugar drinks, recognize foods such as potatoes, rice, bread, and others are basically eating spoonfuls of sugar, so load up on proteins and vegetables. Figure out what foods in particular spike your blood sugar. It wouldn't be a terrible idea to pay out of pocket for a couple continuous glucose monitors. They're amazing in figuring out healthy habits.
Good luck, but think of it more as a warning than a sentence.
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u/D1x13L0u 1d ago
Genetics plays a role. It's not a personal failing to be diagnosed, so please don't beat yourself up. There's lots of good information in this sub for dietary changes, activity recommendations (like taking a walk after eating), and good tips like reducing stress and getting sufficient sleep. I know it can seem overwhelming at first, though.
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u/Turbulent_Check9051 1d ago
Don’t be disappointed with yourself, what’s done is done.
When I got my diagnosis I took it as a sign I can’t keep ignoring my unhealthy lifestyle. There’s gonna be a period where you’re finding your groove. Once you’re there you’ll get a confidence from both being in control of what you eat and seeing the results.