New diabetes diagnosis to add to Arthritis
nanarose
Member Posts: 117
Hi, I haven't been on here for some time as I've had quite a few extra problems to contend with lately.
I have now been diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and I'm wondering if anyone on here has diabetes and how they are coping with it as well as Arthritis?
Unfortunately I also suffer from high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol, so the diagnosis of another disease has really knocked me for six, to be honest.
I know I have to lose some weight and change my diet to accommodate the diabetes, although to be honest I do eat fairly sensibly already, but how on earth I am to 'up' my exercise is beyond me!
Despite help from the physio I'm still having pain in my hip from bursitis, and now I have 'undefined' nerve pain in my back and hip which is really problematic. I can't walk for more than 10-15 minutes or stand for any length of time, before I'm in agony.
I've tried using an exercise bike but my physio says that I should avoid that, and I tried swimming but even that was extremely painful.
Any ideas anyone? I'm usually quite a positive person, but I admit I'm still trying to take in this new bombshell, so any help would be much appreciated. x
I have now been diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and I'm wondering if anyone on here has diabetes and how they are coping with it as well as Arthritis?
Unfortunately I also suffer from high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol, so the diagnosis of another disease has really knocked me for six, to be honest.
I know I have to lose some weight and change my diet to accommodate the diabetes, although to be honest I do eat fairly sensibly already, but how on earth I am to 'up' my exercise is beyond me!
Despite help from the physio I'm still having pain in my hip from bursitis, and now I have 'undefined' nerve pain in my back and hip which is really problematic. I can't walk for more than 10-15 minutes or stand for any length of time, before I'm in agony.
I've tried using an exercise bike but my physio says that I should avoid that, and I tried swimming but even that was extremely painful.
Any ideas anyone? I'm usually quite a positive person, but I admit I'm still trying to take in this new bombshell, so any help would be much appreciated. x
0
Comments
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Aw poor you Nannarose
I'm not surprised really - you already have your share!!
It sounds as though you already eat healthily - would you benefit from seeing a dietician?? there probably are 'hidden' sugars and 'better' carohydrates you could eat that you don't know about :?
I don't know much but my MIL had the type 1 kind and has had for decades and decades.
I only walk on the treadmill or swim myself. But you really must increase these exercises ever so ever so slowly you know :?
There is a diet thread going on on here - maybe there will be tips on there to help??
Love and ((()))
Toni xx0 -
Thanks Toni, I might go and look at that thread.
The thing is I'm desperate to do exercise - I love walking and used to do all sorts of activity which I really miss, however even a walk round the supermarket now has me in agony, so I don't know how I can do a sustained 30 minutes of exercise per day at a minimum.
When I worked, and often it was quite physical work too, I was on my feet continually 8 hours a day, and I still exercised, so I took it really hard when my arthritis curtailed both work and most of the other stuff too.
I guess everyone who is affected feels this way. I know I'm probably not alone in sometimes wondering why some of us seem to get more than our fair share of ailments, and others who don't take particular care of themselves, ie smoking and drinking, seem to be the lucky ones.
No point in moping though, I guess we have to accept what life throws at us, but I do admit it's becoming harder lately.
What does annoy me are people who don't seem to understand the merry-go-round we are on.
We get arthritis and other stuff, therefore we can't do as much - medication can make us gain a little weight, which doesn't help our condition, so we develop others....
My diabetes nurse says that I will be offered a 4 hour course on helping me understand and manage my condition better, which will include a dietician, so I hope it happens soon..... the sooner the better as I like to feel I'm in charge of my own body!
Unfortunately the magic wand approach just isn't going to work, darn it all! x0 -
Hi nanarose and welcome to the forum. Isn't it always the case that we think things can't get any worse and then something else is added to the mix for good measure. I can't help with the diabetis I'm afraid but others have given you some good advice. As for exercise have you heard of Armchair Zumba (look it up on youtube). It really looks fun and I am trying to find a class in my area, failing that maybe a DVD. I think putting weight on when you have arthritis etc is inevitable as our mobility decreases but there are things out there that we can do to reduce this that are neither painful or tiring. I find I struggle with motivation these days and need the support of a group if I am to embark on any sort of exercise program but my best friend is also wanting to lose weight so we are going to do it together, she has no health problems though so finding something we can do together is going to be a challenge.
Hope you find something that suits you, take care Dee x0 -
I'm very sorry about your latest diagnosis. It is so frustrating, when one condition often leads to another, because of medication, or lack of mobility etc.
Your 30 minutes of exercise doesn't have to be done in one go. You can split it into 2 lots of 15 minutes, or even 6 x 5 minute bouts throughout the day. In fact, try not to focus too much on the amount you do, at first. As long as you are getting some aerobic exercise, you might find your stamina gradually increases, and you can build up from there. A small amount must be better than none. As Dee pointed out, there are armchair workouts available for people who lack mobility. It's important to make sure you are doing what is safe for you though, so always check on that. For non aerobic exercise, perhaps yoga or Pilates might be worth trying?
Sadly you're right, there isn't a magic wand approach. Start small. Setting yourself massive goals almost always leads to failure, doesn't it? With the help of your nurse and dietician, and any exercise help that's available in your area, I'm sure you can make a difference to your health. The cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure are reversible, do remember that.
Frogmorton is right about the hidden sugars. I avoid all the supposedly "healthy" snacks and ready meals. They often have more sugar than standard foods. Have a look at some of the diabetes forums out there, and see what works for other people.
Good luck with everything. Small changes can lead to big improvements eventually People will always be around to support you through this.0 -
I have type 2 diabetes as well, I was only 37 when diagnosed. Exercise and eating less carbs will bring your blood sugar down. Even a gentle walk after a meal willl help.
I eat more protein and avoid bread as much as possible, it sends my blood sugars sky high. Best thing to do is test after you eat so you can learn what affects your sugar and adjust accordingly.
Losing weight is supposed to help, but it hasn't in my case. However I am an atypical diabetic case.
If you are ill, your sugar will go haywire. It takes some getting used to.0 -
Some excellent advice there from the others, nanarose so I'll simply say I'm sorry you have yet another thing to contend with.
Just remembered though that two friends were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in recent years and both are now able to control theirs by diet alone. Good luck.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0 -
Thanks for all the support folks, it does help to get all the moaning done here (sorry for that) then pick yourself up and get on with things.
Some great tips there, It's certainly given me loads to think about.
Just one other thing; Suzygirl you mention testing your glucose levels? Did you buy your own monitor, and if so, where did you go to get advice on what was the best one for you?
I'm sure I'll get my head round this eventually, like I did the arthritis, which unfortunately is flaring at the moment. Oh the joys! :roll:
Thanks to everyone for their input. x0 -
nanarose wrote:Hi, I haven't been on here for some time as I've had quite a few extra problems to contend with lately.
I have now been diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and I'm wondering if anyone on here has diabetes and how they are coping with it as well as Arthritis?
Unfortunately I also suffer from high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol, so the diagnosis of another disease has really knocked me for six, to be honest.
I know I have to lose some weight and change my diet to accommodate the diabetes, although to be honest I do eat fairly sensibly already, but how on earth I am to 'up' my exercise is beyond me!
Despite help from the physio I'm still having pain in my hip from bursitis, and now I have 'undefined' nerve pain in my back and hip which is really problematic. I can't walk for more than 10-15 minutes or stand for any length of time, before I'm in agony.
I've tried using an exercise bike but my physio says that I should avoid that, and I tried swimming but even that was extremely painful.
Any ideas anyone? I'm usually quite a positive person, but I admit I'm still trying to take in this new bombshell, so any help would be much appreciated. x
I also have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high chorestral, I did a 8 week course, 2hours per week which was of great help in understanding the diabetes, I was able to control it by diet & excercise until two months when I had to start tablets, I think this is due in part to my excercise levels dropping off due to arthritis in my knees, I use to cycle between 6 - 8000 miles a year and even up to last November I managed to cycle at least 100 miles a week. I have now had a TKR last week and hoping in time to get back on the bike. While in hosp my sugar levels went through the roof, one day it was over 17, at home I don't check my sugar levels, have app with doc today and going to ask if I should get a blood sugar meter. It's tough coping with this kind of news as I felt there was no justice in me getting diabetes as I considered that I had led a healthy lifestyle, good luck with the future.
Best wishes.
Barry.0 -
Most companies give out blood sugar monitors free to diabetics. I don't think you can buy them anymore. The gp has to prescribe the testing strips anyway!!!! Ask the practice nurse they may well have one for you.0
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barry2013 wrote:
I also have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high chorestral, I did a 8 week course, 2hours per week which was of great help in understanding the diabetes, I was able to control it by diet & excercise until two months when I had to start tablets, I think this is due in part to my excercise levels dropping off due to arthritis in my knees, I use to cycle between 6 - 8000 miles a year and even up to last November I managed to cycle at least 100 miles a week. I have now had a TKR last week and hoping in time to get back on the bike. While in hosp my sugar levels went through the roof, one day it was over 17, at home I don't check my sugar levels, have app with doc today and going to ask if I should get a blood sugar meter. It's tough coping with this kind of news as I felt there was no justice in me getting diabetes as I considered that I had led a healthy lifestyle, good luck with the future.
Best wishes.
Barry.
Life isn't fair sometimes is it?
What really annoys me are those that seem to like to attach 'blame' to conditions that you have no control over. Of course our choices in life do matter, but when you think you have led a healthy lifestyle, to be diagnosed with one thing after another is a huge bite in the backside!
I wish you well with your recovery, and I hope you get back on your bike in the near future.
Re blood glucose monitors. I have had a look at them, and I'm definitely going to get one, but will hang on until I, hopefully, get on the course.
I'm in Scotland so I have no idea if I will get strips from the NHS or not. It's all a new world to me, one I would have preferred not to join, but will try and make the best of it I can, as lots of us have to.
Think the arthritis is coming out in sympathy today too! :roll:0
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