'Diabetes was never part of my grand plan'

Age 40 in Feb 2011, life was great. Great wife, two great kids. But, for some reason, I was losing weight and drinking loads more, particularly alcohol, because I could. I'd never been much or a drinker before, not particularly liking the after effects, but there didn't seem to be any after effects now. I put this down to a more active life, travelling with work, new house that needed work, and generally being more active with the kids.

I went from around 14 stone, which I had been for years and was not overweight, to around 12.5. Seemed a bit odd. So, whilst taking my eldest son to the docs for something - I decided to ask the doc if there was anything I should be worried about.
First he checked my glands (cancer.....), then he said let's take a blood sample and check for thyriod issues or diabetes.

Friday 3rd June, my dad's 61st birthday. Results are in, but we cannot give them to you over the phone - please come in Monday! Was due to go to Beavers family camp - I needed to know so I went in to see another doctor there and then. You have diabetes.....

After consultation with the doc I was directed to the nurse. I thought the worse was behind me. Low fat now as you are four more times likely to get heart disease. Here are some suggested diets….(diets – I don’t need to lose more weight) 45mins of talking – my head was ready to explode. ‘Come back Monday with any more questions’
I drove home, slowly, it's two miles yet it seem to take forever, I walked in the door and burst into tears.

This was never part of my grand plan, where did this come from? Suspected Type 2 but could be late onset Type 1. What did it mean? The weekend was difficult – Beaver family camp not really geared up for someone trying to avoid sugary products or fat.
I decided very quickly to be very open about it.

My father in law had been diagnosed Type 2 a few weeks ago, 72 and managing it on diet and exercise alone. Maybe I could do the same? Talking to him helps. Our friends were supportive too. I told my eldest son on Sunday night, he was great about it. At seven – he still generally understood – and his support meant everything. His questions were quiet morbid though – but he was trying to get the big picture.

Monday came and back to the nurse for blood test (HbA1C) and more discussions. I was feeling lousy. Quick finger prick revealed over 11per cent - nurse sends me to doctor, doctor prescribes 1 x 500g Metformin at breakfast – for the rest of your life, and this is a low dose for you to start on……beware of side effect. Does this ever get any better?

Well, No. Next visit to nurse about two weeks' later for check of feet etc, I am told ‘We are not sure its Type 2, it could be late onset Type 1 or early onset Type 2 – we don’t know, we are going to refer you to a consultant.’

Monitoring daily revealed the peaks and troughs and impact of different foods – fruit seems to be the enemy – particularly fruit juice or apples/bananas. Also weight was still coming off, but not really a surprise as I was struggling to get 2500 calories a day – very hard when you are reducing sugar and fat intake!

Appointment with consultant went very well, and was the turning point. He confirmed Type 2, but from our discussion where I shared that I had readings above 6 from medicals in 2005 and 2008. The latter saying ‘even though this is above 6 this is no indication of diabetes’ How wrong could that be! Given my age, fitness, weight (not overweight at all) and history I do not fit any typical Type 2 pattern – I am atypical. He commented he has only ever seen one other person like me.

Told me to relax, not test as much, particularly the two hour after food, which is not required. The key is that the reading comes down after food, not what it peaks at.
So, into the third month now – feeling much better about life, missing chocolate and the odd sweet, but I can live without it.

Life can get back on track…….this is just a hiccup.