The Aftershock of my Type 2 Diagnosis

I had been feeling unwell for some time, tired, sluggish, and going to the toilet on a very regular basis. It was May 2018 when, after several visits to the doctor I was finally diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. It was a surreal moment, a moment of relief, shame, and fear. 

I can remember driving home from the Doctor’s surgery with my mind racing, there was so much I did not understand but I did recognize that it was serious, profoundly serious and that if I did not gain control of the Type 2 monster, there could be dire consequences.

I needed time to talk about my diagnosis

The only person I told immediately was my wife, she was incredibly supportive, but I needed time for everything to sink in and for me to come to terms with what “I had done to myself.” After a few weeks, I was able to tell my children, my parents, and a few close friends about the diagnosis. Everyone was amazing, kind, and understanding. I was very direct with the people I shared my story with, I told them about the disease, what some of the causes were and what I could do to manage the condition. At first, people became obsessed with buying me a full range of sugar-free products from chocolate bars, drinks, and biscuits, although this was kind, I did not find it helpful.

The bottom line is I was overweight, inactive, and struggling with Mental Health, various life events over a 5-year period had taken their toll and consequently, I fell into the Type 2 hole.

I used my diagnosis as a catalyst, a catalyst to make changes and the changes were quite simple. After being provided with a day’s training by the NHS (National Health Service in the UK) and completing my own research I broke my plan down into three basic strategies:

1. Food
2. Exercise
3. Blood Sugar Monitoring

A combination of carbohydrate and calorie reduction saw me lose weight and reduce my blood sugars significantly over a 4-month period. This was backed up with regular exercise, this consisted of walking and trying to average 15,000 steps per day, I changed my attitude towards walking and really began to understand more about distances, something we all take for granted when we are in a car. 

I was lucky, within that first 4 months I lost weight and reduced my blood sugars down to a normal range. At the time I was taking 500mg of Metformin daily, 2 years later I would come off medication altogether.

Understanding Type 2 diabetes made me stay motivated

My motivation was simple, after learning about the disease and the potential long-term ramifications it was easy to stay focused. I did not want to become a burden to my wife or children through amputation, stroke, heart attack, impaired vision etc.

I have learned so much over the last 4 years, not only about Type 2 but also about mental health and some of the truths about the disease. The media only focus on “Fat and Lazy,” because that sells and is easy to explain to the public. It really is not that simple and over time I have started to cut myself a little slack and forgive myself.

Forgiving myself has been the hardest thing, that constant nagging voice of shame is still there but I have made the voice a little quieter.

I found positives in my diagnosis

The biggest challenge for me going forward is my weight management and my BMI, it is not easy and at times it really frustrates me, particularly when I exercise so much and so frequently but

it might surprise you to hear about the positives of my diagnosis, trust me there are several:

1. An Instagram account where I share my story and make myself accountable, 2000 followers to date, and a fantastic community of like-minded people. It is a great feeling when a stranger reaches out and thanks to you for helping and motivating them.
2. Completed 2 Virtual London Marathons
3. Have walked/ran/stepped over seven thousand miles 
4. I have raised over 2000 Euros for various charities by taking part in walking or running fundraising events.
5. Have excellent cholesterol, resting heart rate Vo2 Max and Blood Pressure
6. Came off Metformin in September 2020
7. Am sharing my story via mySugr which I love doing

If you are recently diagnosed it can be worrying, shocking, and embarrassing. Give yourself time to take stock, absorb any information provided and do your own research. Get your friend and family involved, they will need education too.

Put plans in place that are simple, enjoyable, and sustainable. Set targets, explore things, get outside, and remember who you are!! Do not let this disease define you, use it as a catalyst for change!