Health Related. Type 2 Diabetes

[topangamatthews]

Last year I was diagnosed with PCOS with an insulin resistance. I had tingling hands and when going on Metformin it went away. I missed a few days last week and the tingling came back. I called my OB today and she said based on last year's blood test results and the tingling being back by only missing a couple days that I need to see an endocrinologist and she believes I may actually have diabetes.

Can anyone share your experience with type 2? What will I really not be able to eat? No more sweets? What about carbs like fries?

I have my appointment set for Monday.

Thanks!

[Deleted]

I don't have type 2 diabetes but I'm a dietetic intern and just finished my clinical rotation...

Managing diabetes is not so much about what you are "allowed" to eat as it is learning how to balance your carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Generally women with diabetes will want to have 3-4 carb servings per meal and several snacks throughout the day that count as 1 carb serving each (1 carb serving = 15 g carbs). You really want your carb sources to be nutrient-dense, like whole grains, dairy and fruit.

It's not like you will never be able to have sweets again but limiting your dessert intake is going to help you manage your blood sugar. Also, a healthier diet is a recommended treatment for PCOS symptoms since you're at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. I would try to shift away from sweets and fries and more toward clean foods.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes then you should ask about a diabetes education course. This is really where they will look at your specific medical information and create an individualized plan for you. They will also teach you how to manage your medications.

Also, when you go see your endocrinologist they will test your A1C level. This represents your average blood sugar over ~3 month period. In the hospital where I interned, anything above a 6 was high and anything above an 8 required inpatient nutrition counseling.