We will definitely all be here for you. There's a lot to learn, but it will all lead you to a healthier place. Take a deep breath, we've all been there and it is not a death sentence! this is a problem that we all LIVE with! Start with classes with a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist, find a good Diabetic Educator and a good doc!

Hi and welcome. I'm a newbie here too, just diagnosed a week and a half ago.
I agree with Meg, take the classes. You'll get the chance for one on one instruction if needed and the aid of a dietician. It's not just staying away from "white" foods. There's so much more we need to know in order to control this disease. I have signed up for my first class and am anxiously awaiting for them to call me with the date and time.

Hi Linda..think I saw you on the COPD Board..If I can help you just ask..not about Meds..just food and exercise.

Thank you all! IM going to go to the classes as soon as the call me. I also started doing Zumb dance or should I say its doing me........ lol I have lots to learn wow 54 now this not to mention started menopause in June! gsssssssssssssss I can do this w/ all your help and support, Thhank you all sooooooooo much for your input! anything else you think of let me know Im OPEN MINDED!

Welcome Linda, don't freak out, this can be controlled and managed and once you get the hang of it, it becomes natural to you. Now not to freak you out, hormones, stress, sickness, etc can affect the numbers also, so you mentioned menopause, so even this can affect but you will get thru this

Every day tell yourself you can do this, you will do this, for yourself and for family...You need to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others

yes do the classes, you might be surprised and walk away with much information and you don't have to agree with all or even do all. You will now be in control, if you are not sure about something, check with us, question your doctor..Let them know you want to try this with diet and exercise first before meds. I controlled for 10 years that way before having to go on meds six years ago and so have many others.

Yes stay away from the 'whites' since the starches in them are not good, try low carbs or the light versions of bread if you must have, look for a serving of 2 slices, not one as most list...can't make a sandwhich with one slice. There is Dreamfields pasta, which is good for diabetes. Basically it is eating a healthy diet, that is the true diabetic diet......watch portion sizes, remember you are checking for CARBS since carbs are sugar, just cutting out foods with 'sugar' (called simple) does not eliminate the carbs.

you can have snacks tho limit them to about 15 carbs. If you must have deserts you can, just figure that into the amount of your carb intake, do as I do and eat only a half of a serving of cakes, etc or have a small cupcake

Watch the fried foods, fat is not your friend, but try broiled baked,

And don't worry even I freaked out in the beginning when I saw my numbers, especially when my body decided to go all wacko on me and go full blown into diabetes lol..now if I get a high number, I just go "huh' and continue on. I also keep track of what I eat and the carbs/calories about one week out of a month. You then can get an idea of how you are doing and see if there is a trend with a high number. Could be something you are eating could affect...I cannot eat corn in any shape size, whatever sends my numbers sky high