Strange experience with Diabetes?

[Brunneria]

@nosher8355

For me, reactive hypoglycaemia was stage 1.

Stage 2 was reactive hypoglycaemia and prediabetes at the same time.

Stage 3 is type 2 diabetes.

Ironically I feel better now at 47 than in all of the previous 45 years. Type 2 is like being on holiday compared to the grindingly inconsistent hypos.

We are all very different, nosher, but the amount of carbs that you are eating would have set me up for recurring hypos unless I ate pretty much constantly, keeping an artificially high BG.

I learned to avoid the carb highs, then reactive lows, by eating slower release proteins and fats.
Something like a mixed grill would actually make me very comfortable (like I could relax, finally) for hours.

 

[Lamont D]

The low carbs are the only way I can keep my levels up. I tend to drop quickly into low blood sugar hypoglycemia if I don't. The balance is precarious. I can only have a baked potato with something that is very low on the glycemic index. The rice I have been told to eat is basmati with no colouring etc. Having to eat regular and small portions is really doing my head in, but if I don't want to feel **** I have to stick with it till I get my medication right. I have to eat before I go to bed in case my bloods dip low whilst sleeping.
I am constantly looking on websites for things to eat., but my diet is so restrictive. I can't have dairy products, cooked greens are a no no. Oily fish is beyond my comprehension, I just can't get past the smell. I eat steamed fish, cod etc. Plain pasta is very difficult to eat and most sauces are high sugar. The only way I eat vegetables is to disguise them in soups or curries etc.
I can't eat more than a piece of fruit every few hours. On top of this one of the symptoms is constantly feeling hungry and I want to munch treats etc, sweets are restricted as are chocolate and I can only have a couple of digestive per day. At my last visit to the dietician I was told to cut down on my intake of caffeine as I was drinking too much tea (black, no sugar) and drink more water.
The wife is wanting a divorce (ha!) if this continues. I have to do my own shopping for home made soups and curries. I am not a chef. I can only cook the simple things and my wife can't bel because she is disabled.
Money for my diet is restricted as well, luckily I have found certain shops where I can find what I eat cheapish, my life has been taken over by this condition and I'm not a quitter. My family is supportive and understanding.
The fight to get my condition understood is what's driving me and hopefully after my tests in hospital I can get back to not worrying about what I put in my mouth!!

 

[Brunneria]

The low carbs are the only way I can keep my levels up. I tend to drop quickly into low blood sugar hypoglycemia if I don't. The balance is precarious. I can only have a baked potato with something that is very low on the glycemic index. The rice I have been told to eat is basmati with no colouring etc. Having to eat regular and small portions is really doing my head in, but if I don't want to feel **** I have to stick with it till I get my medication right. I have to eat before I go to bed in case my bloods dip low whilst sleeping.
I am constantly looking on websites for things to eat., but my diet is so restrictive. I can't have dairy products, cooked greens are a no no. Oily fish is beyond my comprehension, I just can't get past the smell. I eat steamed fish, cod etc. Plain pasta is very difficult to eat and most sauces are high sugar. The only way I eat vegetables is to disguise them in soups or curries etc.
I can't eat more than a piece of fruit every few hours. On top of this one of the symptoms is constantly feeling hungry and I want to munch treats etc, sweets are restricted as are chocolate and I can only have a couple of digestive per day. At my last visit to the dietician I was told to cut down on my intake of caffeine as I was drinking too much tea (black, no sugar) and drink more water.
The wife is wanting a divorce (ha!) if this continues. I have to do my own shopping for home made soups and curries. I am not a chef. I can only cook the simple things and my wife can't bel because she is disabled.
Money for my diet is restricted as well, luckily I have found certain shops where I can find what I eat cheapish, my life has been taken over by this condition and I'm not a quitter. My family is supportive and understanding.
The fight to get my condition understood is what's driving me and hopefully after my tests in hospital I can get back to not worrying about what I put in my mouth!!

So are you unable to eat fat (it repulses you) or are you aiming for a low fat AND a low carb diet (because THEY have told you to do that)?

And why no dairy?
Why are you avoiding veg?

I'm not criticising here, these are genuine questions, because my experience of reactive hypoglycaemia didn't have any of those restrictions. In fact, those restrictions are in direct opposing to what worked the best!

What you say you are eating - rice, digestives, low gi bread, porridge, banana - they are all far too high carb for me. I would have felt dreadful, stressed, jittery, carb cravings, bad sleep, low on energy, obsessed with my next carb fix...

My solution was to eat meat, fish, eggs, fat, non starchy vegetables and berries. Anything remotely carby needs to be buried in fibre and/or fat. Classic Low Carb High Fat. Since my hypoglycaemia was reacting to high blood glucose, keeping my glucose levels as low and even as possible (by eating these very slow release foods), avoided triggering the excessive insulin that sent me into a hypo. Eating carbs to keep my sugars up was the worst thing I could have done.

I simply don't believe it is possible to maintain a restricted/low carb AND restricted protein/fat diet at the same time. They aren't compatible or sustainable. No wonder you are struggling!

 

[Logen]

I have been diabetic a year now.. im on metformin.. my follow a diet and glucose level is controlled.. after 2 hours its always between 5 to 7 .. i exercise often.. however lately i hv been suffering with my left foot.. it has been sore ( poking. burning) at a particular spot .. my leg is in constant pain ... i went to a the doctor and he says i should continue with my meds... can anyone tell me whats going on.. or maybe some help.. my sugar doesnt go more than 9 and this confuses me .. im scared. i dont want to reach amputations.... but this never leaves me... any advice

 

[Lamont D]

So are you unable to eat fat (it repulses you) or are you aiming for a low fat AND a low carb diet (because THEY have told you to do that)?

And why no dairy?
Why are you avoiding veg?

I'm not criticising here, these are genuine questions, because my experience of reactive hypoglycaemia didn't have any of those restrictions. In fact, those restrictions are in direct opposing to what worked the best!

What you say you are eating - rice, digestives, low gi bread, porridge, banana - they are all far too high carb for me. I would have felt dreadful, stressed, jittery, carb cravings, bad sleep, low on energy, obsessed with my next carb fix...

My solution was to eat meat, fish, eggs, fat, non starchy vegetables and berries. Anything remotely carby needs to be buried in fibre and/or fat. Classic Low Carb High Fat. Since my hypoglycaemia was reacting to high blood glucose, keeping my glucose levels as low and even as possible (by eating these very slow release foods), avoided triggering the excessive insulin that sent me into a hypo. Eating carbs to keep my sugars up was the worst thing I could have done.

I simply don't believe it is possible to maintain a restricted/low carb AND restricted protein/fat diet at the same time. They aren't compatible or sustainable. No wonder you are struggling!

Yes they have told me to eat low carb and as little fat as possible though a little fat can't do much harm. I am not lactose intolerant but I can't eat such things as butter, spreads, cheese as I would be sick. I just can't eat cooked greens, though I eat a lot of salad. I have been told to restrict myself to 7 pieces of fruit and vegetables per day. I have to eat regular 6 or 7 small meals a day. This is one my problems. I am only experimenting at this present time and I could find that no carbs is the way to go but my diet is very restricted. I have no restrictions on lean meats or pulses. I have only been on this diet for 7 months now, and if you can help me, I would be really grateful, knowing that there is other sufferers out there I can draw on your experience. Thanks for your post and your interest

 

[Lamont D]

Having had a dog walk on this beautiful morning and having a good long think about what to eat and the reply trying to help me. I am of the opinion that I need to revise my thinking and try a very low carb diet and mainly eat meats and salads, the odd piece of fruit and see if the diet will regulate the fluctuations of having hypos and the symptoms that follow.
The dietician and specialist seemed to agree that I had been doing really well and that the further tests will give them the direction my condition dictates.
I can only try!

 

[Brunneria]

Having had a dog walk on this beautiful morning and having a good long think about what to eat and the reply trying to help me. I am of the opinion that I need to revise my thinking and try a very low carb diet and mainly eat meats and salads, the odd piece of fruit and see if the diet will regulate the fluctuations of having hypos and the symptoms that follow.
The dietician and specialist seemed to agree that I had been doing really well and that the further tests will give them the direction my condition dictates.
I can only try!

Hi again, sorry I haven't written back earlier. For some reason the little alert flag didn't register there was movement on the thread.

The meat and salads sound a good way to go. I think if you eat protein at every meal, you may find it makes a big difference. It digests slowly, and although some of it breaks down to glucose, it is a gentle rise and fall, not likely to trigger a hypo.

Is there any fat that you do enjoy/tolerate? I think that would also make a dramatic change. Fat has (virtually) no impact on blood glucose. So it is a fantastic thing to provide energy without relying on carbs. There's a fantastic illustration of the difference between carbs and fats on this webpage.

Are you aware of the recent studies that have disproved the theory that fats were bad for the heart and cholesterol? It has now been established that eating fat has no relation to blood cholesterol levels. None. Astonishing, eh? We've all been totally indoctrinated into the idea that fat is bad, now suddenly, it's a good thing. I find adding even a smidge of mayo, or a dribble of olive oil to a salad will make a huge difference to how long the meal keeps me going. But if you have trained yourself to avoid fat, do start slowly! It might seem very odd to start with!

Have you tried hummus? I love it. Protein and fat, delicious - and good with salads.

Let me know how you get on? We need to get you back eating warm foods before the end of the summer!

 

[Brunneria]

@nosher8355

Just had another thought.

Do you have a blender? And have you heard of green smoothies?

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/...s/green-smoothie-recipes-for-type-2-diabetes/

http://www.dailybitesblog.com/2014/03/11/low-glycemic-green-smoothie/

The best thing is that they are delicious!

They have a very stabilising effect on my BG. I can drink a 300ml green smoothie made with (for example) spinach, courgette, frozen cherries, pineapple and a few cashew nuts, and my BG only rises by about 1.5. All I can taste is the cherries and pineapple. The veg just seems to disappear. Great nutrition, very satisfying and they will sustain me for about 3 hours. Of course, you don't need to lose weight, but you could add a smoothie to your usual food, up your calories, and keep your BG stable. They are a good vehicle for really nutritious fats too. A few macadamia or cashews, some avocado, and you would barely notice they were there.

 

[Spiker]

That's great news about the green smoothies. I used to love those but I assumed they would put my BG up. I didn't actually test at the time. Based on your experience @Brunneria I will give that a try.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Brunneria]

That's great news about the green smoothies. I used to love those but I assumed they would put my BG up. I didn't actually test at the time. Based on your experience @Brunneria I will give that a try.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

I am sure they don't spike my BG (providing I don't put something too sweet in them, like mango or grapes), but I have no idea what effect they'll have on your ketosis...? Let me know, eh? I haven't got myself any keto stick things, so I can't assess it, other than by how I feel.

 

[Lamont D]

No I have never heard of green smoothies. I was put off by smoothies because of the really bad effect on my bloods. I might just try it. I am in the trying anything that will stop me crashing and found out that some low gi foods are not low enough to stop me regulating my bloods. I have noticed that bananas give me a surge, which can't be good. The thought of some of the vegetables you mention in my mouth, has me squirming already. I have been trying non gi foods at two meal times a day and there has been no upward surge when I've tested two hours later. Then no downward crash after that. I've also slept better.
Thanks for the suggestion. I am going shopping later. I will have to clean out my smoother maker as well. Thanks for the suggestion. Am going to make an omelette for my mid morning snack with ham and a nice strong black cup of tea. Thanks also for the recipe downloads.

 

[Sandra.stephenson]

I just wondered if anyone else has put weight on through insulin

 

[Spiker]

Hi Sandra. Yes, I have and it seems to be very common.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Sandra.stephenson]

Wel I hope i stop gaining weight it's depressing when u stick to a healthy diet

 

[Spiker]

Wel I hope i stop gaining weight it's depressing when u stick to a healthy diet

Are you Type 2 or Type 1 diabetic Sandra? Do you take bolus (mealtime) insulin, or just long acting basal insulin?

 

[Sandra.stephenson]

Hi I'm type 2 I'm on humulin I insulin 30 mls twice a day

 

[Lamont D]

Just to update everyone, have been in hospital all week. Absolute chaos on my ward, but that's another story, bloody Tories!
Have not had a hypo since last Sunday. Have been given new medication which at this time, seems to be helping. Still low carbing. Blood are steady between 4 & 7. Feel better than I have been for years, lost weight, more energy. I have been diagnosed as reactive hypoglycaemia. Even with meds, I still need to restrict my intake and definitely no sugar or starches. But now I don't have to eat so many small meals every two to three hours. I still have to test often to see reactions to what I eat etc. my first real meal out of my prison was a full English breakfast, marvellous, and after testing two hours later, 6.3.
My specialist was very good and his advice on my condition was excellent, very up to date and approachable. Have an open appointment with him and can get in touch any time and be seen quickly.

 

[Brunneria]

Just to update everyone, have been in hospital all week. Absolute chaos on my ward, but that's another story, bloody Tories!
Have not had a hypo since last Sunday. Have been given new medication which at this time, seems to be helping. Still low carbing. Blood are steady between 4 & 7. Feel better than I have been for years, lost weight, more energy. I have been diagnosed as reactive hypoglycaemia. Even with meds, I still need to restrict my intake and definitely no sugar or starches. But now I don't have to eat so many small meals every two to three hours. I still have to test often to see reactions to what I eat etc. my first real meal out of my prison was a full English breakfast, marvellous, and after testing two hours later, 6.3.
My specialist was very good and his advice on my condition was excellent, very up to date and approachable. Have an open appointment with him and can get in touch any time and be seen quickly.

Oh, that is brilliant news! Very pleased for you - and delighted you are feeling better! Hope it continues!!!

 

[Lamont D]

Thank you. Latest bloods after two hours 6.2. Marvellous!

 

[Pollylocks]

...before I joined this forum I didn't sleep very well at all, seemed to wake up every time I turned over, very light sleep.... I put it down to age as they say you need less sleep as you get older [am 63]....I thought I had an idea of which foods were low carb beforehand but didn't realise the numbers of carbs in certain fruit and veg, and some other foods, so must've been eating more of them than I realised..

...since I've been low carbing, my numbers are down and I've been sleeping like a log and I can only put it down to either low carbs, [ie. would a non diabetic get those benefits if they low carbed...?] or lower bs levels.....I don't know which it is, maybe a combination, I'm just grateful...