Hello All,
Glad to find this forum and share experiences. I have just been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. I am 56, 6ft tall and 108kg in weight. My readings were 14.2 and my Dr decided to put me on medication, watch what I eat and exercise. I have been doing a 30 min brisk walk daily and for last three days started monitoring my blood sugar. I am on Metformin 2 times a day (B'fast and Dinner). I think what Im confused most is what I can eat and drink as there seems to be conflicting foods one can eat. Fish and vegetables seem to be a safe option, but not too sure about fruits. My morning reading as i get up is 12.1 at present. I have similar readings through out the day even just before I take the evening meal prior to take Metformin. Looking forward to discover the forum and learn more from your experiences you have kindly shared. Happy Holidays to all and regards from Malta
This is a lot so just work your way through at your own pace!
Can I suggest you take a good look at LCHF ie low carb higher fat (than typically recommended) methods of eating (keto is just a version of this). It’s how an awful lot of us get our blood sugar levels under control and for some even eliminate medications and achieve remission and also reduce or improve complications. It is often the easiest and most sustainable form of weight loss for a type 2 if you need that. Other conditions often improve including but not limited to blood pressure, joint pain, inflammation, PCOS, and despite the dire warnings of the last few decades it improves cholesterol for most, yes improves cholesterol. Some jump right on it, others edge their toes in a bit at a time.
Try clicking these links for more detailed explanations that are well worth readings.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.26870/
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog/jokalsbeek.401801/ for info including low carb made simple
And
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/success-stories-and-testimonials.43/ to show it really works and for motivation
and
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-eaten-today.75781/ for food ideas
also
https://www.dietdoctor.com/ for more food ideas and general info of carb content of foods. Excellent site and first port of call for many getting their head round low carb.
Lots of other websites for recipes out there too. Just use the term low carb or keto with whatever you fancy.
Also it’s very important to be able to check for yourself what’s happening so you can make the necessary adjustments day to day and meal by meal rather than wait 3, 6 or even 12 months and then have no idea what had what effect. It also helps keep an eye out that any meds are working appropriately not too much or too little. Getting a blood glucose meter is the only way to do this (no matter what contradictory advice you may have heard - it’s usually budget based rather than anything more scientific). Test before a meal and 2hrs later hoping for a rise of 2mmol or less. More and the carbs eaten were too many! Please ask if you want any guidance on this.
IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE ON DIABETIC MEDS (other than metformin): if you lower your carbs then any glucose lowering meds or insulin increasing meds may need to be adjusted accordingly to make sure you aren’t taking more than your new diet requires. It can cause a hypo if you have more gliclazide or insulin etc than your new carb intake requires. (This is not a concern for metformin on its own). Keep a very close eye on your numbers and do this with your dr’s knowledge. Please don’t be put off by an ill informed out dated rubbishing of low carb diets or being told you should eat carbs to match meds, it should be the other way around.