Diabetes Sponsor?

[EdinburghPete]

Hello everyone, hoping to get a bit of advice/info here - are there such things a diabetes sponsors, who can provide regular check ins for folk like me who are really struggling with my control and my motivation to improve it?

Quick synopsis of today, have been sitting at 27 mmol + until dinner time this evening, and I'm now down to 12.7 mmol, and feeling dreadful. Genuinely feel so unhappy with myself at how I've let things get so bad.

Apologies if this isn't appropriate for the forum, but I believe that the first step to make an effective change is to be honest and ask for help.

Unlikely to sleep tonight, so happy to chat if you are able to help.

TIA

Pete

 

[EllieM]

Hi Pete, and welcome to the forums. Not sure about diabetes sponsors, but there are some check in threads

eg
T2s: What was your fasting BG this morning, and what did you eat yesterday? | Diabetes Forum • The Global Diabetes Community

And you can be sure that if you post here asking for help then you'll get some friendly (and hopefully helpful) replies. I'm probably not the best to reply for a T2 as I'm T1 but I do have the advantage that I'm currently awake because I'm in the NZ time zone.

So, diabetes is not treating you kindly at the moment. (Most of us have periods like that, so you're not alone.) Here are some questions which might help some of the folk on here give you some suggestions
1) How long have you been T2. Last Hba1c if you know it?
2) What are your current medications and are you taking them? (If you're on insulin, for how long?)
3) When was your last review with a nurse to adjust your meds?
4) Diet and exercise. What sort of diet are you trying to follow and are you following it? Exercise? Do you want to lose weight?

T2 is a metabolic condition which means your body doesn't process carbs in the quantities that occur in the typical modern diet. High blood sugars and (often) weight gain are a side effect of that genetic condition. And it doesn't help that the NHS so called eatwell plate, together with slimming diets such as weight watchers, tend to obsess about low fat and compensate for that by recommending high carbs, which your body can't cope with. So try not to blame yourself for being ill.

And though your current figures are definitely OK you're already doing two things right
1) blood testing which tells you what the issue is

but I believe that the first step to make an effective change is to be honest and ask for help.

This

Anyway, most of the T2s on here find that reducing the carbs in their diet makes a big difference to their health, but plenty are on medications as well. I'll stop for now before the wall of text becomes intimidating. Once again, welcome to the forums.

 

[VashtiB]

Hi @EdinburghPete ,

I'm a type 2 and awake as I'm in Australia. So happy to chat.

The first thing I would say is to not beat down on yourself too much. This condition is life changing. so can you tell us a little bit about yourself? the things that would be helpful are:
1-are you on any medication and if so what medication.
2- how long have you been diagnosed.
3- what type off dietary approach have you been following.

There will be more but let's start with those.

A little about my approach. I was diagnosed almost 20 months ago. I'm now mid 50s, a fennel and a type 2. I had a lot of weight to lose. I love l.ove love carbs.
I went very low carb pretty much straight away after finding this site. My husband is a skinny type person and a very logical person. Initially he believed the medical approach of 'healthy carbs' being the way to approach this condition. He is now absolutely a believer of very low carb being the approach. I eat less than 20 grams of carbs a day and my levels are all in the normal range.
Lack of sleep and stress can also effect your levels too so that won't be helping you.

I'll finish now so you can post.

 

[EdinburghPete]

Hi again, and thank you so much for your responses.

Have been T2 since 2009, but have never really had good control of my sugars, and the frankly shocking HbA1c (last one was 84) to go with them - but I'm trying to turn a corner now, so here is my setup:

• I take metformin, Fiasp and Levemir - have been on insulin for around 5 years
• I have the Freestyle Libre sensors and the Nightride bluetooth transmitter (just got)
• Diet is not great, I'm a 41 yo male, and weigh 120kg, so looking to try and eat better and lose weight if possible
• Exercise - actually not too bad - I'm currently shielding due to the medication I take, but I'm getting out to walk regularly with my dog, and I'm hoping to join a karate class once the pandemic allows me to
• I was seen at the hospital diabetes clinic about a fortnight ago, and they have hooked me up with a dietician - doctor wants me to start taking Trulicity on top of the insulin, so hoping to get that sorted soon

So that's the TL;DR, but in reality, my problems with control stem from an associated condition which has caused my focus to be anywhere but my sugars. It's called NLD, and affects both of my shins, but causing fragile skin and truly awful ulceration and lesions. After really struggling (and I do mean really - at one point, I asked my doctors about getting my lower legs amputated) with the NLD, I have finally found a treatment that works, and now take a weekly biologic injection which has vastly improved my quality of life, so NOW is the time to focus on my diabetes and take control of my numbers.

I too love my carbs, but also have a really sweet tooth, so I think going low carb would be a real challenge for me - I'm literally prepared to try anything though.

Thanks again for your supportive words

 

[Mbaker]

Hi Pete,
Not quite a sponsorship, but a good proxy is the type of support groups like this can offer. What you are describing is what I call painful diabetes, where the symptoms make you feel like the grim reaper is just behind you. I started with an A1c of 134, and my last was 35.5.

I was able to achieve this with the direction of my wife who got me to 42 / 41 and then titbits from this site and others (getting rid of soda bread and embracing full fat yogurt). Although I had help it was up to me how "reversed" I wanted to get up to what my body would allow, you have the same choice now. It's between delicious damaging carbs or delicious healing protein and fat.

We can't offer medical advice, but does it sound right to you that more diabetic medication is the way to go when you are only 41 years old and able bodied. I went from someone who had disgracefully allowed myself to get out of shape at 48 then and now walking 7 miles a day and weight lifting in the top 10%, tested my fasting blood glucose this morning a 4.4.

To achieve this, I have not touched bread, cakes, biscuits, rice, potatoes, juices, vegetable (seed oils) - all fat and glucose producing nonsense. Now I eat beef, lamb, duck, oxtail, chicken, duck and chicken eggs, sardines, mackerel, salmon, seabass (all meats and fish / shell fish), low carb vegetables, salad, small amount of nuts (now), cows and goats cheese, Greek full fat yogurt, berries, lemon / lime and coconut flour / flakes. 95 - 100% dark chocolate (Lidl and Montezuma). Black coffee, still / sparkling water.

I make a flat bread out of coconut flour, cream cheese and psyllium husk, which is great for home made curries, bacon / fish sandwiches. Chaffles are phenomenal.

I am very small c conservative and have been able to add some higher carb veg, being carrots, butternut squash, beetroot and occasional swede (with onion). The above I have put in italics if adopted is strong enough to make your blood sugars drop dramatically, especially with the insulin you are on - it is vital that you talk with your Doctor about the insulin dosing, as this would need to be adjusted. The above and variations if above would be worth billions if it were a pill. While not making any promises a clean diet like the above might impact your other conditions in a pleasant way; take a look at the anecdotes here if you have a moment https://meatrx.com/category/success-stories/
Things the above have resolved for me:

1. Remission of Type 2
2. 200% reduction in CVD risk
3. Requirement for reading glasses / eye ache
4. Tingling in fingers / toes
5. Foot ulcers
6. Shooting sensations in legs / restless legs
7. Urine urgency
8. Gum disease
9. Fat levels
10. Sleep

As food tastes change it is no longer a requirement to be tempted by sugar or carbs. Karate is a great idea.

 

[EdinburghPete]

MBaker - Thank you so much for your post - so much really helpful stuff in there - had to google chaffles, but I'm excited now that I have!

By way of a quick update, I've spent my waking hours today sub 10mmol, so things are starting to go in the right direction - but still a lot of changes required - feel so much more positive about the challenge ahead of me now!

Pete

 

[Mbaker]

MBaker - Thank you so much for your post - so much really helpful stuff in there - had to google chaffles, but I'm excited now that I have!

By way of a quick update, I've spent my waking hours today sub 10mmol, so things are starting to go in the right direction - but still a lot of changes required - feel so much more positive about the challenge ahead of me now!

Pete

A really good positive start. You may feel some funny sensations as the sugar comes out of literally every part of you. For a time your eyes may go out of focus, which is where the lenses start to go back to normal. I made Chaffles for my 13.05 breakfast yesterday (3 eggs, strong black bomber grated cheese (around 2 small match boxes) mixed in a bowl. I put around a tablespoon of coconut flour, but that is optional. Make sure you heat the waffle maker fuller and put a little butter on each side. I put some Lea and Perrins on mine

 

[Tony2501]

Hi Pete I have been thinking about something similiar for a little while now. I have been type 2 diabetic for over 10 years now and and to years ago, I actually managed to put it in remission. Then the challenges of life took hold and stress set in and in February this year I had a HBA1c of 117 the worst it has ever been.

My original success was through coaching and adopting the ketogenic diet and reflecting on those successes I can honestly say that the one thing I needed was support preferably from somebody who is supportive and understands. On Monday this week I received my latest HBA1c result to find that it has reduced to 64. I achieved this through modified diet back to keto and most importantly the support of my healthcare professional, who rings me once a week every week to discuss how i am coping with stresses and diet etc and is some cases allow me to sound off. She has been anazing, especially through this difficult time with break up of my marriage.

I pitched to her the idea Diabetic sponsors a bit like AA sponsors, which she thought was an excellent idea and we agreed to look at putting something together when i have manage to sustain stability of my diabetes.

I am happy to chat if you think it will help you

 

[Tony2501]

A great source of low carb recipes can be found on website called "dietdoctor" it is an american website but very useful.

The website has some great information and literally 1,000s of recipes with a weekly a meal planner that also makes a shopping list for you as well. it is well worth it.

 

[Sarahjane41]

Omg what a fantastic idea a diabetic sponsor!!!!!

I have been on metformin around 2 years but really struggled this year my anxiety and depression have been unbearable even started counselling for it, the doctor has put me on the weekly injections 8 weeks ago and I'm 4 pounds off 2 stone in the same time frame.

I'm taking responsibility of my actions that have been abused to the point where my body cant cope no longer!!!

I'm was so delusional thinking I can binge eat the way I have for years without any consequences!!!! Silly me but now I'm in control low carb low sugar low fat, the injections have made a massive difference in my eatting habits if you are offered these try it, I know people have had bad side effects I just get bloating and constipation which I use fybrogel a times a week to help.

This app has saved me from myself and showed me how to live again in a clear and very positive way, I have osteoarthritis in my knees and hips so my mobility is very limited but I've started swimming and its liberating, any time you fancy a chat I'm sure more than one of us will answer, Chin up butty your not alone xxx

 

[lucylocket61]

I have been on metformin around 2 years but really struggled this year my anxiety and depression have been unbearable even started counselling for it

Mental illness is mental illness. Its very very hard. Its a fight to get through each minute sometimes. You have done really well to get through so far, even if your mind cant accept your success. Well done.

 

[Deleted member 475901]

Hi
I have a very sweet tooth but managed to low carb successfully. I think the secret is to find some good quality substitutes or foods you love but used to limit.

I thought about my favourite foods, which I could learn to live without, which have good low carb substitutes and which I could have in moderation.
I swapped from rice to cauliflower rice (best cooked in an oven but can be reheated in a microwave or stir fried after), mostly don't have bread or make a low carb version such as 90 second bread, managed after a struggle to swap from milk chocolate to 85% dark (and therefore much less overall) and found some good low carb cake recipes including mug cakes for a simple quick fix. I mostly don't eat potatoes but find a cauliflower mash with plenty of black pepper and butter works fine and on the days I feel like making a mess halloumi fries are good, especially to dip into eggs.

Pluses were that I can eat extra cheese and butter without feeling guilty and switching to full fat milk means I use less milk in coffee.
And most days I have full fat Greek yogurt with fresh raspberries instead of sweets.
As an occasional treat I have a breakfast of one slice of lower carb bread such as livlife or hovis toasted with loads of butter and some homemade no-added-sugar marmalade, served with coffee with a little double cream instead of milk.

I use either erythritol or an erythritol and stevia sweetener as neither of these cause me any digestives issues.