Introduction

CoachD29

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi, my name is Bruce. I live in the US in Lexington South Carolina ....this is my first time on the site... I am married, 31 years, and have a daughter who will be entering her senior year in college in August . She just finished a study abroad in Brussels interning at the EU. She will be coming to the UK in August for her 2nd study abroad. I've been officially a diabetic (type 2) for about 14 months... As of now it is being controlled through oral medication (Metformin ER 1000mg twice daily) I also take Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor for High BP). I am also a cancer survivor (advnced Stage III colon cancer 2006). I had to have 60 cm of my sigmoid colon removed and had to endure 7 months of chemo. Needless to the Metformin did not do well with my previous digestive system issues.. Insurance REFUSED to pay for the extended release version of the Metformin until they saw if I could tolerate the regular version, which I could not.
I am looking for answers to specific questions and am hoping to learn more about controlling my diabetes through diet and exercise. I am looking forward to interacting with the members of this group.
 

JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
5,937
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi, my name is Bruce. I live in the US in Lexington South Carolina ....this is my first time on the site... I am married, 31 years, and have a daughter who will be entering her senior year in college in August . She just finished a study abroad in Brussels interning at the EU. She will be coming to the UK in August for her 2nd study abroad. I've been officially a diabetic (type 2) for about 14 months... As of now it is being controlled through oral medication (Metformin ER 1000mg twice daily) I also take Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor for High BP). I am also a cancer survivor (advnced Stage III colon cancer 2006). I had to have 60 cm of my sigmoid colon removed and had to endure 7 months of chemo. Needless to the Metformin did not do well with my previous digestive system issues.. Insurance REFUSED to pay for the extended release version of the Metformin until they saw if I could tolerate the regular version, which I could not.
I am looking for answers to specific questions and am hoping to learn more about controlling my diabetes through diet and exercise. I am looking forward to interacting with the members of this group.
Welcome, and I hope we'll be useful. @daisy1 will be along with an infosheet, but fire away with your questions. We're not doctors, obviously, but with so many members, someone's usually bound to know something.

A lot of people here have succeeded in controlling their diabetes with diet, sometimes, but not always, with the help of meds. My own HbA1c is down to a non-diabetic 34 now (no idea what that is in american units, sorry), first bringing the numbers down with a low carb, high fat diet for a year and a half, and more recently I've gotten into a ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting. (Which basically means, for me, just skipping breakfast and having a cup of tea instead). Still learning though. I've been off my gliclazide and statins after three months of eating like that, and have been, for my diabetes and metabolic syndrome at least, medication free. Everything really is better with bacon. Even my cholesterol. And I've dropped 44 pounds to date. But I do realise a permanent change in lifestyle isn't for everyone, (though, hey, bacon!), it simply is what worked for me. Might not be the way to go for you. Diabetes is a highly personal disease, depending on your carb intake versus your insulin resistance, so you might not have to go the lengths that I did. Maybe moderate low carb would be enough for you. Maybe it wouldn't be your thing at all, also a possibility. But you might want to check out this page's low carb program, dietdoctor.com or mrskinnypants's guide to low carb ordering.

Recent studies linked T2 and colon/ colorectal cancer. I'm not sure if it is one of the type of tumors that basically feeds itself with glucose, but lowering your bs could help keep you in remission? In any case... Diet's the best option I've got for you when speaking out of personal experience, and a bunch of people here will tell you the same. A quick rundown; cut carbs. No bread and grain-based goods, no pasta, rice, corn, cereal, potatoes and underground veggies, sugary drinks, fruits, because all carbs turn into sugars once ingested. Do eat meat, fish, leafy greens, above ground veggies, berries (the only fruit we're metabolically okay with. But strawberries with double cream are no punishment!), cheeses and real butter, full fat greek yoghurt, that sort of thing. Dietdoctor will have more options for you. But every day I eat at least 3 eggs with bacon, cheese and mushrooms. So it's certainly not a starvation diet. ;) No idea if the above helps or makes you want to run for the hills, but remember, this is just my take on things. And it's not something an insurance company can tell you they won't fund. (When already faced with abdominal issues, having someone try metformin is cruel and in my opinion, dangerous!) Well, I do have to fund my own teststrips, as I eat to my meter. You really need one if you want to know what certain foods do to your bs. But it's been worth it. That's about all I've got for you this morning. Hope you find the answers you're looking for. Good luck!
Jo from the Netherlands
 
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briped

Well-Known Member
Messages
947
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Welcome Bruce. I know you'll find this forum a useful and friendly place to hang out, especially when the other members wake up :) Feel free to ask away.
 
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Prem51

Expert
Messages
7,393
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
*
Hi @CoachD29 and welcome to the forum. Many of us on here have found we can reduce our blood glucose levels by adopting a Low Carbohydrate High Fat (lchf) approach to eating.
Have a read round the threads to see how that works, and ask any questions you want to. The people on here are friendly and supportive.
I'll tag @daisy1 who will give you some useful information.
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Cruelty towards animals.
@CoachD29

Hello Bruce and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Ask as any questions you need to and someone will help.

BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.

  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why

  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 

kitedoc

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,783
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
black jelly beans
Hi @CoachD29,
Before embarking on any diet change I would suggest your discussion things with your dietician to ensure the new diet has sufficient vitamins, minerals etc.
I assume you have looked up information on gut biome - about 'good bowel bugs" and ways to assist their growth - again something to discuss with a health professional.
Finally ask your doctor about his /her views artificial sweeteners as there are reports that some of then affect bowel bugs adversely.
Best Wishes and enjoy that Southern lifestyle.
 

iamdasha

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Don't have diabetes
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes
you are welcome Bruce! I am also new one here
 

jayney27

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,643
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi, my name is Bruce. I live in the US in Lexington South Carolina ....this is my first time on the site... I am married, 31 years, and have a daughter who will be entering her senior year in college in August . She just finished a study abroad in Brussels interning at the EU. She will be coming to the UK in August for her 2nd study abroad. I've been officially a diabetic (type 2) for about 14 months... As of now it is being controlled through oral medication (Metformin ER 1000mg twice daily) I also take Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor for High BP). I am also a cancer survivor (advnced Stage III colon cancer 2006). I had to have 60 cm of my sigmoid colon removed and had to endure 7 months of chemo. Needless to the Metformin did not do well with my previous digestive system issues.. Insurance REFUSED to pay for the extended release version of the Metformin until they saw if I could tolerate the regular version, which I could not.
I am looking for answers to specific questions and am hoping to learn more about controlling my diabetes through diet and exercise. I am looking forward to interacting with the members of this group.
Hi and welcome, I’m sure you will find answers to your questions here, as already said we are a friendly supportive group of people who love to motivate and support each other.
 
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