Pre Diabetes and Bipolar Disorder 2

oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
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Sand
I have had Bipolar Disorder 2 for most of my life and am on medication that controls it nicely, all the time, almost.

At a routine blood test I was given the pre diabetes warning by my GP and have looked around authority websites for more information... my search led me here.

I'm 65 and noticing things that could be related to type 2 Diabetes. I am thirsty a lot and drink about a gallon of water a day and thus pee a lot.

Lately I've been getting chapped and dry lips at one time I used antibiotic ointment which helped clear the discomfort up...

Any hints, tips, advice etc welcome

TA David
 

Freema

Expert
Messages
7,346
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
welcome here oopsupside :)
to know if your prediabetes has progressed into diabetes you need to see your GP or a diabetic nurse...we are not able to give any diagnoses in here in fact we are also not allowed to..But you have found a very fine place to get help and information and to talk to others of your problems here.. it is such a helpful forum in here so stay here and ask all the questions you need an answer to..

I´ll tag @daisy1 so you´ll get all the valuable information that everyone new in here gets

your symptomts could be alot of different conditions also the one of being dehydrated but also a symptom of diabetic like condition ...but as you already know you are predaibetic it is a good idea to eat lower carb amounts and for instance a breakfast totally without carbs to have a good healthy start of each day

here is a link to a lot of fine breakfast ways to eat :

https://authoritynutrition.com/18-low-carb-breakfast-recipes/


and here is to some healthy snacks :

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/9-low-carb-snacks-eat-go
 
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oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Sand
welcome here oopsupside :)
to know if your predaibetes has progressed into diabetes you need to see your GP or a diabetic nurse...we are not able to give any diagnoses in here in fact we are also not allowed to..But you have found a very fine place to get help and information and to talk to others of your problems here.. it is such a helpful forum in here so stay here and ask all the questions you need an answer to..

I´ll tag @daisy1 so you´ll get all the valuable information that everyone new in here gets

your symptomts could be alot of different conditions also the one of being dehydrated but also a symptom of diabetic like condition ...but as you already know you are predaibetic it is a good idea to eat lower carb amounts and for instance a breakfast totally without carbs to have a good healthy start of each day

here is alink to a lot of fie breakfast ways to eat :

https://authoritynutrition.com/18-low-carb-breakfast-recipes/


and here is to some healthy snacks :

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/9-low-carb-snacks-eat-go

Thank you Freema. I am expecting my GP to call this week. I had the recent blood test on Thursday

Thank you for the nutrition links to. Most helpful.

David
 
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Alison Campbell

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,443
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi and welcome to the forum, best of luck on your blood tests. Some people have more symptoms at prediabetes than others.

Do have a good look at the info coming from Daisy and also generally around the forum. Lots of great info here!
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
I have had Bipolar Disorder 2 for most of my life and am on medication that controls it nicely, all the time, almost.

At a routine blood test I was given the pre diabetes warning by my GP and have looked around authority websites for more information... my search led me here.

I'm 65 and noticing things that could be related to type 2 Diabetes. I am thirsty a lot and drink about a gallon of water a day and thus pee a lot.

Lately I've been getting chapped and dry lips at one time I used antibiotic ointment which helped clear the discomfort up...

Any hints, tips, advice etc welcome

TA David

Hello and welcome,

We have at least one regular poster with Type 2 and bi-polar. I will tag her to see if she can offer any advice and tips. @ally1
 

Struma

Well-Known Member
Messages
536
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Other
Hello David @oopsupside .
I expect you may know that some commonly used drugs for bipolar disorder can occasionally predispose to T2D.
The atypical antipsychotics such as Olanzepine and Quetiapine are two, and they can also trouble the blood sugars a little, having been diagnosed.
Lithium is another drug which is fairly often used, but this in itself, the two main side effects are drinking more and peeing more. Of course, another problem is weight gain.

Diabetes T2 can be managed, a long with weight gain, with very good attention to diet

Personally, I think mental health tops diabetes in importance, and would have that as a priority, and deal with diabetes as it arises. I think bipolar can be a devastating illness, diabetes T2 I managed very well and quite easily for 10 years. Obviously, these are my opinions only.
[Bipolar I for 39 years, currently on Quetiapine and Lithium only]
 

ally1

Expert
Messages
5,402
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
liver
I am type2 and have bipolar.
It's strange that I cope better with my bipolar then with my t2
It's also never had the usual symptons of diabetes but am doing ok with both.
The main problem I have is the antipsycotic I take has and does have effects on my blood reading so for me it's a battle to control both illnessess.
The one thing I would say, is to listen to members here, we will help you overcome any hurdles.
 
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daisy1

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

Hello David 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 many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

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 free 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. They're all 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.
 

oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Sand
Hello David @oopsupside .
I expect you may know that some commonly used drugs for bipolar disorder can occasionally predispose to T2D.
The atypical antipsychotics such as Olanzepine and Quetiapine are two, and they can also trouble the blood sugars a little, having been diagnosed.
Lithium is another drug which is fairly often used, but this in itself, the two main side effects are drinking more and peeing more. Of course, another problem is weight gain.

Diabetes T2 can be managed, a long with weight gain, with very good attention to diet

Personally, I think mental health tops diabetes in importance, and would have that as a priority, and deal with diabetes as it arises. I think bipolar can be a devastating illness, diabetes T2 I managed very well and quite easily for 10 years. Obviously, these are my opinions only.
[Bipolar I for 39 years, currently on Quetiapine and Lithium only]
 

oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Sand
Hi @Struma I am on Quetiapine and have been for several years. I had an awful few hours yesterday and it felt like a BP2 problem but now knowing what I know from here I think it was because I skipped breakfast ?

Thank you for all your kind replies.

I should get the call from my GP today and am quite resigned to the fact I could well be T2D

My first move will be diet (I'm a vegetarian almost vegan and a fussy eater) then I will go to my local Nuffield Health Club and get some more exercise.

I am not really overweight ... just a few pounds.
 

oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Sand
@oopsupside

Hello David 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 many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

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 free 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. They're all 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.

Oh my ! Thank you for the information Daisy I will follow your advice for sure.

David
 

oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Sand
Hello everyone, I just spoke with my GP practice and the blood test came back as normal. :)

My GP let me know a month or two ago that I was pre diabetes and that shook me up so I cut out all biscuits, ice cream, cakes and sugary things. I have lost about 8lbs in weight now. I'm not really overweight just a bit.

So this shock in my life seems OK for now but to be honest it's been a timely warning and I shall be taking a lot of your kind advice.

I like the low carb diet too....

Thank you all - I will be back

David


NOT A CHEAP AD ALERT ...

I do this free, it is my retirement project....

pst! If you're ever in Plymouth and see our community interest group at the Mayflower Steps please do say Hi! this is us www.onesmallcandle.co.uk
 

Jo123

Well-Known Member
Messages
717
Oh David that is such good news.
If I were you I would continue as you Are doing and keep an eye on your blood test results, if your bg starts to creep up you could cut your carbs further. Some gp's don't tell patients if they are prediabetic you are lucky that yours did, but just keep an eye on it in the future.
 
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oopsupside

Active Member
Messages
27
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Sand
Thank you @Jo123 I will take your advice 100% .... No more chocolate etc for me. I was a huge snacker and have totally cut that out.

I have to say that I have a pretty special relationship with a few of my GPs. I think manners, humour, humility and little things like thank you cards are important in life. I am always grateful to my GP surgery.

I lived in America for 15 years and was well insured but their health service has nothing on what we have.

David
 
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JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
5,937
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Oh boo. I’m back and have type 2.
Aw ****. Sorry to hear it.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog-entry/the-nutritional-thingy.2330/ <-- my own little quick start guide. And you might want to check out this forum's website, as well as dietdoctor.com and Dr. Jason Fung's The Diabetes Code. You went from Prediabetic to T2, but that doesn't mean you're destined for nasty complications and whatnot. You have a say in this condition. And you can kick it in the ****. (Fill in whatever area you want to kick for those *'s. :))

You'll be okay. We've got you.
Hugs,
Jo
 
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JohnEGreen

Master
Messages
13,188
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Tripe and Onions
Oh boo. I’m back and have type 2.
Well welcome back even if the circumstances of your return are not so good.

Still you know your way round here and are familiar with LCHF so that's a bonus.

Are you still based in Plymouth? I know it quite well as was brought up there.
 
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