Newly Diagnosed and Confused

[IBEX82]

Other w

I agree. I’d politely say both the hospital specialists (diabetic nurse and dietician) have already advised you and covered the same ground and things are going well following their advice. As such you’d rather not take up valuable resources repeating the same education.

Oooooh I love that response. That sounds fab - I may even just read that out verbatim

It sounds so reasonable when you put it like that.

Next question... do I take my BG log and confess how much I’m testing or will I risk a ‘you’re over testing..’ lecture. I only get enough strips for testing up to 4 times a day (specialist nurse recommended 2-4) but I bought extra so I can test my reaction to foods... is this frowned up on?

 

[HSSS]

Other w


Oooooh I love that response. That sounds fab - I may even just read that out verbatim

It sounds so reasonable when you put it like that.

Next question... do I take my BG log and confess how much I’m testing or will I risk a ‘you’re over testing..’ lecture. I only get enough strips for testing up to 4 times a day (specialist nurse recommended 2-4) but I bought extra so I can test my reaction to foods... is this frowned up on?

Perhaps take it along and see how the land lies before getting it out. Depends how worried you are about being lectured or how much you’re happy to stand firm and explain it is helping you achieve control and how you use the testing. Many don’t even realise it can be used to test foods believing it’s just for insulin dosing.

 

[IBEX82]

And FYI... lowest carb day today and fab BG readings... even on my steroids

Fasting 5.6
Post breakfast 6.2
Pre lunch 6.4
Post lunch 7.2
Pre dinner 6.8
Awaiting post dinner readings

Breakfast: 3 tablespoons of full fat Greek yogurt, 5 blueberries, 4 strawberries
Lunch: grilled chicken, spinach, rocket, onion and tomato, 1 tablespoon of full fat mayo
Dinner: Two rashers of bacon, two heck sausage and one scrambled egg, 1 tablespoon reduced sugar and salt ketchup

So pleased!!!

 

[IBEX82]

Perhaps take it along and see how the land lies before getting it out. Depends how worried you are about being lectured or how much you’re happy to stand firm and explain it is helping you achieve control and how you use the testing. Many don’t even realise it can be used to test foods believing it’s just for insulin dosing.

I’ll see how it goes... I can’t face a lecture if I’m buying the extra strips.. kinda feel it’s my money and my body.. I have an app on my phone so I can always show her a couple.. like the difference from one day eating porridge and ending up at 18 post meal to today’s breakfast. Or I can say my app has an average daily reading of 6.8 for this week so far and I test 2-4 times per day as I was told

 

[Jordi77]

When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I took no notice for a while as I checked my sugars when I was and if anyone said anything I told them to shut up and get out of my face and that I have no problems with as I do my sugars before each meal as on insulin 5 times a day and that I don't have a problem with its other people who do and when they say to you do you have to do that I say unless you want me to pop my clogs and you pay for the funeral go and jump off the nearest bridge and that I can say keeps them quiet and as on insulin I can say that I have been arrested half a dozen times as they think you are drunk and disorderly and when they check you they realise your diabetic but I can say that the last time I have drunk alcohol was a good few years ago and it doesn't bother me nor do I miss it but I will give you advice don't let anyone push you around or make you feel awkward or let you feel as if you are different from them as you aren't as you have everyone here who is able to help you and give you as much advice as you need without anyone looking at you any different as we are all the same we have diabetes and we are together for as long as it takes to get a cure or to help each other with each others advice on how they do everything each day

 

[IBEX82]

When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I took no notice for a while as I checked my sugars when I was and if anyone said anything I told them to shut up and get out of my face and that I have no problems with as I do my sugars before each meal as on insulin 5 times a day and that I don't have a problem with its other people who do and when they say to you do you have to do that I say unless you want me to pop my clogs and you pay for the funeral go and jump off the nearest bridge and that I can say keeps them quiet and as on insulin I can say that I have been arrested half a dozen times as they think you are drunk and disorderly and when they check you they realise your diabetic but I can say that the last time I have drunk alcohol was a good few years ago and it doesn't bother me nor do I miss it but I will give you advice don't let anyone push you around or make you feel awkward or let you feel as if you are different from them as you aren't as you have everyone here who is able to help you and give you as much advice as you need without anyone looking at you any different as we are all the same we have diabetes and we are together for as long as it takes to get a cure or to help each other with each others advice on how they do everything each day

Ahh thank so much! That’s such a good message and I must worry less but I know some healthcare professionals give out such out dated advice and when you comment on it people can be labelled as ‘non compliant..’ even though you’re managing your condition well.

 

[Flora123]

No you definitely don’t have to go. Accept the info, smile sweetly and let them think you’ll make the appt. I’ve never been asked if I went.

 

[IBEX82]

No you definitely don’t have to go. Accept the info, smile sweetly and let them think you’ll make the appt. I’ve never been asked if I went.

This may be the route of least resistance. I can’t be bothered with having to justify myself.

We shall see.

 

[HSSS]

No you definitely don’t have to go. Accept the info, smile sweetly and let them think you’ll make the appt. I’ve never been asked if I went.

Sadly that also means by just failing to show up someone who could benefit (they may have no knowledge at all and some is better than none) or want the appointment doesn’t get offered it. Same with all nhs appointments. Please reconsider doing this.

 

[IBEX82]

Sadly that also means by just failing to show up someone who could benefit (they may have no knowledge at all and some is better than none) or want the appointment doesn’t get offered it. Same with all nhs appointments. Please reconsider doing this.

Oh I wasn’t thinking of not attending if an appt is made for the Desmond course - just cancelling it and if I’m given a number to make an appointment, not making one.

I am attending the nurse appointment tomorrow at the GP surgery to hopefully explain my position and be met with some understanding. I’m trying to keep an open mind.

 

[IBEX82]

Annnnd my post dinner reading? 5.4 (glic taken pre dinner so obviously having an effect).

I did test again before bed and it was around the same so I had a snack to get it up a little.. I don’t know if this was the right thing to do but the DSN said a little snack if bed time reading was below 6 to avoid overnight hypos.

Do other type 2s find this the case?

 

[ianf0ster]

Annnnd my post dinner reading? 5.4 (glic taken pre dinner so obviously having an effect).

I did test again before bed and it was around the same so I had a snack to get it up a little.. I don’t know if this was the right thing to do but the DSN said a little snack if bed time reading was below 6 to avoid overnight hypos.

Do other type 2s find this the case?

Hi, I am fortunate not to have that problem, but other Type 2s on medication (usually Insulin) do have that problem.
The best snack is something with a little carb but with a low Glycemic Index - so it boosts the BG over a longer period instead of giving a spike.
So if I did need to do that, I would choose to eat some almonds (7gm carbs per 100 gm) or some rolled oats in some full fat Greek yoghurt, or cream to soften them - but beware oats are 63gm of carbs per 100 gm.

 

[Member496333]

Do other type 2s find this the case?

Nope. Regularly go to bed in the ~4 range, but then I am not taking glucose lowering medications and am not at risk of hypoglycaemia. In my opinion though, medication dosing should be tailored to suit your food, rather than adding extra food to suit the medication.

 

[IBEX82]

Hi, I am fortunate not to have that problem, but other Type 2s on medication (usually Insulin) do have that problem.
The best snack is something with a little carb but with a low Glycemic Index - so it boosts the BG over a longer period instead of giving a spike.
So if I did need to do that, I would choose to eat some almonds (7gm carbs per 100 gm) or some rolled oats in some full fat Greek yoghurt, or cream to soften them - but beware oats are 63gm of carbs per 100 gm.

Thank you! Some great suggestions there. I had avoided nuts so far as I hadn’t looked into carb values - almonds it is

 

[IBEX82]

Nope. Regularly go to bed in the ~4 range, but then I am not taking glucose lowering medications and am not at risk of hypoglycaemia. In my opinion though, medication dosing should be tailored to suit your food, rather than adding extra food to suit the medication.

Definitely! It’s just unfortunate without the afternoon glic my blood sugars run high at the moment due to steroids. Hoping as the steroids are reduced the glic can be too.

 

[IBEX82]

Well... just on my way home and... uhhh.. colour me shocked.

The nurse at the GP surgery had already spoke to the DSN at the hospital and basically said.. keep doing all your doing. She said a LFHC was fab, my blood glucose readings are amazing and she’s hoping to reduce the glic dosing over the next few weeks as my steroids reduce.

She fully supported meal testing - increased my lancets and strips to cover doing so to avoid me paying for them over the counter... actually prescribed 200 of each per month as I have a pre payment certificate but I’m awaiting a exemption due to being on the glic which she said the doctor had completed.

No mention of the Desmond and she said that DSN has a said she feels my diabetes will reverse when I’m off the steroids as my hBA1c 6 months previous to my hospital admission was around 36... it was 55 in hospital but by then they thought I’d been in a flare up of my auto immune condition for a month or so and then was on IV steroids which would push the levels up.

I’m so shocked. Glad I went with an open mind after all

 

[ianf0ster]

That is great news - all that worrying for nothing.
Nuts are great for snacks. But certain nuts contain more carbs than others,. The ones I eat are Brazil, Walnut (both very low in carbs) plus Almonds.
Peanuts are OK - they again aren't really a nut, they are a legume.
I think the ones high in carbs were pistachios and another one which may have been cashew nuts (which really aren't a nut).

 

[IBEX82]

That is great news - all that worrying for nothing.
Nuts are great for snacks. But certain nuts contain more carbs than others,. The ones I eat are Brazil, Walnut (both very low in carbs) plus Almonds.
Peanuts are OK - they again aren't really a nut, they are a legume.
I think the ones high in carbs were pistachios and another one which may have been cashew nuts (which really aren't a nut).

Oh this is such good news too - I love almonds and walnuts! I’ll defo add some to my shopping list.

Yes, I must try to worry less and just let things happen

 

[Member496333]

The lowest carbohydrate nuts are brazil, pecan and macadamia. Almonds are commonly recommended but are actually around double the carbs of the aforementioned at ~10%

EDIT: here is a handy Diet Doctor link to nuts;

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/nuts

 

[IBEX82]

The lowest carbohydrate nuts are brazil, pecan and macadamia. Almonds are commonly recommended but are actually around double the carbs of the aforementioned at ~10%

EDIT: here is a handy Diet Doctor link to nuts;

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/nuts

Ohh no! Almonds are off then.. I like peacans off to read up, thank you