Type 2s What motivates you to control by diet?

[coby]

Being scared witless of going on insulin as my levels went to 116 as that’s what they wanted me on. I refused and asked for 3 months grace to try and bring them down. I got a month and I did lower it but they offered dapagliflozin to see if that would help further. I asked to be on it for a year only and went low carb into the bargain, much to the horror of the older nurse as she freaked at the fat intake, younger nurse was fine with it and gobsmacked at my weight loss in 12/13 weeks.

My year is up in November and we’ll see what they say. I’ll most likely have to say I do not consent again.

I discovered I could go down to 50g of carbs a day without a hypo. I can fast as long as I don’t take it or i hypo. I reported all of my findings to the GP and the yellow card.

Oh and I’ve no gallbladder either, removed 5/6 weeks ago and I’m still low carbing mostly under 75g a day.

I don’t mind needles per say but injecting daily is a no. Plus I saw what it did to my late mother. Her insulin was increased because she still ate from the eat well plate as it was called then. She never lost weight but gained snd it was the insulin that was doing it and all they did was increase it along with her other meds she took. She eventually died because of a diabetic coma that brought on a stroke. She was only 69.

It's almost criminal that doctors refuse to see how wrong their advise is

 

[Lamont D]

Being scared witless of going on insulin as my levels went to 116 as that’s what they wanted me on. I refused and asked for 3 months grace to try and bring them down. I got a month and I did lower it but they offered dapagliflozin to see if that would help further. I asked to be on it for a year only and went low carb into the bargain, much to the horror of the older nurse as she freaked at the fat intake, younger nurse was fine with it and gobsmacked at my weight loss in 12/13 weeks

My year is up in November and we’ll see what they say. I’ll most likely have to say I do not consent again.

I discovered I could go down to 50g of carbs a day without a hypo. I can fast as long as I don’t take it or i hypo. I reported all of my findings to the GP and the yellow card.

Oh and I’ve no gallbladder either, removed 5/6 weeks ago and I’m still low carbing mostly under 75g a day.

I don’t mind needles per say but injecting daily is a no. Plus I saw what it did to my late mother. Her insulin was increased because she still ate from the eat well plate as it was called then. She never lost weight but gained snd it was the insulin that was doing it and all they did was increase it along with her other meds she took. She eventually died because of a diabetic coma that brought on a stroke. She was only 69.

Have you had an insulin blood test?
Have you had a c-peptide test or GAD?

I ask these questions because, of the way you describe you don't go hypo, if you eat low carb or fast. And you will if take the insulin? Am I right?

I take it, you have a specialist who removed your gallbladder, did you tell him about going hypo?

People go hypo when there is more insulin than necessary in your blood, which is completely different from T1. You probably have insulin resistance and the build up of unused insulin will build something akin to hyperinsulinaemia.
I hope I'm wrong, but this is how my endocrinologist diagnosed me. Going hypo, because of food, and when fasting (for days), I don't go hypo! My problem is I produce too much insulin on my secondary insulin response.

Oh yeah! My motivation is because of my period when I was really ill, and didn't know it, and if I am not careful, it could soon turn into a fatal condition.
No thanks!
I've been in my own hell for so long, and it just doesn't seem to be getting easier. My physical health is great, pity about everything else.

Keep safe

 

[Lamont D]

It's almost criminal that doctors refuse to see how wrong their advise is

There are some that don't follow the advice you are referring to.
But, there are many that just don't understand the science and how certain foods are not good for diabetes. And they don't get necessary training to justify the decisions made.
It's far too easy to read a medical book and NHS guidelines, than actually find out why you have diabetes. There are so many reasons why people get diabetes. And one size doesn't fit all.
Then there is money.
Then there is the politics.
Then there is the power behind it all, the agenda to help food growers and supermarkets.

Most of the world's population eat carbs, such as grains, rice, spuds and these countries are dependent on a cheap way of feeding the population.
We need the rest of the world to feed us, in the U.K.!

 

[Riva_Roxaban]

We need the rest of the world to feed us, in the U.K.!

Cheer up, the UK is giving Australia nuclear submarines, so you get more food stuffs from us in payment. We have to pay the French back a shed load of money for contract breaking.

Plenty of all the types of meat, and all the other goodies to go with it, as Australia will probably not be allowed into New Zealand ports because of the nuclear bit.

 

[Riva_Roxaban]

I started to control mine by a moderate lchf diet, because I was sick of taking a load of medication each day. I got rid of 2 x 500mg of Metformin each day after discussions with my GP which reduceded the number down. I now take only nine tablets daily instead of sixteen.

My bgl levels have been a bit erratic the last six months but are starting to come good again.

 

[coby]

There are some that don't follow the advice you are referring to.
But, there are many that just don't understand the science and how certain foods are not good for diabetes. And they don't get necessary training to justify the decisions made.
It's far too easy to read a medical book and NHS guidelines, than actually find out why you have diabetes. There are so many reasons why people get diabetes. And one size doesn't fit all.
Then there is money.
Then there is the politics.
Then there is the power behind it all, the agenda to help food growers and supermarkets.

Most of the world's population eat carbs, such as grains, rice, spuds and these countries are dependent on a cheap way of feeding the population.
We need the rest of the world to feed us, in the U.K.!

I've friends down south and the husband is getting sicker with his Type 2 and now his kidneys are bad. I have tried to tell them my story of how I lowered my numbers, and my chances of progression, explaining about low carbs. But they only listen to their GP, eat all the carb stuff that they 'think' is correct and is just so saddens me that nothing I say will persuade them to even try another way of eating

 

[JoKalsbeek]

I've friends down south and the husband is getting sicker with his Type 2 and now his kidneys are bad. I have tried to tell them my story of how I lowered my numbers, and my chances of progression, explaining about low carbs. But they only listen to their GP, eat all the carb stuff that they 'think' is correct and is just so saddens me that nothing I say will persuade them to even try another way of eating

You can lead a horse to water... And then have your heart break into a thousand pieces when it won't drink. I'm so sorry. I think a lot of us have been in your shoes with this one, alas...

 

[coby]

You can lead a horse to water... And then have your heart break into a thousand pieces when it won't drink. I'm so sorry. I think a lot of us have been in your shoes with this one, alas...

I know. It's hard to stand by and see a friend get sicker. Makes me feel wretched

 

[JoKalsbeek]

I know. It's hard to stand by and see a friend get sicker. Makes me feel wretched

It is a horrible situation to be in... This is another one of the reasons why I shout my T2 from the Facebook rooftops... I've made progress and my friends and family have seen the difference in the meantime. Still I am asked why I don't just take a pill and eat what I like. And I come from a family where there's been quite a bit of amputation and death from T2, usually in people who "just took a pill and ate what they liked"... Change is slow in the coming. But right now, you are changing your own course, which is to be celebrated. And hopefully, and in time, your friends will think "Wait a sec, this isn't working... Maybe try a different tack!".

 

[lucylocket61]

I know. It's hard to stand by and see a friend get sicker. Makes me feel wretched

I agree. Its hard. : (

 

[Lamont D]

Part of the problem like me, trusted their doctors, that what they advised was good treatment and would be beneficial.
I believe that we are brought up to believe our peers, and just as in our leaders, the health industry know what is best for you. Not politicians!
I have found another GP, and along with my specialists, and this website. The difference in health care is now a partnership of care.
My trust has been renewed.

There is a local saying, you can only do, what you can do!

 

[Lamont D]

Cheer up, the UK is giving Australia nuclear submarines, so you get more food stuffs from us in payment. We have to pay the French back a shed load of money for contract breaking.

Plenty of all the types of meat, and all the other goodies to go with it, as Australia will probably not be allowed into New Zealand ports because of the nuclear bit.

If our subs are as good as our government, they will sink before getting anywhere near Oz!
During my trips around Europe, I have tried and tested all types of meat and other unspeakable French cuisine including les escargo and frogs legs. You wouldn't believe what they eat! (Sorry to you French out there!) Lately some supermarkets are selling meat from all over the world, including kangaroo.
Mind you, I have had rabbit stew and pigeon pie, which is disgusting.
I draw the line at eating insects as part of my protein. Mainly because there is no fat, but it is beyond me, how they do!
Give me a bowl of scouse any day! (Without the spuds!)

 

[Dr Snoddy]

I was diagnosed just over a year off retirement. I had broken my wrist and as a result of very poor plastering developed chronic regional pain syndrome (fortunately the atypical painless variety, not that the consultant believed me). As a result of the break I was also found to have osteoporosis and was prescribed medication to control it. Over the next few months my health got worse: extreme tiredness, frequent urination, craving sugar but it was not until my eyesight had markedly deteriorated that I realised that I was probably diabetic. So told I now had another 'chronic progressive disease' and prescribed Metformin.
I am not in favour of medication if other routes could work and was horrified to think that I may have a possibly long but unhealthy retirement with possible loss of sight amongst other health conditions. So I began to fight back in terms of diet and lifestyle. By increasing foods containing calcium and supplementing Vitamins D and K2 I was able to stop the osteoporosis medication 2 years early having returned my hip joints to normal and my spine to an osteopaenic level. This was helped by weight loss. I also discovered this site and realised that LCHF was a way forward. I reduced the dosage of Metformin over time and am now entirely medication free.
I will continue with my current regime of diet and exercise for as long as my blood glucose levels remain in the normal range. If they begin to go out of control I can reduce my daily carbohydrate further and I am considering strength training both for bone health and to maintain muscle mass. I may need meds in the future but at the moment I am fitter than I have been in a long time and and no longer have any diabetes symptoms. I am enjoying an active retirement but may need reading glasses soon!

 

[Riva_Roxaban]

Give me a bowl of scouse any day! (Without the spuds!)

You have got me there, what the heck is scouse?

I know I can google it but...

 

[coby]

You have got me there, what the heck is scouse?

I know I can google it but...

I am 'half scouse' so know the dish

 

[Lamont D]

Scouse, is a huge pan of scouse, sorry stew, usually left overs and vegetables, roasted meat juices, like gravy. It is derived from the migrant Irish who decided to settle in Liverpool. And brought with them Irish stew with them.There are many combinations and the longer left in pan, a couple of days, then put on a simmering heat, will break down, to a thick stew. The thing about scouse is that it will last more than a couple of meals or even longer, cos you can add other or more ingredients and it will not spoil. Red cabbage and beetroot pickled is a popular side. And of course it doesn't have to be any form of meat, it can be vegan, or like mince, just carnivore.
A good bowl of scouse, will fill you, warm you up, put hairs on your chest and soak up the local brew afterwards.

We also have around here, jam buttie mines and recently discovered chip buttie mines!

A scouser is a person from Liverpool. And the accent is called scouse.

 

[Riva_Roxaban]

We also have around here, jam buttie mines and recently discovered chip buttie mines!

A scouser is a person from Liverpool. And the accent is called scouse.

I had a English electrician working for me years ago, that said he learnt the trade at the treacle mines in the UK.

He spoke in braille most of the time so it was hard to say what part of the UK he was from.

Thanks for the info re the scouse / stew.

 

[Dollylolly]

Have you had an insulin blood test?
Have you had a c-peptide test or GAD?

I ask these questions because, of the way you describe you don't go hypo, if you eat low carb or fast. And you will if take the insulin? Am I right?

I take it, you have a specialist who removed your gallbladder, did you tell him about going hypo?

People go hypo when there is more insulin than necessary in your blood, which is completely different from T1. You probably have insulin resistance and the build up of unused insulin will build something akin to hyperinsulinaemia.
I hope I'm wrong, but this is how my endocrinologist diagnosed me. Going hypo, because of food, and when fasting (for days), I don't go hypo! My problem is I produce too much insulin on my secondary insulin response.

Oh yeah! My motivation is because of my period when I was really ill, and didn't know it, and if I am not careful, it could soon turn into a fatal condition.
No thanks!
I've been in my own hell for so long, and it just doesn't seem to be getting easier. My physical health is great, pity about everything else.

Keep safe

I’ve not had any of the above. Blood test for HBA1c oh and the fasting glucose test back in 2015 which was lucozade and sit for 2 hours. They don’t do that anymore. Well my surgery doesn’t

If I asked I’d get told no or why do I want that and are you doing Dr Google again. Very patronising.

50g no lower is when I’ve taken the meds and hypo’d and no meds if fasting as yup I hypo with the meds and the numbers are low as in under 3 and I feel really out of it. It then spirals of highs and lows all ruddy day. I’ve a good take on what’s happening these days with the meds and food. A sort of fine tuning if you like.

I hope it was a specialist that took the gallbladder out as it was on the NHS lol!! I was in a week before removal as I was fasted a lot for various things to be done to me. I had to remind them I wasn’t taken my diabetic medication if fasted and was told don’t be daft that can’t happen. Yeah for me it can so no thanks.

I was told they where the professionals and I went yeah and I’m the professional with this body as it’s mine and know it very well.

 

[Victoria240]

At a committee meeting the other night biscuits were being handed round. We are all 60+. At first everyone refused but then 4 out of 6 capitulated, and each of those 4 admitted to having a partner with T2 who wouldn't have hesitated and would have accepted on first offer, even though they have all been told to lower sugar intake.

While it was obvious there was an element of carb addiction going on in those present (they knew they shouldn't but did anyway), I was more horrified that none of the T2 partners were taking any notice of their T2 diabetes at all. All the partners had an awareness of low sugar, if not of low carb, but seemed to despair of their T2 partners lack of motivation.

It got me thinking, I know what motivates me (fear of losing what little sight I have, and having lost my sweet tooth through going cold turkey to low carb) but why do so many other diagnosed T2s do so little for themselves?

So, what motivates/motivated you to take control through diet, and to stick to it?

when you are told that having a little isn’t a problem by registered dietitians and health professionals people will do just that. People can’t change a lifetime of habits without the right information, support and motivation.

 

[Ronancastled]

I know. It's hard to stand by and see a friend get sicker. Makes me feel wretched

That reminds me. Just read this write up recently on another site.
A guy who's been in remission 16 years & his wife 25 years from T2, this was the scary bit.

When I was diagnosed, I wanted to keep eating the way I always had. I worked at a medical school and knew several doctors well enough to consult with them about what to do. They all told me the same thing with the same "non disclosure promise" They told me to stop eating carbohydrates and I would be fine. They also told me that they were not my doctor and they did not tell me this.

Add in that Canadian physician who is currently putting together the findings of his low carb group.

The establishment push back is enough to frighten the medical profession.
Only political will could change the decades of dogma, no government would be brave enough to stand up & tell their citizens that they were wrong