Diagnosed with Type 2 and struggling.....

mysterylady

Active Member
Messages
33
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi Catriona

I know this is probably going to sound as if its all about me when it should be about you, but I haven't been here long enough to feel able to give advice, but I hope I can give encouragement.

I'm new here too and was in a very bad way when I stumbled on this website. It was out of character for me to be feeling low and lethargic and on top of that I was angry and scared at the amount of weight I was gaining which I didn't have any control over.

I was complaining to a girlfriend one day who asked if I had I thought of giving up bread (my weakness!) So I did a Google search to find out what alternatives there were to bread and this site popped up! I spent hours digesting everything I read and realised I didn't just want to give up bread but all carbs, based on the posts on the forum. Talk about synchronicity!

I gave up bread and went low carb that very day and haven't looked back. The brain fog cleared and my energy is returning. I'm loving actually taking care of myself, monitoring my bg at regular intervals, watching them slowly drop to more acceptable levels daily, and seeing what foods have an effect on me.

I was more cautious about adopting the high fat foods after being conditioned to low fat eating most of my adult life, but am slowly introducing full fat cream, cheese and yoghurts into my diet and enjoying being indulgent.

I also took on board what other members here posted about the importance of exercise. I've upped my exercise regime, which lifts spirits and helps with the weight loss. In less than 2 weeks, I've lost 3lbs, but more importantly I'm starting to feel human again.

Never was there a truer saying than we are what we eat.

Sometimes we do need a nudge or a wake-up call. Keep reading the posts and the success stories and eventually you will read something that makes you sit up and want to have what you are reading about. That first step is the biggest but you won't look back, I promise you.

Take control while you can. Don't leave it too late until it becomes out of your control

Be gentle on yourself, but also be kind to yourself, by taking care of your body and your health.

Good luck x
HI im new here and wondered when you gave up bread what did you substitute it with I think my weakness is bread?
 

poshtotty

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,012
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
HI im new here and wondered when you gave up bread what did you substitute it with I think my weakness is bread?

Hello @mysterylady

Welcome to the forum. Bread was my weakness too and I didn't think I could give it up without finding a substitute. I initially bought rye bread and Swedish crackers but realised from reading this forum (and also the packets!) that they were high carb too. Once I started going low carb I didn't miss the bread and still don't.

I had lunch with clients today who had ordered a working lunch during our meeting and I was unexpectedly faced with a beautiful stack of artisan breads but managed to pass on them all and just took cold cuts of meat, smoked salmon and salads. I could never have refused beautiful bread like that in the past, but managed to today and didn't miss it or feel hungry.

The best substitute for bread snacks are celery sticks spread with pate or soft cheese. That way I still feel I'm getting the flavour and texture of sandwich fillings, but without the bad carbs. Since low carbing I've had no cravings, nor felt hungry. It was an increidbly easy and instant transition to make . I'm now in Week 3 and feeling so much better, with more mental clarity, more energy and improved blood sugar levels

But I'm no expert. I'm still finding my way round, but have had a lot of encouragement and support from other members here.

I hope this helps. Good luck with it all

Diana
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 people
K

Kat100

Guest
as bluetit said, baby steps
seeing you love chocolate, buy cocoa powder, vanilla concentrate, peppermint essence and a pot of cream. Make yourself a nice hot chocolate, sit down and relax, make it with water, cream, a drop or 2 of vanilla concentrate and peppermint essence. now because there are virtually no carbs in this. make another one. sweetners if you wish.
Think I need to make this drink as soon as poss ....thanks :)
 

drakman

Active Member
Messages
41
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
racism, bigotry and fashion
I struggled to accept it and went a bit OTT avoiding sugar, my levels rose to in the 9s, I started to re-introduce sugar and eat a careful but reasonably normal diet and it stabilized for several years in the low 6s.
Last October it went haywire and I went off the scale in the 30s, this caused a bit of panic as I was in hospital for something else, now I take 2 different tablets and consider hitting 7 to be good, my sugar vary between 3.7 and 11 daily, I avoid simple sugars, and some foods have high sugar but I am told it is a high glycemic load and does not seem to be a problem, these are cereals which I eat dry instead of sweets and snacks as they are more filling and lower fat, I did go OTT again and it took about 4 months to get used to it all again, now it is about balancing amounts throughout the day and keeping my overall calorie intake at a healthy level
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people

mark51

Well-Known Member
Messages
62
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Dislikes
Negative people, Rain
Hi there, I was diagnosed around 5 weeks ago. I went to the doctors feeling fatigued, I had bloods taken. Then I drove 300miles to work at a client. At 2am I recieved a phone call telling me to get to A&E asap as my blood glucose level was extremely high and do not drive under any circumstances. Well now five weeks later I'm actually happy I know what is wrong with me. Yes it is difficult to make changes to my diet and lifestyle, but seeing my blood glucose levels drop from around 40mmol to around 6 is rewarding (using diet, metformine, gliclazide and exercise) Also having to find clothes that fit, after loosing around 10kgs already feels good. I'm starting to feel human again, looking forward to everything in life. I now have more energy and stamina able to do far more every day. As I said yes it's hard, but it gets easier each day. I still get the odd craving, which I usually give in too, but only a taster, NOT a full portion. Diabetes does not have to be a sentence that controls you! but it does need controlling by you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people

Aldebaran

Well-Known Member
Messages
197
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I was fine at first Caitrionaanne. The abscesses had got me so down along with itching and other problems that I was almost relieved to be told it was Diabetes. Today has hit me a little though. Confusing advice from the nurse, etc, and for the first time, I panicked. I feel better now but it's going to be a long journey to change my lifestyle to improve things. It is in some respects anyway but not others. I really hope you're feeling better in yourself now. All the best. As some lovely members here have told me..you can do it. Trust in yourself.
 

mysterylady

Active Member
Messages
33
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello @mysterylady

Welcome to the forum. Bread was my weakness too and I didn't think I could give it up without finding a substitute. I initially bought rye bread and Swedish crackers but realised from reading this forum (and also the packets!) that they were high carb too. Once I started going low carb I didn't miss the bread and still don't.

I had lunch with clients today who had ordered a working lunch during our meeting and I was unexpectedly faced with a beautiful stack of artisan breads but managed to pass on them all and just took cold cuts of meat, smoked salmon and salads. I could never have refused beautiful bread like that in the past, but managed to today and didn't miss it or feel hungry.

The best substitute for bread snacks are celery sticks spread with pate or soft cheese. That way I still feel I'm getting the flavour and texture of sandwich fillings, but without the bad carbs. Since low carbing I've had no cravings, nor felt hungry. It was an increidbly easy and instant transition to make . I'm now in Week 3 and feeling so much better, with more mental clarity, more energy and improved blood sugar levels

But I'm no expert. I'm still finding my way round, but have had a lot of encouragement and support from other members here.

I hope this helps. Good luck with it all

Diana


Hi Diana

Thanks for your reply It helps to know that the bread craving will go I must admit I don't feel as hungry as I used to Im still really trying to find things I like and trying to make tasty meals I really don't want to feel like im on a diet id like to think im finding a healthier way of eating
Im glad that your managing to control your diabetes and its reducing nicely I think ill feel better if mine also reduces then ill know if im doing things right
thanks Michelle
 

Tigerkitty1950

Well-Known Member
Messages
48
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi all

Ive been diagnosed with type 2 only 2 weeks ago and am really struggling with every aspect. Its like i cant accept that I now have this life long chronic illness with awful complications down the line if i dont control it.

Im really struggling with the diet part - I feel like I am so restricted and cant see how one can keep that kind of diet up for life. I hate meal times and food shopping now - I feel like i just hate food. Is this a normal reaction or am I just odd.

I have been so down - anxiety/depression. On antidepressants but the way im feeling is that I dont see a light at the end of that tunnel. Everything seems like such a chore and its only been a short time. Im seeing Diabetic Nurse in few days but still waiting to see dietician and attend the consultant, etc.

Has anyone struggled with acceptance and does it get any better?
 

Tigerkitty1950

Well-Known Member
Messages
48
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi all

Ive been diagnosed with type 2 only 2 weeks ago and am really struggling with every aspect. Its like i cant accept that I now have this life long chronic illness with awful complications down the line if i dont control it.

Im really struggling with the diet part - I feel like I am so restricted and cant see how one can keep that kind of diet up for life. I hate meal times and food shopping now - I feel like i just hate food. Is this a normal reaction or am I just odd.

I have been so down - anxiety/depression. On antidepressants but the way im feeling is that I dont see a light at the end of that tunnel. Everything seems like such a chore and its only been a short time. Im seeing Diabetic Nurse in few days but still waiting to see dietician and attend the consultant, etc.

Has anyone struggled with acceptance and does it get any better?
I....
I was given a low fat diet recently, but Im now having problems with diarrhoea since taking 2 tabs together, so I changed to tablets after meals and started a new diet, Im still trying to have low carbs but because I found the tummy cramps are due to low potassium, I'm now eating lots of things with potassium, eg. Yogurt, milk, baked potato ( with skin) tuna fish, cod sardines, bananas, apricots, raisins ,tomato paste, carrots peppers, peas beans lentils, think its more important to stop the debilitating effects, feel much better able to cope and enjoy a bit of weight loss
 

Kimic

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
If you get rid of bread and rice your bs may go down even further. I am assuming that you have also got rid of sugar too? I eat LCHF and this works for me. Fruit can also be an issue but limited berries are ok. You might like www.dietdoctor.com which explains the whole LCHF thing. It's written. Y a doc from Sweden, who specialises in diabetes and obesity. Good luck!

Thanks Scandichic, it was one of the first things I cut out I hit the low carb diet straight away, I had a moderate success in bring my blood count down, but it has crept up again which has upset me as I am trying to manage this by diet, not good with medications. I had some melon and that seemed to send me right up, I had been told that was an ok fruit to use, so was making fruit salad with it. Funny I have not graved sugar and I am a self confessed chocaholic! I think I will miss that the most but I only eat really good stuff and only a little at a time. What does LCHF stand for? Last week cold not get into the page to find out about anything. Another thing I have been told is yoghurt is good for diabetics, is this true as I have been eating this for breakfast. Sorry if I am asking too many questions but trying to find as much information as possible. One more question today, has anyone tried to help the management of Diabetes with complementary therapies ie Aromatherapy and Reflexology and would my so called "Shoulder Impingement" and the pain relief I am using affect my blood count?
 

Scandichic

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,708
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Michael Gove and his insane educational? policies!
Thanks Scandichic, it was one of the first things I cut out I hit the low carb diet straight away, I had a moderate success in bring my blood count down, but it has crept up again which has upset me as I am trying to manage this by diet, not good with medications. I had some melon and that seemed to send me right up, I had been told that was an ok fruit to use, so was making fruit salad with it. Funny I have not graved sugar and I am a self confessed chocaholic! I think I will miss that the most but I only eat really good stuff and only a little at a time. What does LCHF stand for? Last week cold not get into the page to find out about anything. Another thing I have been told is yoghurt is good for diabetics, is this true as I have been eating this for breakfast. Sorry if I am asking too many questions but trying to find as much information as possible. One more question today, has anyone tried to help the management of Diabetes with complementary therapies ie Aromatherapy and Reflexology and would my so called "Shoulder Impingement" and the pain relief I am using affect my blood count?
Ok, fruit needs to be limited because it contains fructose which is a natural sugar. Berries are best so try with a handful per day. Re yoghurt it must be plain as the flavoured ones contain sugar. Avoid low fat. They usually replace the fat with sugar. Greek yoghurt is great - this is what I mix my berries with. LCHF means low carb high fat which scares the bejesus out of most NHS professionals. I don't avoid fat but eat a reasonable amount as I need to feel full and lose weight. If you feel hungry on this diet, the chances are, you haven't had enough fat. Re choccie, I have relaxed on this and generally have one square of choccie a night but the dark choccie and above 70%. Tescos own Swiss works for me. I nibble bits and suck it with a small hot drink to make it last longer. Don't know about treatments for diabetes. Hope this helps.
 

martinsk8r

Member
Messages
19
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Gliklazide.
Trying to get a dive medical.
Hi and welcome to being a diabetic,
Indeed you have a lot to learn and it will help you build a better life, and I say better as without diagnosis your health would have slipped downhill.
One of the first things I had to learn was that it is not 'you are what you eat' as the NHS seems to promote. I don't believe the nurses dare to stray from the guidelines that come down from NHS and the government health ministers. Their job is to follow guidelines and not be a loose canon.
I belived them for 5 years, don't eat fat, don't eat anything from cows, red meat, lard, cream etc. But if eating that makes you fat the cow must be eating tons of the stuff! No, they eat mostly grass and cereal. I then started to look at LCHF and found my answers. Improvements all round. AND I achieved my lowest cholesterol readings on a high fat diet. So read lots, try Barry Groves books if you want a starter Healthy eating and natural weight loss is a good starter in my opinion. Still not convinced? Elephants eat green stuff and Cheaters eat meat. You decide what you want to be. Enjoy your new life.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people

mysterylady

Active Member
Messages
33
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
With type 2 diabetes, the illness and symptoms tend to develop gradually (over weeks or months). This is because in type 2 diabetes you still make insulin (unlike in type 1 diabetes). However, you develop diabetes because:

  • You do not make enough insulin for your body's needs; OR
  • The cells in your body do not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. The cells in your body become resistant to normal levels of insulin. This means that you need more insulin than you normally make to keep the blood sugar (glucose) level down; OR
  • A combination of the above two reasons.
Hello DR Robert
Would the doctor do a test to see which one of the above I was and would there be different treatment depending on which one I was I've recently been diagnosed with type 2 and was supposed to see the diabetes nurse today but it's been cancelled it's been 2 weeks since I was diagnosed I stopped eating bread potato and rice and I don't eat pasta any way I had expected my blood sugar levels to have dropped even slightly but they don't seem to have I test morning and 2 hours after my evening meal I can't get my morning reading below 8.3 it ranges from 8.3 to 8.7 most morning I have had two morning readings of 9.1 and 9.4
On the 9.1 reading I was 5.8 2 hours after my last meal and only drank water after that how did my reading shoot up to 9.1 it seems that I'm cutting lots out if my meals yet it's having no affect on blood sugars do you specialize in diabetic treatment
Michelle
 

pyotrr

Member
Messages
17
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Struggling with what to eat?

I read this on a forum - can't remember where - but it made me smile, think and it made total sense!

JERF : just eat real food.
If it doesn't walk, swim or fly. If it doesn't grow in the ground or fall from a tree - I don't eat it!

Priceless!
 

Indy51

Expert
Messages
5,540
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Struggling with what to eat?

I read this on a forum - can't remember where - but it made me smile, think and it made total sense!

JERF : just eat real food.
If it doesn't walk, swim or fly. If it doesn't grow in the ground or fall from a tree - I don't eat it!

Priceless!
That's probably Sean Croxton's Underground Wellness site. He has some great interviews and free content. I think you can buy JERF t-shirts too.