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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lainey c" data-source="post: 2681714" data-attributes="member: 559008">Hi JoKalsbeek,I'm a newbie on this site - diagnosed T2 in December 2020 and now take Metformin 1000mg per day.  I was then diagnosed with ADHD in January 2021 age 52!  I take Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) Adult 40mg once per day.  It's a long-acting stimulant and it was a revelation!  I can completely relate to so much of your story - so here's a few pointers and insights from me in case any might be helpful:1. All 3 of my children are also ADHD or AuDHD.  It was obvious in my teenage son who was eventually diagnosed in 2019 in secondary school but he (we) did not get the help we needed or the meds.  It was the tragedy of losing my son in 2020 that led to me seeking a diagnosis.  My two adult daughters then more recently sought diagnoses themselves although they are all so different that none of us suspected we might all be ND!  Now - although we are still all very different - we fully embrace our ND similarities and quirkyness.  We are all still learning about ourselves - my middle daughter (still at uni) was also initially diagnosed with BPD but now takes methylphenidate (I think) along with various antidepressants and mood stabilisers.  There is a big overlap between the emotional dysregulation of BPD and RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) common in ADHD.  My eldest daughter is a fully qualified professional (age 31) but currently chooses not to take meds.   She is also quite fastidious in controlling her surroundings but acknowledges that is a learnt coping mechanism.2. I am not able to post a link on this forum but I found the most helpful information from an American website (actually global) ADDitudemagazine dot com.  It has vast amounts of information, comment and research articles to help you understand yourself and ways you can both build the 'scaffolding' you need to manage your life and ADHD symptoms and advocate / speak for your needs.  There are loads of others though as well.3. I also suffer migraines and hypertension and take meds for those.  However, I think the hypertension meds help prevent migraines as occurrences have reduced significantly since I take BP meds.  Whilst monitoring BP is important on ADHD meds, I have not found the ADHD meds raise my BP by very much.  My biggest issue for both T2, ADHD and BP is the need to get out / move more / exercise regularly but this a problem as I have a professional job which requires me to sit at a computer for long hours (10+pd) so I'm still working on managing my time to fit exercise in.4. My ADHD meds don't affect my BG - my last A1c result was 7.9% but that was after a period of not taking my Metformin for several weeks (one of the issues of having ADHD is managing your medication regimes!).  Regular exercise and weight management will bring my A1c down and will also help me manage my ADHD symptoms and sleep issues.5. I also have previously (pre-diagnosis) years ago been prescribed various anti-depressants and found they did not work - I just felt numb.  However, my Elvanse definitely lifts my mood as well as helps me focus and be productive.  Ironically, it also (after you've settled on the correct dosage and timing) helps regulate my sleep patterns (which the doctor told me it would).6. Another issue with ADHD and T2 is the dopamine deficiency and our tendency to crave carbs when it's depleted.  I was onboard the low-carb / keto lifestyle years ago during the Adkins diet craze in the early 2000s and I know how to eat that way for good health.  BUT - it's not so easy when your brain is craving stimulation and a dopamine hit (read around this on ADDitude and you'll understand the science behind it) and carbs or sugar are a quick way to satisfy that deficiency.  My Elvanse also helps regulate my appetite so that in turn helps to control my carb cravings and BG.  I tend to fast during the day and eat one meal in the evening although I'm about to try and switch that up by eating my last meal earlier in the day to see if I can get my A1cs down more.  Well done for seeking a diagnosis and for putting yourself out there to learn more.   All the best to you.  x</blockquote>

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