Advice

[LMH18]

Hi guys,
I have just been diagnosed with Diabetes, tomorrow will find out whether it is 1 or 2 according to be HB1C when I see the Dr, however I have a concern over taking Metformin if I am prescribed it. I have heard nightmare stories of upset stomachs, vomiting, nausea, cramps etc etc. I have read the comments from Metformin again on here. I have noted the alternatives.
Any advice please.

 

[bulkbiker]

A lot of us have found that by reducing our carbohydrate intake our blood sugars are eminently controllable without the use of medication.
There is a huge section in the forum about the low carb diet that we follow.
I will also tag @daisy1 for the intro pack on how to deal successfully with Type 2.
If it is indeed Type 2 which is statistically the most likely then you can do something about it fairly easily.
Please have a read around the forum as there is a huge amount of information contained here and feel free to ask any questions.

Hello and welcome by the way

 

[Boo1979]

I think you need to find out what variety of diabetes you have before worrying about medication. Once you know what you are dealing with then you can focus your questions to the areas that are most pressing to that condition and we can focus our answers in the same way

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Firstly, don't panic!
Expect the first 6 months or so to be very confusing as you try to work out what is best for you, and if other people know what they are talking about.
On the subject of Metformin, try not to worry too much. Some people just can't cope, some have a couple of weeks of "Metfarting" then settle down, others just settle right into it. It is very commonly prescribed and the majority of people seem to cope. There is also slow release for those with problems.

 

[LMH18]

I think you need to find out what variety of diabetes you have before worrying about medication. Once you know what you are dealing with then you can focus your questions to the areas that are most pressing to that condition and we can focus our answers in the same way

A lot of us have found that by reducing our carbohydrate intake our blood sugars are eminently controllable without the use of medication.
There is a huge section in the forum about the low carb diet that we follow.
I will also tag @daisy1 for the intro pack on how to deal successfully with Type 2.
If it is indeed Type 2 which is statistically the most likely then you can do something about it fairly easily.
Please have a read around the forum as there is a huge amount of information contained here and feel free to ask any questions.

Hello and welcome by the way

Thanks for your advice guys, yes I will find out tomorrow 1 or 2, I have said to my daughter that actually, and you may all shoot me, I would be happier injecting than going through the trauma of Metformin, yes shoot me now!!
My other concern is eating, I am 5'4 and weight 7st 2, I eat 1 evening meal a day and i'm big into juicing, so if I have to increase my eating that is something i'm going to have to address somehow. I eat low carbs anyway, i'm vegetarian and eat seriously healthily as a lifestyle.

 

[LMH18]

Firstly, don't panic!
Expect the first 6 months or so to be very confusing as you try to work out what is best for you, and if other people know what they are talking about.
On the subject of Metformin, try not to worry too much. Some people just can't cope, some have a couple of weeks of "Metfarting" then settle down, others just settle right into it. It is very commonly prescribed and the majority of people seem to cope. There is also slow release for those with problems.

I have just laughed my socks off with 'Metfarting' PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Most people who have problems with standard Metformin find it goes after a few weeks and possibly no problems at all. The Slow Release (SR) version is much kinder. Be aware that your HBa1C result is no guide to your diabetes type. For that you need the tests GAD and c-peptide. If you have lost weight unexpectedly which you imply then T1 becomes likely. If you wish to increase your weight then have plenty of proteins and fats. If you are T1, weight loss may need meds to enable the body to start using glucose via carbs again.

 

[LMH18]

th

Hi. Most people who have problems with standard Metformin find it goes after a few weeks and possibly no problems at all. The Slow Release (SR) version is much kinder. Be aware that your HBa1C result is no guide to your diabetes type. For that you need the tests GAD and c-peptide. If you have lost weight unexpectedly which you imply then T1 becomes likely. If you wish to increase your weight then have plenty of proteins and fats. If you are T1, weight loss may need meds to enable the body to start using glucose via carbs again.

Thanks hmm I was told the blood test I had last week ws my HBA1C which would determine 1 or 2, and tomorrow we go to find out which and move forward?? Am currently compiling a list of questions with my daughter for tomorrow and have added this GAD to it, thanks!!

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Thanks for your advice guys, yes I will find out tomorrow 1 or 2, I have said to my daughter that actually, and you may all shoot me, I would be happier injecting than going through the trauma of Metformin, yes shoot me now!!
My other concern is eating, I am 5'4 and weight 7st 2, I eat 1 evening meal a day and i'm big into juicing, so if I have to increase my eating that is something i'm going to have to address somehow. I eat low carbs anyway, i'm vegetarian and eat seriously healthily as a lifestyle.

Just out of interest, what goes into your juices?

If there are any fruits in there (apple juice or banana for instance) they may be healthy but not strictly low carb. Another potential issue is that vegetables have some carbs, but usually the rate of absorption is low because of all the cell walls separating the contents. If you blitz the vegetables, you get rapid access to all the nutrients but you can also get a massive carbohydrate hit.

How many grams of carbohydrate to you think you get per day?

Edit: from my personal view I would look at increasing the fats if you want to gain weight. Also, please note that eating strategies are usually very different between T1 and T2, so wait for your diagnosis before changing anything. Oh, and personally I would rather have the occasional bout of trumpeting flatulence than have to inject every day. I just don't like needles.

 

[daisyduck]

Lots of people can take Metformin with no problems, so you may be worrying needlessly.
I unfortunately could not tolerate it at all, but am doing fine on diet alone.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

th

Thanks hmm I was told the blood test I had last week ws my HBA1C which would determine 1 or 2, and tomorrow we go to find out which and move forward?? Am currently compiling a list of questions with my daughter for tomorrow and have added this GAD to it, thanks!!

See https://www.diabetes.co.uk/difference-between-type1-and-type2-diabetes.html.
This gives some information but not all the specifics.

HbA1c indicates what your BG levels have been over the last couple of months, and is normally only used to check how well controlled your diabetes is. It is often definitive for the diagnosis of T2 but I hadn't heard of it being definitive for T1.

Wildly speculating, if your diabetes is a very sudden onset and you are running very high BG but with a near normal HbA1c then that might indicate T1. However the normal test is GAD and c peptide to check for anti-bodies in your blood (as T1 is an auto immune disease where your body treats your beta cells in the pancreas as invaders and destroys them) and also checks for your level of insulin production. No insulin production and antibodies present is pretty much a slam dunk for T1.

 

[LMH18]

Thank you will tell you tomorrow what the Dr says, how often do I have to see the DN? Definitely a very sudden onset of Diabetes.

 

[LMH18]

Just out of interest, what goes into your juices?

If there are any fruits in there (apple juice or banana for instance) they may be healthy but not strictly low carb. Another potential issue is that vegetables have some carbs, but usually the rate of absorption is low because of all the cell walls separating the contents. If you blitz the vegetables, you get rapid access to all the nutrients but you can also get a massive carbohydrate hit.

How many grams of carbohydrate to you think you get per day?

Edit: from my personal view I would look at increasing the fats if you want to gain weight. Also, please note that eating strategies are usually very different between T1 and T2, so wait for your diagnosis before changing anything. Oh, and personally I would rather have the occasional bout of trumpeting flatulence than have to inject every day. I just don't like needles.

Hi my juices are varied,
pomegranate, acai & blueberry
Carrot, celery, ginger, kale
Brocoli, kale, ginger, beetroot, celery
banana, kiwi, kale, nectarine, blueberry
really varies.
Gram of carbs - no clue! usually have a packet of crisps most days, rice cakes, ryvita, crispbread, a few times a week, potatoes rarely, rice, spaghetti, pasta about 1 or 2 times a week
I totally get that most would prefer to 'trump' etc than inject, but am very used to needles, have no problem whatsoever but I have a phobia, actual phobia of vomiting, I will avoid it at ALL times, seriously

 

[bulkbiker]

Gram of carbs

Lots!

 

[daisy1]

@LMH18

Hello LMH and welcome to the Forum Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Ask questions when you want 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 276,000 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 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.

• 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.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Hi my juices are varied,
pomegranate, acai & blueberry
Carrot, celery, ginger, kale
Brocoli, kale, ginger, beetroot, celery
banana, kiwi, kale, nectarine, blueberry
really varies.
Gram of carbs - no clue! usually have a packet of crisps most days, rice cakes, ryvita, crispbread, a few times a week, potatoes rarely, rice, spaghetti, pasta about 1 or 2 times a week
I totally get that most would prefer to 'trump' etc than inject, but am very used to needles, have no problem whatsoever but I have a phobia, actual phobia of vomiting, I will avoid it at ALL times, seriously

Thanks for that, helps us to understand where you are coming from.

I think the main message is that you think that you are low carbing but in reality - not so much.
You appear to be eating at least medium carb, and also blasting your system with immediately available sugars through the juicing.
I pick out banana, nectarine, kiwi, blueberry, carrot as all sugar rich.
Edit: you don't say if you start with the raw fruit or use a commercial juice product as your base. If you use juice as a base it is worth checking the label for "carbohydrates of which sugars".

I think you should re-evaluate the juicing that you are "heavily into" in light of your diabetes diagnosis.
This is not normally recommended for T2 Diabetics who are trying to use diet for control.
If you turn out to be T1 then you will have to get into carb counting but it might be instructive to have a quick go anyway just to understand how much carbohydrate you are actually eating.
One thing constantly pointed out on this forum is that there can be a vast difference between a diet that is healthy for non-diabetics and a diet that is healthy for diabetics.

I know I started out (about 10 years ago now) thinking a breakfast of muesli and fruit with a glass of orange juice was healthy - as generally advised at the time. Turns out it was healthy for non-diabetics. My dietitian appointment was fascinating, but they did gently point out that what I thought was a healthy breakfast wasn't good for me.

"Gram of carbs - no clue! usually have a packet of crisps most days, rice cakes, ryvita, crispbread, a few times a week, potatoes rarely, rice, spaghetti, pasta about 1 or 2 times a week".
{cough} Not really low carbohydrate. Again, rice cakes and crispbreads are "healthy" but they do have a lot of carbohydrate.

Don't sweat it for the moment, but the main message is to re-evaluate your diet and frame it in the amount of carbohydrate and especially readily available sugar that it provides.

Juicing is a popular way of being "healthy". The good thing is it helps you get the nutrients into your body quickly and absorb them quickly. The bad thing (for diabetics) is.......it helps you get the nutrients into your body quickly and absorb them quickly.

Chin up and take it steady.
It will take a while for it all to sink in.

 

[Resurgam]

I could eat the celery - maybe a little carrot, possibly the blueberries, and I make ginger beer - but other than those the foods listed are just not on my menu - far too high in carbs.
I bought a nutribullet just before diagnosis and it languishes in the cupboard as it caused my blood glucose to spike, high and fast. Even making a drink from salad ingredients, mostly green leaves doubled the increase at half the time, so I thought that it was not a good idea for me.
I find that I can eat up to 60 gm of carbs a day, as natural foods, minimally processed, and have good results

 

[Daibell]

As others have said do cut down on the fruit juices as they can contain a lot of carbs. Avoid tropical fruits other than by exception. Your surgery has got it wrong (he says as an amateur!) about the HBA1C and being used for type diagnosis. It merely measures your average BS over the previous 3 months and high blood sugar can be caused by insulin resistance (T2) or lack of insulin (T1) and you can't use that test to differentiate. The c-peptide measures your insulin (high=T2 and low=T1). The GAD test measures any antibodies; if positive you are T1. A negative GAD doesn't tell you all as you can have a failing pancreas thru viruses etc and that means essentially you are T1 even with a negative GAD. Of the two tests, the c-peptide is in my option the best as it dictates the right treatment. Who cares why your pancreas is failing; it's what to do about it that matters. Others may disagree of course.