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Back on insulin and trying to not give up

N

norab1

Member
A couple of years ago I had a really bad hypo and passed out, which gave me the wake up call to buy myself the Freestyle Libre 2 to monitor what was going on a bit closer.

I worked really hard and managed to reduce my HBA1C enough to stop taking both fast and long acting insulin (tablets only) and as a bonus lost 4 stone. For the first time since being diagnosed 20 years ago my BMI was in the "normal" range - shallow as this may sound (as I know health more important) it gave me a real buzz to not be "told off" for being overweight for once.

1 year after stopping the insulin, my HBA1C started to creep up and now I am back on insulin (fast and long) - seemed to have gained a stone overnight. The Consultant seems happy with my HBA1C now (could do better) but I have been told that unfortunately after being diabetic for so long I can't manage without insulin.

I am, for the first time in 20 years, feeling fed up of it all. Like I worked so hard to lose that 4 stone, but I am still on insulin. Everything I read these days seems to be about losing weight and going into remission and somehow by not managing to do this I feel like I have "failed" - feel like I am giving it everything to not gain any more weight and "failing" at that too :-( I know I should focus on long term health but I just wish I could do without insulin.
 
Hi @norab1 , welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling.

Would you like to share what type of diet you're following to try to reduce your insulin need? Maybe we'll have some ideas that can be helpful.
norab1 said:
I am, for the first time in 20 years, feeling fed up of it all. Like I worked so hard to lose that 4 stone, but I am still on insulin. Everything I read these days seems to be about losing weight and going into remission and somehow by not managing to do this I feel like I have "failed" - feel like I am giving it everything to not gain any more weight and "failing" at that too :-( I know I should focus on long term health but I just wish I could do without insulin.
Click to expand...
You have not failed at all, it sounds like you've been working very hard to nail this diabetes thing, and needing medication is not failure!
Still, it can be a very real struggle, especially when insulin isn't helping with your weight.

Have a hug!
 
norab1 said:
A couple of years ago I had a really bad hypo and passed out, which gave me the wake up call to buy myself the Freestyle Libre 2 to monitor what was going on a bit closer.
Click to expand...
Hi, I just came on to read the forum as there is lots of really good insights here. It says I'm a newbie but I've been lurking here for two years!! I just wanted to say that you should be able to get Libre on perscription if you are on insulin. Ask your GP about it.
 
Caerndow said:
Hi, I just came on to read the forum as there is lots of really good insights here. It says I'm a newbie but I've been lurking here for two years!! I just wanted to say that you should be able to get Libre on perscription if you are on insulin. Ask your GP about it.
Click to expand...
Not wanting to derail, but just thought I’d let @Caerndow know your newbie label will disappear once you’ve posted some more. It’s number of posts not how long since you joined.

Sorry you’re struggling @norab1 , are you able to repeat what you did before to come off insulin, was it your diet that allowed you to control things then?
 
Caerndow said:
Hi, I just came on to read the forum as there is lots of really good insights here. It says I'm a newbie but I've been lurking here for two years!! I just wanted to say that you should be able to get Libre on perscription if you are on insulin. Ask your GP about it.
Click to expand...
Thank you, sorry I should have added that after 2 years of buying it myself I was grateful to get it on prescription now
 
Last edited:
Antje77 said:
Hi @norab1 , welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling.

Would you like to share what type of diet you're following to try to reduce your insulin need? Maybe we'll have some ideas that can be helpful.

You have not failed at all, it sounds like you've been working very hard to nail this diabetes thing, and needing medication is not failure!
Still, it can be a very real struggle, especially when insulin isn't helping with your weight.

Have a hug!
Click to expand...
Thank you. If I am completely honest I struggle with my diet. I attended a no carb programme through my GP but it was so hard to follow. I work very long hours with a long commute so making everything from scratch was just unachievable. Saying that I have no doubt taken my eye off the ball and need to go back to basics, not guessing when carb counting etc. Easy to get complacent. I really appreciate your help , thank you
 
Rachox said:
Not wanting to derail, but just thought I’d let @Caerndow know your newbie label will disappear once you’ve posted some more. It’s number of posts not how long since you joined.

Sorry you’re struggling @norab1 , are you able to repeat what you did before to come off insulin, was it your diet that allowed you to control things then?
Click to expand...
Thank you. Yes I was very careful about what I ate so I need to go back to monitoring things better. I have recently increased my exercise and find that is helping. Sometimes get disheartened reading stories about people who lose a few lbs and come off all their medication when in reality it seems a daily struggle. I always try and keep a positive mindset as I know there are many people with far more to worry about but every now and then it's quite hard, thank you for your support
 
norab1 said:
Thank you. If I am completely honest I struggle with my diet. I attended a no carb programme through my GP but it was so hard to follow. I work very long hours with a long commute so making everything from scratch was just unachievable. Saying that I have no doubt taken my eye off the ball and need to go back to basics, not guessing when carb counting etc. Easy to get complacent. I really appreciate your help , thank you
Click to expand...
I don't know about the program through your GP, but reducing carbs doesn't have to be complicated or a lot of work. Hard boiled eggs go a long way for filling and portable snacks, and you can boil a dozen to last you through the workweek. Even better if you put a squeeze tube of mayonnaise or cheese in your bag to have with the eggs.
Nuts are very filling and tasty as well, no prep time at all.
Do you like full fat Greek yoghurt? It makes a fine breakfast, which can be eaten standing in front of the fridge if you're in a hurry in the mornings. Bacon and eggs takes maybe 5 minutes to cook.

As for evening meals, a lot is possible with meals taking very little time to prepare, or pre-cooking and reheating as needed.

None of this of course helps with cravings, especially when tired after a long day it's so tempting to simply go for the easiest solution.
You might like to have a read of this easy guide to T2 and low carb, written by one of our members, hopefully it's less complicated than your GP's programme: https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html
There's also this thread where we share what we've eaten, ranging from very culinary to very simple, it might give you some ideas: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-eaten-today-low-carb-forum.75781/page-3171
norab1 said:
Sometimes get disheartened reading stories about people who lose a few lbs and come off all their medication when in reality it seems a daily struggle.
Click to expand...
Most of our T2 members don't follow a low carb diet to lose weight in the first place (although this can be a very welcome side effect). Instead, fewer carbs will show much lower blood glucose levels after meals, so it tackles the diabetes regardless of weight loss.

Being on insulin, please take things nice and slowly, and don't suddenly cut out a lot of carbs, you'll go hypo!
By keeping a close eye on your sensor, you should be able to keep things safe, as long as you always carry somethig on you to treat a hypo if needed.
 
Thank you so much that is really really helpful and I will definitely read those

Preparing ahead is a good idea to avoid eating the wrong thing when I am tired.

It's great to hear what others do, one of the real benefits of being on a forum like this, listening to others and their experience.

Thank you once again for your help, and will definitely keep an eye on my monitor
 
norab1 said:
Thank you so much that is really really helpful and I will definitely read those

Preparing ahead is a good idea to avoid eating the wrong thing when I am tired.

It's great to hear what others do, one of the real benefits of being on a forum like this, listening to others and their experience.

Thank you once again for your help, and will definitely keep an eye on my monitor
Click to expand...
This is going to sound halfway insane probably, but it sounds like you're having trouble with low carb eating when on the move. Long commute, long work hours... When I was dealing with a long commute, would you believe McDonalds was fine? I just ordered their burgers without the bun. Voila, low carb meal. (The salads often have sugary dressing and croutons, so not the best idea, ironically enough). Same with their breakfast McMuffins. I just have them without the muffin, leaving me with egg, bacon and/or sausage, depending on the kind you order. (Less filling without the muffin, so order double). Not something for every day, but if you're in a bind, out of options... Then this might be a solution for emergency situations.

Low carbing, losing weight.... On the one hand, yeah, maybe sometimes we do make it sound too easy. Because there's more that goes on in life. Like, life! Stuff happens. Stress gets added in, or work hours are weird, or hormones go on the fritz... I dropped something like 60 pounds, and I've added 40 of them back on thanks to grief and menopause. And I know what I'm doing with the foods, you know, and it still went a bit awry? We're not immune to weight gain and insulin issues if we got it right once before. On the other hand, taking a seat and going over your possibilities, looking for solutions, they might be right in front of you. It could be relatively easy, if you just find what suits your life and your physical needs.

In any case... You're not alone. Some people stay off of here because they've lost weight, but then fell off the wagon or had something happen that made them backslide through no fault of their own. Like they can't be human and things can't change, and they don't deserve help or advice or support for some reason.

You're here now. I hope things'll get better. Be good to yourself.
Hugs,
Jo
 
norab1 said:
A couple of years ago I had a really bad hypo and passed out, which gave me the wake up call to buy myself the Freestyle Libre 2 to monitor what was going on a bit closer.

I worked really hard and managed to reduce my HBA1C enough to stop taking both fast and long acting insulin (tablets only) and as a bonus lost 4 stone. For the first time since being diagnosed 20 years ago my BMI was in the "normal" range - shallow as this may sound (as I know health more important) it gave me a real buzz to not be "told off" for being overweight for once.

1 year after stopping the insulin, my HBA1C started to creep up and now I am back on insulin (fast and long) - seemed to have gained a stone overnight. The Consultant seems happy with my HBA1C now (could do better) but I have been told that unfortunately after being diabetic for so long I can't manage without insulin.

I am, for the first time in 20 years, feeling fed up of it all. Like I worked so hard to lose that 4 stone, but I am still on insulin. Everything I read these days seems to be about losing weight and going into remission and somehow by not managing to do this I feel like I have "failed" - feel like I am giving it everything to not gain any more weight and "failing" at that too :-( I know I should focus on long term health but I just wish I could do without insulin.
Click to expand...
I’m also on insulin, BMI of 23, low carb diet 60 carbs a day. I requested to be prescribed metformin a couple of months ago (on top of insulin), and I’ve managed to halve my basal, and at least halve my bolus. I had a big scare on holiday going into a hypo half way up a volcano, and I scuba dive, kayak etc and want to reduce the risk by not having insulin on board (apart from basal) I’m kind of resigned to the fact that I’m not going to be able to go into remission. When diagnosed (hbac1 of 14.7!) I was a healthy weight and ate a healthy diet. Very few takeaways. Yes I ate rice and noodles and potatoes sometimes, hardly ate bread, so it wasn’t caused by my diet. My husband eats the same as me but more snacks and he’s not diabetic. My dad was a slim healthy type two diabetic, so hey it must be in the genes. I have got my hbac1 down to 5.3 now, so pretty happy. TBH my son got pancreatitis, nearly died, and was diagnosed with chrohns at age 26. My mantra is ‘there’s always someone worse off than you’
 
Caerndow said:
Hi, I just came on to read the forum as there is lots of really good insights here. It says I'm a newbie but I've been lurking here for two years!! I just wanted to say that you should be able to get Libre on perscription if you are on insulin. Ask your GP about it.
Click to expand...

Type 1 get it and children, on prescription but not unfortunately type 2 but I find it invaluable and so self-fund.
 
louisew2605 said:
I’m also on insulin, BMI of 23, low carb diet 60 carbs a day. I requested to be prescribed metformin a couple of months ago (on top of insulin), and I’ve managed to halve my basal, and at least halve my bolus. I had a big scare on holiday going into a hypo half way up a volcano, and I scuba dive, kayak etc and want to reduce the risk by not having insulin on board (apart from basal) I’m kind of resigned to the fact that I’m not going to be able to go into remission. When diagnosed (hbac1 of 14.7!) I was a healthy weight and ate a healthy diet. Very few takeaways. Yes I ate rice and noodles and potatoes sometimes, hardly ate bread, so it wasn’t caused by my diet. My husband eats the same as me but more snacks and he’s not diabetic. My dad was a slim healthy type two diabetic, so hey it must be in the genes. I have got my hbac1 down to 5.3 now, so pretty happy. TBH my son got pancreatitis, nearly died, and was diagnosed with chrohns at age 26. My mantra is ‘there’s always someone worse off than you’
Click to expand...
Well done on reducing your scores! Yes I was very fit in the RAF when diagnosed, but similar to you it's right through my family. Sorry to hear about your son, you are right there are definitely people worse off and I do feel guilty for complaining about a bad day
 
JoKalsbeek said:
This is going to sound halfway insane probably, but it sounds like you're having trouble with low carb eating when on the move. Long commute, long work hours... When I was dealing with a long commute, would you believe McDonalds was fine? I just ordered their burgers without the bun. Voila, low carb meal. (The salads often have sugary dressing and croutons, so not the best idea, ironically enough). Same with their breakfast McMuffins. I just have them without the muffin, leaving me with egg, bacon and/or sausage, depending on the kind you order. (Less filling without the muffin, so order double). Not something for every day, but if you're in a bind, out of options... Then this might be a solution for emergency situations.

Low carbing, losing weight.... On the one hand, yeah, maybe sometimes we do make it sound too easy. Because there's more that goes on in life. Like, life! Stuff happens. Stress gets added in, or work hours are weird, or hormones go on the fritz... I dropped something like 60 pounds, and I've added 40 of them back on thanks to grief and menopause. And I know what I'm doing with the foods, you know, and it still went a bit awry? We're not immune to weight gain and insulin issues if we got it right once before. On the other hand, taking a seat and going over your possibilities, looking for solutions, they might be right in front of you. It could be relatively easy, if you just find what suits your life and your physical needs.

In any case... You're not alone. Some people stay off of here because they've lost weight, but then fell off the wagon or had something happen that made them backslide through no fault of their own. Like they can't be human and things can't change, and they don't deserve help or advice or support for some reason.

You're here now. I hope things'll get better. Be good to yourself.
Hugs,
Jo
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip on McDonald's! Great idea, after learning more about low carb this is definitely something I can do when I am stuck. I totally agree life can derail us sometimes I have lost count of the times I have promised myself I will cut back my hours (I went to a 4 day week but now find I work a long 4 days!) Stress is definitely a factor for me, so taking on board some advice here I need to plan ahead for those days and have suitable choices prepared!
Thanks for your kind words and support, everyone has been so helpful, I know things can get better, thank you
 
A McDonald's tip from me, is just to order a double cheese burger and have it come in the bun. Then I use the bun halves to open it and flip one half of inners on to the other. That way the cheese and sauce is in the middle and the beef is easier and less messy to hold. You will still need several napkins but the food stays hotter, and you don't feel awkward asking for it to be made without the bun. The bun is just discarded.
(It's odd enough at first not to order a drink or fries so why add to the strangeness?. Now it's normal for me)

And yes hard boiled eggs and chunks of cheese will be your friends, no cooking required (on the day)
 
Serena51 said:
Type 1 get it and children, on prescription but not unfortunately type 2 but I find it invaluable and so self-fund
MrsA2 said:
A McDonald's tip from me, is just to order a double cheese burger and have it come in the bun. Then I use the bun halves to open it and flip one half of inners on to the other. That way the cheese and sauce is in the middle and the beef is easier and less messy to hold. You will still need several napkins but the food stays hotter, and you don't feel awkward asking for it to be made without the bun. The bun is just discarded.
(It's odd enough at first not to order a drink or fries so why add to the strangeness?. Now it's normal for me)

And yes hard boiled eggs and chunks of cheese will be your friends, no cooking required (on the day)
Click to expand...
norab1 said:
I did for 2 years, then after passing out I got it on prescription but I know not everyone does, hopefully that will improve over time.
Click to expand...
Yep me too, I have such tight control of my blood sugar, but being on insulin, if I’m active, it can dip quite low. If I hadn’t had my libre, I would have been in trouble a couple of times. Really, having that CGM is keeping my hbac1 low and minimising health problems in the future. I think everyone on insulin should be prescribed them.
Click to expand...
 
norab1 said:
Sometimes get disheartened reading stories about people who lose a few lbs and come off all their medication when in reality it seems a daily struggle.
Click to expand...

The struggle is real, @norab1. I had a real good run for about three months at the beginning of the year, following a low-carb diet, losing weight and coming off meds. Last three months have been one hell of a roller coaster in terms of my carb addiction and a lot of the substantial progress I had made in terms of my diabetes control has all but evaporated. I'm constantly trying to get back on track, but currently, I have more bad days than good. Even when I'm on top of it, it is a very delicate balance managing my blood glucose and the slightest thing can throw me off that balance. But then again, I need to recognise I've been a hardcore T2 for over 15 years, maxing out on all allowable oral medication, and my body is probably not going to respond to lifestyle interventions as well as I'd like it to.
 
Thank you, I definitely identity with a carb addiction and have also had more bad days than good. Made an effort to eat lots of eggs this weekend and dusted off the couch to 5k app so feeling a bit more motivated. Good luck
 
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