When first diagnosed with T2 in 2004, I dieted and exercised a much as possible and lost weight from 18st to 15.5st. My sugars dropped to an average of 6.4 and my GP said I was technically 'pre-diabetic'. So my GP stopped prescribing test strips and told me that all I needed was an annual blood test.
But then my life changed - I had to retire due to bad health (lifetime arthritis and now severe scoliosis), my elderly parents became dependent on me and then my father and my best friend both died in quick succession. I had a mild stroke last year and although I've recovered well, I let my diet lapse and exercise is impossible after several falls and fractures. My last blood test showed an average glucose level of 8.4. So I've persuaded my doctor to let me have test strips again and I intend to get my sugars under control as before. In the meantime I'm on Metformin 500mg twice daily in addition to Lisonipril to reduce my high blood pressure, plus very strong painkillers (oxycodone) for my joint pain.
I'm avoiding carbs except for the occasional slice of wholemeal and fruit but I do have home-made porridge (plain oats, water & blueberries) 3 times a week, for the soluble fibre. I don't eat fast or processed food but cook lots of fish and vegetables. I'll be 72 in July and that's my target date to get back to pre-diabetic glucose levels. Any practical advice? I've seen so many doctors, clinicians etc at the Diabetic centre in my local hospital and their advice is often contradictory and impractical. I have come to the conclusion that this type of diabetes is best self-managed but I would like some advice from other diabetics on how to get the best out of testing while I still receive the test strips on prescription. Can anyone suggest a sensible timetable for testing? I only eat twice a day as I don't fancy food first thing.
Thanks in anticipation.
Linda
But then my life changed - I had to retire due to bad health (lifetime arthritis and now severe scoliosis), my elderly parents became dependent on me and then my father and my best friend both died in quick succession. I had a mild stroke last year and although I've recovered well, I let my diet lapse and exercise is impossible after several falls and fractures. My last blood test showed an average glucose level of 8.4. So I've persuaded my doctor to let me have test strips again and I intend to get my sugars under control as before. In the meantime I'm on Metformin 500mg twice daily in addition to Lisonipril to reduce my high blood pressure, plus very strong painkillers (oxycodone) for my joint pain.
I'm avoiding carbs except for the occasional slice of wholemeal and fruit but I do have home-made porridge (plain oats, water & blueberries) 3 times a week, for the soluble fibre. I don't eat fast or processed food but cook lots of fish and vegetables. I'll be 72 in July and that's my target date to get back to pre-diabetic glucose levels. Any practical advice? I've seen so many doctors, clinicians etc at the Diabetic centre in my local hospital and their advice is often contradictory and impractical. I have come to the conclusion that this type of diabetes is best self-managed but I would like some advice from other diabetics on how to get the best out of testing while I still receive the test strips on prescription. Can anyone suggest a sensible timetable for testing? I only eat twice a day as I don't fancy food first thing.
Thanks in anticipation.
Linda
