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BS levels and infection

choggii

Member
Messages
10
Location
UK
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
So in December I had a scalp absess that put me in hospital with high infection markers and borderline sepsis. Copious amounts of differing anti biotics followed culminating in the abscess being surgically removed and an open wound which is still being redressed and looked after by hospital. I am type 2 diabetic and am so struggling to bring my levels down which in itself is hindering the healing process. My diabetic nurse is working with me on my meds now on gliclazide, metformin and jardiance which is depressing as I had prior to this had reduced needs and aba1c of 44 (now 77!!)
Any ideas what else I can do. Carbs reduced, walking regularly, drinking plenty of water. Now getting disheartened
Thank you everyone
 
Wow, your body has been through a lot! No wonder it's still recovering. Try not to be so hard or impatient, but add in some gentleness and compassion.
A bit of mindfulness or massage, love or a treat or 2 might go a long way to help.
You seem to have the food, exercise etc licked. What about sleep? And or fasting, but only if that feels right, not a chore.

The only other thing that might be worth keeping an eye on is whether it's sparked Type 1. Infections are often the cause, could your nurse get it checked out for you?
 
Thank you
 
Wondering if you are getting enough basic nutrients to heal your wound..enough proteins, calories and whatever else is needed to build new tissue? Is your appetite OK? Maybe eat more meals and get enough rest? Give your body a chance to heal itself.
Research what foods are best to help in recovery from infection.
Have heard things about Vitamin D to help with healing.. but maybe speak to your nurse about this, am assuming you are in the grey old UK and not getting much Vit D from sunshine.
Hope you soon feel better.
 
 
Thank you for your input. Yes I'm UK. My diet is healthy lots of leafy green, veg and proteins. I am signed off work. Have been off 8 weeks and hospital informed me yesterday will be at least another month before I go back to work. I sleep poorly however I can nap in the day and to be honest find I'm doing that as I feel wiped out. Just tested my bloods 1st thing and they are 8.8 but I'm finding they spike really easily. I always have greek yogurt and berries for breakfast. 11 is snack, maybe a small piece of cheese, lunch is high protein bread (2 slices) with generally ham and salad. Tea is protein and veg. Last thing another small price of cheese to combat dawn phenomenon which I get. Lots of water and mint tea during the day. Apart from meds I supplement daily with magnesium, I take apple cider vinegar diluted too. I could post a photo of what I've been coping with but I think you'd all be shocked and feel a sick!! Haha. Thank you for the advice.
 
hi it can be very disheartening. i have been trying things to lower my bs from 18 first thing in morning. i have now got it down to 5.6. But i have matcha tea twice a day. green tea or chamomile tea. normal coffee and tea occasionally. fennel seed water (sanuf)first thing. during the day i have lemon water or lime water. exercise is walking and resistance band exercises. also revitive a type of ems machine to improve my circulation. porridge with berries breakfast. not changed diet for low carb just smaller portions. stick with it you will get there. healing can slow down if bs is high.
 
 

You've had a lot to contend with and whilst you are healing you are likely still to have high(er) levels of inflammation in your body.

Your diet looks considered, but in your shoes I would consider dropping the bread (or at least reducing it) at lunchtime, and replace it with a protein - maybe something like a cooked chicken portion or high quality sausages, or tinned fish.

A few years ago I had a nasty post-op haematoma which was considered to by mildly infected. Firstly the antibiotics knocked my system for 6 but I was left, a bit like you, with a packed, then open wound to heal.

The ANP I was seeing for wound management really stressed getting enough proteins, but also not to be impatient. I lost a couple of kilos in that time which took a full couple of months to regain. our bodies can only do so much at any given time when it's under stress.

Be kind to yourself. Don't be despondent. You need to heal, but infected, and recently infected tissue can take a while. Provided you are making progress, take that as a win.
 
Thank you. Prior to all this I was cycling 15 miles regularly and bs levels were controlled.
I am just frustrated with how this infection had brutalised my body. Everything is out of kilter. Was put in ramipril last week for ckd. I am still struggling with bs levels
I only eat the high protein bread. Only have 2 slices if I'm having a sandwich and I make sure it's stuffed with salad and protein ie chicken, tuna.
Thank you for you input.
 
No advice, just hope you get better quickly. I had urgent major surgery postponed because my high A1c meant risk of sepsis. I bought it down - to circa 44 to 50 - which the surgeon accepts, but now you have me worried that any diabetes poses a risk. All the best to you.
 
I'd advise checking your carb intake if you are eating bread regularly - what else has crept in might be significant.
Fats could be an issue - every cell in the body has cholesterol and lipids in the cell wall, so if you need to create cells you need to have the raw materials.
If I get a nick or when a blood sample is taken my skin just about zips itself back together - I don't eat much extra fat, but I do use the natural fats which come with the meats I eat. What I add in is cream, butter and a bit of coconut oil when baking.
 
I have been advised by my diabetic nurse that it is a viscious circle. As infection markers were so high and I was borderline sepsis my bs levels rose. It is not unusual and it is about managing both issues. I am now slowly beginning to heal its taken nearly 10 weeks. I'm still signed off work. Taking vit b, magnesium and immune helping supplements. I will get there! Thanks for your comments
 
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