Confused newbie

[LP1957]

Hi. Diagnosed 2 weeks ago T2 after having a sudden heart attack ( 3 stents put in ). Now on metformin 500mg and gliclazide 40mg x2 as well as medications for heart including aspirin and atorvastatin. Finding it confusing as to what i should/shouldn't be eating ...... low fat (for cholesterol ) or low carb/sugar for diabetes.

 

[Prem51]

Hi @LP1957 and welcome to the forum. Diabetics need to avoid sugar obviously, but also carbohydrates as they turn to sugars in our bodies. A lot of people on here follow a Low Carbohydrate High Fat (LCHF) approach to eating. Eating more healthy fats, like dairy, nuts, avocadoes and oily fish, gives us the energy which we won't get from carbs. They also help us feel 'full', so it's easier to follow a LCHF diet, rather than just low carb.
There are differing views on cholesterol, and I'm not too clued up on them, but I'm sure others will give better advice. But there is 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol, and as I understand it an LCHF should increase the good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol.

 

[Mike d]

@Prem51 called that correctly but with that stuff going on (and good luck ) definitely cut down on carbs and no sugars. With an operation like that, I'd be taking it in easy doses and establish a good plan in consultation with your med team. If in doubt, we can offer some pointers but you have enough on your plate so get well. It will take time but you'll get there.

 

[Daibell]

Hi and welcome. Low-carbing is the way to go for diabetes. Arguments continue with regard to fats and cholesterol. As you have had a heart attack we need to be careful with guidance. In general there is a view that the fats we eat are not related in any strong way to arterial deposits and in fact a low-carb diet can help with the LDL, HDL and Trigs ratios. These ratios are related to heart attack risk and not Total cholesterol. This is difficult for you as much of the NHS diet advice is poor but you must talk to your docs and make your own decision. When you reduce the carbs, you need to increase proteins and fats. You can choose to have the 'better' non saturated fats.

 

[Pinkorchid]

I agree as you have heart problems you must talk to your doctors before you make any drastic changes. Many here do the LCHF way of eating but as you have had a heart attack you really need to ask your doctor about it

 

[LP1957]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will speak to my diabetic nurse again. Still trying to get my head round the diagnosis so soon after the heart attack. So much to take in and think about. Must say though that this forum is wonderful, so helpful and lots of information.

 

[ickihun]

Hi @LP1957 .
Many posters have great success with their cholesterol and trigs by walking.
Walking will be adviced by any heart specialist as it is good for other things too. Especially the heart.
Do you walk anywhere now? Always driving?
Make a conscience effort to do a bit walking and then build it up. Anything at first on top of your normal routine would make a big difference to your bgs, trigs and fitness level. It's brilliant for back health too.
Walk your way to better health!

 

[Dora66]

Hi. Diagnosed 2 weeks ago T2 after having a sudden heart attack ( 3 stents put in ). Now on metformin 500mg and gliclazide 40mg x2 as well as medications for heart including aspirin and atorvastatin. Finding it confusing as to what i should/shouldn't be eating ...... low fat (for cholesterol ) or low carb/sugar for diabetes.

Morning.I was diagnosed T2 on 22 February this year.
Diabetic nurse wanted to pu me on Metfromin.Statins and BP medication
Cholesterol was 6.2 Blood sugar 69
NO SYMPTOMS.
I refused the medication.Went and bought The 8 Week Blood Sufar Diet Book.
By Dr Michael Mosley.
Have followed this plan for 8 weeks+
It's been fantastic....lost 34 lbs since then being on the plan.
Went to GP yesterday .
I am NOT diabetic anymore.No need for ANY medication
I am SO PLEASED..
Blood sugar now 42 cholesterol 4.2
I am NOT suggesting this plan for everyone, but it has worked for ME....
GOOD LUCK in your future eating plans.
Chin up.

 

[Pinkorchid]

Morning.I was diagnosed T2 on 22 February this year.
Diabetic nurse wanted to pu me on Metfromin.Statins and BP medication
Cholesterol was 6.2 Blood sugar 69
NO SYMPTOMS.
I refused the medication.Went and bought The 8 Week Blood Sufar Diet Book.
By Dr Michael Mosley.
Have followed this plan for 8 weeks+
It's been fantastic....lost 34 lbs since then being on the plan.
Went to GP yesterday .
I am NOT diabetic anymore.No need for ANY medication
I am SO PLEASED..
Blood sugar now 42 cholesterol 4.2
I am NOT suggesting this plan for everyone, but it has worked for ME....
GOOD LUCK in your future eating plans.
Chin up.

Well done on your results that is really good keep it up
My last HbA1c was the same as yours 42 my doctor said my diabetes is controlled but did not say I no longer have it. There are members here that are lower than that but don't consider they no longer have diabetes.We are still diabetic until a cure is found but that probably will not be in my lifetime as I am in my 70's.
Not having diabetes anymore would mean we could go back to eating anything we liked all high carb and sugar stuff and still have normal blood sugar .