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Dapagliflozin

Mentioned earlier my sensor was due for replacement today, so popped a new one on this morning, after carefully cleaning the area, and even taking a shower. Waited the hour and received an error message, so scanned the sensor - and it started the "found a new sensor" check! An hour later, I got a message saying sensor ready, but no reading. Scanned the sensor and all I got were recurring "sensor loss, try again in 10 minutes" messages! I was out so kept trying and nothing. When I arrived home I replaced the sensor, waited the hour, and new one seems to be OK. Contacted Abbotts to ask for a replacement!
 
What I understand about bananas, is that the sugar increases the reaper they get, and slightly green bananas are recommended for diabetics. However, such bananas (slightly green) are not pleasant to eat, so I tend to avoid bananas (and sadly for me, the potassium is not good for kidneys). I used to like eating bananas, before having to follow a kidney friendly lifestyle. Now my go to fruit, once a day, is an apple.
 
That’s crazy (unbelievable)
 
My one treat a day is a banana with my lunch. Just a small one.
 
I break my fast at 11 am with an apple. Then have a full meal at 1 pm. I follow a 16/8 intermittent, high fat, low carb, zero seed oil, lifestyle. Last meal is at 18:30 (light).
 
@Davidden and @helenb1979
Please help me understand why you were on insulin as a Type 2, and why you choose to use a CGM verses using a BG Meters with finger-pricks (which I use every morning)?

I am not clued up on the CGM and how it works (why it seems to give so much problems and is it worth having?).

Also, I have learnt from this forum that several Type 2s are on insulin but I do not fully understand why (should I anticipate the need to use insulin in my future?). I am particularly confused how you can come off insulin after taking it for so long.
 
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LiSwati said:
Please help me understand why you were on insulin as a Type 2, and why you choose to use a CGM verses using a BG Meters with finger-pricks (which I use every morning)?
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Long story! I was first diagnosed about 20 years ago and controlled by diet and exercise - didn't do much with either, but kept my numbers in check. In 2009 I moved to Brazil, and then from 2013, spent 6 months of the year in both Brazil and Peru. Still no medication, but used to test by finger-prick (when I thought about it!), and numbers were still OK.
In 2019 on arrival in Peru,I discovered a lump on my shoulder, which was diagnosed first as a Lipoma (fatty cyst), but they wouldn't do a biopsy as they felt my sugars were too high, so put me on Metformin, which made me sick. At the end of 2019 I went back to Brazil and a doctor there agreed to do a biopsy, and agreed (incorrectly as it turns out!) that it was a Lipoma, and I shouldn't worry about it! Lipoma's were considered cosmetic in the UK so I decided to wait till I was back in Peru the following year to get it sorted - medical treatment very cheap in Peru.
March 2020 I was back in Peru and 5 days later the Covid pandemic shut everything down! I couldn't get an appointment to see a doctor, due in part to age, but also they were not accepting face-to-face appointments. Finally in September I got a video appointment, and was sent for a blood test, which showed my blood glucose a bit high, so he put me on Insulin, and a couple of months later they were low enough for a biopsy. However, when he opened me up (it was quite large by the, maybe a large Grapefruit-sized) - he decided it didn't feel like a Lipoma so referred me to the local cancer clinic, who did a small biopsy, confirmed it was bone cancer (Chondrosarcoma) and scheduled an operation. I had to wait until April 2021 (mainly the surgeon's father died of Covid so he was away for a while) when they removed a 5.2kg tumour, including my right shoulderblade.
In July 2021 I was finally able to return to the UK (spending 10 days in a quarantine hotel first) and then managed to get referred to a specialist here. I remained on insulin until September this year, with none of my reviews ever questioning it.

As for CGM - at one stage I was finger-pricking 4 times a day, but eventually settling on twice, so when the Diabetic nurse suggested a CGM, where I only had to prick occasionally as a check, I jumped at it. I do have some concerns about the accuracy of the sensors - my new one is recording at least 1 unit higher than the previous (since Sunday my average has risen from 6.8 to 7.8, and my time in range down from 100% to 89%!) - but being able to look at the App when you want, does mean you can check what foods affect your levels, and get a better idea during the day what is going on. I just wish the sensors were more consistent (have just sent back the one that never returned a reading).

Sorry for the long essay!!
 
Davidden said:
Long story!
Click to expand...
Wow, your story took my breath away. Thank you.

After posting my question, I then regretted asking, realising that I was asking a very personal question. I almost deleted my post, as it concerned me to think I may have offended you by not directly such a question directly to you (instead of posting it on this thread). I apologize for putting you on the spot.

Your story resonates and did answer my questions, thank you. It gave me a greater appreciation on how everyone is uniquely different, and, even though we are Type 1 or Type 2, that that alone does not define a treatment, diet or lifestyle. It’s by far, more complexed.

When you said -
Davidden said:
I was first diagnosed about 20 years ago and controlled by diet and exercise - didn't do much with either, but kept my numbers in check.
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I thought, wow, that’s me. I was diagnosed in 2023 and, besides taking Meds, I am keeping my numbers in check through diet and exercise, but I too, am not doing much of either, and my HbA1c number is gradually increasing (which is concerning but I know it’s because of what I eat). I know I can do so much better, as in the first year after being diagnosed I lost 15kg, I was doing so well, but I then started to slip more and more often. Over this past 12-months, I put back 5kg and cannot motivate myself enough to achieve my weight-loss goal, and to come off Metformin.

So your story that followed, really hit home. I need to use this opportunity I’ve been given, while my health is good, to lose the weight I need to by being more committed to my diet and exercise. The fact that you were able to come off insulin, gave me added encouragement, as I need to come off Metformin to improve my kidney health.

Thank you again for sharing. Your story truly helped me.

I close with a heartfelt congratulations to you, for overcoming all those amazing obstacles and challenges. You are a true winner and an example of us all.
 
I don't feel special in any way! When I lost my shoulderblade, and most of the use of my right arm - I cannot raise it, or extend it forwards - I considered myself fortunate, as I was warned they might have had to amputate my whole arm depending on where the cancer had spread. I was relieved to find I still had some use, and knowing that there are millions of people around the world who survive, and even thrive, with worse disabilities, inspired me to make the most of it. Those of us who are affected by severe afflictions have 2 choices - cope or give up! I soon realised that I could still live a fulfilling life - I am able to drive (an automatic), and can do most things I could before, though there are many that age prevents me from doing rather than the cancer! I am still receiving treatment (regular testing, and three lots of lung surgery - metastases from my shoulder), but still enjoy life, and will continue to do so as long as I draw breath!!
Life should be an adventure, and there will always be potholes and bumps along the way!! It is also way too short to spend time dwelling on what might have been - yesterday has gone, so look forwards to tomorrow and what new joys that might bring!
 
Davidden said:
knowing that there are millions of people around the world who survive, and even thrive, with worse disabilities, inspired me to make the most of it
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These are words I live by. My whole life has had its twists and turns, bumps and potholes, but we survive. We choose to move on and enjoy the life we’ve been given. Bravo, my brother.

Allow me to close using your own words -
Davidden said:
It is also way too short to spend time dwelling on what might have been - yesterday has gone, so look forwards to tomorrow and what new joys that might bring!
Click to expand...
 
Bananas are digested too fast and I believe sugary. I can’t stand them and allergic to em.
 
Bananas are quite high in carbohydrates, the split between starch and sugar changes as the banana ripens.
Green(ish) bananas are probably better as the starch takes longer to absorb but they are still a carbohydrate source.
Recommended to athletes for a quick energy boost, which doesn't sound like a recommendation for diabetics.
 
Thank you for all the comments on the evils of the humble banana. I do take some care with what I eat, and also do a lot of research about the things I eat frequently - this information is actually from the host site of our forum: "
Bananas are pretty high in sugar content. They contain 12g of sugar per 100g of fruit. The average banana weighs roughly 120g, so people with diabetes probably shouldn’t eat more than one a day.
More positively, bananas contain a whole host of good stuff: vitamin C, potassium, protein, magnesium and dietary fibre."
For me the "good stuff" in bananas outweighs the sugar, and I can find no evidence of a better source of those. Each to his/her/their own, though. Regards.
 
From limited understanding of Dapagliflozin, it appears that very low carb diets are not recommended, when on this medication.
A banana, if that is what you would choose when on this medication, seems a benign choice.

@Davidden , I applaud you for your positive attitude to life, following the health traumas you have endured. For being able to come off insulin, and for sharing your story here. It is encouraging to read. If you enjoy eating bananas, then why not? You seem to be doing just fine with your meds and dietary choices.

I would add that, although I am currently not on medication for my T2, (21+ years since diagnosis, and only ever had Metformin, so far) with annual review pending, I feel very tempted to consider, if deemed necessary and if offered, a prescription for Dapagliflozin. I have been through some health issues myself this last few years, and frequently have difficulty eating. Sometimes the only foods I can easily digest, are bananas, and toast. (I guess I am just a bit envious, too, because I have limited bananas and toast, since low carb way of eating for around 12 years, and it is a comfort food for me.)

I’ll stop, praising the humble banana now, just in case my rambling on starts a derail of the thread. . Bringing back to praise of the OP, instead… @Davidden.. I am meaning to say “well done!”
 
I agree, we’re all different & can react differently to foods, I can eat a small green apple, some chunks of watermelon - a stick of pineapple - not all at the same time, but they don’t affect my BG, but many here wouldn’t touch them. A few here eat hummus - I just have to look at hummus & my BG jumps up. If your meter or CGM says it’s ok for you then it’s ok
 
Banana always spikes me
 
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