Denial, Vegan diet and dizzy spells.

MamaB

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi everyone....I need some advice. I've finally realised that I need to get my head out of the sand and do something about my diabetes management. I was diagnosed with type 2 in around 2008. I had a pretty rubbish doctor who basically said it was because I was fat, prescribed metformin and told me to go away, get thin and look on the internet for more info. No diet advice or anything like that. The internet is ok to a point, but when you don't have the knowledge to distinguish good info from bad, it's confusing to say the least. So I did what I've always done and ignored it, thinking it would go away if I refused to acknowledge it. :bag:
I've since moved to a new town (well 3 yrs ago now so not really new anymore), and my current doctor and the nursing team are awesome. I was given much better advice and info, but I still suffer from 'head up my a**e syndrome'. I keep forgetting to take the medication I've been prescribed (I'm also supposed to take 2 different meds for high blood pressure) so I've missed countless check ups and retinopathy appointments, because I don't want to admit I've been an idiot and not been taking the medication. I decided at the new year that I need to do something about my weight too, so that I can get back into kung fu classes this year (I was 16 st 2 and only 5 ft 3 and left because I felt too self conscious even tho I was actually doing ok). I work from home, mainly on a laptop so I'm a total couch potato too which isn't helping. I've also (for the last 3 weeks) converted to veganism. I'd say 30% for health reasons and 70% ethical, and I've noticed that since dropping meat and dairy from my diet, right after eating I'm getting really bad dizzy spells. I also tend to get so involved with what I'm working on during the day, that I forget to eat, though sometimes, I'll grab a bit of toast or some cereal, but usually I'll just have the one meal at night time. I'm now down to 15st 3lbs, but I'm still really struggling with how to do it healthily, which foods to avoid, which are good etc...I've cut out white potatoes, pastas and rices and replaced them with sweet potato and brown grains as much as possible. I get lots of different veggies and beans/lentils into my meals and I don't really have fruit much. What could be causing the dizziness? It only ever comes on after eating. Also, does anyone know of some good diabetic friendly, vegan diet plans or sites that might help me find one? Sorry to waffle on but I really want to get it sorted and get myself back on the right track.
Thanks loads in advance! :)
 
A

Avocado Sevenfold

Guest
Hi MamaB and welcome to the forum.

The good news is you are no longer in denial otherwise you wouldn't be here! Nice one.

Do you have a meter to check your blood glucose levels? I think this is essential especially as you have recently changed your diet. Some people here (me included) recommend reducing carbohydrates to help keep bg levels down. Everyone is different. I would have been here earlier, but went off to google low carb vegan and got distracted by the lovely recipes.

I don't know about your dizziness, but if you are skipping meals, it can't be a good thing. Are you eating enough?

I am not vegan, but there are some around here who will hopefully be along soon with advice. All the best :happy:
 

MamaB

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Thanks for the welcome and the reply :). I've not tested my levels for months. I do have a meter, but since giving up a 'real' job to run a business from home, the sticks are a luxury I can't really afford, and since I've not really had any reason to test (my numbers were usually between 8 & 10, which I believe isnt too bad?) I've not bothered buying any more. I'm gonna invest in some tomorrow though because the dizziness has been really bad over the weekend, to the point where it's worrying me (and led me here for advice lol).........There are some fantastic vegan recipes out there aren't there! My problem is working out which are good carbs, which are bad, what they do and pretty much everything else connected with how to keep the levels, erm....level! lol. I'm not a stupid person, I have qualifications in stuff.....I run a business...but all this diet/good carbs/bad carbs/highs/lows/levels/meter readings etc has me so confused I feel like all I'm doing is this! lol :banghead:. Anyway, thanks again....I'm sure this site will be a ton of help! :)
 
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Avocado Sevenfold

Guest
Thanks for the welcome and the reply :). I've not tested my levels for months. I do have a meter, but since giving up a 'real' job to run a business from home, the sticks are a luxury I can't really afford, and since I've not really had any reason to test (my numbers were usually between 8 & 10, which I believe isnt too bad?) I've not bothered buying any more. I'm gonna invest in some tomorrow though because the dizziness has been really bad over the weekend, to the point where it's worrying me (and led me here for advice lol).........There are some fantastic vegan recipes out there aren't there! My problem is working out which are good carbs, which are bad, what they do and pretty much everything else connected with how to keep the levels, erm....level! lol. I'm not a stupid person, I have qualifications in stuff.....I run a business...but all this diet/good carbs/bad carbs/highs/lows/levels/meter readings etc has me so confused I feel like all I'm doing is this! lol :banghead:. Anyway, thanks again....I'm sure this site will be a ton of help! :)

Yes, a meter should be a priority I reckon. Your meter will be able to guide you to what way of eating suits you best. You may find low carb/high fat may not be suitable for you. Maybe a low GI would be better. Only testing will tell. It is confusing at first. Exercise also helps obviously. Stick around though and you will pick up lots of tips.
 
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Avocado Sevenfold

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(PS your other post just disappeared. I think you are the first person to get my name lol)
 
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MamaB

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
(PS your other post just disappeared. I think you are the first person to get my name lol)
I'll definitely be sticking around.....I've picked up some good tips n stuff already just by reading the forums. Exercise regime starts tomorrow! lol....I deleted my other post when I realised It looked like I'd replied to myself lol...........I'll get the hang of it eventually :D
 
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Beshlie

Well-Known Member
Messages
277
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Maybe a good idea to sort your dizziness out before any exercise? You could try eating a small meal every, say, 3 to 4 hours and see what happens rather than going too long between some food. Just a couple of idea.
 
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MamaB

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Maybe a good idea to sort your dizziness out before any exercise? You could try eating a small meal every, say, 3 to 4 hours and see what happens rather than going too long between some food. Just a couple of idea.
Thats what I've made a big effort to do today and while it's still been there, I don't think it's been as bad......I've also remembered to take all my tablets! lol
 

Beshlie

Well-Known Member
Messages
277
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Thats what I've made a big effort to do today and while it's still been there, I don't think it's been as bad......I've also remembered to take all my tablets! lol


I hope you feel better soon.
 
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Mud Island Dweller

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1,161
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
An awful lot.
A vegan diet should be carefully considered it isnt a simple swap whole portions of vitimins minerals prooteins etc are removed. You seem to say you jumo into decissions have you looked at the replacement foods.
Friends of mine went vegan but did it post quite a bit of study due to the implications of nutrient withdrawl/change. They did a step down l guess you could call it, went veggie then vegan.
 
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MamaB

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
A vegan diet should be carefully considered it isnt a simple swap whole portions of vitimins minerals prooteins etc are removed. You seem to say you jumo into decissions have you looked at the replacement foods.
Friends of mine went vegan but did it post quite a bit of study due to the implications of nutrient withdrawl/change. They did a step down l guess you could call it, went veggie then vegan.
I do tend to dive into things headlong, it's true :). Having said that it's not a decision I've taken lightly. I was veggie for 9 years and vegan for 2 in my 20's when I was into animal rights in a big way. I slipped back into meat eating and it's always bothered me to some extent. There wasn't the alternative choices back then that there is now, which is why I'm looking for some real good, grounded advice about exactly what I need in terms of nutrition etc, bearing in mind that I also have weight loss and diabetes to take into account. I'm making an appointment with my doc first thing to see if I can get to see a dietitian to get some proper info.
 
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Avocado Sevenfold

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Morning MamaB

I hope you get a better dietician than I got. Mine obviously thought that a fish was a vegetable :facepalm:

If you have any spare googling time, you might want to check out Dr Neal Barnard to see if his approach might interest you.

Best of luck.
 
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