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Diabetes on no!!

Cup half full

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Just been diagnosed pre diabetes. Explain why been feeling so awful. I know it's not a death sentence but my ignorance to it has caused me more stress than probably necessary.Just beginning to explore dietary advice and lifestyle changes. Jumped on vitamin band wagon with Tumeric and eager for any advice. Hope this neurotic era ref diet settles down. I'm finding it challenging.Linda
 
Pre diabetes is the half way house to type 2 so the same advice applies. Maybe less extreme though.


Can I suggest you take a good look at LCHF ie low carb higher fat (than historically recommended) methods of eating (keto is just a version of this). It’s how an awful lot of us get our blood sugar levels under control and for some even eliminate medications and achieve remission and also reduce or improve complications. It is often the easiest and most sustainable form of weight loss for a type 2 if you need that. Other conditions often improve including but not limited to blood pressure, joint pain, inflammation, PCOS, and despite the dire warnings of the last few decades it improves cholesterol for most, yes improves cholesterol. Some jump right on it, others edge their toes in a bit at a time. Be aware the the USA count carbs differently so be aware if you look at their counting, recipes or products. They include fibre in their count we don’t. So if it’s USA stuff deduct the fibre to get our figures. (Fibre isn’t generally digested thus doesn’t get counted)


Try clicking these links for more detailed explanations that are well worth readings.


http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.26870/


https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog/jokalsbeek.401801/ for info including low carb made simple


And https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/success-stories-and-testimonials.43/ to show it really works and for motivation


and https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-eaten-today.75781/ for food ideas


also https://www.dietdoctor.com/ for more food ideas and general info of carb content of foods. Excellent site and first port of call for many getting their head round low carb.


Lots of other websites for recipes out there too. Just use the term low carb or keto with whatever you fancy.


Also it’s very important to be able to check for yourself what’s happening so you can make the necessary adjustments day to day and meal by meal rather than wait 3, 6 or even 12 months and then have no idea what had what effect. It also helps keep an eye out that any meds are working appropriately not too much or too little. Getting a blood glucose meter is the only way to do this (no matter what contradictory advice you may have heard - it’s usually budget based rather than anything more scientific). Test before a meal and 2hrs later hoping for a rise of 2mmol or less. More and the carbs eaten were too many! Please ask if you want any guidance on this.


IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE ON DIABETIC MEDS (other than metformin): if you lower your carbs then any glucose lowering meds or insulin increasing meds may need to be adjusted accordingly to make sure you aren’t taking more than your new diet requires. It can cause a hypo if you have more gliclazide or insulin etc than your new carb intake requires. (This is not a concern for metformin on its own). Keep a very close eye on your numbers and do this with your dr’s knowledge so they can reduce medication accordingly. Please don’t be put off by an ill informed out dated rubbishing of low carb diets or being told you should eat carbs to match meds, it should be the other way around. Low carb is endorsed by the NHS and the ADA as an effective method of control, even if the practice staff don’t realise that yet.
 
Been there, Linda. And yes the shock does wear off quite quickly. Welcome!
 
Hello and welcome- yes the diagnosis in any form raises a lot of emotions.

@HSSS has given you some very helpful links. Don't worry if it takes you some time to read them and take them all in- it seems overwhelming at first but does get better.

Fortunately if you are still prediabetic you will quite possibly not have to go as low carb as those of us who are. diabetics.

Welcome to the forums and good luck.
 
When you're right at the start of this journey, it feels like having to climb to the summit of the Everest with nothing but sandals and a potato peeler. Take a deep breath, read what you can, (@HSSS already shared my Nutritional Thingy, I see, but do jump into Dr. Jason Fung's the Diabetes Code too... He's brilliant.) take notes because right now absorbing information might be a little difficult due to the shock, and most importantly, ask LOTS of questions. You want to know what your body is doing, what to do about it, and what questions to ask your doc.... And know enough about it all to understand the answers. Write everythign down, always ask for testresult print outs (or online access), and you can in all likelihood avoid the whole T2 thing for years, decades... Quite possibly, completely.

You'll be okay.
Jo
 
@HSSS covered it well enough. As a pre diabetic, you got a get outta jail free card. Use it. Or seriously regret it
 
Cheers Jo for your supportive words. Once upon a time I simply thought diabetics couldn't eat sweets and cake.Wish now I had been more diet conscious in the past. Determined to get this under control. Hate the feeling the sugar spike gives and numb legs and hands. Will follow your advice. Onwards and upwards
 
You couldn't know. Besides, the usual diet that is pushed is high carb, low fat.... It's not until one finds out their metabolism can't process carbs, that a whole world of different diets opens up. You'll be okay.
 
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