Difficulties eating and loss of appetite

[Sally66]

Hi there. Diagnosed with Type 2 last December. Have worked hard on low carb diet and exercise (swim 1km x5 a week plus walks). I have lost weight and my latest HBa1c is back in “normal” range. Also on Metformin. That cause stomach issues initially but generally has settled though have upset tummy in the evenings on occasion and nausea. It’s lovable with though.

My biggest struggle is with eating and cooking not just for myself but for family too. I have lost all interest in food I prepare for myself and going elsewhere is even more of a nightmare. Close family, despite knowledge of my limitations don’t make them and just say “sorry I forgot you can’t have that”. I feel socially isolated.

I eat for survival only. There is no pleasure in it at all and at times it’s easier to not eat than face the hell that has become “eating”. I suspect this is a psychological battle more than anything. I have not thrown caution to the wind and ignored my diabetes but I’m really struggling.

 

[HSSS]

I can strongly emphasise. It’s probably been my biggest battle over the last 5 yrs.

I’ve tended to cook meals that have carbs as an add on rather than an integral part so it’s easy to skip that bit for me. I also batch cook stuff and keep meal size tubs in the freezer for me on bad meal days or I’m sick of thinking about it days. Fasting is a viable option (having a good lunch to enable family dinner to be skipped). Though I get a bit cheesed off cooking meals I’m not going to eat on days like that.

Remind family if you were vegan for example they’d not expect you to eat meat and this is a whole lot more necessary medically. Or take your own to make the point you won’t eat carbs. It does help to simplify what you can and can’t eat for family though. Meat, real full fat dairy, salad and veg are good Skip the bread, rice pasta and potatoes. No low fat foods. No gluten free alternatives.

Socially it’s about learning to read menus and adapt them. Some places are easier than others. I tend to ask for any potato options to be swapped for veg or salad. Dressings on the side. Pasta sauces over green veg instead. Or build a main out of sides and starters. If it’s one the menu somewhere and isn’t an unreasonable price swap ask the for items to be swapped. Almost all places are really good about it. Indians for example I skip the rice and bread and have appropriate side dishes. Yes it’s all a but wet but still very tasty.

If you are back in normal range and still struggling with Metformin why not try with a lower dose or none at all? Talk to your nurse obviously but it’s effect is only mild and you might not need it anymore. Or try the slow release version. No need to put up with side effects.

 

[ajbod]

Hi Sally, ironically most of our health problems boil down to the fact we DON'T eat for survival, but pleasure.
When cooking a meal instead of having something different to the others, have more of the stuff you can safely eat, and dodge the c&*^.
When family and friends cook without thinking, i don't make a scene, but i do ensure they realise their mistake, just enough, so that they feel slightly uncomfortable. Funnily the next time they usually put a little more thought into things.
You have to realise, our concerns as type 2s, are not theirs, unless they are ever diagnosed, they will not know what you do, as they have no real need to know. It's your place to educate them.
If you are eating for survival, i assume when you don't eat, you aren't hungry. Perhaps your inner self is guiding you as to the best treatment for YOU. ie eat only when hungry.
If you are back in normal range, it may be possible to ditch the metformin, with your doctor knowing. My understanding is it only impacts Hba1c by about 1-2 mmol.
Take heart, it's a struggle some days, BUT you have dodged diagnosis of full diabetes, that's a BIG WIN.

 

[MrsA2]

Stick with it @Sally66 It does get easier.
It might not be as psychological as you think, but more physiological as your body adapts and let's you know what it needs rather than what your tastes used to desire.
Often now I find myself eating for fuel rather than for pleasure, and those are words I never thought would come out of my mouth! I was a keen cook , baker and eater. Food was central to how I showed my love for all around me and food was always being planned, prepared and thought about.
Now I'm amazed when I find I've missed a meal and not even noticed!
But I love my healthier, fitter and slimmer body. I love being able to know I can skip a meal without suffering hunger pangs or cravings. I love knowing I'm putting food into my body that doesn't spike my bg (or only occasionally, I'm still human!) I still eat ice cream and chocolate and drink alcohol and enjoy eating out.
I'm hopeful I can be this way, with my eye sight and my limbs, for a good long life yet.
Just as it takes you time to adjust, it will take family and friends longer as they aren't involved daily. Some of mine get it, some don't , but my husband and son have gradually moved into eating mostly low carb. They have separate tins and fridge shelves for their contraband.

What bugs you most?