Hello everyone

Hi and welcome!

Keep reading, keep asking. It can seem like info overload to start with, but bear with it. Things eventually fall into place.

Hi Captain Crunch and welcome to the forum. Here’s a link to the useful info we provide for newbies:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.17088/
If you opt for the low carb approach which many of us here have success with, you might find this website helpful, loads of info available even without subscribing:
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

Captain Crunch said:

Thanks Brunneria and Rachox,

I think I will attempt the low carb option. I went out for a small groceries shop this morning and it took much longer than usual as I was studying the nutritional info . My GP didn't mention anything about carbs, only to severely reduce sugar intake. This site has taught me the importance of less carbs. Next on the list will be a BG meter.

Click to expand...

Hi @Captain Crunch ,

That's where the internet comes in handy... You might want to take a few hours out of your day to check the nutritional values online of your usual groceries and their possible alternatives. Otherwise, the whole shopping thing becomes a lengthy expedition indeed! https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html might help as well, as it's a condensed little thing to help one get started.

Good luck eh!
Jo
PS: You'll be fine. You're taking this particular bull by the horns, which is a really good, hopeful sign.

Captain Crunch said:

Thanks Brunneria and Rachox,

I think I will attempt the low carb option. I went out for a small groceries shop this morning and it took much longer than usual as I was studying the nutritional info . My GP didn't mention anything about carbs, only to severely reduce sugar intake. This site has taught me the importance of less carbs. Next on the list will be a BG meter.

Click to expand...

lit is common for health care professionals not to mention carb content as they still think diabetics should eat the ‘healthy’ diet suitable for non diabetics, but at the same time they believe Type 2 is a progressive disease, it needn’t be that way. I and many others here have returned non diabetic bloods for years on low carb.
As for shopping you’ll find your shopping getting quicker as you learn, but you’ll soon be avoiding complete aisles in the supermarket!
Here’s some info on meters, and to be clear I have no commercial connections with any of the companies mentioned. For a meter with cheap strips go for the Tee2 + found here:

http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-plus-blood-glucose-meter/ with the strips found here:

http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-testing-strips/


With more expensive strips is the Caresens Dual which I currently use, this one has the advantage of glucose and ketone testing in one machine, it’s to be found here:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/collections/caresens-dual


And to be totally transparent I used to use the SD Code Free which has the cheapest strips available. However I found it to be becoming less and less reliable, although I hear reliability may have improved now. Here it is for anyone wanting to give it a go:

http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/blood-glucose-monitor/

and here for the extra strips

http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/

There are discount codes if you buy in bulk.

5 packs 264086

10 packs 975833


Don’t forget to check the box that you have diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)

Hello and welcome

You have found the best place to get information and support for diabetics. At first it is very overwhelming but it gets better.

I agree with the advice to get a meter. Only by testing cab you know the effect food is having on your blood sugar levels.

In relation to low carb- it will soon become easier to identify things that have very low or no carbs, Those things make food easier as you can just eat until you are satisfied.

Good luck and welcome.

When starting out on low carb eating I made two shopping lists which I used alternately, both gave me various options for meals for the week, but they provided variety which I found useful - even these days I hardly ever buy mushrooms and tomatoes in the same shopping expedition.

Hello and welcome to the forum. This is the best place to learn and get educated on diabetes. I too learned from this forum to be on low carb. My last HBA1c was 4.2 after low carbing. You can try cauliflower rice. It will definitely help.