Help with Appetite and Controlling Diabetes

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes back in Jan/Feb 2013 at the age of 16 and as everyone says, it was a horrible shock. I absolutely loathe being diabetic, but I try not to let it control me; however, this has gone too far now.

It seems that most diabetics focus on what they eat and ensure that they eat foods low in carbohydrates, and if they do enjoy a sugary or carb-filled treat, that it is in moderation.

I can't seem to do this. When I was firstly diagnosed, I totally cut out chocolates and foods high in carbohydrates (I am a chocaholic and have a very sweet tooth to this day), and I dreaded having to live the rest of my life without being allowed to eat chocolates, cakes, biscuits, etc.

This stage didn't last long though, as I soon realised that I could eat sugary junk food as long as I put extra insulin (Novorapid) in. So now I eat huge slices of cake, whole chocolate bars, loads of biscuits, etc. I'm usually good at injecting enough insulin to cover these and to keep my blood glucose levels (reasonably) well, although sometimes I can't stop eating junk food and end up injecting myself about 2-3 times just for one meal, and still having levels in the 20s. I know this is really bad, and I even throw up a lot too (not on purpose), although it might be due to other medical problems I have. Nonetheless, I still feel terrible about myself when I read about all these other diabetics concerned whether they're allowed to eat this or that. I seriously need to start controlling my diabetes and my appetite much better, but I find it really difficult and I struggle to find the motivation to bother. I'm sorry if I sound incredibly spoilt and stupid, I swear I'm not, I just hate being diabetic.

If anyone has any advice for me I would be so grateful, as I am to anyone who has taken the time to read this. Please also let me know if anyone else suffers from an insatiable appetite at times, or who binge eats (like I do) because I think it is absolutely disgusting that I can't stop myself, and is made worse by the fact that I have diabetes (as it really messes up my levels).

Thank you,

Sera x

Thank you very much, you don't know how much that means to me! I will check out the link now Its good to know I'm not alone!x

Thank you to both of you! I don't put much weight on, but I exercise regularly so that is probably why. I haven't, but I might do some research into a pump to see if it would suit my lifestyle. Thank you

That puts a totally different spin on things, as I don't think I've ever thought about it like that. Thank you! My mam says exactly the same about trying to eat "proper" foods that will fill me up and are healthy. Thanks for your reply

Thank you, I'm sure my diabetic nurse will tell me the same thing as well! Sugar free chewing gum sometimes works for me too, but I'll have to try it more often

I am currently at a healthy weight so thats good to know, thanks! I don't like dark chocolate I'm afraid, but thank you for your advice

Wow, thank you for letting me know. That sounds awful! How are you now?

I have to say that I am quite healthy. I do eat fruits and veg, I eat three solid meals a day, my parents and I make homemade dinners and only occasionally get takeaways, etc. I am only referring to when I snack, which is when I tend to go for chocolates and biscuits.

I have heard that carbs create cravings, so I am trying to cut down. Its difficult though, as when I am hungry my mam will suggest toast, but she doesn't quite understand that this means extra insulin.

Thank you very much for your response though, and I hope you are ok.

@donnellysdogs

That sounds awful, I am very sorry to hear it, although I'm glad that you are fine now!

I never use sweeteners - one of the only things I've been able to adjust to with diabetes (I used to have 3 sugars in my tea pre-diabetes). I go through a lot of sugar free gum, especially when I was in school, but only occasionally treat myself to a diet coke or pepsi.

They really do! That sounds like a good idea, I'll definitely have to try it, thank you!

I've just done a little bit of research into aspartame and its scary how many "diet" and "low sugar" products it is found in... I'd never even heard if it before! It seems horribly unfair though, as these products are the ones that us diabetics can enjoy without having the full-sugar version and having our bg levels go sky-high! I'm very grateful to you for making me aware of this - I'm not going to lie to you and say that I'll never have anything with aspartame in it again, but I'll definitely take it into consideration, and cut down on these products even more.

My doctor did test me for glucose intolerance, but luckily it came back negative. What does your diet tend to consist of then?

Thank you once again, I really appreciate all of the advice and help you've given me

That sounds so healthy! I don't like fish, but I eat a lot of meat and veg, and I often make homemade vegetable soups which are really nice My friend recently introduced me to yumyums but she was terrified that my sugars would go really high, however, I was 6.5 after it which was surprising. They are amazing!

I'll clearly have to do a lot more research into aspartine, and take a closer look at what I'm eating. This will be particularly beneficial towards my 'binge-eating' as I may be able to control it better now.

That is exactly what I tell myself, but it is very nice to hear it from someone like yourself who clearly has a lot if experience with diabetes. Thank you again for all your help! x