High levels

[Julieep]

Hi, I have T2 and was diagnosed around 5 years ago.
The area where I lived stopped giving test strips to people with T2 around 4 years ago so I just stopped testing.
Annul reviews were usually ok and I was keeping it under control with HbA1c of around 47-49.
I am taking 2 x 500 prolonged release metformin.
I moved house in March and had to change doctors, applied online as usual for my monthly prescription and they have given me a different brand. About 6 weeks ago I started getting headaches so got my eyes tested and new glasses to wear at work for the screen. These helped a bit but I am waking up feeling like I have a hangover. Realised this week that I feel like I did before my diagnosis so dug out my old testing kit and was shocked to see s reading of 19.6. It dropped to 14.6 after I had eaten some cheese and drunk some water. This morning it was 19.6 on waking, had 2 glasses of water and a cup of tea and it was 22.6.
I walk the dog for at least 30 minutes a day, drink plenty of water, around 2 litres a day but I must admit that I haven’t been as strict with my diet since moving house and I used to do a workout every morning which I haven’t been doing.
I am determined not to take more medication so am setting myself an 8 week target from today, so 2nd October, to get myself back on track.
I don’t like fish or eggs so tend to have porridge or muesli (without the raisins) for breakfast and 2/3 high fibre crisp breads with a banana or avocado for lunch. Dinner is salad and steak or chicken with 3/4 small new potatoes.
Any advice will be gratefully received.

 

[Pipp]

Hello @Julieep ,
Those levels are quite high. Is metformin your only medication? Do you have any other health conditions?
Testing BG regularly is the best advice I was ever given. I wonder if your old testing kit and strips need updating? The strips have limited shelf life, so could be giving inaccurate readings. Get some new strips and a meter.
In your position, I would be inclined to check with GP, short course of newer meds might help. Though as you have said you want to try without more meds you could benefit from reducing the amount of carbs you are eating. Porridge, muesli, banana, crisp breads, potatoes are all high carb. To get a better idea of what to eat have a look at the low carb subforums. Also there is good easy to understand advice on the diet doctor site.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/60-seconds

I would emphasise the need to check blood glucose levels on waking, before each meal, then two hours after starting each meal. Record the levels, and what you have eaten to give you an accurate picture of how foods are affecting you.

Also, if youbare not seeing a reduction in your BG levels within a couple of days, or you continue to feel so ill, please get advice from GP surgery.