How can we help be better

I hear you. Even vegies are expensive at the moment. In most countries, though, the recommended food choices are an average. So, yeah, they might they say fish 3 times a week (I can't afford that for sure!), but on average. Doesn't make it much easier though. My only advice is do the best you can. Buy things when they're on special. If the diabetes workers tell you that you're eating "wrong" tell them you're doing the best you can. Because you are

I see now that you're on insulin. Can I ask what they want you to eat?

Maybe check out a food bank if you're struggling to have enough food.

Have you told them that?

cdpm said:

Yep
They continue to ignore that. And I end up
feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
But I know I don't have to feel that way.
I've actually told them more than once.

Part of the issue is that they make the
Appointments with a different person
Everytime. So I have to explain it again.
I have stopped going a few times but
Sometimes they will give people free
Supplies. So I go back.

It's absolutely distressing and I don't think
I can anymore.

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I'm sorry you are having such a tough time.

Perhaps you could tell them what your budget is for food, per day, or week, then outline what you buy and what it costs, and see what they say then.

Is there any help you can get with travel costs for hospital appointments?

I'm really sorry, that must be so hard for you.

You should be able to get your bloods done at your GP for hospital appointments, ask if they do virtual clinics if you have the options to do this but I only met my diabetic nurse once since the 2 years she's been with the practice! Speak to the secretary and inform them that it's a financial burden don't ever be embarrassed. I type letters for the NHS and occasionally doctors or nurses do dictate issues with patients attending and ask the GP for community help.

As for foods I understand totally, we are on benefits and with the local food bank, my husband gets the bulk of the food, I think out of it all the only goto food I have is the tinned fish and then i request it in water or brine. mostly its all in sunflower oil or tomato sauce which isn't good for you either. Oh occasionally they get given vegetables but mainly fruit so again nothing!

If you aren't on injected insulin, look at fasting and eating two meals a day, eating one meal a day is good but you have to be used to it. Actually breaking from eating is better for you than loading it up with bad foods. If you could learn to do this then the money you save could buy you the food you need for your health.
If you are on insulin it's still good to research this as I'm sure there are reports out there that have people come off insulin as their weight has reduced from the liver and pancreas and it begins to make insulin again.