• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

How do I get my BG levels down?

L

LaserMum

Well-Known Member
Messages
72
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi,
I was diagnosed with T2 a couple of years ago (I think - I haven't really kept track of time on this). I was just told that I was diabetic and to come back on a regular basis for a checkup. I think I'm supposed to get my HBa1c done every 6 months or so but never bother as I just forget. I haven't a clue what my levels are, I don't think I've ever been told. I've had one appointment to check for retinopathy. Promised an appointment with a podiatrist which has not materialised. I just don't bother going to see the doctor or "diabetes nurse" at my GPs surgery. I don't see the point. I had one appointment with the dietician who quickly realised that I knew everything she was telling me anyway - been overweight for years, trying to lose weight so knew all the NHS advice on the subject!

History: When younger I was underweight - nearly didn't get in the army when I was 17 as I was 5' 9" and only 7 1/2 stone. Never put on any weight no matter what I ate. Had a slight problem which seemed like feinting at the time (got hot, lost visual focus, collapsed) which was treated as anaemia. This seemed to clear up when I started putting on weight in my mid-twenties. I don't know why I started putting on weight, I didn't change my diet or exercise - just started piling it on.
Diagnosed with T2 a couple of years ago, Sleep Apnoea and Hypothyroidism at the end of last year.

Back to my question. I've been testing with a CodeFree meter for the last couple of weeks and following a low(ish) carb diet (<100g/day but often <70g). Started with BS levels in the low 9s and weight 117.9 (down from 121.9 at beginning of January). Weight has continued to fall slightly - now 115.8. But BS levels seem to be all over the place -started at 9.6, several 7s and 8s, this week: 8.7, 8.0, 7.5, 9.2, 7.8.

I'm concerned that I seem to be losing a bit of weight (although it's not coming off as quickly as I'd like!) but my BS levels don't seem to be responding so well. I feel very discouraged whenever I get a 9.? in the morning.

Actually, writing this post, it's not too bad is it? Am I just expecting too much too soon?

Another thing - I seem to get lower readings when I've had a couple of glasses of wine the night before - any ideas why?

Any insights greatly appreciated.
 
First thing well done on starting to take an interest in your T2 diabetes! I'm type 1 and i know what you mean about not being bothered but over the past few years i've really begun to understand the seriousness of it and what can happen if you don't look after yourself properly.

I also follow a low carb diet generally <30g a day and I find it works wonders for my BS 4-7mmol mainly. A lot of it is about trial and error as different foods and activities will affect people differently. It's also good to treat yourself occasionally, I have the occasional weekend off where I indulge in a few chips, crisps and choccy, just test and see how it affects you.

In regards to the wine question, i believe this generally happens because during the night your body uses energy to repair itself and set you up for the next day, to do this sometimes the liver releases glucose for energy, this is why sometimes we wake up with much higher readings than when we went to bed. If you have a few drinks your liver is too busy processing the alcohol and has little time to release any glucose. Although this seems like a great idea to drink wine every night we do have to be careful that during the night after a few drinks we don't experience a hypo (low BS) due to the fact that the liver can't release this "backup" glucose. I always keep a few sweet treats next to the bed if i've had a night on the vino :D

It does seem like a pain in the bum going to all the appointments (hospital, eyes, feet...and the rest) but it is well worth it and since taking care of myself i feel better than ever, healthier, fitter and much happier in myself!

Good Luck!
 
Hello Lasermum

S23...'s advice is good, but as you're type 2, then as long as you are not on medications such as Gliclazide (which stimulate insulin production), then you are in no danger of hypos. I also find that a glass or two of red wine helps to keep BG down the next morning: it's a brilliant reason for drinking wine!


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Thanks. I think I was just fed up having had another 9 this week - hoped they were a thing of the past. Never mind. Just have to keep going I suppose. I'll get there eventually - I always say that but still haven't worked out where "there" is! :roll: :crazy:
 
I know: the dawn phenomenon is really frustrating. Why can't the liver mind its own business and not dump glucose into your blood when you don't want it? It's too controlling by half (I know that's its job, but it's just a bit keen for my liking). How soon after getting up do you take your reading? I found that if I delayed breakfast, my BG would just keep on rising, and when I did have breakfast it would add a bit more BG (of course), so I reckoned it best always to eat early. Now I always eat within an hour of getting up; usually I have a sausage, egg (all cooked and in stock in the fridge, ready to go) and mayo. Good luck, and stick at it!


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Back
Top