I am at the end of my tether

[nannoo_bird]

Hi all. I am getting desperate. I have had Type 2 for around 10 years. I am now on insulin, metformin, Lyrica and meds for blood pressure and cholesterol. I suffer terribly with neuropathy in my feet and edges of my fingers. I also forget things. I live in chaos because of these problems, and cannot stick to a diet as I constantly crave sweet things. I suffer from insomnia. I also have Hashimotos, but no doctor wants to treat this until I have control of my blood sugar levels. Despite being on the maximum dose of Lyrica, the pain in my feet keeps me awake. I have seen a few GPs, a diabetic specialist and regularly see a diabetic nurse, but no-one understands my situation. I don't know how to get all of this under control. I have a very good private insurance and have taken early retirement, so I can travel to see a private specialist if necessary. I just need to find someone who can help. I am losing it, and am now having panic attacks. Please help.

 

[nannoo_bird]

No hyper expensive specialist can replace YOUR efforts to control your sugar cravings, A controlled diet does result in a controlled diabetes, does mean controlled long term damage to your body and vital organs.

The forum here is full with fantastic diet suggestions.

Controlling diabetes is everyones personal effort, medication and specialists only lead to nothing. Diet and exercise are your personal 80% contribution, medication may support the missing 20%. Good luck.

May I ask for your blood sugar readings, if you are doing them at all. And your last HbA1c.

Thanks for your answer. As my life has been chaotic, it has been impossible to get order in my diet, but I have just been watching some videos with Dr. Jason Fung and have been inspired, so let's hope this will continue. My BS readings are high, although I take them sporadically. Usually between 13 and 15, although they can spike in the 20s. Last HbA1c was very high.

 

[Stallen]

I've had a few medical set backs the past few years, leading to more and more medications being prescribed, my last medical problem resulted in a falling out with my GP practice, who just wanted to ignore my current issues and for me not to worry about gaining weight saying they would just up my meds again and look to putting me on insulin.

The result was I disengaged pulled out of all my medications some 20 items, switched to LCHF lost 10 kilos in 9 weeks, now walk 60+ miles a week, despite having active RA in both hips and spine, just started testosterone replacement which given my latest medical problem can't be avoided, however my other conditions seem to have faded considerable since doing the LCHF diet.

Sometimes it's easier to concentrate on what you can't do rather than focus on what you can do, I've been guilty of it, but given the results I've been seeing during the past 9 weeks, I'm determined not to slip back.

Everyone is different, I hope you find what works for yourself as the medical profession just view you as another patient and apply whatever their blanket approach is for everyone , whether or not it is suitable for your needs.

Positive results I've seen on the LCHF diet have been, weight loss, lower BP, no acid reflux, better BG results more energy less brain fog, less pins and needles in my feet and less inflammation in my joints.

I also had a sweet tooth, but eating good fat, knocked all my cravings on the head, I now reach for Brazil nuts if I need a snack but more often I'm quite satisfied with just a meal.

 

[Stallen]

Thanks for your answer. As my life has been chaotic, it has been impossible to get order in my diet, but I have just been watching some videos with Dr. Jason Fung and have been inspired, so let's hope this will continue. My BS readings are high, although I take them sporadically. Usually between 13 and 15, although they can spike in the 20s. Last HbA1c was very high.

When I disengaged from my GP and medications my BG was 22-35 now after 9 weeks on LCHF it's been 5.7 -7.7 with an odd 8 now and then but mostly in the 6s.

 

[nannoo_bird]

When I disengaged from my GP and medications my BG was 22-35 now after 9 weeks on LCHF it's been 5.7 -7.7 with an odd 8 now and then but mostly in the 6s.

Thank you Stallen, what a lovely positive response. I am so pleased for you, and I hope it will spur me on to do the same. I know the first few days will be the hardest, but if I can focus on the benefits, I am sure that will help. How do you feel about a fasting day a week for diabetics?

 

[mfactor]

I've had a few medical set backs the past few years, leading to more and more medications being prescribed, my last medical problem resulted in a falling out with my GP practice, who just wanted to ignore my current issues and for me not to worry about gaining weight saying they would just up my meds again and look to putting me on insulin.

The result was I disengaged pulled out of all my medications some 20 items, switched to LCHF lost 10 kilos in 9 weeks, now walk 60+ miles a week, despite having active RA in both hips and spine, just started testosterone replacement which given my latest medical problem can't be avoided, however my other conditions seem to have faded considerable since doing the LCHF diet.

Sometimes it's easier to concentrate on what you can't do rather than focus on what you can do, I've been guilty of it, but given the results I've been seeing during the past 9 weeks, I'm determined not to slip back.

Everyone is different, I hope you find what works for yourself as the medical profession just view you as another patient and apply whatever their blanket approach is for everyone , whether or not it is suitable for your needs.

Positive results I've seen on the LCHF diet have been, weight loss, lower BP, no acid reflux, better BG results more energy less brain fog, less pins and needles in my feet and less inflammation in my joints.

I also had a sweet tooth, but eating good fat, knocked all my cravings on the head, I now reach for Brazil nuts if I need a snack but more often I'm quite satisfied with just a meal.

Agree 100% , LCHF has been a godsend, reducing my up to 20 bg results to bang on normal in only 8 weeks...............

 

[ladybird64]

Nannoo - sometimes it might appear that people are judgemental, I know I can be guilty of this too. But hand on heart, people DO understand how hard it can be to deal with diet when life is knocking us sideways.
What I really would suggest is keeping uppermost in your mind that nobody is beyond change or help. It is human to slip up, and we all do it, but regular monitoring of your BG levels - before and after every meal - is also a great incentive to make change. When you see number drop or raise, you know what affects you and you have control - you choose if you eat that item again.

If you want to make changes, you are half way there. Keep an open mind and acknowledge that ultimately YOU have control over the dietary side and it will work.
You will have great support here, any questions, someone will be there to help.

 

[Brunneria]

It isn't easy cutting back on sweet things when the cravings have you in their grip.

Have a look at this post, that I wrote in another thread a few days ago - it describes exactly how I used to feel, and how it sounds like you are feeling at the moment.
The sadness of being ignorant of their own diabetes
Then have a look at this thread - particularly the recipes for low carb, diabetic friendly sweets, desserts and cakes. They can be an absolute life saver during the 'withdrawal phase'.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/vegetarian-vegan-low-carb-recipe-index.61859/
Hope this helps.
Believe me, you are not the only person to go through this!

 

[Stallen]

Thank you Stallen, what a lovely positive response. I am so pleased for you, and I hope it will spur me on to do the same. I know the first few days will be the hardest, but if I can focus on the benefits, I am sure that will help. How do you feel about a fasting day a week for diabetics?

Hi nannoo bird, from what I've read it works for some people, but it would have been impossible for me to have done a fast because of the amount of medication I was taking that lowered my BG levels combined with my hormone problem, I was constantly hungry all the time,fasting would have crashed my BG and I would have been unwell for a few days, the LCHF diet put a stop to the cravings and my testosterone hormones have recently been replaced synthetically.

However,
Now that I'm on no diabetic meds I don't go hypo, so in theory I may try a fasting day, currently my walking target is 10 miles a day so food for fuel at the moment, so it very much in demand to maintain that level of exercise, but if the weather turns bad and I can't get out to walk then fasting could be an option, I'm going to have some surgery in around 8 weeks time, walking won't be an option for a few weeks so that could be the right time for me to try a fast.

If you do try fasting, talk it over with your health team first.

 

[Alzebra]

Hi Nannoo_bird, sorry to hear you're having these troubles. I'm also a huge fan of LCHF, which has helped me lose almost 7 stone in the past 9 months. Most importantly, the sugar cravings and incessant hunger are a thing of the past too Have a look at some of the success stories on here http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/low-carb-success-stories.3763/

Wishing you all the best, Al

 

[Stallen]

Just a follow up on my own struggle,

I had to see my GP today for some hospital test results, having not seen my GP for 2 months since disengaging from all my meds, the first question I was asked, are you still off all medications? My reply was, I am and I won't be going back on them, when I explained how well my conditions had improved on going down the LCHF route, Losing 10kg, my walks totalled more than 3 marathons in the past 7 days, BG 6.4 and 7.2 weekly averages for the past two weeks. The response I got was WOW and WOW from my GP, and they are more than happy for me to continue as I am.

Sometimes you have to hit a crisis a point, before things can get kick started in the right direction, the path with the least resistance isn't always the right one to tread, in my case an easy option would have been, follow the health teams options of more pills more weight gain, leading to a bigger struggle and crisis further down the road. My way to the health team seemed impractical but longer term it working out better for me, and my GP can see that, so very positive. Tomorrow I see the diabetic Nurse, hopefully I win her over as well with the LCHF diet.

Good luck to anyone struggling with their diabetes.

 

[ickihun]

I would love to do what you've done @Stallen but i've tried no meds before and it didnt work for me. Infact i've ended up on more meds.
I love the lchf diet and so does my bgs. Weight loss is slow due to underactive thyroid. Maybe my diabetes is only half of my problem.
I too have had horrific sugar cravings. Which concurred with high bgs.
Once I broke the camels back (lower bgs) I too found relief. It's one huge vicious circle. Christmas treats haven't helprd.
I'm back on lchf today and i'm starting my 8yr ols son on it tomorrow.
We're in this fight together. It's at times tough but definitely not impossible.
If I can do it anyone can. I rarely cook but I'm definitely interested in replacing high sugar foods with their high protein alternatives so I don't feel deprived or punished. I've made a start.
Rome wasn't built in a day!
We all wish you the encouragement to succeed. And you will.

 

[eddie1968]

Cracking the "sweet tooth" is fundamental to diabetic management. Keep it simple - this is your goal and you and only you can solve this through trial and error.
Many diabetics find cravings of carbohydrates the main source of poor glycaemic control.
Keep trying.

 

[Alzebra]

Cracking the "sweet tooth" is fundamental to diabetic management. Keep it simple - this is your goal and you and only you can solve this through trial and error.
Many diabetics find cravings of carbohydrates the main source of poor glycaemic control.
Keep trying.

Totally agree with @eddie1968 and would also say from my experience that carb cravings can also be a symptom of high blood sugar too, it's a vicious circle. When i went cold turkey I found my hunger reduced as my bg came down

 

[mekalu2k4]

me lose almost 7 stone in the past 9 months.

This is a great achievement. Usually 1 to 1.5 lbs per week is considered as very good result. To lost 7 stone, it usually takes more than an year on a very fast track. So, your effort is significantly great and results are simply impressive.

 

[mekalu2k4]

Hi all. I am getting desperate. I have had Type 2 for around 10 years. I am now on insulin, metformin, Lyrica and meds for blood pressure and cholesterol. I suffer terribly with neuropathy in my feet and edges of my fingers. I also forget things. I live in chaos because of these problems, and cannot stick to a diet as I constantly crave sweet things. I suffer from insomnia. I also have Hashimotos, but no doctor wants to treat this until I have control of my blood sugar levels. Despite being on the maximum dose of Lyrica, the pain in my feet keeps me awake. I have seen a few GPs, a diabetic specialist and regularly see a diabetic nurse, but no-one understands my situation. I don't know how to get all of this under control. I have a very good private insurance and have taken early retirement, so I can travel to see a private specialist if necessary. I just need to find someone who can help. I am losing it, and am now having panic attacks. Please help.

You need to provide complete info - such as age, gender, current body weight, height current BMI, waist size, body fat percentage, blood pressure readings, BS readings etc. You get precise help and responses. So you can update your profile on the site.

As already suggested by SweetLucie in a very perfect way:

Controlling diabetes is everyones personal effort, medication and specialists only lead to nothing. Diet and exercise are your personal 80% contribution, medication may support the missing 20%. Good luck.

Please take note of 'personal effort' part seriously. Try starting little bit and then keep working to improve. In your case - it is important to calm yourself down in a natural way. May be you should consider 15 min of yoga everyday in addition to diet and exercise. Two important aspects that you should look into:
1. Your current daily water consumption? how many glasses you are taking everyday?
2. How many number of hours of deep sleep you get every night?

Best of luck

 

[ickihun]

This is a great achievement. Usually 1 to 1.5 lbs per week is considered as very good result. To lost 7 stone, it usually takes more than an year on a very fast track. So, your effort is significantly great and results are simply impressive.

If I can lose 2 stones a year I'd be delighted. Too tired to work out arithmetics but in fact any loss would please me.
I've put on exactly 2.2lb over xmas so if I right off December as a month of loss then January loss will kick start me again.
I've just eaten the most expensive coconut wraps but never again. Taste was not for me or my 8yr old. Yuck! Back to the drawing board. Ha ha

 

[mekalu2k4]

Too tired to work out arithmetics but in fact any loss would please me.

Same here. I am totally confused with myself and weight loss strategies.

Last year I was at 140lbs. Now also at 140lb, did everything in book to shed. It is a long story, to cut it short - Something stopping me to lose my weight despite my best efforts. May be my T2D genes would not allow me to my weight any further.

So glad to maintain my weight and body fat 18%.