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I could really use some support

Geminigirl

Well-Known Member
Messages
165
Location
Suffolk
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Spicy food, 2 faced people.
Hi there.
I could really use some support.
I have been diagnosed T2 for 8 yrs now and in the past have managed diet only, then on Glimperimide after Met didn't suit me.
My HBAIC has been gradually rising over the last year and I really feel I have given up tbh.
I suffer from Anxiety and Depression and am a yo yo dieter, at the moment I need to lose about 5 stones which is not funny and I try my hardest to stick to a plan BUT am an emotional eater and its so hard, no matter how rude the Diabetic nurse is (and she is believe me!) I know the risks but feel I have hit a wall.
I don't have much in the way of support and feel so isolated.
My GP is giving me longer to lose weight before changing meds to see if I can make a difference but the nurse really disagrees with him. He says if I go on to Insulin I will become fatter and even more Insulin resistant where as the nurse wants me to move to it now.
Despite asking what other options there are that seems to be it!!!
Anyway, my last HBAIC was very high, GP says check in three months, nurse having a fit!
I have recently completed a CBT course for my issues as well as a five week weight and well being "talking therapies" course. They suggested I could attend the next course which enables support from a multi discipline team who can help with an individual eating plan, possible ref to a Diabetic specialist and Endocrinologist as I have Thyroid probs, and weekly exercise and weigh in sessions locally. Then a ref to poss Bariatric team as I meet criteria for surgery.
She sent the necessary ref to my GP who reluctantly agreed to complete and I have an appt with the service next week.
But again, my GP doesn't agree with Bariatric surgery and the nurse does.
I am undecided, I feel it's very radical and am terrified of the prospect, but at the same time I am equally afraid of Insulin and/or other meds as I tend to have reactions to a lot of meds.
I know I am going on a bit but it's almost as though I am pushing the destruct button on myself.
I feel as though I am dying on my feet, am in joint pain but tbh apart from chucking painkillers at me and disagreeing between themselves on how I should proceed I don't feel I am getting much input.
I do walk a lot, as much as my pain allows and have cut my carbs a lot but these high numbers scare me and my eyes are playing me up too.
I so hope my appt next week will offer support but again I am worried about having to make a decision on surgery.
Thanks for listening.
I am 58yrs old and am also on meds for high BP, under active Thyroid, a statin, painkillers and I also have a blood condition.

 
It sounds like your GP is a lot more sensible than your DSN, so he's the one I'd be listening too.

I'll tag @daisy1 who will give you some advice for newcomers.

If you read some of the stories in the Success Stories and Testimonials area of the forum, hopefully that may inspire you:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/success-stories-and-testimonials.43/

It may also help you to check out Dr Michael Mosley's 8 Week Blood Sugar Diet or the work of Dr Jason Fung (there are many of his videos on Youtube).

Welcome to the forum

There is also a free online low carb diet program available from this forum:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/lowcarb/
 
Hi and welcome!

I totally agree with everything that @Indy51 has said.

Please don't give up on yourself. Have a good read of the forum, and the things Indy has suggested. There are people here who are able to reduce their meds and sometimes come off them completely, by making changes to their way of eating.

Stick with the forum, and you will find we are all very supportive and can help with questions.
 
Hi Geminigirl

First of all, lots of {{{{Hugs}}}}. I can so relate to much of what you've said and can appreciate how desperate you must be feeling. However, you've arrived at the best place to deal with all this and, I'm sure you'll 'sort this'.

Very good advice in the previous two posts. The nurse you have seen sounds the 'pits' and I don't like the DNs at my surgery either but your's seems downright unsympathetic.

Regarding Bariatric surgery, might I suggest you don't make any decisions until you've given yourself a few months to get started on a good eating plan and see some good results. You'll then have better motivation, enthusiasm and feel so much better Take heart. If you were to research into the results of Bariatric surgery, I doubt you would find them particularly favourable in terms of overall success and, personally, I would only consider such surgery as the absolute last option, if even then.

Yes, your GP is quite right in that using insulin will cause you to put more weight on UNLESS you were to severely cut back on starchy carbohydrate foods, in my opinion. I was putting weight on taking Glypizide so I felt this was a 'make or break' time and began to reduce, then get quite low, re carbs. So, that includes bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, flour, pastry, cereals etc. What's left to eat, I hear you scream Well, believe it or not, I felt the same just a year ago but am now, surprisingly enough, not eating any bread, potatoes etc etc etc but not feeling hungry either I enjoy my food, being Low carb High/Healthy(er) fats and have lost 2 1/2 stone in the last year. I would have lost more but the Glipizide have had increased effect as I lost weight so had to eat some carbs to treat hypos. I've now sorted that - another story So, believe me, it IS do-able

When daisy1 posts her info, do give it a good read, even print it out as it will definitely help you understand how foods affect our blood sugars etc. It's all very good info.

Take care. You won't take all this in straight away so take each day one at a time, read and learn, try to keep your chin up in good ol' British way. You'll get there - promise

Julie
 
Lots of support to you. lots of good information and good people on this site but the most important part is use what works for you and take back control of your own life.
 
I just want to add @Geminigirl . I thought I was a binge eater until I reduced my carbs. When I eat carbs, I crave more. Now I throw veg or salad at it as no carbs hanging around the house. I don't buy them. None diabetics in the house have frozen chips which I cannot stand. Bread I've converted to protein rolls for me so I don't feel deprived.
I don't think you've had any control over intense carb cravings. This is what a type 2 body does, not you.
You have come to the right place. You'll never look back.
Get reading and changing your carb hindering diet.
Ps. Other day I had cauliflower cheese for breakfast. Think upside down regarding what you used to believe a balanced diet was. Low carb has some fantastic results. Don't despair if others can go no meds and you carnt. Everyone is different. Find what works for YOU.
 
@Geminigirl

Hello Geminigirl and welcome to the forum You may have already seen this since you have been a member for a while, but just in case, here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. It will give you a lot of advice about carbs and how important it is to restrict them, and a link to the Low Carb Program which you might like to try. Ask more questions and someone will be along to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 210,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
 
Hi, thank you very much for your advice, I will have a good look.
 
Thank you everyone for the advice, I will have a good look at all the links you kindly sent me.
I do have a meter and strips with no probs because with the Glimperimide I can (and have) had hypos in the past. Not for a while now but I think I actually eat to avoid it sometimes when I don't need to when I am out and haven't got my meter. I get slight dizziness anyway and if I am out I am so afraid of hypos I will eat something "just in case"
I def am a carb queen and will def try to work on that one!
I am attending the "Bariatric seminar" next week but have put I am undecided and would like the dietary, exercise and emotional support in buckets, as well as the weekly class so I can try my hardest.
Had a bit of a row with DSN this morning on phone as she doesn't agree with my GP redoing HBAIC in Dec, she wants it now. I stood my ground and explained if I go in Dec as he wanted it will give me a few weeks to have a crack at making a difference.
I have just passed the anniversary of my son's death so have been emotionally struggling tbh, but I know he would say get on with it so am going to give myself a kick and get started.
Thanks again, it makes such a difference to be able to talk to other people in the same boat. It feels as though I feel ****** most of the time and people don't get it. It is a mix of the meds and the damned Diabetes I am sure.
Onwards and upwards, what a journey this is!
Everyone take care. Xx
 
Oh so much you have had to worry about and Health Care persons of different opinions , But seen from different standpoints I can see them both trying to give optimal help . In a conservative treatment putting you on insuline would be the right thing to do, But your GP is right most do gain a lot of weight when being put on insuline and since you do struggle so much to loose weight that would feel like a disaster to you and your GP knows that and maybe also knows how dangerous weight gain is when people already are being heavily overweight . So there is the operation option which indeed seems to cure very many from diabetes already right after the operation which is a miracle NOT really fully understood yet. Therefor your nurse has good reason to suggest that option as she is caring for you , your GP on the other hand maybe knows that quite a bit have some complications added from that treatment which also are ireversibel . Some actually struggle to keep weight on and a lot will have to have B12 injections for the rest of their life which though is one of the minor possible sideeffects , so all in all I do understand both your nurses and GPs points of views . So sad to hear about your sons death so sad and the worst loss a mother can experience

About going low carb ,it is one of the best things I have done for myself , for the first time in my life I have actually been able to loose weight like I want to and it has been far easier than I would have thought and I haven't had that many cravings over the last 4,5 months since diagnosis . Out of self pitty I did celebrate my chocking diagnosis by buying for about 60£ diabetes licorice "sweets" just to have in my house just in case But glad to inform I haven't eaten it all yet and have gone more over to snack nuts instead or half a pjece of fruit on rare occations mostly when having done or doing much excercise . Initialy all my body hurt when moving and one of the good sideeffects of low carb and intermittent fasting combined is that it actually helps inflamation go away .And now I can walk for hours without my body hurting all the time

I'll wish you all the best of luck just do it go low carb you'll NOT regret it I promise
 
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Geminigirl, I won't repeat anything anyone else has said, but I would add that in your shoes, I would be making an appointment to see the Doctor to discuss the impact upon you of the ongoing bickering between him and the nurse. That isn't helpful to anyone. I would want to be discussing my diabetes with him alone, rather than having the ongoing battle with the nurse.

He may not realise the impact upon you, if they often squabble like this. It may have just become their normal. Sadly that potential normal is not good for patient confidence. How can he expect anyone to follow guidance if it is not clear and joined up?
 
Hi @Geminigirl welcome to the forum. I won't repeat the good advice given by everyone else but have you looked at the side effects of statins? I suffered from dizziness anc disturbed sleep when I was on them and they increased my BS from 48 to 54. I know a number of forum members had muscle pain
 
Your post really hit home - how I remember feeling very similar feelings.
I had more than 5 stone to lose when I was diagnosed - so I understand how isolated and frustrated it can be and I even refused the slimming clubs offer from my doctors as I know they do not work for me, diabetic nurse and doctor not happy with my decision but I am not budging on it.
Lots of really good advice here on this site.
A little bit of things that work for me - I eat Natural full fat Greek Yogurt for breakfast every day - I add a small amount of sugar free version of a maple syrup which I buy on line, because I do not like the taste of yogurt in general - but health is more important now than what I like to eat to some degree.
Generally lunch is a very simple and basic salad - today's is cheese, tomato and cucumber.
Tea will be new potatoes (2 or 3 small ones), veg and lamb chop - just to give you an idea of what might work for you.

Big part of being Type 2 Diabetic is that what works for one does not work for all which is why we each have to find our own way - something that took me a long time to fully understand. So for me I am OK to eat a small amount of potato but need to avoid where I can, bread, pasta, flour products and rice.

I am losing weight very slowly and it was my decision to do it this way - my doctor and my diabetic nurse both wanted me to lose weight and lose it as quickly as possible but I know from previous experience that this is a recipe for disaster for me.

So for the last 4 weeks - first 3 weeks no weight loss at all - week 4 lost 4lb............... I was honestly amazed - it shows me that what I am doing is right and it works for me - I tell you this to hopefully give you the feeling that you can do this too.

I believe all Type 2 diabetics need a blood glucose meter and test strips etc. I know many of us including me purchase our own supplies against medical advice and I know for myself and I believe many others this has been how we have learnt about our sugar levels, what foods react very negatively with our blood sugars and we learn what we can eat without too great an impact on our sugar levels.
For myself getting sugar levels down was my priority and the losing weight took a secondary place - really I now believe they should be equally important as the losing weight improves the blood sugar levels............ but it was a learning curve for me.

It was good to hear you are walking and that really is a very good thing to do so do keep it up and keep reminding yourself that this is a really positive thing you are doing for your diabetes. Sorry a long post but I wanted to show you we are here and we have gone beyond what you are feeling - for myself there have been a few low points but that is life and I just take the view that this is a stumble along the way and get back to what I need to do as soon as I can.

I hope this is some help to you and remember you are not alone we are all here going through it and I for one still have weight to lose and still stumble along the way. Sending you a hug and keep posting as there is an awful lot of people here with a huge amount of knowledge that far exceeds my own.
 
Hi Geminigirl
First of all, HUGS . .
I read your post with interest as it basically mirror's my own situation.
Diabetes is a real pain. I think there are so many facets to it: the weight issue, the high BG readings, the long-term complications with eye's and feet and so on. Personally I found it, and still do, overwhelming.
I'm female, 55 years and have T2D 20 years and ended up on Insulin ( for the past 15 years) mainly due to my own fault thru' non-compliance of taking my prescribed medication (metformin) which had me virtually living in my bathroom !! Yes I was given all the correct advice from my Doctors and my Diabetic Nurse but I chose to continue living as if I wasn't a diabetic. When I look back now to the amount of carbs I was consuming, it's off the chart.
My weight increased to 18 stone but I had a good life and I lived in total denial of the diabetes, assuming all the bad things that could happen to me wouldn't . . . . Guess what ? THEY DID.
Now some 25 years on, having more Hypers (BG over 28+) and numerous hospital admissions that I don't care to count, I am left on High levels of insulin, have severe neuropathy in both feet (very poor mobility) and hands and have retinopathy issues with my eyes. I have fybromyalgia and chronic fatigue, Arthritis, High BP, Refux Osophagitis and problems with my kidney's. I basically abused my own body.

During this time I considered B surgery just like you are doing now but to be honest I didn't like the idea of how it would be after the surgery, living on virtually a liquidized diet . . what is if liquidized Mars Bars ? and put on weight, would I burst open ? Oh no It was not for me. Instead I finally found my mind in the right place and started to diet - it was not low carb, I just counted calories. I can't say I chose the healthiest or good diabetic food options but I did keep the calories under 1500 and it worked. It was not easy and I fell off the wagon on many occasions but somehow I kept going, stone by stone and managed to lose 7 stone. It took around 18 months and I felt fab.
My weight loss was so significant, that I had to have surgery to remove the excess skin on tummy and thighs. My Doctor's were pleased and I was able to reduce the amount of insulin. At this time I had no signs of diabetic complications.
Fast forward 8 years or so - My weight has slowly increased to 13 stone, It's not the end of the world, but my insulin usage has had to increase to compensate for this. Health now is my main priority not a number on the scales. Better late than never I guess. That said I know my life-span has decreased due to my own negligent actions but I am fed up with feeling generally unwell, depressed and lethargic.

So, 2 weeks ago, after joining this site, I decided that things had to change, not so much in the weight department, although any losses would be welcome, but because of the pain in my feet and the fact that I am having difficulty using my hands and being able to grip things properly. I was genuinely anticipating that eventually I might be looking at amputation if my feet get any worse.
I'm on strong pain-killers: Tramadol for the nuropathy plus Duloxotine, but the pain is still intense, especially during the night.
I decided to try the LCHF regime of eating. To start with it was soo hard, but 2 weeks in, It's still a challenge but think I am getting the hang of it and have lost 10lbs. PLUS my BG levels have really gone down. I'm getting readings of 5 and 6. I don't think I have ever had readings like this in my entire life.
Like me (eventually), I really hope that you can find a way forward that suits YOU. I know that over-whelming feeling, it can totally consume you when you are at your lowest ebb. I was diagnosed with clinical depression some years ago and this most certainly has a link with the diabetes and the fybromyalgia. Medication keeps the depression at bay, but it's always lurking in the background.
I would suggest tackling your issues one at a time, breaking them down to more manageable proportions. That way mini-goals are achievable and eventually they keep you motivated. Have treats (within reason) whatever they may be, and don't deprive yourself.
Your Diabetic nurse sounds most un-helpful. Can you change to another practice maybe ?
With regard to going onto insulin, if it's necessary - it's necessary but that doesn't mean you will have to be on it for life. As you have probably read on here, many people have changed their lives around and no longer need diabetic medications.
From an injecting/pain point of view, it's really not a big deal. It's not painful I promise you ( I use a Pen) and I'm a real baby when it comes to pain. I would rather inject insulin opposed to going to the dentist LOL.
Only you can decide about the surgery . . . but really it's an incredibly drastic option.
It might be worth mentioning that I was once prescribed statins. However they gave me terrible joint pains and i stopped taking them. Apparently it's one of the major side effects.
I also refuse the flu jab as this too effects my fybromyalgia and joint inflammation.
Sorry my post is so long but I thought you might find it helpful to hear from someone who has been there and worn the T-shirt, and is still wearing it hahaha . . .
It's a journey that we are all on together, have courage and faith.
I wish you all the best, I'm sure you can do anything you put your mind to.
Message me anytime, I'm in your corner, rooting for you. SweetPea (Julia)
 
hi Im chris from Dorset , big hugs.im in the same boat as you. I have allways found the same thing in getting support . I have lost some weigth , but not easy to keep off. I think if you need support , it can come . if your like we can talk and support each other .
 
Hi all, thank you so much for all your support and ideas, I really appreciate it.
As for an update, well, I attended the tier three weight and well bing seminar today. We had a talk from a Bariatric surgeon on the ins and outs. He made it very clear how serious these ops are, despite being successful in most cases, he also explained that if your emotional issues around food are not addressed pre surgery then it is possible to gain most of the lost weight following surgery, and many do that too!
Basically, I was measured and weighed, given a food plan which you have to follow for 12 weeks, attending weekly classes to be weighed, measured and finish with exercise and menu ideas etc etc. you are the reassessed and continue for a further 12 weeks attending two weekly.
You are given a target weight loss at the start of 5% so mine is 5kg.
You are expected to maintain this loss, or lose additional weight till the 9 month mark which is when you decide with the team whether you want to be ref to tier 4 for surgery. If agreed you cannot have this surgery till 12 months from ur first appt, so for me, a year today. You still have to have kept that target weight off.
The dietician gave me a food plan based on the "eat well plate" from the British Heart Foundation.
For starters, you do not count calories, this is done for you, food is placed in its food groups and you are told how many portions to have of each every day. You do have to weigh or measure obviously. However, when I asked her how many cals this is based on roughly, she said 1,800 per day.
I said I felt this was too much and that I wouldn't lose on that, she disagreed, I also said I wasn't happy with the carbs. I mean, I do not want to tell her her job BUT de ja vu......7-8, yes! 7-8 portions of the great old starchy carbs each day. One portion is equiv to a slice of med brown bread! I said, my god, that's equiv to eating 7-8 slices of bread a day.....I will spike to hell and back. She disagreed, so I already feel I am on the back foot and will be bastardising her plan before I start. Of the 5+ fruit and veg, at least 3 to be fruit, any fruit!
I am a bit cross tbh, I suppose if I cut the carbs at least I will cut the calories.
As far as being seen at a diabetic clinic they didn't seem interested and said my GP would refer me if he felt he needed guidance.
Am going to start tomorrow but am I being daft feeling a bit disappointed?
 
Thankyou hon.
 

Thanks
 
Oh dear, @Geminigirl, it sounds like your pre-surgery class hasn't got off to a very good start for you. Obviously, you can't chomp away on that many carbs long-term, as you know you'd be in trouble. It's a difficult one - 'do I / don't I follow the dietitian's advice'. I don't envy you having to decide. Perhaps - just one suggestion, there are probably lots of other options - as there are classes every fortnight, is it worth agreeing with the dietitian that you'll follow the instructions exactly for the first 2 weeks, so that you can then demonstrate factually to her that you haven't lost any weight (might even have gained) & that the diet sheet isn't right for you. Maybe then, it might be possible to reach a compromise whereby you can have 1800 calories per day (or whatever is agreed/right for you), made up of your own choice of things you know your body can cope with & will help you to reduce your weight. Only problem with this approach is that the dietitian is likely to say you didn't follow the diet properly - so it's your fault there's not loss! A catch-22 I think. Hope someone else comes along with a better offer .......
 
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