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I Really Need Help. I'm Now Confused

Aldebaran

Well-Known Member
Messages
197
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I started off accepting that I've got Diabetes but I'm very low for the first time today.

I went for a dressing change and the nurse had also wanted to start my discussion on Diabetes. A lot of what she said was understandable but a few things weren't and now I'm confused or niggled.

I thought that potatoes and starchy foods were bad for Diabetes but she's told me they're okay. She's even said I'd be okay to eat things like porridge as a cereal, morning or night.

While researching Diabetes on most of the links I found it said that some sufferers can have an insatiable appetite. The nurse asked me to explain this as she'd never heard of that before. I felt a bit foolish but knew I hadn't taken it from just one source. It kept coming up while I read up about it.

I am not allowed a blood glucose meter because I'm not on Gliclazide. I asked if she'd recommend that I buy one but she said not to bother. I thought that the meter would help me know which foods are better than others.

My cholesterol when I had my fasting blood test was 5.4. I know this is over the accepted range but it's not sky high. She did say that my good cholesterol wasn't as high as it should be and that I may have to go on Statins at some point. I don't understand that at all and I've heard some negative things about them too.

I feel a bit deflated at the moment. My Diabetes readings were only 8.1 and 8.9 but I'd rather it didn't rise, especially if I'm doing something wrong and not knowing it. Have I got this all wrong today? One minute I think I must have and the next I'm not sure.
 
It is VERY often the case that the NHS gives out old advice which you may choose to disregard or not as wish. The general advice from this forum would be to get a meter now and start the process of which foods cause high blood sugar. This is a personal thing since although carbohydrates will raise your blood sugar you may not like to eat the same ones that I do.

Some potatoes are fine to eat especially new ones. Use your meter to find out which ones are ok.

My personal advice would be to give up sugar and flour. Again, prove this to yourself using your meter.

You don't say under what circumstances your readings were taken but 8.9 is too high under any scenario.
 
Both tests Squire were done after fasting for 12 hours. I didn't even drink water. I see so many others whose readings were so much highter so I thought 8.9 was still low. However several weeks ago, I thought something was wrong with my heart and rang for the ambulance. The finger prick test showed I was 10.8.

A member here called Dee has given me a link for a meter and strips. I have to go on Monday but to be honest, I'm nervous as the advice has thrown me a little. I'm all for listening to medical advice but when it contradicts what I've learned..I then don't know what to do. It's all new to me, I know but given the nurse hadn't heard of the hunger symptom, I didn't bother to tell her of the others. I want to do what you suggest with the carbohydrates. I'll feel like I'm doing more myself then instead of waiting 3 months for my next blood test.
 
Before you start to worry I should point out that 8.9 is not disastrously high but it is definitely in the diabetic range so action is required. Please do not get upset or start to panic since you are not in bad trouble.

The NHS advice is universal and is a sort of party line that they cannot cross. If individuals go against doctrine and something goes wrong they could be accused of malpractice. Contrast this with the thousands of members here who test their sugar every day and have, collectively, years of practical experience.

And, of course, if you don't use a meter you will never understand what is going on.

I don't argue with my nurse. In fact to begin with I did everything she asked and got slowly worse. I then took control using a meter and went back with an Hba1c of 42. She didn't really have an argument against this sort of success.

Having maintained a lowish Hba1c for three periods now I am getting noticed. A doctor sat in for a while at my last review.
 
Thank you. I even questioned if I had Diabetes as my reading is so low but in that respect I'm lucky as it could have been a lot worse. The nurse said today that my Hba1c was 51. I'm gradually getting used to the terminology. I've read so many times on here that you guys use a meter but both the doctor and nurse dismissed it straight away, infact the doctor had left a note on my records that I didn't need one.

As you say, how am I going to help myself if I don't test to see what I need to avoid. The advice here is admirable and I feel more secure asking what I need to know here but I'm listening to what the doctor and nurse are saying, hence my confusion. Thanks Squire for the reassurance and help.
 
Hi! The best thing you can do is to get a meter and the test strips and test. I avoid bread, pasta, rice and potatoes and also beet root and carrots as too much of any of these put my bg in too high levels.

I find LCHF is the solution to my bg problem, so far. But I was diagnosed last February so things might change in the long run.
 
Will do Totto. Can I ask what LCHF means? I'm only just getting the lingo and abbreviations and I don't know this one. I might jot down what you and others avoid and even though it may not be the same for me, keeping a list of things could help in the long run.

Hopefully my meter won't take long to come. Cheers Totto.
 
It is Low Carb High Fat.

Keep off the carbs and eat fat instead, Carbs will make your blood glucose go high and make you hungry soon while fat will do none of those things but instead your bg will be normal and your hunger normal. If you need to loose weight you probably will on a high fat diet. Have look at Dietdoctor:

http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
 
Hi.

It is all very confusing, I agree. I notice from your profile that you were given Metformin. I was diagnosed in January, HbA1c was 53, fasting glucose 7. My nurse said she would give me 3 months on diet & exercise only, no medication, to see how I go. I was simply told to eat a healthy balanced diet, but to cut down the portion sizes of the starchy carbs without cutting them out altogether, to cut out the obvious culprits like cakes, biscuits, sweets and sugary drinks etc., and to try to lose weight. She said I could have a meter if my 3 month review HbA1c hasn't improved, but that was only after I nagged her about it. My next test is due this month.
 
The nurse today Bluetit wanted to concentrate on my diet and I agree with her there. I've had a terrible sweet tooth and my portions are the biggest in the house. Hubby and the boys can't tackle my plate. I just love food but now I have to change it. I was hoping that either the doctor or nurse would at least yield a little but they are adamant I don't need a meter. At least now I've got one that isn't as overly priced as the ones I've found myself, thanks to Dee here. The general consensus here Bluetit is that having a meter helps when it comes to what foods are best or what to avoid, etc.

My Hba1c was 51, as I was told today and my fasting readings were 8.1 and 8.9. I've to start Metformin. I have to take one tablet every other day as the nurse explained the side effects and she wants me on two a day within so many weeks.

Best of luck with your Diabetes and I really hope your test results next time have improved.
 
After only four days using a meter I am learning so much more about my body's reactions and behaviour. I can't understand doctors and nurses who say we don't need one, I'm beginning to suspect it's because they get uncomfortable when presented with hard evidence of dietary control that goes against their, er, prejudices. Because I have two weeks to go before my first consultation after diagnosis, I'm wanting to get as much data as possible to justify continuing on diet and exercise control at least until my next HbA1c.

I'm prepared to be confrontational, but will probably button my lip a bit to avoid being labelled as 'difficult' at this stage - depends on the attitude of the nurse.

Using the "Carbs and Cals" book I estimated that my previous daily carb intake was probably around 250 g or more. This is probably the main reason my BG levels went high enough to make me diabetic in the first place, so why they should think that carbs are a good thing seems bonkers. I don't have a sweet tooth, it was mainly bread, pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, did I mention bread etc. I thought I would have real trouble giving up bread, but after a few days of LCHF I really don't miss it. I think I've had about four slices in total in the last ten days, and no pasta, rice or potatoes. My carbs now are around 50 - 70, and because I'm following my hungry/full signals I'm also eating less overall so the higher proportional fat intake doesn't mean I'm piling on extra calories either. And I feel brighter than I have in ages.

My cholesterol might well go up a bit, but I am trying to counter that with exercise. They want to put me on statins but I'm resisting that, especially given the uncertain, to put it mildly, link between cholesterol and heart disease. But GPs like statins - I'd better not suggest they like the commission from the drug companies or the brownie points for hitting targets (allegedly) - oops I just did.
 
Well said sanguine. The nurse even asked me if I knew what Diabetes does yesterday. Before I had time to answer, she told me so I played along with it. I've found some doctors don't mind you researching yourself but others don't like it at all. What are you supposed to do though. Surely a better informed patient is one who looks for information from more than one source, asks questions and listens to good advice. If it wasn't for forums like this, we'd all be in the dark.

I have absolutely no idea right now on how to change my diet, if that makes sense. It's a minefield for me. I obviously know there are certain foods to avoid but I need to educate myself on what is good and healthy. The meter is one way for me to help myself, as you have already seen for yourself. I hate needles with a passion so I must be determined to make myself bleed daily lol.

My mum is 75 and isn't medically inclined in her way of thinking. I'd heard negative things about Statins and we were chatting about my cholesterol yesterday. I was amazed when even my mother said to steer clear of them. I must admit, I'm bothered about this and I hope that I can change my cholesterol levels on my own without having to have the chat about them with the nurse and me saying no thank you. You get fed up of being talked down to sometimes. When will doctors/medical personnel realise we aren't thick and we try to do what is best for us and not them.
 
The other advantage of a LCHF diet is the positive effects it has on cholesterol profiles for most people - lower triglycerides and higher HDL-C.

I would definitely recommend you check out the diet doctor site: http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf

It has helped many of us here get control of our BG levels.
 
We all have to find our own way to the right diet. As an example, this is what I had yesterday compared with what I used to have (a bit tricky at the moment because I'm away in a hotel and eating out!).

Breakfast: some natural organic plain yoghurt (Greek is better but they didn't have that), a little berry compote, pity not plain berries, bacon poached egg mushrooms and tomato, and tea. Previously I would have had cereal, croissants, toast etc.

Lunch: not too hungry, got some vegetable sushi from the Tesco Express next door, OK it had a bit of rice (forgot that when I said no rice in my last post, doh!) but no more than a spoonful. If I was at home I might have had some hummus, carrot sticks, a few Brazil nuts, or Greek salad. Previously it would have been sandwiches, more toast, biscuits and a banana.

Dinner: nice meal out, garlic mushrooms, then baked cod with vegetables. I was then stupid and thought 'I've done well today, a piece of pana cotta can't hurt' - wrong, predinner BG of 6.5 went to + 2 hour of 10.1! So I won't be doing that again - all part of the learning curve though. Previously it was much more meat potatoes and veg, pasta bakes, takeaway curries and wine. I'll still have the occasional glass but I need to bring my liver function numbers down as well so I'm now off all alcohol at least until after my appointment.

Try not to worry about needles. I don't like them either, always look away when having bloods taken. But with the lancing device you don't see them, just press the button and it springs out very quickly and pricks you just enough to get a small globule of blood, enough to draw onto the strip by capillary action. There's a demonstration video somewhere on this site, in the non-forum home area I think.

Good luck and keep us all informed

Rod
 
Thanks Indy. I'm going to give the link you put here a good read later when we get home. I'm all for any help I can get. The fogginess is clearing a little as I'm 'getting it', if that makes sense. This link will further help me understand it.

Actually Rod, the foods you've mentioned here are my cup of tea. If I can vary it, I'll be a happy bunny. One thing I do worry about though is that I'm a big meat head. I can eat 3/4 chops in a sitting and when I've made a stew, my plate is brown through the amount of meat. I can give up the chocolate easier. I'm going to have to change my meats for the healthier alternatives somehow. Thankfully I love veg. I love fish, wish it wasn't so expensive but we like finny haddock, cod, etc, so I'm all for making that. I'd love to find some nice diabetic friendly puddings..if they exist that is.

My liver test was late in the other day but fingers crossed, it's okay as I've had no phone call. I have a drink at Christmas/parties but otherwise I don't. I do love red wine though and would have a glass or two with a meal.

The other day I used my mum's pen to test my sugar levels and to try and be brave. Oh boy..I'm such a girl lol. My mind was saying..'do it', but my right hand was saying 'no'. I did it and felt like I needed a lolly for being a good girl. You're right, at least you can't see the needle when you're testing. Practice will hopefully make me brave but like you, I'll still look away when I'm having it taking. I must find that video, that could help me a lot. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks Rod and all you guys. I can't tell you how different I feel in just a few days
 
If you are going LCHF meat is no problem, you need the fat and protein to offset the reduction in carbs. Steak or chops and vegetables or salad is fine, even with creamy sauces. Just keep away from potatoes, rice and pasta.

The video is on the main diabetes.co.uk page - the one you log on to the forum from. Scroll down past 'join newsletters' and 'welcome to the global diabetes community'. Before you get to 'latest activity on the forum' there are some links to YouTube videos, one of which is on blood testing with a meter.
 
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the meat you are eating - the fattier the better actually, particularly if it's grass-fed. Forget just about everything you were told about a "healthy" diet and you'll probably do fine
 
My suprise pudding is diabetic friendly
Put a piece of very dark choc in a small dish heat up some berries I use raspberries but strawberries work too pour the heated berries over the choc and let it melt then top with double cream Yum
CAROL
 
Hi Aldebaran

The NHS like too push a low fat "healthy plate" diet with a lot of carbs. For diabetics they like to steer you towards low GI varieties of food. Personally it is too high a level of carb for me - I do about 150g and generally low to medium GI types. Early on I was on about 60g and have been slowly increasing them up to 150g as I have got better control.

Many people on here like to do the more intuitive route of LCHF. Why intuitive? Well if something was poisonous to you you wouldn't keep eating it would you. As soon as you remove the carbs you need to add extra cals and fat is the natural choice as it will not effect your BG levels

Your fasting tests in the 8s is definitely in the diabetic range and so is your HbA1c. So welcome to the club that the rest of the world is trying their hardest to join. Only a select number are chosen from each generation and we are those lucky ones
 
Found it Sanguine. I'm going to watch this tomorrow along with the link Indy gave me. I was doing it tonight but I've been busy as we've been out all day. Is there any alternative to potatoes, rice and pasta? These are three of my favourite foods and I can't think of anything that could act as them in my meal. I love vegetables but I'm worried I may get bored without something like these. I've heard that sweet potatoes are okay, even though the name sounds contradictory to what a diabetic can eat.

Lol..ooh I do like this info Indy lol. I want to get a balance as soon as possible. My shopping tonight was so hard to do online. I'm stumped at what is best to buy. Good thing is, I can alter it tomorrow before Monday so I can add to it or remove things.

Now that Carol is a pudding I could eat as I love chocolate and the fruits and cream. Nice to know that we can eat some sweet foods occasionally. Asda do a diabetic ice cream but I've not ordered any yet as I'm not sure how diabetic friendly it is. I know sometimes you have to be careful with things like this.

Well Andrew, that's what the nurse did yesterday and I'm sure that is what will be pushed for in future appointments. I'll just have to smile and nod. I do need to lose a lot of weight and when I suggested Slimmers World, she said it was expensive and that Change For Life is a better choice. For me though, I can't eat rabbit food and SW does give you a little more to eat should you be hungry. One reason she wanted me to eat less fat was because of the risk to my heart and other organs I believe and so I got even more confused with her ideas for my diet. The nurse thought that I was okay with porridge and potatoes, etc, which didn't sound right. It has bothered me that the advice I was given doesn't seem to be the right type. Thank goodness you guys are helping here.

Lol love your last paragraph and so true. I'd have queried it if I'd have been lower but the two readings and the one taken by the ambulance team of 10.8 at 6.00am in the morning stopped the querying. I am privileged and honoured to be a member of this club. I do wish my choccy and tatties were on the menu though lol.

Thank you everyone
 
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