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xxtishxx

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Messages
4
Location
Derbyshire
Hi All
Tish here ....
My 23 year old son just been diagnosed.. what type we're still unsure as it's under investigation still.
Trouble is, he has to wait till next Monday for his 1st visit with the nurse ( she's on holiday )
So... what can I do to best help him till then? he suffers badly with cramps in his lower limbs and is worried as it's took a long time to get to this stage.
Cheers

Tish
 
I Tish, I am fairly new here but an expert will be along in a minute. i am type 2 and suffered from cramps in my legs but I have found a nice walk for about half an hour a day greatly helps.
If he is type 2 a lot of people on here advocate a low carb diet which goes against what the doctor/dietician tends to tell you. I have been on it since February and my blood sugar levels have dropped greatly and I am also losing weight. Have a good search around on here and take a look at the low carb section. There is some good advice on there which he may be able to follow until Monday and feel free to ask as many questions as you want there are some experts on here who will give you all the answers you need...I have learned loads...welcome :D
 
Hi Tish and welcome to you and your son.
I think you've already done him a great favour by joining the forum. You'll get more advice, support and encouragement than you'll find anywhere else.
Blood glucose testing will be his greatest ally (no pun intended, you regulars :wink: ) in controlling his diabetes. He may well be given a testing meter once properly diagnosed, but either way you need to get this essential bit of kit.
Until the full diagnosis, he needs to eat as healthily as possible. By that I mean no sugars and as few starches as possible (bread, rice, flour, potatoes, pasta). Instead, eat proper foods including, meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, eggs, cheese, nuts, butter, cream. That will prevent his blood sugar levels from rising too high in the meantime.

All the best,

fergu
 
hi Tish.
Welcome.

Good to know he has a caring Mom. He will need reassurance, support and above all love.

At his age he is going to think, Why me. Some go into denial. Worst thing to do. He has to face up to whatever confronts him. Wait and see what the results show. Then we can better advise you here.
Feed him sensibly and try to discourage him from Alcohol and Wild Living - Some Hope !! :lol:

Diabetes is controllable as born out by the number of success stories on here.

Hope that helps.

Ken. :D
 
Thanks for the reply folks :D and the welcome !
Can't believe I forgot this piece of info.....
He's also suffers from Phenyleketonuria ( metabolic disease ) it requires a strict low-protein diet, so meat, fish, bread ,pasta, diary etc are all foods he never eats... besides fruit and veg, I acquire most of his foods via prescription.. ( I've become a master chef lol ) and bake all his bread etc.

So has anybody had any experience of managing the combined illnesses?
At the moment it's quite daunting and I'm wondering how one will effect the other.


Tish
 
ohh sorry can't answer this one. Might be worth repeating it in the ask the expert section as it will more than likely get picked up quicker than here :D
 
dear xxtishxx . You have a real problem there.
Since it's specifically the amino acid phenylalanine, which is the problem. You may find some proteins free of it.
What I would suggest is you look for websites for phenylketonuria. and see if there's any information there on reduced carbohydrate diets.
Since your son is young, it's a fair chance he's T1 and will need insulin. Even a T2 with his problems, might be put on it. A state registered dietitian might also be able to help you. Even though most would advise a high carb diet for diabetes.
By the time you find the right road, you'll have earned a PhD.
I don't know much about phenylketonuria, but does it become less of a problem with maturity? I know it can cause brain damage in children.
 
Hi Hanadr...

PhD haha.. My GP already said I knew more about P.K.U than he ever would...

In answer to your Q Yes.. in some cases the diet can be relaxed, but this depends on individuals.
I also have an older son with it, he deviated from the diet causing behavioral problems, so it's not something I'm looking to rush into.
PreKUnil may be a possibility in the future though. Fingers crossed !!!!

Tish
 
xxtishxx said:
Thanks for the reply folks :D and the welcome !
Can't believe I forgot this piece of info.....
He's also suffers from Phenyleketonuria ( metabolic disease ) it requires a strict low-protein diet, so meat, fish, bread ,pasta, diary etc are all foods he never eats... besides fruit and veg, I acquire most of his foods via prescription.. ( I've become a master chef lol ) and bake all his bread etc.
So has anybody had any experience of managing the combined illnesses?
At the moment it's quite daunting and I'm wondering how one will effect the other.
Tish
Click to expand...


Hi again Tish.
Thanks for the extra info -we all forget things sometimes. :lol:

This link gives some information about the condition but mainly relating to Type 1 Diabetes.
If I find anything else will post back here.

http://shs-nutrition.com/lowproteinlivi ... ombination

This link is to the National Society for PKU in the UK. They may be able to give more information as I understand that foods we consider safe are harmful to your son. the contact details are there.

http://www.nspku.org/

Hope this helps. see, I forgot that last one !
 
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