Maintaining a healthy diet

[biggsy66]

Hello my name is chris and im new to the forum,i have been diagnosed type2 since 2000,what i need is help balancing a suitable diet as i have not had a very good year personally so i have let myself go abit and feel that if i dont get my health in order i will suffer as presently iam a class1 hgv driver and the threat of having to take insulin is a very real possibility,

i do try my best but i feel i have to up my personal heath,im due a operation on my knee at the end of september and will be joining a gym so i can get back to work asap,i will like you al to give me some advice on how you manage your sugar levels as mine seem to fluctuate between 8 and 12,i will admit i have been very blase as regards to diabetes and the realisation that i may be heading for an early grave has hit home ,sounds very dramatic i know.

many thanks
chris

 

[cugila]

Hi Chris.
Welcome to the forum. Have a good look around and ask more questions when you want.

In answer to your present question about diet - well I could tell you what mine is but frankly it could be all wrong for you ! As we are all individuals we all need different things. We can give you pointers such as reducing your carbohydrate intake, this will have an instant effect on those Bg levels, which as you know are high.

You need to check out the previous posts regarding diet/foods/Bg levels and such like. See what is best for you by testing frequently. See what different foods do to your Bg levels ? List what you like now and see what has to go from that list. Test,test, test. Then you will know what you need to correct.

As an LGV driver you are running the risk of losing your job if you are put onto Insulin. There are other alternatives which at present do not have that problem when they are prescribed. Byetta and Victoza are two. So, don't think that the 'end of the road' is near Chris. Work to beat it.

 

[hanadr]

Hi Chris
I cut my carbs back a ouple of years ago an have been steadily tightening up on them.HbA1c now 5.3%
so it works. 8) Bgs from about 4.8 to 6.0
Hana

 

[Spiral]

Welcome, Chris. Take a good look around, especially in the food and diet forums to see how others are managing their diet. You need to find something you can stick to.

Tell us about your diet and we may be able to help you to reduce your readings.

 

[HpprKM]

Hi Chris,

It is good news that you have made it to the forum, and recognise that you must do something about your health and keep your T2 in check. Diet is definitely important and there are varying views on this, as you will see from the forums, but the first step is to cut out the sugar (this may seem more obvious than it is - as so many 'innocent seeming' things contain sugar, in fact there is very little 'off the shelf stuff' that doesn't i.e savoury type things, such as sauces all have sugar (used often as a preservative as well as flavouring). Checking all labels for sugar content is vital! Fresh veg, fruit (in moderation, for although it contains sugar - this is slow burning and that makes a difference as is delivered to the blood stream more slowly than other sugar). But more importantly, this is not just about sugar and diet (though of course they are vital) - but is also about exercise and maintaining good weights!

Tons of information on the site and all over the place on the subject, and it takes time to get your head around it, I am still learning after 2 years of diagnosis and trying to keep my T2 under control by diet only.

The great thing is that you have recognised the need to take steps to help yourself, and now you have joined the forum you have tons of support!

It would be great to hear how you progress with your quest. Now you are here - keep in touch, I have found other members so very helpful in every way, from advice to support

 

[wallycorker]

Hi Chris
I cut my carbs back a ouple of years ago an have been steadily tightening up on them.HbA1c now 5.3%
so it works. 8) Bgs from about 4.8 to 6.0
Hana

Hi Cris,

Exactly the same numbers for me as quoted by Hana but all achieved in less than twelve months and all through starting to test and changing my diet. Diet is a very powerful tool in fighting Type 2 diabetes.

Best wishes - John