Newbie Type 2 with Ulcerative colitis and hashimotos

[CavJ]

Hello all!
I’ve stopped crying enough to be able to type lol!
I was diagnosed today with Type 2 and about to start Metformin slow release. I unfortunately also have ulcerative colitis and hashimotos (doc said these are likely why I now have this!). I just wondered if anyone else was here with ulcerative colitis and whether metformin set a flare off? I have heard horror stories about the standard Metformin so really hoping slow release isn’t as bad as a colitis flare on top of all this is something I can do without! Thanks in advance!

 

[Rachox]

Hi @CavJ and welcome to the forums. Before you start the Metformin, it might be considering using diet only to get things under control. Do you know your HbA1c reading which is what the diagnosis should be based on? Depending how far above the diabetes threshold, your reading is, using diet only is a distinct possibility. Speak to your Dr further to discuss this.

ps Just for completeness I take Metformin and don’t get side effects.

 

[CavJ]

Hi @Rachox!
Thanks for replying. Yes my reading was 63 yesterday and it was 47 in September. Inbetween I have been on the prediabetes coaching programme (NHS) and adopted a low carb diet, I already have a fairly active lifestyle too but been trying to get more steps in where I can. I’ve managed to lose 3kgs too so I think part of my tears today has been sheer frustration at doing what I’ve been told and I’m still in this situation. The only other event that’s happened since September is a nasty bout of shingles which I think I’m nearly over but not sure if that would affect anything.
And thanks for sharing a positive experience with Metformin!

 

[h884]

Hi CavJ.

Sorry to hear your news. I also have colitis and Type 1 diabetes. Prior to my Type 1 diagnosis I was treated as Type 2 and was given metformim. I experienced significant side affects and metformin was discontinued.

I stress this was my experience and it is not to say you would be the same.

I would second Rachox that you could consider modifying your diet following discussion with your Dr or Specialist Nurses. I receive excellent support and advice from the team here locally

Good luck. If I can be of any help please get in touch.

 

[Rachox]

Yes my reading was 63 yesterday and it was 47 in September.

Many members here have had readings similar to yours, and higher, and have managed to get down to non diabetic levels with diet only. What levels of carbs are you eating each day? Can you give us an example of a typical days menu for you? There may be room for decreasing carbs further. There’s loads of us here that could help you with that.

Edit to add: I had shingles earlier this year (ouch!) and it did raised my blood sugars for a while.

 

[CavJ]

Many members here have had readings similar to yours, and higher, and have managed to get down to non diabetic levels with diet only. What levels of carbs are you eating each day? Can you give us an example of a typical days menu for you? There may be room for decreasing carbs further. There’s loads of us here that could help you with that.

Edit to add: I had shingles earlier this year (ouch!) and it did raised my blood sugars for a while.

Hi yes in terms of diet this is a typical day now-this was approved by the coach I have for prediabetes but when I’ve looked at other posts on here I can see some of the items would be seen as ‘bad’. Is there an area on here I could be pointed to that goes into more detail on good and bad foods? I saw semi skimmed milk and baked beans termed as ‘bad’ and that really surprised me as my doctor never mentioned anything like that!
Breakfast:
Two boiled eggs, half tin baked beans
Or
Porridge made with semi skimmed milk, frozen cherries and tiny amount of stevia (only artificial sugar that doesn’t aggravate my stomach)
Or
Oats, 0% fat Greek yoghurt (3gcarbs, I checked), frozen cherries, stevia
Lunch
Pea and Ham soup (homemade, peas, onion, chicken stock and a gammon joint)
Or
Sausage and bean casserole with added kale and carrot(I think I chucked in haricot and butter beans and fresh sage)
Dinner
Courgetti (1 courgette),40g (weight dried) wholewheat spaghetti, pesto and chicken breast
Or
Chicken breast, half a small sweet potato, carrots and broccoli

Snacks
Popcorn (7.9g carbs a bag)
Red wine-this week I’ve bought a bottle and I have 150ml a night

Alcohol is one I do have a question around-can I still drink it? This weekend I am going for a girly night away and was looking forward to drinking sparkling wine but I’m not worried that won’t be allowed.

I had my first SR metformin last night, woke up with stomach grumbles but got back to sleep but the headache today is insane.

This is very dramatic of me but at the age of 36 and with now 3 quite serious drug dependant illnesses, I feel like my life is over! I know I won’t feel like this once I come to terms with everything and understand it all a bit more but I’m so overwhelmed.
Thanks again!

 

[Rachox]

Unfortunately diabetic coaches, dietitians, nutritionists etc, tend to just recommend a ‘generally healthy’ diet for diabetics, which is designed for people who don’t have a problem processing carbs. Therefore there are a lot of things in your menus that are considered too carby for us type 2s, such as baked beans, porridge, oats, beans to name some but not all of your foods.
I’m not a drinker so am not the best person to advise there.
Here’s a link to a website with loads of info. which you can access without having to subscribe.

A Low Carb Diet Guide for Beginners – Diet Doctor

In this top low-carb guide, we show you what to eat, what to avoid and how to avoid side effects. Get delicious low-carb recipes and meal plans.

www.dietdoctor.com

 

[CavJ]

Hi all, sorry to repost on here but just wanted to check-I’ve had a letter from my hospital to say I’m insulin resistant and I’m going to be seen in clinic. Does this mean type 1? Sorry probably a stupid question. I’m not particularly overweight and relatively active but was on steroids for years so wondering if they did something. On a side note I’ve been following a super low carb diet since I last posted-I am so exhausted but feeling less bloated and my stomach has been fine with the Metformin ER!

 

[Antje77]

I’ve had a letter from my hospital to say I’m insulin resistant and I’m going to be seen in clinic. Does this mean type 1?

Insulin resistance is T2, although T1's can have insulin resistance as well.
So no, this doesn't mean you're T1 at all!

Steroids can make your blood glucose rise very much! There's even steroid induced diabetes.

 

[RobynV]

Natural treatment insulin resistance