Hi, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes on 20th May after several visits to the quack for an "MOT" and blood tests. My blood sugar levels came in at a whopping 19 after the glucose tolerance test and I must admit that I was concerned - particularly after my family and friends (my close friend in particular) nagged me to see the doctor as they noticed me getting tired during the day and evenings. The doctor first told me that I need to lose weight, he took my height and weight, as well as my BP. My BP came in at 147/80 which is high but not dangerously high. After getting the news that I had the dreaded D-word, I realised quickly that I had to change things food-wise. Right now am attending Slimming World and do their Extra Easy SP plan, which is a low-carb, high protein and veggie plan. I don't consider this a diet - in my mind diets never work as all you do on these "diets" is eat tiny portions and not giving your body's metabolism a chance to burn calories. All I've done is make some changes - I used to eat all bran or bran flakes for breakfast until I realised how much sugar they have. I now bulk up on 3-4 shredded wheat biscuits for breakfast every day, which are my 2 "b" choices and my "a" choice for skimmed or 1% milk, then lunch and dinner are protein and vegetable based, such as lean meat or fish and vegetables, or salads, or soups. I sometimes will just do an Extra Easy day and have more carbs one or two days a week but as a whole I have very limited carbs - and so far this has worked since my diagnosis. I would say that on average I'm eating calories wise around 1,000-1,500 calories a day and am losing a steady 1-2lbs a week since I was told that I'm diabetic. I now just drink water or black coffee/tea, and restricted treats. I am of the belief that it's impossible to avoid sugar. I won't completely ditch the odd takeaway or booze (provided it's distilled and not fermented, ie liqueurs, vodka or whisky in moderation).
I see that some people on here mention the very low calorie 600-800 calorie a day diet here which may work for some, but in my eyes this is dangerously low plus I'm not convinced that the portions will fill you up, so don't feel that this works for me. With the plan I'm on with Slimming World, I can still eat like a horse and lose the weight, because I'm restricting complex carbs and sugars. I even will watch certain fruit as well. Instead I am having lots of non-starchy vegetables which boosts my fibre intake. I think that with this and exercise I can accelerate my weight loss, but have always believed that to keep the weight off, you need to lose it slowly.
As part of my diabetes treatment my nurse has given my Metformin which I take with my food, and won't be seeing the nurse for the next 3 months but would like to closely monitor my blood sugar levels. Does anyone have tips on what is the best blood glucose monitor to use and how easy is it to use it?
I see that some people on here mention the very low calorie 600-800 calorie a day diet here which may work for some, but in my eyes this is dangerously low plus I'm not convinced that the portions will fill you up, so don't feel that this works for me. With the plan I'm on with Slimming World, I can still eat like a horse and lose the weight, because I'm restricting complex carbs and sugars. I even will watch certain fruit as well. Instead I am having lots of non-starchy vegetables which boosts my fibre intake. I think that with this and exercise I can accelerate my weight loss, but have always believed that to keep the weight off, you need to lose it slowly.
As part of my diabetes treatment my nurse has given my Metformin which I take with my food, and won't be seeing the nurse for the next 3 months but would like to closely monitor my blood sugar levels. Does anyone have tips on what is the best blood glucose monitor to use and how easy is it to use it?
Here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. It can help you with low carbing. There is a link to the Low Carb Program which should help you too. Ask as many questions as you want and someone will be able to help.
