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One year in and feeling low

CathyN

CathyN

Well-Known Member
Messages
248
Location
dorset
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
prejudice, racism, complacency, ignorance
Hi all

I wonder if anyone else has had the same thing going on. I have been trying SO HARD to get it right, but I am beginning to realise there are no absolutes by which I can measure my progress. By that, I mean, I cannot rely upon eating a certain food and doing a certain amount of activity to give me a fairly predictable reading.

For instance this am I had porridge at 8.30am (25g carbs). I was active after eating and even went for a 15minute jog. 2 hours later I was 7.7mmol/L - carried on with housework and an hour and a half later and nothing else consumed, I was still 7.7mmol/L. I don't understand why it hadn't gone down somewhat.

I have periods of superb control and then periods when I lose control even though I am doing the exact same things.

At the moment, I am in a period of bad control. I feel totally fed up of worrying about every morsel that passes my lips and I wish there were some rules. I wish someone could give me the key to managing this disease.

Sorry to be a moaner! :(

CathyN
 
Hi Cathy,

Mine are somewhat unpredictable too! But am learning *so many* other things influence too, like how well I slept the night before, hydration levels, stress levels, etc... Water in particular seems to make a big difference for me. If my readings are high, I have a big glass of water, and do twenty star jumps and twenty 'burpees' (jumping jacks?) and that usually brings my reading down a point or two ;-)

Also, 7.7 two hrs after eating is within the good range - anything below 7.8 after food is good - so I was told... :-)


Diagnosed Type 2, 22nd Feb 2013
Hba1c 7.5
Three month trial of managing through diet & exercise.
Low carb, pescatarian
Trying various supplements!
 
Hi. Over the years I have also had unpredictable readings; I think many of us do. I guess the important thing is your annual HBa1C reading and the maximum spike you get 2 hours after a big meal. If your HBa1C is within a the good range and going down each year or not going up by much then I wouldn't worry about the readings in between?
 
I'm also a year in and still finding it hard, even on Met my levels are ****. It's a bummer, and does get on top of you, so you are not alone.
 
Thanks everyone, for your replies. It's been a while since I used the forum. I had forgotten the boost you get when people reply. Suddenly, I feel I can cope again. xxx
 
CathyN please don't be disheartened!! I was diagnosed Type 2 3 months ago and felt like my world had imploded!!! I am so glad to have found this forum and check the threads every day for inspiration and advice! I am fortunate to have an excellent local Diabetes Team and a very good GP surgery!! I get days where I feel like a failure, but I look on here and very often find answers to any issues I have! Diabetes is a scary condition, but having access to people in the same situation is a godsend!!!!! Thank you Diabetes Uk!! Hugs to you CathyN!!


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Aw, glad we helped :-) xo


Diagnosed Type 2, 22nd Feb 2013
Hba1c 7.5
Three month trial of managing through diet & exercise.
Low carb, pescatarian
Trying various supplements!
 
Hey CathyN
those HBA1c 's look good, I think you are scaring yourself by testing. You're not medicating, yet you are trying to micro-manage something that is probably best done at a more general level
I started with a HBA1c of 6.6 10 years ago and its fluctuated since then. I don't test but I do keep records of weight and exercise and lo and behold my HBA1c correlates very closely with how I manage these parameters. I know if i'm not controlling my diet. I know if I've had 'naughty treats' , and if my weight creeps up then I know my HBA1c will go up too (as it did after a very naughty xmas and new year).
Also I know that if I'm going to keep my HBA1c in a sensible range for as long as possible then I really need to be strict with my diet and exercise. Consequently I'm going low-carb as I think that way I can keep a handle on my BS without testing myself to see what I can and can't eat (or treat!).
be positive CathN, you're doing just fine.
 
Hi, CathyN

You have doing a great job as your HB1's are looking great. Sometimes, our bodies get stuck in a rut if we keep eating or doing the same thing. I am not suggesting that you are, but sometimes a bit of a shake up does the body good - gives it a wake up call. Different foods , different exercises etc could kickstart some changes. This is only a suggestion. I am making it my body is very stubborn!
The other useful thing i use is targets, sometimes you have to view the bigger picture and reassess. I hope my comments may be useful for yourself or some other members, if not please disregard.

Bloodsugar
 
You tried L Arginene from heath span its made a big difference to my glucose levels they say IT CAN MAKE YOUR BODY PRODUCE INSULIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS , I take 750mg a day, and it dilutes your blood vessels for better circulation.I find it helps a great deal,
just google L Arginene and read up.
 
Thank you everyone, for your supportive and encouraging replies. I have had a much better day today, all readings under 7. Have reassessed how I have been doing, and have realised that maybe I am allowing myself the odd thing that I wouldn't have, a year ago. I am getting back to really watching my carbs etc. I think when you start out there is definitely a honeymoon period. A year later with more familiarity it is easier to let things slide and not even notice.

I do hope that eventually I will be able to be more laid back, do less testing as you suggest , stuffedolive.

Thanks for all advice given. Gratefully received.

CathyN
 
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