Overwhelmed

[Resurgam]

I used to love porridge and was told porridge with blueberries was ok by my DN but recall seeing on here that porridge is a no-no. I was hoping I would lose another stone or so, and it sounds like this will be happening now.. every cloud and all...

Porridge is one of those things which some people can eat and for others it causes a really high spike.
It is why you will see the advice to test here. We are all different.
I can extract more carbs from beans than many, for instance.
Blueberries are the highest carbs of the fruits called something berrys, so you could reduce the carb hit by having lower carb ones.

 

[Andydragon]

Hiya thank you for your reply snd the useful tip- I will do this in future .

Do tell nurse about the Metformin effects, hopefully will settle but there are other options if not, and maybe there are something to temporarily settle your stomach? Probiotics have been mentioned in other threads

 

[YorkieShell]

I had my meter "lance" set to high, so I lowered it. Mine adjusts from 1-10 and mine is good at 4. A lot better than when I had it at the medium setting.

On the meals, I'm been doing eggs and cheese for breakfast, adding left over pork one morning. Not paying attention to calories at all and lost 6 lbs in two weeks. Are you drinking adequate water? I learned that helps but I only do about 4 eight ouncers. I could use more probably. Sugar/carb withdrawals made me feel way hungry like I would have shot a chicken, plucked it and cooked it too! You could try some low carbs like Yogurt with a little sugar substitute (I use stevia) Yogurt helped my stomach cramping somewhat, plus I do ginger in water. But it's not really working well on the metformin ER.

Please keep letting us know, I'm new but will share what I've learned anytime I see someone in need, Denise

Hi Denise! Bless your heart for the advice. I don’t think I am drinking enough it’s always been my downfall- I’m going to make a big jug up of very very diluted squash ( will be checking sugar content) as I am terrible at drinking just water. I bought some stevia today to try in my tea so will see how I get on with that. It’s the stevia with erithritol so Fingers crossed.

 

[YorkieShell]

Porridge is one of those things which some people can eat and for others it causes a really high spike.
It is why you will see the advice to test here. We are all different.
I can extract more carbs from beans than many, for instance.
Blueberries are the highest carbs of the fruits called something berrys, so you could reduce the carb hit by having lower carb ones.

Hi thank you for your reply- it really is hit and miss how everybody is so different. I’m learning lots but just to have people in the same situation as me to give advice is so good. I’ve got a lot of well meaning friends giving me their input but I really do appreciate everybody here

 

[YorkieShell]

Do tell nurse about the Metformin effects, hopefully will settle but there are other options if not, and maybe there are something to temporarily settle your stomach? Probiotics have been mentioned in other threads

Hi Andy thank you! I will look into probiotics. I need to give it time, it’s only been 5 days but will make sure I don’t keep suffering if there’s an alternative

 

[bulkbiker]

Hi Andy thank you! I will look into probiotics. I need to give it time, it’s only been 5 days but will make sure I don’t keep suffering if there’s an alternative

If you cut carbs for long enough then metformin could well become optional..
I gave it up after 3 weeks of being tied to the toilet..

 

[KK123]

Quick update...
So I’ve emptied my cupboards and started afresh. Not going to lie, I’ve struggled a little. I was getting really sore fingers and after reading another post, I may have been pricking too much in the middle of my fingers when doing my readings. I’ve started to prick at the side of my finger but don’t seem to get enough blood for the strip to read, and have had to prick twice or three times to get “enough” blood. I’m testing before and 2 hrs after each meal. I think it may just be a case of technique so will check with my DN on Wednesday. I’ve also struggled with Metformin which was no surprise. Its giving me the worst diarrhoea after my main meal in the evening which is meaning I’m going to bed feeling hungry and waking up feeling terrible. I’ve got some whole meal water crackers today and am going to see if I can take them before bed without causing a high reading in the morning. I’ve lost 5lbs since Wednesday and feel like I have nothing inside me, almost like I feel I have no substance anymore if that makes sense. DN said we will be increasing the metformin to 2 per day (it’s the slow release), come Wednesday but I really don’t think I’m going to tolerate it judging by the last few days- can anyone tell me if they’ve had similar with metformin and if it will get better? I’m sure it’s just a case of adjusting and like I said previously, once I know if I’m T1 or 2 I may have a better idea of where I’m at.

Hi there, just make sure you keep on at your team re a proper diagnosis. If you are type 1 then no amount of metformin is going to tackle that, and just be aware that if you have gone immediately low carb this may make it harder for them to diagnose as you would be keeping your glucose levels lower than they would be 'normally' if you like. Generally, if you eat low carb your body has no need to produce higher insulin levels which could also give a lower C Peptide reading than usual. It's quite complicated but you are doing the right thing by checking your glucose levels and keeping a record (but again, your team may look at that record, see the readings are lower and make assumptions) When I was first diagnosed I didn't fit the type 2 'profile' as they call it so they put me on insulin straight away, then I kept going low constantly so anyway after a LOT of confusion they eventually did the extra tests and I was type 1. (Bear in mind also, 3 years BEFORE my type 1 diagnosis, I was told I was 'pre diabetic)'. Never had any call backs for further tests and ended up in hospital with the onset of DKA and they said ah, your pre diabetic diagnosis could have been the onset of type 1. Not wishing to worry you but there are SO many scenarios. Keep testing. x

 

[YorkieShell]

Hi there, just make sure you keep on at your team re a proper diagnosis. If you are type 1 then no amount of metformin is going to tackle that, and just be aware that if you have gone immediately low carb this may make it harder for them to diagnose as you would be keeping your glucose levels lower than they would be 'normally' if you like. Generally, if you eat low carb your body has no need to produce higher insulin levels which could also give a lower C Peptide reading than usual. It's quite complicated but you are doing the right thing by checking your glucose levels and keeping a record (but again, your team may look at that record, see the readings are lower and make assumptions) When I was first diagnosed I didn't fit the type 2 'profile' as they call it so they put me on insulin straight away, then I kept going low constantly so anyway after a LOT of confusion they eventually did the extra tests and I was type 1. (Bear in mind also, 3 years BEFORE my type 1 diagnosis, I was told I was 'pre diabetic)'. Never had any call backs for further tests and ended up in hospital with the onset of DKA and they said ah, your pre diabetic diagnosis could have been the onset of type 1. Not wishing to worry you but there are SO many scenarios. Keep testing. x

Hiya thank you for your informative reply. It’s interesting because years ago (maybe 10 or so), I was told I was pretty diabetic and I managed to change my diet and reverse it. I can totally understand what you’re saying about my readings. I’m also going to start a food diary (I hope this isn’t overkill?) just so I have more information to be armed with when I see DN. DN said she thinks I may be between 1 and 2. This is a massive change to my diet, as before I had a sweet tooth and loved carbs. But, I’m seeing diabetes as a blessing in disguise for me to shape up and look after myself. I have been present when an ex who was type 1 had hypos and it was quite scary... so am aware of how things can go pear shaped. My DN seems lovely and has said she wants me to have a special test which will categorically say which type I am. Apparently it’s not available to everyone so I’m grateful for it. X

 

[G0ldengirl68]

Hiya thank you for your reply snd the useful tip- I will do this in future .

I remembered another thing I found out, some of the lances might be bent, I found 2 in a row, and I don't know how I noticed because even with reading glasses I just don't focus too well You're doing great just coming here and talking about things. We can do this. I just went to the market and reading labels is hard to get used to, and I could not believe the lack of Whole Dairy products! Low fat this and that but it will get easier for us, Denise

 

[G0ldengirl68]

Hi there, just make sure you keep on at your team re a proper diagnosis. If you are type 1 then no amount of metformin is going to tackle that, and just be aware that if you have gone immediately low carb this may make it harder for them to diagnose as you would be keeping your glucose levels lower than they would be 'normally' if you like. Generally, if you eat low carb your body has no need to produce higher insulin levels which could also give a lower C Peptide reading than usual. It's quite complicated but you are doing the right thing by checking your glucose levels and keeping a record (but again, your team may look at that record, see the readings are lower and make assumptions) When I was first diagnosed I didn't fit the type 2 'profile' as they call it so they put me on insulin straight away, then I kept going low constantly so anyway after a LOT of confusion they eventually did the extra tests and I was type 1. (Bear in mind also, 3 years BEFORE my type 1 diagnosis, I was told I was 'pre diabetic)'. Never had any call backs for further tests and ended up in hospital with the onset of DKA and they said ah, your pre diabetic diagnosis could have been the onset of type 1. Not wishing to worry you but there are SO many scenarios. Keep testing. x

Hi Denise! Bless your heart for the advice. I don’t think I am drinking enough it’s always been my downfall- I’m going to make a big jug up of very very diluted squash ( will be checking sugar content) as I am terrible at drinking just water. I bought some stevia today to try in my tea so will see how I get on with that. It’s the stevia with erithritol so Fingers crossed.

I maybe shouldn't, but I use a level tsp of Raw Honey in my Green Tea but only drink one 16 oz glass (2 teabags, I like it stronger I think my numbers are ok for just starting out but know they could be better. I have to wrap my head around what is making mine go up a little. Someone told me (here) today that there's an amount that gives a warning sign on "too much" gain. I'll find the "reply" and put it here. That helped a bit because if it went up 1 point I started worrying, lol

 

[YorkieShell]

*UPDATE*
Hi all
I’ve seen my DN today and from the readings I’ve done for the last week, I’m officially T2. I’m so lucky in that I have a great DN who is very kind, realistic and understanding. I had a gentle telling off as I’ve been doing too many finger pricks and am now to only do them before breakfast and before my evening meal. I’ve been told that I have to include some carbs into my diet as I had been under the impression I was to have none whatsoever, I’ve felt low, exhausted and generally rubbish all week. The metformin has made me have bathroom issues shall we say but I am going to persevere and see how I get on. My lovely DN said we can try another medication but I just want to see how I am now I’m introducing a few carbs. I’m feeling much better and more in control now I know I’m T2, and that it really is all about moderation and finding what works for me. I have learnt a lot this week and must not compare myself to others, everybody’s experience is different and what works for one person doesn’t work for another. Fingers crossed I can get the balance right in this next week and start feeling better mentally.

 

[G0ldengirl68]

I'm so glad you are happy with your doctor. I applied to a new one in town, and waiting to see if she'll take me on as patient. Being on just Medicare/with Medical (the cal in this is California) many doctors, most in fact in my area, won't work with patients on that alone.

The testing times are a bit baffling but in all honesty, for me, it depends who's telling me determines so many differences I am stumped. But I am listening to my body, you might say, and I dropped my tests to 2 hours after breakfast, and 2 hours after dinner. Mainly because I was getting the same numbers for the other times, or very close.

Seems my good-feeling days are sporadic and yesterday was utterly like I was 20 again! Today I'm draggin a bit. Did your doc mention B-12 or D3 supplements? I've been on the D3 since the diagnosis, she told me to take 5 of the 2000 iu's! She said it won't hurt you. I ordered some highly respected B-Complexes, on my own because I read about it being needed with T2.

Good to see you and hear your news,

 

[YorkieShell]

Hi Denise!
Thanks for your reply and good to hear you had a good day yesterday! My Nurse has recommended I take a general multi vitamin as I had stopped taking these- I read on another forum that there was a particular vitamin that maybe wasn’t too great for diabetics- I don’t know which one as I’ve been so tired my memory is not great at the moment. I hope you manage to get taken on with the Doctor.
Take care and I hope tomorrow is a good day x

 

[G0ldengirl68]

Yes, I have had a lot of naps in the last 2 weeks, and kind of up and down feeling good but steady on my foods, the right stuff etc. So it's all our body adjusting I think, and can't wait to feel better a lot more often. You take care too and again, good to see and hear from you

 

[Andydragon]

*UPDATE*
Hi all
I’ve seen my DN today and from the readings I’ve done for the last week, I’m officially T2. I’m so lucky in that I have a great DN who is very kind, realistic and understanding. I had a gentle telling off as I’ve been doing too many finger pricks and am now to only do them before breakfast and before my evening meal. I’ve been told that I have to include some carbs into my diet as I had been under the impression I was to have none whatsoever, I’ve felt low, exhausted and generally rubbish all week. The metformin has made me have bathroom issues shall we say but I am going to persevere and see how I get on. My lovely DN said we can try another medication but I just want to see how I am now I’m introducing a few carbs. I’m feeling much better and more in control now I know I’m T2, and that it really is all about moderation and finding what works for me. I have learnt a lot this week and must not compare myself to others, everybody’s experience is different and what works for one person doesn’t work for another. Fingers crossed I can get the balance right in this next week and start feeling better mentally.

Well no, you don't have to have any carbs at all. It isn't essential, some of us have more than others and you are exactly right in that everyone is different and you need o find your way through this

 

[bulkbiker]

I’ve seen my DN today and from the readings I’ve done for the last week, I’m officially T2. I’m so lucky in that I have a great DN who is very kind, realistic and understanding. I had a gentle telling off as I’ve been doing too many finger pricks and am now to only do them before breakfast and before my evening meal. I’ve been told that I have to include some carbs into my diet as I had been under the impression I was to have none whatsoever, I’ve felt low, exhausted and generally rubbish all week.

Whilst your DN maybe be a nice person she appears to know little about T2 dabetes and how to reverse it.. which is rather a shame.
The reason many of us test our blood sugars before and 2 hours after eating is to see exactly how our food has affected our blood sugar numbers.
Bit like watching the speedo when you are driving.
By doing that we can discover the foods that cause spikes in blood glucose and avoid them.
Testing before breakfast and dinner will unfortunately not really help show that.
As for carbohydrate consumption we need zero and many of us have found that by restricting them a lot we have gained great control over our blood glucose levels and thus gone into remission. If you want to do that too them maybe carry on with the carb restriction.
Feel low and exhausted could be "keto flu" which many experience when reducing carb consumption.. it's usually fairly short lived and well worth it for the benefits that will follow.

 

[Resurgam]

Hi Denise!
Thanks for your reply and good to hear you had a good day yesterday! My Nurse has recommended I take a general multi vitamin as I had stopped taking these- I read on another forum that there was a particular vitamin that maybe wasn’t too great for diabetics- I don’t know which one as I’ve been so tired my memory is not great at the moment. I hope you manage to get taken on with the Doctor.
Take care and I hope tomorrow is a good day x

Have you been put on a statin as well as Metformin?
I was taking Atorvastatin, and my memory was very badly hammered. I stopped taking the tablets after about 5 weeks - I can't remember exactly, that period is very hazy now - but it took me several years to recover my ability to recall things - where I relearned something in the mean time and now remember the original is really weird - I really wish that I had stopped the tablets earlier as it was a very dark time - I thought I was going senile.

 

[Sam09]

Hi all
Firstly I just wanted to say that I’ve read a lot of posts on here and everyone seems to knowledgeable and friendly. I was diagnosed on Wednesday after a UTI and subsequent blood test gave a reading of 75. My diabetic nurse specialist has told me she’s not sure if I’m type 1 or 2 as I don’t fit some of the criteria for type 2. She’s said I’m inbetween the two. I’ve had various health issues over the last couple of years and I’m worried I’ve had diabetes for a long time, and have already got complications. Ive had a lot of kidney infections and kidney stones, had issues with my eyesight which never really got resolved and quite a lot of gastro issues. I’ve been given a monitor and am testing my blood twice a day before and after meals. It’s only been a couple of days so is difficult to get my head round all this. I’ve also been prescribed metformin once a day for a week then will be increasing the dose. I’ve been given my list of foods to cut out which is basically most of my normal diet. I am feeling quite low that maybe I have caused this all myself in my diet previously. I’m small framed and bmi is too high. I’m not massively overweight. I am having a review to go over my blood readings in a weeks time and have been told I might be able to get a special blood test which will confirm exactly which type I am. I know it’s too early to gauge what’s what but it’s just all so overwhelming right now. I’m hoping once I know exactly what type I am, I will have a better idea of how to manage things. It would be good to hear from anyone who has had a similar situation where they’ve been told they’re between type 1 and 2, as I feel a bit in limbo currently and just a bit helpless.

Try taking Metformin with/after breakfast. My doctor recommended me to take it during my breakfast.

 

[YorkieShell]

Well no, you don't have to have any carbs at all. It isn't essential, some of us have more than others and you are exactly right in that everyone is different and you need o find your way through this

Hi Andy
Thank you for your reply. I feel much better in myself today and will continue to take my DN’s advice. I am having a very low amount of carbs per day. I made a food diary and it seems I was almost starving myself by having no carbs at all. I am being kind to myself and not being too obsessed with pricking fingers snd what I can’t eat. All the best

 

[Andydragon]

Hi Andy
Thank you for your reply. I feel much better in myself today and will continue to take my DN’s advice. I am having a very low amount of carbs per day. I made a food diary and it seems I was almost starving myself by having no carbs at all. I am being kind to myself and not being too obsessed with pricking fingers snd what I can’t eat. All the best

Well, there is plenty of food you can eat that are lower carbs so starving yourself means perhaps more that you haven't quite worked out what foods to eat and instead have cut out carbs rather than finding alternatives. But again, you need to find the balance that works for you

I mean, I have carbs, but huge amounts less than I used to, so pasta/bread/rice is gone mostly but instead increased my meat, cheese, vegetable intake etc. But yes, some of the lower carb also has lower calories, I'm still learning myself