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Patchy management of Type 2

L

Le Duan

Member
Hello - I wasn't sure where to post this - so bear with me, please. Thanks

I was diagnosed with Type 2 about 15 years ago - in that time it's accurate to say that my management of the condition has been 'patchy', and up and down - literally....HbA1c results good, bad and ugly!

I recently had an epiphany and realised that my approach to managing Diabetes is similar to Homer Simpson's response to Marj when she berates him for not going to church every Sunday "Don't worry Marge, I'll pray like hell on my deathbed".

I think the asymptomatic nature of Diabetes T2, and its chronic nature is driving my behaviour - thus "I'll take all my meds just before they cut my foot off".

I think I'm pretty intelligent, so I want to look at how I can change that outlook and behaviour.

I'm looking at practical steps, such as getting and wearing a CGM device - the theory being that a constant reminder of blood sugar levels is an immediate indicator that things are either good or bad - and can be corrected in the moment.

Does this resonate with other people? If so - I'd be interested in hearing your experiences and also hearing about strategies and steps people have taken.

I also think that suspected Adult ADHD, is not helping!

Thanks In Advance x
 
Hi,

Might be worth starting a separate thread to avoid people getting confused between you and the OP.

In general, I find CGMs keep me engaged and accountable so yes, that's worth trying. I also have ADHD and have found the only practical way to have a sensible breakfast is having Huel Black (the high protein one) - just not organised in the morning enough to sort out yoghurt and nuts which is my go to weekend breakfast. Also I find I need to make sure I have eggs, fish and a variety of suitable veg in the fridge at all times. I do a big Asda delivery of nuts, seeds and other low carb canned goods once in a while so all that is on hand. I don't buy alcohol or junk food unless there's a specific occasion it's for (like when I'm hosting people). That means good decisions are a lot easier in the moment and at least 2 meals a day are low carb and nutritious, whatever happens when I'm badly organised in the middle of a work day. Hope this helps!
 
I found seeing my own bg immensely motivating. It's all too easy to think "oh it won't affect me" especially when symptomless
Up to you whether you go finger prick (cheap but requires more input and record keeping) or cgm (expensive at £50 every 2 weeks but everything is done for you)
I'd suggest both, one after the other. Once you learn (see repeatedly) what certain foods do to you, it's much easier to avoid or moderate and you won't need to monitor those foods each and every time.
I started with finger pricks 8 or 9 times a day (now just once daily) and now use a cgm once or twice a year just to make sure I've not slipped back, or for when I can't be so in control of my food eg holidays or business trips.

Overall, yes seeing what your body ( nobody else's) is really doing is fascinating, motivating and for bg control, crucial. However for some it can cause anxiety and take over control. You know you. And you can start or stop it any time.
 
Like others, I'd recommend structured and recorded blood glucose monitoring. The big advantage is that it will tell you immediately whether your body can handle the carbs you're putting into it. It is not to see "how high you go" - testing before you eat and again at +2 hrs will give you a reasonable indication of how well your system is handling things. Fingerprick is generally fine, but there are a few things that a CGM will tell you that you can't get from fingerprick tests.

Once the carbs are in, there's not a lot you can do in the short term to "correct" where you wind up - (I'm assuming from what you say that you're not on any medication?) - it's more a case of taking a long term view and erasing the things that raise your BG unacceptable.

You're fortunate to be symptom-free after fifteen years. I went the other way - lots of symptoms as soon as I went out of normal range. It was a huge motivation to change - apart from some residual neuropathic tingle, which seems to be permanent damage, the high blood sugar symptoms have gone.

Best of luck. Some willpower helps.
 
I'm all for the CGM. "Structured" monitoring is not in the cards, otherwise. If you are ADHD, it's just not going to happen unless something does it for you, because you'll just plain forget to prick your finger after a day or two. (I know I would... And have.). For me, there's only the "right now", and if the same is basically true for you, then yes.... Seeing what your bloods are up or down to in the moment, so you can take immediate action -opposed to "something I'll do later" and ooops, forget two seconds later- seems like an excellent plan.
 
Hello and welcome @Le Duan

you're definitely not alone in being in denial and not managing your diabetes. Having said that it really is in your interests to start managing it while you are symptom free.

If you are able to self fund a CGM for a while I certainly recommend it. Finger pricking is challenging for many people and remembering adds to the challenge. If you have the CGM you will be able to know what effect some foods have on your levels and will be able to work out some safe meals. It may also help with motivation.

@RachelG. had some great ideas

If you also have ADHD it is definitely worth having things ready to go in the fridge or freezer. It helps when you find it hard to plan ahead. So you could have some boiled eggs, or make a roast and that's good for a few meals. Pork belly is one of my go to as keto means I run low on salt and salt is good for crackling.

Good luck and welcome
 
Thank you - I forgot to mention medication - Metformin-Gliclazide-Canagliflozin.
 
I was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) . Most of us, by the time we are in our 40’s , 50’s and 60’s, have developed strategies to cope. Although paying bills and Checking my bank account still alludes me. I ritualize everything. I test my bloods first thing in the morning before my feet even touch the floor. My testing kit is on my night stand. Then I take my pills. Then a tea. I also use a CGM. It is an amazing devise, but I can obsess over my bloods if I am not careful. That’s the hyper focus bit that can either be a good thing or not so good. Ritualizing my day to day helps me. You may have developed your own strategies to cope, work with them and turn it all around and make ADHD a strength. I know there are lots of challenges being neurodivergent, but you can turn these challenges around. A CGM is definitely a good thing for me as it’s in my face. If it’s in my face I will not ignore it.
 
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