Periods, hormones, diets and Diabetes

Hello, So I have been a type 2 diabetic since 2016. I was gestational diabetic before that with 3 pregnancies. In 2018 I went onto insulin and since then my diabetes journey has had issues. I have been left with pretty much zero support from health professionals and I mostly handle my diabetes independently, unless they want to add in new medication. It really is a nightmare. At the moment they want me to lose weight and have put me on Semaglutide tablets, but I came off of the injections because of side effects and the issues I had getting the medication.
So 4 weeks ago I started a new diet and I am on these new tablets. I have reduced my tresiba to 68 units and my novorapid to 25-35 units per meal dependant on the kcal intake, but I do it by pretty much guessing as I have found that my body acts completely different to insulin in the morning than it does throughout the day. I think this is hormone related because I am also having issues just before and during my periods... where my sugar just drop. I start getting 3's and 4's but then when I drop my overnights, I have issues after my periods with high BSL. So I am struggling a little. I think its also important to add that I lost an ovary last November (long story, massive cyst), but my period cycles have changed to every 3 weeks (absolute nightmare) and I have a period tracker and a diabetes BSL tracker (my own spreadsheet) and I now have a meal tracker. Honestly I am going a little bit insane, but the drops in BSL are definitely connected to my periods but my cycles are obviously changing at the moment and although they are every 3 weeks, thats not a "given" yet. So I cannot guess when its going to happen and usually just start getting lows. What worries me is because of my improved diet, my morning BSLs have dropped to 5s which are fab! Yey me! and I have lost 2.7kg so far. So yey again. But the worries over the low BSL for my periods are driving me mental. I managed this one ok... but my sugars dropped to 3.8 and I had no symptoms of a drop. Before I would get to 4s and start getting dizzy. Does this mean that my "new normal" is happening and a 3.8 is not as dire as it was?

I suppose I am just looking to other diabetics for some real life answers! Especially as getting a diabetic nurse to have any type of input into my life is equivalent to asking for weight loss help! lol! So Really really really just needing some advice. I have tried dropping the long lasting insulin and as mentioned my long term BSL for that month was affected negatively. The rest of the month I am getting perfect BSL since the diet... so I know its working... but its just during my monthly where my levels drop (they have done this for ages!), that I have lows and I worry. I also CRAVE sugar, especially chocolate... before, during and after my periods... like you wouldnt believe.

Has anyone got any ideas? I have done some internet searches but I get "some women do experience low BSL and to keep an eye on your levels". Obviously I am doing this and I always have a snack on me, for just incase! (Also an oaty choc snack so short and long lasting carbs in there!) I know what works for me. I am just worried that I am missing something with all my periods and hormones and stuff.

I am awaiting a gynae appointment, but I am not holding my breath! I spent 3 years on the waiting list for them to remove my cyst in an emergency surgery and discharge me back to doctor without actually seeing a gynae for any of my "normal" issues! So.... NHS sucks! (longer discussion! lol)

Melgar said:

Hi Samee, I just wanted to touch base with you to say we are here. I am sure someone will be along who knows something about the blood sugar lowering drugs you mentioned. I don’t take those meds, but I know there are members who do. I love sweet things, especially chocolate. I’m guessing you like the milk chocolate. My partner loves the dark chocolate, the 90% stuff. I actually eat berries instead, or if I’m being bad I’ll have a small square. Yes, this love of sweet things is definitely a thing. There are actually discussions here by members who love sweet things and are looking for alternatives. It’s a sad fact of life for us diabetics that all the things we love, like chocolate shoot our blood sugars up.

You are certainly not alone with the lack of support for Type 2 diabetics. You are kind of on your own with it, so site like this are full of people who likely know a lot more than your average GP or diabetic nurse. We cannot diagnose but we can certainly talk about our own experiences. I haven’t been able to help you, but there will be someone who will be able to answer your questions.
Mel Edited for clarity.

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Hi! Thanks so much for your reply. Yeah I am just looking for some advice regarding the monthlies and low blood sugars. Its worrying me. I wanted to explain the entire situation so people knew where I was coming from I probably gave too much info! lol

Melgar said:

Actually, if you check out the whats new tab in the top left corner there is an active discussion by members looking for alternatives for sweet things, entitled ’Need some alternative recommendations for sugary cravings’.

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Hey Thanks! But I actually have alternatives and I am managing my cravings, I just wanted to be honest that my cravings for sugar are almost insufferable every month during that week! Super strange!