• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Type 2 Questions Questions

S

Stitch626

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi everyone. I am relatively new here, this being only my second post. I have so many questions and hope you don't mind me asking. I am type 2 diagnosed about 2 weeks ago. Using diet and exercise to try first without tablets.

Is it possible to stay using diet and exercise or is it likely that I will have to go onto tablets?
Is it likely that I will have to inject later in life? (This scares the beep out of me!)
I haven't got a meter and have been told by the nurse I don't need one. However from this forum I've been told it is almost essential. Does anyone have recommendations as I've done a bit of research and see that going the non tablet/injection route you can't get one for free! I don't have much money so am a little worried I'll be able to afford the strips if testing 6 plus times a day.
I am very overweight so am trying to use the diet aspect to lose weight as well as get my be down. I have a bad back following a car accident last year so am looking for recommendations for types of exercise as walking does hurt although I still try to walk a bit most days.
Can anyone tell me apart from the obvious such as bread cereal sweets etc whether there are any foods to avoid that normally you would believe are good for you (hopefully this makes sense).

That's it for now and thank you for your replies in advance!
 
I've been told by the nurse to avoid grapes, melon and bananas but other fruit is okay. Is this not the case? I will find it even more difficult if I can't have fruit! :(
 
I completely agree with NoCrbs...it is definitely possible...I was prescribes a particular pill initially but came off it by choice when it was clear a very low carb diet was more effective. I went back on the pills once my diet was under control to see if it was any more effective second time around...but now I'm back off them and relying solely on diet..which is working very well. I eat less than 40 carbs a day (all from foods with a low carb content) and a total of about 1500 calories. The diabetes consultant I saw this week approved the details of my diet and tells me if I maintain it I am "effectively in remission". I have not intention of injecting at any point unless something crazy changes and if I have to I'm not worried about it as so many people do so well on it. Investigate meters as there are cheap ones available. It makes total sense to self test and record the impact of what you eat on your levels. To be frank - I don't know what your levels are at present but they cannot be crazy high if you're not on meds already, and it must be felt that you might be able to change things without meds - being "very overweight" obviously suggests that the food you are eating is the issue...so get shot of all the carbs and rubbish you really really don't need....it's that stuff which will make sure you end up on pills or injections - so take control. As for cost...how much might be saved by not buying all the rubbish? If you want to avoid spending on a meter an strips right away - fine - see what has changed at your next test (once you've changed the diet more) and then decide. Good luck.
 
HI and welcome @Stitch626
Some people have managed on diet and exercise particularly with weight loss when needed. There are many success stories on this forum.
The cheapest strips as people here have found are using the SD codefree meter.
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/
and strips
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/

It is only with testing - before a meal and 2 hours after that you can see what works or doesn't work for you.
I found rice, pasta, and most fruits spiked me to begin with. I can eat strawberries and blueberries. I can also eat sweet potato but wouldn't advise this without testing.

My exercise is walking which I note you have a problem with, Have you tried cycling or swimming?

Do ask questions and we will try and help.
 
I have since seeing the nurse been eating much more healthily and have lost a couple of pounds in a week. I need to lose about 6 stone which I am very ashamed of. However this will be the thing that gives me a reality check and fingers crossed I will be able to lose it over time.

I have a massive problem with the exercise as I suffer with mental health issues including bi polar social anxiety and panic attacks so don't go out unless one of my family go with me and I have no self confidence either. I find it difficult to be around people I don't know. I used to love to swim but can't get the courage to go - being so large doesn't help. Has anyone used fitness DVDs? Any recommendations? God I'm a mess!!
 
Hi @Stitch626 You obviously have already taken on board the need to lose weight as part of controlling your diabetes. Well done on losing 2lbs already, you are heading in the right direction. You need to cut out sugars, and cut down on carbohydrates which will turn to sugars in your body.

Although some people (including some health professionals) say that diabetes is progressive, it is not inevitable that you will end up on tablets or injections. Your reading of 6.5mmol/L is quite low and you should be able to bring it down by modifying your diet and bringing your weight down. Many of the forum members, including myself, have done this by a Low Carbohydrate High Fat approach to eating. I don't want to go on medication if I can help it, and I am needle phobic and I'm terrified by the thought of injections, which has spurred me on to reduce my BG levels.

My main exercise is walking. If you find that difficult can you swim? Unfortunately I can't, it is supposed to be the best exercise.
But even if you can't exercise it won't matter too much, the main way to control your diabetes (and weight) is by what you eat.

Tropical fruit especially is high in sugars, but berries are supposed to be ok, also apples and pears.

I didn't use a meter for the first three months after diagnosis, I had a good idea from this forum as to what I could and shouldn't eat. But after my BG level came down on retest my GP said I wouldn't need to be tested again for 12 months. As your BG is quite low and I expect you will reduce it before your 3 month retest your GP is likely to say the same.

Because of the financial constraints on the NHS meters aren't now usually prescribed for Type 2 diabetics. I bought one myself just to reassure myself that I was lowering my BG levels, as otherwise I wouldn't know until my 12 month retest in September.
 
Stitch626 said:
I have since seeing the nurse been eating much more healthily and have lost a couple of pounds in a week. I need to lose about 6 stone which I am very ashamed of. However this will be the thing that gives me a reality check and fingers crossed I will be able to lose it over time.

I have a massive problem with the exercise as I suffer with mental health issues including bi polar social anxiety and panic attacks so don't go out unless one of my family go with me and I have no self confidence either. I find it difficult to be around people I don't know. I used to love to swim but can't get the courage to go - being so large doesn't help. Has anyone used fitness DVDs? Any recommendations? God I'm a mess!!
Click to expand...

My recommendations are:

1. Don't be ashamed.
Many of us (me included) are in the same position and no-one here cares about anything other than helping each other to manage their diabetes and be as healthy as possible.

2. Ditch the carbs.
I went from snaffling my way through take-out after take-out to eating a low carb, high fat diet (LCHF) for 2 months without any kind of deviation. I lost 2 stones and even though I've re-introduced some carbs (at my own cost - see next point), I've kept the weight off. My first annual diabetic check-up was only 2 months after diagnosis. The nurse was amazed at my HbA1C results - they'd done from wildly out of control to within the normal range in just 2 months - through diet and 1500mg Metformin daily. Then, I got cocky and thought I'd cracked it. See next point...

3. Don't become complacent
When you get on top of your diet, it's tempting to have a little treat here, a little treat there and before you know it, you are back to eating rubbish again. Perhaps it's not the same amount of rubbish, but believe you, it will make you feel like death. I spent yesterday evening in tears because of the sheer tiredness I've been feeling. It's overwhelming. But it's also my fault as I've been really slack on the carb and testing front. Which leads me onto the next point.

4. Don't listen when they say don't test
How can you manage something if you can't measure it? Yes, the strips are expensive, but what price your health? How can you know if what you are doing is really working?

You can do this. People keep telling me that diabetes is a progressive disease and I will end up on insulin. They may be right, but I am doing everything in my power to prevent that, or at least slow down the progression.

Good luck :)
 
I am completely convinced that for a lot of people...it's reversible, and I fully intend being one of them. Alos, really good advice from those who have responded. Don't get down - just get an approach and stick to it...but don't beat the bejeezus outta yourself if you slip up!
 
Stitch626 said:
I used to love to swim but can't get the courage to go - being so large doesn't help.
Click to expand...
You shouldn't be so reluctant to go swimming. Nobody is going to take any notice. But if you are perhaps you could go at a time when nobody else is likely to be using the pool.
I tried to teach myself to swim about 30 years ago, and felt really self conscious splashing around at the edge while everyone else was swimming up and down the pool. I found that if I went between 11-12 in the morning I was the only person there, apart from a lifeguard. I still didn't manage to learn unfortunately.
You could try asking the ticket seller/pool attendant/lifeguard if there are any times when the pool is likely to be empty and they will probably be able to help you.
 
On the exercise front, the number one rule is that it should be fun - or you won't do it.

You'll find on a LCHF diet, the weight will drop off, leaving you with more energy and things like backache will also improve (unless there is another underlying cause). I'm with you on the social anxiety front, so fully understand how crippling that can be.

Find some videos on YouTube - there's plenty you can do in your home, without the need for fancy equipment. Put some music on and dance your way round as you do the housework. Have a little bop while you are doing the dishes, or the ironing (you get the picture).

As the weight reduces, hopefully your confidence, as well as your stamina will grow and you might feel able to an exercise that is more structured.
 
Thank you all for your kind advice it is really appreciated :)

I have some good news in that I have a kindly type 1 relative who has a spare meter they are going to give me! Hooray!

I shall havemail a look at You Tube for exercise videos. I didn't think of that so thank you again for the suggestion :)
 
Hi @Stitch626 Welcome to the forum. It's understandable that you feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment but things will get better. There are several people here who have lost the amount of weight that you want to lose and who have got their blood sugar down. There are also people here who have similar mental health issues to yourself who are coping with their diabetes. I'm going to tag @daisy1 who will be along shortly with some really good information which you will find helpful. After you've had a read of that come back and ask as many questions as you want, someone will answer. Best of luck to you.
 
Hello and good luck @Stitch626 . There is some excellent advice already on this thread and you have come to the right place for help and support. @Prem51 was good to suggest asking about quiet pool times. I find that my pool is quiet over lunchtime 12 and 1. I hope you manage to go and swim as it is a wonderful feeling to be in the water. :)
 
@Stitch626

Hello and welcome to the forum :) Lots of good advice above. To add to this, here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Ask more questions and someone will be able to help.

BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find over 150,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-whole-grains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

LOW CARB PROGRAM:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/low carb program


Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to bloodglucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
 
hi, and welcome. :) I agree with advice of others here. I'd add that it is important to not let anything upset you about management of diabetes and just accept change and tackle it head on. As for myself diabetes has been a journey to date and I am now on insulin, and that it isn't as scary as it sounds. I remember being newly diagnosed and how awful everything sounded and how I was determined to never be on meds or insulin. Just remember everyone is different, what works for someone else may not work for you. Your meter is your friend and the best tool to help you learn how you react to foods, environments, sickness, stress. Also you may find your journey differs to others... things can and do change. It's really all about your approach to keep checking what needs to be done. Also my No. 1 advice to any type 2 diabetic is to notice! notice! notice!.... by that I mean that if you notice something isn't working, time to re-evaluate and adjust how you control it. If things get to the stage that you just can't get control of your sugar levels, then ask for the diagnostic tests to be done again (GAD test and c-peptide test) as some people diagnosed with type 2 are in fact type 1.5, likewise you may be producing insulin right now but later on you may not be and this is the only way to find out. I wish you the best.
 
Back
Top