Type 2 Recovering alcohol addict and diabetes

[photophilljk]

Hi all, I have recently been through Addiction Therapy Program and I am now in recovery from alcohol addiction. Since leaving the hospital I have been continually losing weight and my blood sugars have been on the lower side (4-6) from finger prick testing. I spoke to my doctor who said the readings are normal so isn't worried. I've also been getting light-headed when climbing stairs or getting up from the sofa and my sugar craving is through the roof.
Does anyone else have any idea or experience of weight loss after exposure to significant amounts of mind-altering substances?

 

[lovinglife]

I can’t help as I have no experience of this but just wanted to say well done on your journey into recovery, I think addiction of any kind that is mastered is to be applauded.

 

[photophilljk]

@lovinglife thank you, it is a very big world out there in comparison to the small tiny world that addicts make for themselves, your tag is very prominent in my life at the minute, loving every minute of my life

 

[dwnunder]

Well done in your recovery you must have been on a wild journey so big welcome back. Sorry that I can’t help you with your blood glucose problem but I am sure someone on here will jump in and give you some help. I just had to give you a pat on the back for doing so well.

 

[photophilljk]

@dwnunder thank you. It’s been a few decades of confusion and drunkenness so just coming to terms with who I’ve hurt/affected etc

 

[Pipp]

@dwnunder thank you. It’s been a few decades of confusion and drunkenness so just coming to terms with who I’ve hurt/affected etc

Can’t change the past, @photophilljk , but can learn from it, and shape your future.

You started losing weight when discharged from hospital?

What sort of things are you eating?
What sort of support do you have at home?

Your blood glucose levels seem fine. What about blood pressure? Do you measure that? Can be done at some pharmacies.

 

[photophilljk]

I started losing weight during my stay at the hospital. Eating the normal stuff I’d eat when drinking but obviously the 2k calories less in booze is dropping my weight. Blood glucose is low compared to my normal 7 but still in tolerance but just worried about sugar cravings being a cross addiction

 

[photophilljk]

My blood pressures are recording fine before blood pressure meds to drop the levels

 

[MrsA2]

but just worried about sugar cravings being a cross addiction

I understand that can happen, but you are forewarned so forearmed! And you can use some of the ridding alcohol techniques to fend off sugar (or any other substance) too.
You've done it once, so can do it again, if necessary.
You've got this !

 

[Pipp]

I started losing weight during my stay at the hospital. Eating the normal stuff I’d eat when drinking but obviously the 2k calories less in booze is dropping my weight. Blood glucose is low compared to my normal 7 but still in tolerance but just worried about sugar cravings being a cross addiction

Ok, so are you feeling hungry? Does it need to be sugar you want to eat?
What are your meals like?
Sorry for all the questions, it just helps to have some idea of what you eat usually, so members can offer appropriate advice, based on their own experiences.

You could increase the healthy fats in your diet as a replacement for the calories you say you have lost. By healthy fats I mean full fat yogurt, cream, nuts and nut butters, cheese, olives and olive oil, bacon, eggs.