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Hi Jo.
Oh yey! I thought I was going to have to forgo cheese. It does seem weird to have butter and cream and full fat stuff. I'd gone to low fat foods thinking it would help with the weight loss and brown rice, pasta and bread would be better. I'm not a cake eater but did like the odd biscuit or two or three. The advice I'm getting is so helpful. I will definitely get a meter. That makes a lot of sense to me.
I'm sure I'll have more questions and it's great to know I'll get answers from those who've been there. Cheers Jo.
Low Carb works better for weight loss that Low Fat does!
Why? - It's because Carbs digest to glucose causing raised Blood Glucose. The Pancreas then produces Insulin to move the glucose out of the bloodstream into fat cells raising body fat which in turn starts to cause Insulin Resistance. But eating Fat has no noticeable effect on Blood Glucose. So eating Carbs is more likely to make you fat than eating Fats is!
 
Low Carb works better for weight loss that Low Fat does!
Why? - It's because Carbs digest to glucose causing raised Blood Glucose. The Pancreas then produces Insulin to move the glucose out of the bloodstream into fat cells raising body fat which in turn starts to cause Insulin Resistance. But eating Fat has no noticeable effect on Blood Glucose. So eating Carbs is more likely to make you fat than eating Fats

Low Carb works better for weight loss that Low Fat does!
Why? - It's because Carbs digest to glucose causing raised Blood Glucose. The Pancreas then produces Insulin to move the glucose out of the bloodstream into fat cells raising body fat which in turn starts to cause Insulin Resistance. But eating Fat has no noticeable effect on Blood Glucose. So eating Carbs is more likely to make you fat than eating Fats is!
Thanks for that Info Ian. That's more than I got from my Dr. It's quite an eye opener. I shall explain all this to my family.
 
Thank you. I did wonder if testing would be beneficial tbh. This is going to take some getting used to, but once I have and in the swing of things. I would like some info on what reasonably priced meters are out there and the strips.
You know it still doesn't feel real. I don't think I've come to terms with it properly and what it means to have it. I've had more info and support in the last hr that I've had to date. It will go long way in helping me to. I'm grateful to you and Lobsang. Thanks so much.

That feeling can last some time - I was in a flat spin for 2-3 months after diagnosis - but I did research and changed my diet.

I'm lucky, I have still porridge made with oats for breakfast and a couple of small slices of homemade sourdough bread at lunch but my HbA1c has come down from 56 to 46. That's in the usual units in the UK, mmol/mol. Yours looks to be in percent, there are plenty of online calculators, looks like 7.7% is 61 mmol/mol.

I tried brown rice, it's disgusting in my view! I found brown pasta more acceptable, but don't have it at all often. There is an edamame & mung bean version which is very low in carbs and very filling - it has lots of protein. I've also discovered cauliflower rice, but it's far cheaper to buy a cauliflower and chop it up! I've found 1/4 of a decent size one makes a good size helping, and after trying doing it with the food processor I now use a knife. I gather you can use broccoli in it as well. And I've just got a cheap manual spiralizer. Going to see what I like spiralized. Courgette is on the list, so also is turnip - the small white things, not the big orange ones which (here at least) are swedes.

And come strawberry season I will be eating lots of them, as I live in a growing area. The poly tunnels were opened right up in winter, now the polythene is over them again and I can see the plants inside. They are grown at waist level, far easier to pick and they don't suffer damage from the ground. At my nearest PYO I got 1kg in 5 minutes, yum! And they are far tastier than any in the shops.
 
I have bought the Gluco navvi one and strips. Had to speak to my Dr today, and she wasn't enthusiastic about me monitoring myself. My reply was, the Diabetic nurse gave me the link to Diabetes.co.uk for advice, help & support. The advice was do it. So I will. Is this a common thing with Dr's when you have type 2? Also, I should have asked. Is it easy to understand the results? Not sure if the nurse will help, if she doesn't think I should be doing it. At least that'd the impression I'm getting from my Dr.
Many doctors see a glucose meter as a device only suitable to help prevent critically low blood sugar levels (hypos). These normally only occur in people on insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs but not metformin. Here, we suggest using the meter to monitor how we react to different foods and meals, and then adjust those so we can maintain blood sugar levels that are similar to non-diabetics.

NICE recommended target blood glucose level ranges
Target Levels by TypeUpon wakingBefore meals (pre prandial)At least 90 minutes after meals (post prandial)
Non-diabetic*
4.0 to 5.9 mmol/Lunder 7.8 mmol/L
Type 2 diabetes
4 to 7 mmol/Lunder 8.5 mmol/L

We test just before we eat, and then we test again two hours later. If the second reading is within 2.0 mmol/l of the first one, it's likely that it had an amount of carbohydrates our bodies can handle okay. If the second reading is still higher than the first reading by 2.0 mmol/l or more, it's likely we've eaten too many carbohydrates. So next time we know we need to modify or eliminate that meal. To start with, our starting numbers are also going to be high (we got diabetes!) but we can still check to see if whatever we eat is okay or not. Soon, the numbers will start to drop (if we modify what we eat). Don't worry about calories, if you're hungry eat some more but try to not eat more carbohydrates, instead add more fat to your meal. Doing this, you'll feel full, you won't feel hungry again so quickly and so you'll actually eat less and lose weight. I was diagnosed just over a year ago and I've been low-carbing ever since - with a slight deviation at Christmas :) My HbA1c has gone from 74 down to 37, my weight has dropped by 21kg, my blood pressure has dropped to normal levels and my lipid levels too.
 
Many doctors see a glucose meter as a device only suitable to help prevent critically low blood sugar levels (hypos). These normally only occur in people on insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs but not metformin. Here, we suggest using the meter to monitor how we react to different foods and meals, and then adjust those so we can maintain blood sugar levels that are similar to non-diabetics.

NICE recommended target blood glucose level ranges
Target Levels by TypeUpon wakingBefore meals (pre prandial)At least 90 minutes after meals (post prandial)
Non-diabetic*
4.0 to 5.9 mmol/Lunder 7.8 mmol/L
Type 2 diabetes
4 to 7 mmol/Lunder 8.5 mmol/L


We test just before we eat, and then we test again two hours later. If the second reading is within 2.0 mmol/l of the first one, it's likely that it had an amount of carbohydrates our bodies can handle okay. If the second reading is still higher than the first reading by 2.0 mmol/l or more, it's likely we've eaten too many carbohydrates. So next time we know we need to modify or eliminate that meal. To start with, our starting numbers are also going to be high (we got diabetes!) but we can still check to see if whatever we eat is okay or not. Soon, the numbers will start to drop (if we modify what we eat). Don't worry about calories, if you're hungry eat some more but try to not eat more carbohydrates, instead add more fat to your meal. Doing this, you'll feel full, you won't feel hungry again so quickly and so you'll actually eat less and lose weight. I was diagnosed just over a year ago and I've been low-carbing ever since - with a slight deviation at Christmas :) My HbA1c has gone from 74 down to 37, my weight has dropped by 21kg, my blood pressure has dropped to normal levels and my lipid levels too.
Thank you so much for that. I thought I'd deleted this comment as I thought it needed to be a post. Lol.
 
Welcome @Ali006
Lobsang Tsultim’s reply has pretty much covered most of what you need to know.
I just thought I would chip in with a little mention of testing. We use glucose meters to test our levels before and after our meals, the test just before our meal gives us a base level, then the second test 2hrs later show's what that meal has done to our blood sugar.
By keeping a record of your meals and the test results it soon becomes obvious what meals/foodstuffs we need to limit or cut out in order to get our blood sugar levels back to normal. Many of us have managed to lower our Hba1c and find we no longer need any medication. Unfortunately our cash strapped NHS don't usually provide the meters or test strips so we have to self fund our testing. If you are interested let us know we can with help some info on the meters and cost of strips.
 
Low Carb works better for weight loss that Low Fat does!
Why? - It's because Carbs digest to glucose causing raised Blood Glucose. The Pancreas then produces Insulin to move the glucose out of the bloodstream into fat cells raising body fat which in turn starts to cause Insulin Resistance. But eating Fat has no noticeable effect on Blood Glucose. So eating Carbs is more likely to make you fat than eating Fats is!
Low carb does work for weight loss. But please don't think you can eat pounds of cheese and gallons of cream. If you need to lose weight calories count too. You could look at the carbs and calorie counter book, or app for a lot of useful at-a-glance information.
 

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I was diagnosed T2 recently, but rather left in the dark about how to manage it, despite taking Metformin, my blood test results weren't good, so here I am to try to get it all under control (including my weight).
 
I need to lose weight, so I'm not going to over indulge on things like that tbh. I am, however, going cut right down on the carbs. It's meal ideas I need. Any good recipe books you could recommend.
 
I need to lose weight, so I'm not going to over indulge on things like that tbh. I am, however, going cut right down on the carbs. It's meal ideas I need. Any good recipe books you could recommend.
I like these ones, free on line or you can buy the books
 
I need to lose weight, so I'm not going to over indulge on things like that tbh. I am, however, going cut right down on the carbs. It's meal ideas I need. Any good recipe books you could recommend.

I've lost weight very gradually by getting rid of rice, pasta, potatoes and cous-cous with my evening meal. I make a lot of one-pan meals, similar to pasta sauces, but I found that riced cauliflower is fine underneath instead of pasta, and also I'm quite happy with a 'rough cut' version I do myself with a sharp knife and fresh cauliflower. I've also upped my vegetables. I still have porridge for breakfast but a slightly smaller portion, and 2-3 small thin slices of home-made sourdough at lunch.

There is also an edamame & mung bean pasta alternative - I find 40g is more than enough for a helping. I tried brown rice, it was disgusting. Brown pasta is OK, it's a occasional treat, so are Jersey Royal potatoes.

British asparagus is around - I have it with butter & lemon juice - and locally grown strawberries will be plentiful very soon.

I switched to celeriac instead of potato in leek & potato soup, and in warmer weather often have a salad with avocado before my evening meal. Asda sell packs of 4 small avocados which are just right for a portion for one.
 
I've lost weight very gradually by getting rid of rice, pasta, potatoes and cous-cous with my evening meal. I make a lot of one-pan meals, similar to pasta sauces, but I found that riced cauliflower is fine underneath instead of pasta, and also I'm quite happy with a 'rough cut' version I do myself with a sharp knife and fresh cauliflower. I've also upped my vegetables. I still have porridge for breakfast but a slightly smaller portion, and 2-3 small thin slices of home-made sourdough at lunch.

There is also an edamame & mung bean pasta alternative - I find 40g is more than enough for a helping. I tried brown rice, it was disgusting. Brown pasta is OK, it's a occasional treat, so are Jersey Royal potatoes.

British asparagus is around - I have it with butter & lemon juice - and locally grown strawberries will be plentiful very soon.

I switched to celeriac instead of potato in leek & potato soup, and in warmer weather often have a salad with avocado before my evening meal. Asda sell packs of 4 small avocados which are just right for a portion for one.

I’ve been having Weetabix & full fat milk, coffee & full fat milk. ( wondering if to have cream as I only have 2 cups in a day) for breakfast. Don’t always feel hungry for lunch and not sure what to have. I’ve made chicken & veg soup. Loads of different veg. Roast Chicken breast & salad, a lot. Scrambled egg & bacon. Poached Haddock. Staying away from Rice, pasta but not sure what to do about a little bread at times. Roast dinner on Sunday. Very lean meat, no potatoes, Yorkshire pudding or stuffing. Lots of veg and home made gravy. Some days I have no appetite really.
I like cauliflower and will try riced or do it myself. Asparagus too. Strawberries & Raspberries my fave fruit. Never tried Avocado, so I shall try it.
Thanks for the info. I really need to get a grip on this. Like many others it’s taking time to sink in and it’s a bit overwhelming at times.
 
I’ve been having Weetabix & full fat milk, coffee & full fat milk. ( wondering if to have cream as I only have 2 cups in a day) for breakfast. Don’t always feel hungry for lunch and not sure what to have. I’ve made chicken & veg soup. Loads of different veg. Roast Chicken breast & salad, a lot. Scrambled egg & bacon. Poached Haddock. Staying away from Rice, pasta but not sure what to do about a little bread at times. Roast dinner on Sunday. Very lean meat, no potatoes, Yorkshire pudding or stuffing. Lots of veg and home made gravy. Some days I have no appetite really.
I like cauliflower and will try riced or do it myself. Asparagus too. Strawberries & Raspberries my fave fruit. Never tried Avocado, so I shall try it.
Thanks for the info. I really need to get a grip on this. Like many others it’s taking time to sink in and it’s a bit overwhelming at times.
Sorry, but you might want to check the nutritional info on the weetabix... Yikes. No need to go for very lean meat, you do need to be filled up with something, and if it's not carbs, fats and protein'll have to do the job. If you're not hungry, don't eat. Why tax a pancreas if you don't feel a need to?
 
Low carb does work for weight loss. But please don't think you can eat pounds of cheese and gallons of cream. If you need to lose weight calories count too. You could look at the carbs and calorie counter book, or app for a lot of useful at-a-glance information.
I've not found it a problem - cutting out the carbs and eating as much fat and protein as I wanted, dropped my daily calories to around 900 - 1000 a day. That's why I don't worry about watching calories now, it's just unnecessary in my experience.
 
But we are all different, so for some of us eating lots of
Sorry, but you might want to check the nutritional info on the weetabix... Yikes. No need to go for very lean meat, you do need to be filled up with something, and if it's not carbs, fats and protein'll have to do the job. If you're not hungry, don't eat. Why tax a pancreas if you don't feel a need to?

2 biscuits have 26 carbohydrates of which 1.6g are sugars, and 3.8g fibre. By no means the worst of breakfast cereals as long as it's 2 biscuits without any extra sugar. As a child we used to put demerara sugar on them... It really depends on the OP's response to them.

"Yorkshire pudding or stuffing"

Not sure what the stuffing is, I've checked Pax. The first ingredient is flour and if made as directed into stuffing balls, each ball contains 10.1g carbs. As I make it (for turkey) it contains sausage meat, onion and chestnuts along with some herbs and (if I have it) the turkey liver chopped up.
 
But we are all different, so for some of us eating lots of


2 biscuits have 26 carbohydrates of which 1.6g are sugars, and 3.8g fibre. By no means the worst of breakfast cereals as long as it's 2 biscuits without any extra sugar. As a child we used to put demerara sugar on them... It really depends on the OP's response to them.

"Yorkshire pudding or stuffing"

Not sure what the stuffing is, I've checked Pax. The first ingredient is flour and if made as directed into stuffing balls, each ball contains 10.1g carbs. As I make it (for turkey) it contains sausage meat, onion and chestnuts along with some herbs and (if I have it) the turkey liver chopped up.
No sugar on the Weetabix just milk. Are there any good cereals? I used to have Yorkshire pudding with beef. Didn't think I could have it now. Stuffing was from a pk. Don't make my own. Thought that was out because it's made with dried breadcrumbs. I hate fat on meat so I've always had lean apart from crispy bacon.
 
No, I don't think there are any good cereals. 26g of carbs just for breakfast, plus some more for the milk? That's almost more than I eat in a whole day. I try to avoid foods that have more than 5g per 100g, those with up to 10g per 100g I'll have occasionally as a treat. Weetabix has 69g per 100g.
 
No, I don't think there are any good cereals. 26g of carbs just for breakfast, plus some more for the milk? That's almost more than I eat in a whole day. I try to avoid foods that have more than 5g per 100g, those with up to 10g per 100g I'll have occasionally as a treat. Weetabix has 69g per 100g.
Oh blimey!!! I didn't realise. I thought it would be ok. Now I'm depressed.
Well I'll have to think of something else. Thank heaven I can ask these things and get good info. I'll give it to someone in the family.
 
But we are all different, so for some of us eating lots of


2 biscuits have 26 carbohydrates of which 1.6g are sugars, and 3.8g fibre. By no means the worst of breakfast cereals as long as it's 2 biscuits without any extra sugar. As a child we used to put demerara sugar on them... It really depends on the OP's response to them.

"Yorkshire pudding or stuffing"

Not sure what the stuffing is, I've checked Pax. The first ingredient is flour and if made as directed into stuffing balls, each ball contains 10.1g carbs. As I make it (for turkey) it contains sausage meat, onion and chestnuts along with some herbs and (if I have it) the turkey liver chopped up.
You're only counting sugars... Practically all carbs turn to glucose once ingested, not just the sugars, but the starches too, and you're not counting those... Grains are basically bad news for any T2. (I wish I had better news).
 
Oh blimey!!! I didn't realise. I thought it would be ok. Now I'm depressed.
Well I'll have to think of something else. Thank heaven I can ask these things and get good info. I'll give it to someone in the family.
Lots of other options... You don't have to have breakfast-esque foods in the morning, you could just eat what you'd have for lunch or dinner, but if you want something that's not eggs with bacon/sausages/salmon/tomatoes/shrimp/whatever, you might enjoy full fat yoghurt with something like Purition to bulk it up with fibres... I often sprinkle in some chopped nuts for added crunch, or some cocoa powder. Berries are an option too. This morning, all I had was some clear broth so I could take my meds. And yog with nuts and purition for lunch. Dinner'll be some salmon with veg. Otherwise, check dietdoctor.com for breakfast options, they've got loads. ;)
 
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