T 2 - Binge eating

[JUNE56]

I am struggling every day with binge eating and often try to starve myself to compensate. This is something I have discussed with my GP and Psychiatrist (recurrent depressive disorder) but don't feel that they are listening or taking me seriously. It has been a difficult year, my daughter was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February and my son with exactly the same cancer in September. Binge eating is triggered by stress but I am gaining weight and my self esteem has plummeted because of this. Our surgery doesn't advocate glucose testing for type 2 but I wonder if it would give me the shock I need to take this disease seriously.

 

[AndBreathe]

I am struggling every day with binge eating and often try to starve myself to compensate. This is something I have discussed with my GP and Psychiatrist (recurrent depressive disorder) but don't feel that they are listening or taking me seriously. It has been a difficult year, my daughter was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February and my son with exactly the same cancer in September. Binge eating is triggered by stress but I am gaining weight and my self esteem has plummeted because of this. Our surgery doesn't advocate glucose testing for type 2 but I wonder if it would give me the shock I need to take this disease seriously.

June - I'm going to make your post into a new thread, as you may receive more responses that way. I hope you don't mind.

It sounds like you've had a really rough year. I do hope you're family are winning in their health battles.

We all have crutches in life. For some of us it's eating, others it might be drinking, buying handbags or whatever, so please be kind to yourself.

 

[Brunneria]

I am sorry to hear about your children. That must have knocked you for 6. No wonder you have been struggling!
How are they doing now?

Regarding your self testing... I am of the opinion that T2s should always be testing. However, the NHS spends its money elsewhere, and docs don't think it is necessary unless we are on insulin or one of the other strong drugs.

Many of us here pay for our own. I am certain that testing is what has helped me achieve non-diabetic blood glucose levels.

If you do fund your own testing, then there is a bewildering range of meters and prices. Worth checking them out and doing some comparison testing. I went for the SD Codefree, purely because i could do 50 tests for £7.50 rather than the £15-£35 it could have cost me using other brands.

Hope that helps.

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

I am struggling every day with binge eating and often try to starve myself to compensate. This is something I have discussed with my GP and Psychiatrist (recurrent depressive disorder) but don't feel that they are listening or taking me seriously. It has been a difficult year, my daughter was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February and my son with exactly the same cancer in September. Binge eating is triggered by stress but I am gaining weight and my self esteem has plummeted because of this. Our surgery doesn't advocate glucose testing for type 2 but I wonder if it would give me the shock I need to take this disease seriously.

Hi June56
I have a binge eating disorder and depression so know how difficult it can be to regain control, mine is also linked with stress and then on top of everything else because of the depression the thoughts get in the way... as I ruminate a lot.
As I had an emotional and stressful time in July like you I went on a mega binge which carried on until 4 weeks a go when I was diagnosed type 2. That was enough of a shock to make me stop fully, but I had been feeling wiered before hand and because of my background in nursing (many years ago) I began testing as I had my suspicions as I knew I was already Pre-diabetic.
Testing has made me more conscious of what I'am eating and more careful,how long it will last I don't know but its working at the moment and as I live from day to day its all I can ask. I've been told by Gp not to test as I'm only on Metformin but it gives me a bit of control back. I would say start testing, it can't do any harm and may do some good psychologically.
Sorry to hear you and yours are having such a tough time, take care Maggie

 

[AndBreathe]

Hi June56
I have a binge eating disorder and depression so know how difficult it can be to regain control, mine is also linked with stress and then on top of everything else because of the depression the thoughts get in the way... as I ruminate a lot.
As I had an emotional and stressful time in July like you I went on a mega binge which carried on until 4 weeks a go when I was diagnosed type 2. That was enough of a shock to make me stop fully, but I had been feeling wiered before hand and because of my background in nursing (many years ago) I began testing as I had my suspicions as I knew I was already Pre-diabetic.
Testing has made me more conscious of what I'am eating and more careful,how long it will last I don't know but its working at the moment and as I live from day to day its all I can ask. I've been told by Gp not to test as I'm only on Metformin but it gives me a bit of control back. I would say start testing, it can't do any harm and may do some good psychologically.
Sorry to hear you and yours are having such a tough time, take care Maggie

Fabulous post there Maggie/Magpie. I know many folks are a bit fearful of self-testing to begin with, but much as I didn't really fancy the mechanics of it all, I just knew it would be the thing that could really make a difference to the control I was determined to take.

Once I started the instant feedback was so motivating, although at times equally infuriating, that I knew it was here to stay and the key to a better understanding and brighter future. It also helped when MrB kept having doubts about my diagnosis, because I could quickly achieve good numbers, but one look back in my recorded blood test history reminded him that I really did have tests in the diabetic range, and not even marginally so. Bless.

Sounds like you're doing well. I hope you feel a sense of achievement.

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

Fabulous post there Maggie/Magpie. I know many folks are a bit fearful of self-testing to begin with, but much as I didn't really fancy the mechanics of it all, I just knew it would be the thing that could really make a difference to the control I was determined to take.

Once I started the instant feedback was so motivating, although at times equally infuriating, that I knew it was here to stay and the key to a better understanding and brighter future. It also helped when MrB kept having doubts about my diagnosis, because I could quickly achieve good numbers, but one look back in my recorded blood test history reminded him that I really did have tests in the diabetic range, and not even marginally so. Bless.

Sounds like you're doing well. I hope you feel a sense of achievement.

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. But to be honest a sense of achievement is something you rarely feel when your a depressive.
But taking back control of my diet, no matter how temporary it might be, can only be a good thing.
Maggie/Magpie

 

[4ratbags]

It is well worth getting a meter to test as it is a great motivator, testing helped me get my BS under control. I have the same issues with binge eating and depression when under stress so the last 6 months have been a see saw for me but I have found that testing helps me get back on track. It hasnt solved the issue but it has helped me get back on track faster. I hope your children are doing okay.

 

[Dinet]

Hi Maggie/Magpie, what a tough card(s) u ve been dealt with. I hope things get better soon. I m also newly diagnosed and i have been helped a lot by regular testing. Last week i had 2 really bad days of high carbs (i m also depressive). I put what happened behind me -otherwise it creates a vicious cycle. I finally got back in control of what i preper for my meals coz that's my big downfall : getting hungry without any "sensible" meals available, neither planned nor shopped-for. I pretend that i preper my family's meals -which i do well , but not able to do the same for myself. It takes time to change old habbits... Best of luck to you

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

Hi Maggie/Magpie, what a tough card(s) u ve been dealt with. I hope things get better soon. I m also newly diagnosed and i have been helped a lot by regular testing. Last week i had 2 really bad days of high carbs (i m also depressive). I put what happened behind me -otherwise it creates a vicious cycle. I finally got back in control of what i preper for my meals coz that's my big downfall : getting hungry without any "sensible" meals available, neither planned nor shopped-for. I pretend that i preper my family's meals -which i do well , but not able to do the same for myself. It takes time to change old habbits... Best of luck to you

Thank you.
Maybe preparing a batch of meals in advance and freezing them or making enough for you and your family to eat together may be an idea. I know its so difficult when it's the last thing you want to do and your feeling depressed. But I guess we both need to take extra care of ourselves.
Good luck to you to.

 

[AlwaysWinter]

I have binge eating disorder linked to depression and a diabetes specialist I saw said I hadn't come to terms with Diabetes (type 2). And I've been diabetic for nearly 20 years. I'm trying to manage this but suffer fro SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) at this time of year so am more negative. I also either eat all the unhealthy stuff or I don't eat at all.

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

I have binge eating disorder linked to depression and a diabetes specialist I saw said I hadn't come to terms with Diabetes (type 2). And I've been diabetic for nearly 20 years. I'm trying to manage this but suffer fro SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) at this time of year so am more negative. I also either eat all the unhealthy stuff or I don't eat at all.

Hi and welcome Alwayswinter,
I can totally understand where your coming from, I've been a depressive for 12 years (although I suspect longer) and binge eater probably all my life. But only diabetic type 2 around 4 weeks.
Has your diabetes had periods of good control? Do you agree that your in denial about it or does it vary depending on how SAD you feel. I know I'm capable of loosing weight when I'm less depressed, able to manage the diet and its one thing I know a lot about because I've been on one of and on since I was eight! But its one thing knowing it and another implementing it when you feel rubbish, lethargic, unable to bother, with no motivation or self control and so the list goes on. I'm not in denial about my weight just because I'm fat and unable to do anything about it most of the year, but it's an up hill battle every day when you have something like SAD. Often its enough to just get out of bed, as a depressive, that can be a good day! Then worrying about diet goes out the window totally for me. I have to get to grips with a low carb diet, no binges for the rest of my life now, it has to become second nature or it will go to pot very easily. But i understand how hard that is and theres quite a lot of us on this forum with similar battles. So don't be afraid to ask for advise, support or any questions you have, were a pretty friendly bunch, with one thing in common at least!
If your totally new here also post on the new to the forum (not sure of exact title) area and post there as you will get different answers, and possibly more responses. But if you feel more comfortable here then carry on on this forum as its about what works for you and what you can cope with at this stage.
As for the binge eating, it can totally take over can't it, I know that as it does me, I have to totally abstain from all the 'bad foods' I love or I just give into it, if it's not in the cupboards dosn't work as I will just go out to different shops and buy it regardless, eat it, go out again and buy more from yet more different shops so they don't look at you or comment about how much your buying and look at you in discust. Are you the same?
Sorry I've gone off on a tangent and lost the thread of this post a bit. I guess tiredness is creeping in and I need to sleep really. Not sure I've helped? But I guess what I'm trying to say is your not on your own in this.
Try and find a little positive amongst the gloom.
Ask here for support and if you need to, ignore the denial claims unless you agree with them. you know you best, if you feel strong enough challenge them, sometimes these things are just throw away comments that we in our fragile state can take to heart where they probably wont give a second thought to.
Take care
Maggie

 

[Squire Fulwood]

Thank you.
Maybe preparing a batch of meals in advance and freezing them or making enough for you and your family to eat together may be an idea. I know its so difficult when it's the last thing you want to do and your feeling depressed. But I guess we both need to take extra care of ourselves.
Good luck to you to.

I do cook/freeze but not whole meals. I cook meat, slice it and freeze the slices etc. This allows me to choose what to have for an individual meal. I just have to add salad veg or whatever I feel like that day.