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Type 1s: Advice wanted!

lcarter

Well-Known Member
Messages
513
Location
Nottingham
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
My pancreas
Hi there. Im a Type 1 diabetic and I'm 33 years old, female and I'm 5 foot 4.5 inches. I currently weigh 171 pounds. I started slimming world in January 2016 and I went from 187.5lbs to 171 pounds. My sugar levels are erratic but usually between 10-15. I'm working on getting them lower. I'm in the process of being diagnosed with chronic fatigue and I've left work due to always being ill and tired. I've been tested repeatedly for thyroid and apparently all is well there.

Basically I really struggle to lose weight. I'm incredibly hungry all of the time and I can eat mammoth sized portions. Slimming world suits me because I can eat 'unlimited' carbs if you like- I carb count too. But I think in 11 months I've only lost 16.5lbs.

I also walk my dog every other day weather permitting and I try to walk wherever I can.

I'm just at a loss. I'm not sure whether to try doing something different? I'm a massive comfort eater and it's very psychological with me and food- so I'm aware it's a bit of an issue- I can't seem to follow any diet plans that I have to be in control of in terms of weighing myself- I find I just can't resist **** and just carb count. Then I get bigger and bigger and insulin is resisted more. I did try low carb high fat but I found it hard to do and it was just not a way of life for me. I'm wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and what they tried (if anything) that worked.

I just don't want to go through Christmas with sky high sugar levels eating **** and gaining a load of weight.

Please don't tell me to speak to my diabetes team as to be honest I have- numerous times- and they just tell me I'm afraid of hypos. Which I am- but I don't go high to avoid it anymore like I used to.

Any advice welcome, positive posters only please I'm quite sensitive!

Thank you in advance. Lynsey
 
Hi Lynsey! I was a big comfort/emotional eater. I was diagnosed 6 years ago with type 1 and shortly after with depression. I am infertile and my husband and I will have to adopt and this also caused added stress. So the last 6 years i gained 3 stone through binging. My diabetic control was awful.

I know everyone is different but cognitive behavioural therapy really worked for me. It got to the bottom of the reasons why I abused myself with food and happy to say I'm binge free since August. As I say it's not for everyone but worth thinking about.

I also have tried slimming world and weight watchers in the past and they work for a short time but I think when you restrict it automatically makes you want to binge, for me anyway.

My bgs were also in the teens frequently so I decided to concentrate on lowering that first then the weight loss came with it. I'm sorry I'm not much help but please msg me anytime. I hope the wonderful people of this forum can provide some ideas for you
 
Hi @lcarter I think @samantha13 is right. focus on your levels first as high sugars affect mood and can make you more likely to binge.
 
I do Atkins - and as a type 2 I hope to lose weight and go into remission. It is the only way of eating which has ever given me control of my weight, and I suspect that it kept me prediabetic for decades, I just can't eat the doctor advised diets. I used to be able to lose weight eating 60 to 80 gm of carbs a day, avoiding grains, starchy vegetables, sugary fruits and legumes. It leaves a lot that can be eaten. Many low carbers lose 100lb in a year, after being unable to lose anything on ordinary diets. It might be worth giving it a second chance. There are low carb lists on Facebook which have lots of help and success stories.
 
Hey @lcarter Sorry but I don't have a magic answer for you, however I would suggest going to have a chat with your doctor and explaining this to them. I lost about 1 stone when I was diagnosed 5 years ago and since then have gained about 2 and been unable to lose any but to be honest i've just focused purely on keeping my BG levels within target as i'd prefer to be in range. I couldn't change my diet but do try to exercise as much as I can which also helps my BG levels more in range too. It's a case of keeping active as much as you can, as well as seeing what your GP recommends ? Let us know how you get on
 
Hi Lynsey

A few things jump out at me... you say you are in process of being diagnosed with cf. have they checked your d3 levels?

I can't talk about over eating or compulsion to eat as I amthe opposite but I can tell you the benefits of looking at low carb food. I been a low carber for at least 30 years and only time I have ever put weight on is when people were tellung me to eat bread, cereal and pasta and rice. Neither have I ever had an appetite to eat. First hubby was same as me but even thinner, and is to this day. Again, over 30 years for him too.
Why not actually look at diabetes as a positive and to help you perhaps look at nutrition values in a different light? Rather than points, colours etc.. look at total carbs and join our liw carb forum for some wonderful, delicious recipes and foods etc...

Comfort eating is in someways comparable to an addiction... other people will be scorned at for smoking and they nowadays have to stand outside from pubs, alcholics have to steer clear of drinks etc.. every addictionas such is scorned upon by some "normalised" people but addiction to eating can be changed.

CBT and counselling can be so good. Now, if you think about it seriously.. gamblers are encouraged to go to GA, same with alchoholics to AA and smokers to cessation counsellors... diet clubs are good and many are successful using them but if you aren't doing well enough then it may be worthwhile with thinking a different angle..

CF, it is also recommended to have some sort of CBT. Same with fibromyalgia and persons with long term pain. We (and I include myself in this) can see things very negatively when we are by ourselves.. e then focus on our tiredness or pain when really we should be using distraction techniques.. ie when I am in chronic pain from my mastectomy I do something .. it may jyst be a crossword with my hubby, or a game if pingpong, or feeding the cat but it is distraction. At night when the pain from the radiotherapy damage is killing me, hubby is asleep and all I end up thinking about is pain or troubles.. I now switch my music on in my headphones.. i'm not awake for long. I struggled to even lisen to music as I found songs and words too painful or sad or too happy and vibrant to sleep to. However peruvian-/andean music with no words has me dropping off fairly quickly.

Slimming worlds etc are almost a type of therapy basis but they are not instructing your brain to think different when at home. CF is challenging but I would definitely ask for your vit d to be checked, your b12 and folate too.

Its not your stomach that is telling you that you are wanting food or comfort or tired..... its your brain and the way its has its sensors wired at the moment...
 
Hey @lcarter I've experienced similarities with what you seem to have encountered and can offer some advice, also good job on the weight loss so far. I do have some questions though, only so I can try and help you better! I noticed you said you walk you dog every other day, is there any other type of exercise you do, and if so what and when do you typically perform?

As for eating, oh boy I can relate lol, I sure love love LOVE food. Now I noticed you said you are extremely hungry all the time, as well you can eat a ton of carbs, mammoth sized portions. So my question's' for you are when were you diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 1. and how long have you been eating/feeling like you could eat endless amounts of food?

Now lets see here, you are carb counting which is absolutely great for diabetes, good job! Are you also counting calories? If you are over eating in terms of inputting more calories in your body than what you are burning that can be a factor in weight loss/gain.

I know you said you're having a hard time just sticking to a diet, I agree as I dislike diets and as a matter of fact I hate that word! To me diets are meant to be temporary, lets get that trash outta here, we want something for you that you can live the rest of your life doing and enjoy it! So, when you say "****" food what are you referring to, what is **** to you? You mention you tried low carb and high fat, what is low carb and high fat, how many G's per day?

There are tons and tons of factors BUT together we can narrow those factors down and move you along further towards your goal's'. I think it's important to just take a second and pat yourself on the back and reflect; you dropped almost 17 lbs in a year, some people GAIN more then that, so again you did a great job, you're moving in the right direction.

Just some broad concepts to think about until you reply are:

1. Have 5-6 meals a day.
2. Don't wait until you're hungry to eat, try to nip it in the bud.
3. If the food tastes bad, mentally you will not be satisfied so, SPICE IT UP
4. Add variety into your diet.
5. Have balanced meals, (Protein/Carbs/Fat)
6. Don't beat yourself up, we are only human!

 
Hi @lcarter I have Type 2 but am on insulin and metformin now. I was borderline diabetic for over 40 years. I have similar eating patterns and problems which I am still struggling with but my glucose control is much better than it has been in the past. I have found through testing my blood glucose after two hours after meals that I am most hungry when my blood glucose is highest. I now stop and test when I have already eaten and feel really hungry-if I am low or normal I have a small 15-30 carb snack and drink water. If I am high I try to take a walk, sweep the house or some other medium intensity physical activity for at least 20 minutes and wait until a planned meal time to eat. I have also found that insulin increases hunger and weight gain at higher levels. I am on 40 units of lantus a day now. I have found that allowing myself a known amount of a forbidden food when I am craving it is much less damaging than an all out binge on it. I now actually am not forbidding myself to have anything-I just try to plan for when it will do the least damage. For example: Spaghetti- many will suggest courgette which I like but it does not satisfy a spaghetti craving for me. I find that having a Lean Cuisine spaghetti for 40 carbs satisfies the craving and limits the amount of it that I eat-I sometimes do not even finish one package of it now. I think realizing that I am in charge of my diet and allowing myself to make choices and not hiding them has been really empowering for me. I report my fasting number daily on one of the threads set up for that purpose-I acknowledge when it is high because I have eaten too much. No one here has chastised me for it and for me, it has helped me see patterns in my eating. I try to keep to 80 to 100 carbs per day because I have found that my glucose control is within target consistently when I do that. I occasionally eat as many as 180 carbs per day and have high blood glucose for a few days when I do that. I eat medium to high fat level. Too much fat gives me gallbladder problems, low fat gives me inflammation problems @ickihun. Medium levels of fat help me feel full longer or at least not so hungry most of the time.

So my best tip is: Every day is a new day and a new opportunity to do the best that you can. Do not beat yourself up when you do not eat perfectly-just pick yourself up and start again. And things can get much better-you can do it!
 
I am so grateful for all these amazingly interesting and caring replies. I am in bed now but didn't want to not reply- I will reply tomorrow and make lots of notes from you all. Thankyou all, for taking so much time to respond to me. I'm really amazed! Thankyou again xx
 

Samantha, this post made me feel so much better. I've already booked an appointment with my GP to discuss cbt. I've tried it before for other reasons and it didn't work out but maybe this time? I'm sorry to hear about your troubles
I will message you for sure in the future and thanks for taking the time to respond. Xx
 

I'm totally grateful for your response. I have been looking in to the lchf diet and I'm hoping I can do it. My appetite is huge and my cravings for sugary things like Nutella on toast is so high. Thank you again for replying x
 


A few things jump out at me... you say you are in process of being diagnosed with cf. have they checked your d3 levels?

Hi, yes my vitamin d levels have been checked, if that's what this means?

Thankyou for taking the time to respond to me. I'm sorry to hear you struggle medically as well! It is awful. I like the idea of viewing diabetes in a positive light, so thanks for that. I think you are right re slimming world and I've decided not to go back to be weighed. I'm one of the only type 1 diabetics I know that does slimming world and I struggle with the highs and lows from all the carbs.

I will check out the low carb forum.

Thanks so much.
 

Hey!

Ok so I was diagnosed when I was 27, six years ago. I've always been a big girl and I've always ate a lot. Food is a friend to me! I know cbt will be a good call.

I don't exercise other than the dog walking. I did pay for the gym but I was walking the dog so much I didn't have the energy or inclination to go.

I have been doing slimming world so certainly no calorie counting. I have just downloaded myfitnesspal and started to track my carbs and calories out of interest today.

**** food to me is the best. Haha! Chocolate, lattes, toast. Nutella and toast. Hot chocolate.

I can't remember how many carbs I was on last time I just ate so much fat i.e. Cauliflower cheese literally bowls of the stuff because I was so hungry. I was terrified of the lows and kept eating dark chocolate. Despite reading up on it I still didn't understand it.

I really need to read up on this now as I've already decided I don't want to eat carbs anymore. I need to learn what is acceptable though- I have so many questions. Can I have bisto gravy?! Can I eat stuffing? Seafood sticks? They have 8g in each stick yet on slimming world they are free so I've been having as many as 36 sticks a day!

Thanks for your help x
 

Hi!

This is so interesting. I had no idea there was a pattern between hunger and high sugar levels! Yet it makes so much sense.

Thanks for your reply x
 
lcarter said:
I'm totally grateful for your response. I have been looking in to the lchf diet and I'm hoping I can do it. My appetite is huge and my cravings for sugary things like Nutella on toast is so high. Thank you again for replying x
Click to expand...

I'm not trying to lose weight, but there are certain foods that I just don't have in the house - Nutella is one of them! I've often accused my children of eating it - only to find it was actually me alone! Certain biscuits are the same. They call to me constantly.

If there's any food like that that you really can't resist, I find it's far simpler not to buy them and to buy treats that are less appealing and/or healthier.

I personally also find that I need/like two snacks a day else I start getting hungry and eat far more at meals because of that hunger.

Yes, high blood sugar levels will make you hungry and emotional too, I find, which may lead to comfort-eating. Getting your BS down a little might help you.

I use a Meal Planner for convenience and I find it's good because I can look at it and see what I'm cooking, not stand in the kitchen thinking "What do I fancy?" It makes shopping simpler too. I also order my shopping online so I'm not tempted by the piles of **** they place around the supermarket.

You don't necessarily have to go LCHF. Why not experiment and find a level of carbs that suits you? Or choose a moderate number and see how that goes?
 
Just one little thing... just try to have a glass of water (ughh -I disliked it immensely, but I'm used to the soarkling water now) and have a glass if that for a few days when you feel the need to eat more than 3 meals a day.

First off, as a T1 you shouldn't need to snack... but also you should at times do a basal rate test and especially if you are afraid of hypo's.

If you could have a glass of sparkly water, inbetween main meals for a week, and then try to stretch to two weeks. By 28 days its a habit. It will be good for health and losing weight, albeit you will prob ggo to wee more!!

I cannot eat much at all. I rarely go to shops as it actually upset me. I didn't like seeing food that I cant eat.

However, and tjis is a good positive!! A brilliant one, even if I say so myself! The money I used to spend on other foods-I spend on myself!! I do have a lot of boots in my cupboard now!!
We had a new TV from the money as well... I totalled up the cost of meat, bread (hubby does not have sandwiches now) and I did have a treat once a month of making lemon drizzle cake for hubby mainly.. no more.. I can't eat any salads apart from skinned cucumber and avocado so what my hubby spends on his salad, I save that money too!!

There are positives to be found-oh and tjink of the new clothes you would be able to afford each month as you lose weight.

Yes, it is sort of treating it like an addiction.. ie smokers are encouraged to save their ciggie money and reward themselves...

Perhaps positiveness is missing from you seeing it as a diet etc. Mine is my lifestyle... I have always thought if diets as bad as my sis in law spent mountains of money on a diet where food things were sent to her for £70 a week(!!) (Blimey, I could use that amount of money as mine!!!-lol) and she did lose weight.. but it never taught her to eat proper sized meals etc... so she piled it all and more back on.
What a waste of cruise money!!-lol!!

Other tip.. buy smaller plates. Eat off a tea plate and if you think you are hungry-a glass of water and go and do something.

I know I am speaking as a lean person but some ill lean persons have to fight battles also like seeing food they can't eat.... and never buying it either!!
 
lcarter said:
Hi!

This is so interesting. I had no idea there was a pattern between hunger and high sugar levels! Yet it makes so much sense.

Thanks for your reply x
Click to expand...

No problem-Also what Azure says about not keeping certain trigger items in the house works for me as well but-sometimes when you are feeding your family it's difficult to deprive them of something and better to just have a little of it in a planned event when you are not so hungry.
 
As

@lcarter As a Type 1 on Insulin you need to eat some carbs or you will have a hypo-yes they are real and we had a young woman with Type 1 who followed some **** advice and fasted herself into a coma just last week with resulting brain injury. You need to eat some carbs but you can safely cut back especially if you are now eating 242 carbs from fish sticks now. Try setting a target of at least 150 per day to start. Or at least 50 per meal for three meals.
 
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Maybe it was mentioned in replies above (sorry didn't read them all) but I would look into thyroid issues. I went through hell because undiagnosed Hashimoto. Get your thyroid checked and asked your gp for results. I was told several times that levels of 5 or 6 are just slightly above the norm (which is 0.2 -4) and left untreated. The true is that with anything above 2 you will experience symptoms of underactive thyroid (weight gain and difficulty to loose it is the main but not the only one). In fact, getting pregnant when youre above 2 is dangerous for the baby so I cant understand why they leave it like this
 
Thanks @ewelina I have been tested for thyroid so many times and it's always apparently normal. I've never asked for the number though- I'm at the doctors on Tuesday so I may ask for the number!

@azure I KNOW I shouldn't buy the things I do but I really have cut back already. The Nutella is a lovely treat but I just lost control and had so much. I will try to resist buying more! Thanks for your advice.

I spoke to my sw consultant today and she mentioned she has another type 1 diabetic who doesn't have many carbs or much fruit and she has excellent sugar readings and has consistently lost weight. I've already paid until January so I am going to try this. I'm going to avoid muller lites, lots of fruit and clearly carbs. I'm definately going to have some carbs, but maybe not in the evening almost like a carb curfew? If this doesn't work for me after Christmas I'll try low carb high fat I think. Thanks all. Tea tonight is meatballs, tomatoes and spinach...
 
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