Type 2 and Hashimotos

Hi, I am hypothyroid too. Of course you can deal with hypothyroidism even if you bg is high, you just take your Levothyroxin every morning as the rest of us hypothyroids do, or in my case, NDT. I assume you are on Levo?

I have found LCHF a good way to deal with both diabetes and hypothyroidism, particularly cutting out wheat.

Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition while diabetes type 2 isn't. It is however quite common to have both, I mean that us type twos are more likely to have hypothyroidism too compared with people with normal bg metabolism.

What are you BG levels?

It's worth focusing on getting those down regardless of anything else.

I portion control, low GI/GL, but found I needed to test with a BG meter after every meal initially, and worked out which foods I could eat without a problem, and which foods I should avoid.
If you haven't got a meter, ask your diabetes specialist to provide one, so you can do this.

nannoo_bird said:

I have had Type 2 diabetes for around 10 years. I do not cope well, but am hoping to turn over a new leaf this year. Some years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease (a hypthyroid condition) but my diabetes specialist has refused to deal with that until I can control my BG levels. However, talking to a colleague recently about this, she said the two problems are connected, and cannot be dealt with in isolation. Does anyone here have any experience with this combination, and should I (can I?) insist on more tests and treatment for the two conditions??

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What is it you don't cope with?

Irrespective of any other conditions, it makes sense to keep your bloods in check, as they will undoubtedly impact on other conditions, and over time, your overall well-being. What are you expecting your diabetes specialist to do for your Hashimoto's?

The issue with a holistic approach to start, is that high blood sugar in itself can cause other problems, and alter, or enhance the effects.
So while possibly worded badly, the first part of an holistic approach may be exactly the same as treating diabetes in isolation.
High blood sugar can effect your ability to concentrate.

Get the blood sugar down, and then re-assess the other illnesses and symptoms.

Cutting carbs is a good approach initially, as a simple step, then re-assess your diet after.

I would agree with Douglas in that a diabetes-friendly eating regime will be the cornerstone of your well-being.

May I ask what you find difficult about a structured meal plan? For me that would mean when we shop, we shop for the week (or however long); it doesn't mean that Monday = Pork chops or whatever. Personally, i find it much simpler when i know I have suitable food in the house, then I just have to choose between however many options my supplies give me.

What sort of things do you eat and are you on any medication at all?

nannoo_bird said:

Thanks guys. When I said my doctor will not deal with my thyroid problems, I mean he won't even prescribe any medication for it. I have totally untreated Hashimotos. I have been unable to face dealing with anything for over three years due to a breakdown, and although I do not eat junk food, I do not focus on what I eat as I find it difficult to organize a structured meal plan. My BG levels fluctuate, they can go as high as 17. Yes, I know the pootential problems, but I haven't been able to deal with them. I want to start a nw leaf in this new year, and wanted to know if anyone thought that diabetes should be treated holistically, not in isolation.

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Hypothyroidism does that to you, leaves you unable to deal with things. It is truly horrible disease.

Getting you bg under control will always be a good idea. Low carbing helps with that and can also lower the level of inflammation in your thyroid gland so might actually help with that too.

Do you know your thyroid test results? And why doesn't your doctor prescribe Levo? What about GP?

Hi I was diagnosed type 2 12 years ago and hashimotos 3 years ago. My sugars were getting out of control and my endo had a feeling that as I had autoimmune antibodies causing hashimotos maybe also in my pancreas? Test came back positive so I am type 1 not type 2 after all. On insulin now, sugars much better but still not perfect, now to take thyroxin for first time tomorrow to help with the insulin weight gain and tiredness, temperature sensitivity possibly thyroid caused. I was so frustrated as my gp kept telling me I could do better but obviously I couldn't as not producing enough insulin....maybe you should get this checked in your case.

nannoo_bird said:

My husband and I get an enormous amount of pleasure from eating at good places, from independent, passionate cafes to Michelin starred restaurants. We love talking food with independent suppliers, and travel a good deal, to wine growers all over Europe. We both love to cook - me when I am not in a bad pace - and love to try new things. I don't eat quantity at all - but love small delicious plates of food, and this does include carbs, sauces, etc. My life revolves around taste. This must sound frustrating to you all, as i should take my diabetes seriously, but I can't face it. I KNOW the consequences, but I can't deal with them.

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Your call.

On LCHF I can have as many steaks, cheeses, salads and other lovely food as I might wish. I just don't eat bread, pasta, cakes or rice. I am well and full of energy with normal bg and I certainly don't feel deprived of anything good in life.

nannoo_bird said:

But how can I get these tests done if I have a GP who won't help?? I live miles from any decent sized town and although I have private medical insurance, there are no private doctors for 50 miles.

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I'm in Australia so I just went to a different gp who wrote me referral to endo and I am so lucky I found this one who figured it out. Maybe ring around to find an endo, make appt then chase a referral letter at least you will be out of gp hands that way

nannoo_bird said:

Whooo, this could get deeper than I meant it to. The breakdown affected every part of my life, and I sank into a chaotic lifestyle, which I am struggling to get out of. I have had therapy. Going out to dinner, getting away from our chaotic cottage, makes me feel "normal". Being able to chose anything I want to eat helps me feel less frightened. If you have never suffered mental illness, you will ot understand.

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My dad had diabetes, badly controlled. He died 30 years ago after several years of strokes and heart attacks and in terrible, debilitating pain from neuropathy. In short, I know what I fear and it isn't living the rest of my life on low carb.

There is always the self-treatment option. It isn't a road I recommend but it is a possibility if your GP denies you treatment for your thyroid.

How far would you be prepared to travel for a decent meal? 50 miles is not that far away. If you take somebody with you it will feel less daunting.

I am sure that you are in a terrible place at the moment and need support from professionals. Perhaps when you are feeling mentally stronger then you will be able to deal with your reluctance to address your other health issues?

nannoo_bird said:

Whooo, this could get deeper than I meant it to. The breakdown affected every part of my life, and I sank into a chaotic lifestyle, which I am struggling to get out of. I have had therapy. Going out to dinner, getting away from our chaotic cottage, makes me feel "normal". Being able to chose anything I want to eat helps me feel less frightened. If you have never suffered mental illness, you will ot understand.

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You need to make small changes.

I still enjoy food, I can eat out, it's a question for me, of choosing the best available food though.
And it took time to sort out what I could eat, and to get here though.

So you need to eat out and choose different meals.
Veg is fine, but avoid ones that grow below ground, - potatoes, etc.
Avoid pasta, and rice.

I found spicy flavours to replace my sweet tooth.

Dry white, or red wine is ok.
Avoid sweet cocktails.

Avoid sweet puddings, and portion control will help

But once you've made a small start, and incorporated it into your routine when you go out, it'll still be normal, and still feel the same, it'll just be improving your blood sugar as well.

Then you'll be able to consider the next step

nannoo_bird said:

My husband and I get an enormous amount of pleasure from eating at good places, from independent, passionate cafes to Michelin starred restaurants. We love talking food with independent suppliers, and travel a good deal, to wine growers all over Europe. We both love to cook - me when I am not in a bad pace - and love to try new things. I don't eat quantity at all - but love small delicious plates of food, and this does include carbs, sauces, etc. My life revolves around taste. This must sound frustrating to you all, as i should take my diabetes seriously, but I can't face it. I KNOW the consequences, but I can't deal with them.

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My OH (amongst his other businesses) has owned the sorts of restaurants you enjoy eating in, so you can imagine how my diagnosis went down; bearing in mind I was completely asymptomatic and it was totally out of the blue.

To be honest, I have never had any issue eating out or with friends. In fact, the better the eatery, the more likely they are to want to tweak what goes onto the plate, to ensure you enjoy it to its fullest. Swapping fries for salad or veg, or the like has never even raised an eyebrow. I don't tell anyone I have been diagnosed as diabetic, if a eyebrow rises, I just say, in a throw-away manner that I can't eat whatever it is I am asking to be swapped out. My bloods moderated almost immediately into the non-diabetic range, and undoubtedly I am fortunate not to have other health issues to wrangle.

Just at the weekend, my OH and I were talking about a trip we have coming up shortly and he mentioned that what had felt like a mountain t climb last autumn (when I was diagnosed) has just become routine and a way of life. I would stress though, that having got my numbers fixed, I can now eat a few chips, or rice or the like. So, worth considering that any changes you need to make may not necessarily be forever. There are obviously no guarantees to that though.

I would encourage you to make some changes. Wasn't it Albert Einstein who said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? Unless you make, and control your changes, the only thing you can expect is for things to remain the same; or more likely over time to deteriorate.

What sort of blood scores are you seeing, and do you take Metformin or anything else for your diabetes?

i did something silly tonight and also 2 nights ago . I have double dose insulin in morning compared to night. So by mistake -on holiday not really thinking its morning or its night gave myself the double dose at night. Then tonight the phone rang as I was about to eat so injected wrong amount while on the phone. Anyway got hypos both times an hour or so later after evening stroll I always have. This is so scary to me, I mean give me sugar or I could die! Maybe this is a reason that the specialists are reluctant to help you any further if you are in need of insulin however they are not sure if you will be able to manage it. It can be confusing and hard work I have been on insulin 10 weeks now but still finding my way. The choices for diabetics are really not great. Manage with iron control, or suffer long term complications, or have hypos and risk death. I am trying to do my best to manage as options 2 and 3 are equally unattractive. I just hope you can find the inspiration to keep trying, it's all we can do really.