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Where to go from here?

S

SuttonRider

Active Member
Messages
26
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi everyone, newby here.
I was diagnosed with T2 about 8 years ago with a BS of around 9 mmols, put on Meterformin which did nothing, but give me stomach cramps and make me feel 'orrible, so I stopped taking them. I felt great a couple of days later and didn't bother taking anything for the next 7.5 years. My BS slowly went up to around 12 and stayed there. Because of a forthcoming operation I needed to get the BS down, I was prescribed various tablets (all 3 types) non of which did a thing to the BS. The only thing that worked was exercise, (I cycle 30 to 40 miles at a time). I've now been put on Lantus, started at 10 units, going up 2 units every 3 days, I'm now on 20 units. My BS has still not changed. How often can I increase the dose and by what amount? It seem that nothing I take makes any difference, is this common?
 
Yes in a insulin resistant type2.
Whoever gave you lantus needs to advise how much to increase til you get lower bgs. It's normal to have missing first phase insulin in type2s. Basal supports that.
Continue 2units every 3 days like prescribed?
Once you hit lower bgs your basal is working.
It depends on how severe your insulin resistance is too, as to how much YOU individually will need.
Keep at it. You will find your optimum level.

Maybe after op you can revise how much you need.
Don't be surprised if you need more whilst awaiting op or in times of pain. We normally do when not 100%.

Well done for looking after yourself well.

I assume you already watch your carbohydrate load in your diet? If not low carb eating can reduce how much insulin you will eventually need.

What is your typical meals/foods and carb weights?
Food can make more difference than exercise for type2s. I'm proof of it as at times I cannot walk.
 
Thanks for your reply and info. What is your typical meals/foods and carb weights? I don't have a clue about carb weight. I've tried low carb diets in the past, they make no difference. So apart from cutting out as much sugar as I can. I just eat what I want when I want. I'm not going to be a slave to diet.
 
Unless you address your diet you will experience higher blood glucose levels to the point where complications may set in. Sugar is just one type of carbohydrate and while it is a big baddie there are many other foods which have exactly the same effect. Foods such as breads, rice, pasta and potatoes as well as the obvious ones like biscuits, chocolate etc.
What do you eat in a typical day? When and how often do you test your blood glucose levels?

There is no need to be a slave to diet, lowering the number of carbs has many benefits not just glucose levels.
 
All the food you say I shouldn't eat are the food I do eat. I've tried leaving them alone, but always gravitate back. At the moment I test the blood every couple of days. Before getting on the pills it was every couple of months.
 
If you read around the forum especially the success stories you will find that it is essential to get carbs as low as possible to bring BS down. It is challenging in the beginning to know what to eat and resist temptation but you will get used to it if you want to. AND while you are getting used to it you will get tremendous support on here. I would urge you for the sake of your health to go for it. Those biscuits, pasta and pizza are distant memories for me now after a few months of low carbing and I dont want them cos they are BAD for me.
 
Tagging @daisy1 for a very useful welcome pack filled with the information you will need to try to address your problems.

You need a more structured approach to testing. Taking readings will show you how the foods you are eating affect your blood glucose levels. Test before the first bite of a meal then two hours after your first bite. Record what you ate and the readings. The difference between the two readings should be no more than 2mmol preferably less than that.
 
I agree with what’s been said so far, you need to look at your diet as well as meds to reduce your blood sugars. Having had an operation in December, I can only say that it’s really important to have normal blood sugars to heal. My HbA1c was at a non diabetic level pre op and I healed just as quickly as a non diabetic. High blood sugars risk slow healing and post op infections.
 
Its maybe the wrong way to look at it, but I'd rather put a bit more insulin in rather than watch everything I eat.
 
May I ask what result you got from your last HbA1c test? Do you realise that your op could be cancelled at the last minute due to high bg, why not take the opportunity to lower your bg and have a successful op in terms of healing etc.
 
Well you came and asked for advice as what you’re doing (increasing insulin) isn’t working and won’t entertain trying what has been suggested! When I was first diagnosed my first thoughts were oh no, strict diet from now, however I have learned from the lovely people here that the food I can eat is great. Have a look here:
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb
 
SuttonRider said:
All the food you say I shouldn't eat are the food I do eat. I've tried leaving them alone, but always gravitate back. At the moment I test the blood every couple of days. Before getting on the pills it was every couple of months.
Click to expand...

My ex anatomy tutor who is now a podiatric surgeon is getting fed up with the increasing need to remove limbs from T2 diabetics who have been following the NHS advise on diet given out by many GPs.

A lady on a FB diabetes group has just posted how she is facing an easter minus her left leg up to the knee having just had it amputated by a podiatric surgeon. She had been slavishly following the advise given by her doctor.

You really need to come to grips with the gravity of your situation and get your diabetes under control medication alone will not necessarily be enough for you to avoid complications.
 
I think it was around 85 but it was a while ago. And yes I do know about the possible cancellation.
 
I agree with all that has been said above. Diet is the key to all this. You need to start structured testing before and after your meals as previously suggested, and you will see at a glance what your current diet is doing to you. That may just be the motivation you need, because unless you do something you are likely to become seriously ill. The starchy carbs like rice, potato, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals etc are doing you no favours. There are so many delicious alternatives you could eat, and cutting carbs means you no longer have to be afraid of fat.
 
SuttonRider said:
Its maybe the wrong way to look at it, but I'd rather put a bit more insulin in rather than watch everything I eat.
Click to expand...

That is asking for trouble IMO ... nicest way I can put it
 
Where to go from here?

2 choices

1. Keep on as you are going and potentially lose a limb or your eyesight.
2. Follow a low carb diet (there are many variations) and keep your body intact.
 
SuttonRider said:
Its maybe the wrong way to look at it, but I'd rather put a bit more insulin in rather than watch everything I eat.
Click to expand...
But if you could "cure" yourself by watching what you eat wouldn't that be appealing? Also eating great food like eggs and bacon, steaks, butter, cream, cheese. No injections, no drugs?... not worth the effort?
 

The starchy carbs like rice, potato, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals etc is 90% of what I eat. I've never found any 'delicious alternatives' It seem I only eat / like what is bad and don't eat / what is good. I'm not over weight and exercise 6 hours a week.
 

Your diet is what has got you in this mess. The choice is yours.

Have a look at what you can eat
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/foods#foodlist
 
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