Yeah but; no but; yeah but...

[BRSBRI]

Here in the UK, some of you might remember one of the catchphrases from the ancient TV series Little Britain hence the reason for the post title as it describes what my first 5-6 weeks as a card carrying Type 2 has been like...

Been peppered with inconsistencies from health care providers surrounding diet, testing, ongoing care - so I'm relieved this brill resource exists so a robust discussion based on my data can be "enjoyed" with them all if required.

Here's my takeaways (no, not the fast food variety ):

- I've had to relearn the whole diet composition and discard some advice about eating porridge with semi skimmed milk, a wholemeal sandwich for lunch and to end it all (quite literally at this rate) with protein, veggies and starch... By doing all of that I went to bed at 13.5mmol and awoke at 14mmol. Brilliant (rolling eyes)

- By following the advice and recipes here and paying attention I end the day at c. 6.8mmol and awake c.6.9mmol - sometimes lower. So, in the right direction.

- Apart from my enlightened practice DN there's scorn on testing at home and I apparently should just think about semi annual tests plus an annual review. (I don't think so).

I was told the other day, a diabetic T2 at the surgery who was argumentative and insistent got deregistered as a result...Pinch of salt I suspect needed, but food for thought perhaps.

- I've lost 11lbs in 6 weeks and another 11lbs to follow - beers, bread and all that have gone...but not yet wearing a sack cloth in amongst a bucket of ashes!

So, 5-6 weeks in, the reprogramming has been pretty mind boggling - the other ½ is finally on board too, having struggled to understand why I'm not following the diet books stuffed under my arm after consultation number 1.

And then there's all the great folks on here...Fab discussions and support.

Here's to all of us on our T2 journey...Cheers!

 

[bulkbiker]

I was told the other day, a diabetic T2 at the surgery who was argumentative and insistent got deregistered as a result...Pinch of salt I suspect needed, but food for thought perhaps.

That sounds like either discrimination, or alternatively a threat. If you can get that in writing I'd suggest a report to the GMC.

On the other hand well done for taking control of your own health. In my view it beggars belief that the arrogance of DN's and ignorance of some GP's means that we have to do this ourselves but that's unfortunately where we are.

At least you are now better informed and in control.

 

[KK123]

Hi @BRSBRI , well done to you. It can be very hard going against the 'norm' from a typical medical perspective as when you suggest an alternative, they can interpret you as being confrontational, awkward and almost a self harmer!!!! Of course you have to remain calm when you are discussing things with them and I find if you are able to rationalise what YOU are doing and why, then they at least know that you are knowledgeable on YOUR health & the subject. x

 

[Dr Snoddy]

Seven years ago I was given similar dietary advice by a DN. Fortunately I had enough background knowledge and, with the support of members of this forum, I ignored the advice! With a low carbohydrate / higher fat diet I have had six years of normal blood glucose levels and was hailed as a star by the surgery. However, it was only last year that I attempted to explain how I had achieved remission but I still came up against a brick wall. Until NICE changes it's official guidance AND the message reached the HPCs..........

 

[Mbaker]

Here in the UK, some of you might remember one of the catchphrases from the ancient TV series Little Britain hence the reason for the post title as it describes what my first 5-6 weeks as a card carrying Type 2 has been like...

Been peppered with inconsistencies from health care providers surrounding diet, testing, ongoing care - so I'm relieved this brill resource exists so a robust discussion based on my data can be "enjoyed" with them all if required.

Here's my takeaways (no, not the fast food variety ):

- I've had to relearn the whole diet composition and discard some advice about eating porridge with semi skimmed milk, a wholemeal sandwich for lunch and to end it all (quite literally at this rate) with protein, veggies and starch... By doing all of that I went to bed at 13.5mmol and awoke at 14mmol. Brilliant (rolling eyes)

- By following the advice and recipes here and paying attention I end the day at c. 6.8mmol and awake c.6.9mmol - sometimes lower. So, in the right direction.

- Apart from my enlightened practice DN there's scorn on testing at home and I apparently should just think about semi annual tests plus an annual review. (I don't think so).

I was told the other day, a diabetic T2 at the surgery who was argumentative and insistent got deregistered as a result...Pinch of salt I suspect needed, but food for thought perhaps.

- I've lost 11lbs in 6 weeks and another 11lbs to follow - beers, bread and all that have gone...but not yet wearing a sack cloth in amongst a bucket of ashes!

So, 5-6 weeks in, the reprogramming has been pretty mind boggling - the other ½ is finally on board too, having struggled to understand why I'm not following the diet books stuffed under my arm after consultation number 1.

And then there's all the great folks on here...Fab discussions and support.

Here's to all of us on our T2 journey...Cheers!

Great results, could you please share with us what you have been eating.

 

[Lamont D]

A similar battle I won versus the enemy to my health.
GPs, dsns, dieticians and one specialist.
My last specialist, was of the same mind until I convinced him to buy into my very low carb diet regime.
But to be grateful to him for recommending this site.

BTW, Little Britain can never be described as ancient. A credible account of modern Britain in an unlikely set of characterisations, by being so outrageous it's hilarious.
Human behaviour immortalised.

 

[BRSBRI]

A similar battle I won versus the enemy to my health.
GPs, dsns, dieticians and one specialist.
My last specialist, was of the same mind until I convinced him to buy into my very low carb diet regime.
But to be grateful to him for recommending this site.

BTW, Little Britain can never be described as ancient. A credible account of modern Britain in an unlikely set of characterisations, by being so outrageous it's hilarious.
Human behaviour immortalised.

Hi @Lamont D

Thanks!

Agree on Little Britain Was in Bristol back in November and I am convinced I saw all the characters in the city centre

 

[BRSBRI]

Great results, could you please share with us what you have been eating.

Certainly.

One positive for me in lockdown means I don't have to travel far and wide for work - a fair amount of long haul flights so discovering my T2 whilst working from home has been a lot easier to play with the foods...I'll have to think about stuff when the travel starts again...so any pointers on how to survive with T2 on the road and in long haul airline cabins from anyone would be smashing!

I don't always eat typical breakfast foods, or lunch, dinner for that matter - so here's a few examples:

Breakfast. Bowl of chicken soup, cheese and crudités and small square of 70% dark chocolate with a dollop of peanut butter on top. Equally it could be eggs in various guises, with grilled bacon and Portobello mushrooms or a cauliflower hash with poached eggs.

Drink herbal teas and fizzy water.

Lunch is a big salad with cheese, chicken, Serrano ham and yoghurt with berries to follow. Or a bowl of soup, perhaps a turkey chilli with no rice....

Dinner - poached salmon, trout, mackerel, perhaps chicken or a lean piece of beef with Mediterranean veg or sliced onions with red and yellow peppers. Followed by cheese or yoghurt and nuts or berries.

3 times a week (usually weekends) have a medium sized glass of red wine with the evening meal.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner all eaten at the same times more or less...with dinner finished by 730pm at the latest. Then take the mad dog out for a walk, or perhaps it's the other way round

That sort of thing.

Does that help?

Great results, could you please share with us what you have been eating.

 

[MrsA2]

Hi @BRSBRI
I too was a traveller, and can't stay no to food, so being diagnosed on same day as lockdown 1 has been a blessing in disguise. Most of our food is delivered with only the odd foray for missing items so it has been relatively easy to stick to lchf.
In a way I'm dreading lockdown lifting. Over the summer we did eat out a few times and I managed choosing well, but thinking that will get harder to do as novelty and fear of diagnosis of diabetes eases off.
I dread being presented with the typical English buffet of sausage rolls, quiche and "party food". At a couple of social events I did take soemthing I had made and tried just to eat that, but I was tempted to try. Aimed to limit the tasting to just a mouthful rather than whole piece or plateful.

Someone on here posted during longhaul flights as a good time to fast, so planned and prepared for. Just said no to everything offered.
Another tip is always to carry nuts, good for no special storage needs, filling and can be eaten anywhere any time
Also to take with you a written note saying "no sugar no honey " translated into whatever language of country visiting. This was invaluable during a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia where even the tea comes sweetened .

Steak and fish and eggs mostly available across the world.

I don't drink coffee so always carry bottled water and chose wine rather than beer.

Travelling with a non-diabetic helps as you swap good for bad e.g a visit to a National Trust property meant hubby ordered 2 cream teas, I had both the creams and butters and 2 bites of 1 scone, he had the rest of the scones and just jam! (He's a keeper!)

It has been difficult to change habits. We used to chose a bag of sweets for a long car journey. First time we took carrot sticks and nuts. Now we mostly do without anything, but I still miss the ritual of choosing, and then unwrapping in traffic jams.

I too would love to hear others hints and tips

 

[Mbaker]

Certainly.

One positive for me in lockdown means I don't have to travel far and wide for work - a fair amount of long haul flights so discovering my T2 whilst working from home has been a lot easier to play with the foods...I'll have to think about stuff when the travel starts again...so any pointers on how to survive with T2 on the road and in long haul airline cabins from anyone would be smashing!

I don't always eat typical breakfast foods, or lunch, dinner for that matter - so here's a few examples:

Breakfast. Bowl of chicken soup, cheese and crudités and small square of 70% dark chocolate with a dollop of peanut butter on top. Equally it could be eggs in various guises, with grilled bacon and Portobello mushrooms or a cauliflower hash with poached eggs.

Drink herbal teas and fizzy water.

Lunch is a big salad with cheese, chicken, Serrano ham and yoghurt with berries to follow. Or a bowl of soup, perhaps a turkey chilli with no rice....

Dinner - poached salmon, trout, mackerel, perhaps chicken or a lean piece of beef with Mediterranean veg or sliced onions with red and yellow peppers. Followed by cheese or yoghurt and nuts or berries.

3 times a week (usually weekends) have a medium sized glass of red wine with the evening meal.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner all eaten at the same times more or less...with dinner finished by 730pm at the latest. Then take the mad dog out for a walk, or perhaps it's the other way round

That sort of thing.

Does that help?

Yes, good. I think it is helpful for newbies in particular to see what is working.

 

[Lamont D]

Hi @Lamont D

Thanks!

Agree on Little Britain Was in Bristol back in November and I am convinced I saw all the characters in the city centre

You think it's bad in Bristol?

I stay away from our town centre, and there are no go areas!

I have a garden and around here, that posh! (Ha!)

 

[BRSBRI]

Hi @BRSBRI
I too was a traveller, and can't stay no to food, so being diagnosed on same day as lockdown 1 has been a blessing in disguise. Most of our food is delivered with only the odd foray for missing items so it has been relatively easy to stick to lchf.
In a way I'm dreading lockdown lifting. Over the summer we did eat out a few times and I managed choosing well, but thinking that will get harder to do as novelty and fear of diagnosis of diabetes eases off.
I dread being presented with the typical English buffet of sausage rolls, quiche and "party food". At a couple of social events I did take soemthing I had made and tried just to eat that, but I was tempted to try. Aimed to limit the tasting to just a mouthful rather than whole piece or plateful.

Someone on here posted during longhaul flights as a good time to fast, so planned and prepared for. Just said no to everything offered.
Another tip is always to carry nuts, good for no special storage needs, filling and can be eaten anywhere any time
Also to take with you a written note saying "no sugar no honey " translated into whatever language of country visiting. This was invaluable during a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia where even the tea comes sweetened .

Steak and fish and eggs mostly available across the world.

I don't drink coffee so always carry bottled water and chose wine rather than beer.

Travelling with a non-diabetic helps as you swap good for bad e.g a visit to a National Trust property meant hubby ordered 2 cream teas, I had both the creams and butters and 2 bites of 1 scone, he had the rest of the scones and just jam! (He's a keeper!)

It has been difficult to change habits. We used to chose a bag of sweets for a long car journey. First time we took carrot sticks and nuts. Now we mostly do without anything, but I still miss the ritual of choosing, and then unwrapping in traffic jams.

I too would love to hear others hints and tips

Hello there @MrsA2

Fab post and great advice.

The very large fruit named tech company I work for had me in China 5 times alone in 2019 where we have manufacturing partners - so your advice about the notes in local lingo reference zero sugar etc are bang on!

In the hotels I stay over there, most do a Japanese breakfast - so if I avoid the rice and eat the rest, I think it'd be ok. Also great idea on the flights - not exactly sure what they serve up as a "diabetic" meal, but can't imagine it'll be an enlightened offering...

 

[BRSBRI]

Hi @BRSBRI , well done to you. It can be very hard going against the 'norm' from a typical medical perspective as when you suggest an alternative, they can interpret you as being confrontational, awkward and almost a self harmer!!!! Of course you have to remain calm when you are discussing things with them and I find if you are able to rationalise what YOU are doing and why, then they at least know that you are knowledgeable on YOUR health & the subject. x

Hello @KK123
Very well said! I have had a brilliant chat with the GP but the stand in locum can only be described as completely off the wall and thinks her MBChB gives her Myanmar-esque dictatorship privileges...

The practice DN is however a miracle worker and totally in the zone; conversely I think the nutritionist is on a commission scheme with the local Co-op funeral business!