-
Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
Hello
- Thread starter Dawn17
- Start date
- Status
Hi @Dawn17 and welcome to the forum.
Do you know what your Blood Sugar (glucose level) was when you were diagnosed? The normal test in the UK is a blood test called HbA1C.
Regardless of how high your HbA1C is, you have a choice as to how to control diabetes.
If you have lots of weight to lose you can try fasting - read up about Dr Jason Fung's 'diabetes code' on the internet.
If you have just a stone or 2 or 4 to lose you may want to try a very low calorie restricted diet - around 800calories per day (either shakes based or real food based ). Shakes based = Newcastle diet, real food based - look for Dr Michael Moseley's diet books.
If you don't have much weight to lose, or if you have tried calorie restricted diets before and failed, then you can keep your calories roughly the same (eat until you feel full but not stuffed) but just reduce the carbohydrates (both starches and sugars) in your meals. This is what I did and I still lost 2stone starting from a normal weight and put my diabetes into remission. Just look for Dr David Unwin and/or ' Low Carb ' on the internet. I based my meals around meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, berries and lower carb veg (mainly above ground veg). Just swapping something though to be 'healthy' like porridge for something that really is healthy (for a Type 2) like eggs (with no toast/bread) can make a noticeable difference all by itself!
Do you know what your Blood Sugar (glucose level) was when you were diagnosed? The normal test in the UK is a blood test called HbA1C.
Regardless of how high your HbA1C is, you have a choice as to how to control diabetes.
If you have lots of weight to lose you can try fasting - read up about Dr Jason Fung's 'diabetes code' on the internet.
If you have just a stone or 2 or 4 to lose you may want to try a very low calorie restricted diet - around 800calories per day (either shakes based or real food based ). Shakes based = Newcastle diet, real food based - look for Dr Michael Moseley's diet books.
If you don't have much weight to lose, or if you have tried calorie restricted diets before and failed, then you can keep your calories roughly the same (eat until you feel full but not stuffed) but just reduce the carbohydrates (both starches and sugars) in your meals. This is what I did and I still lost 2stone starting from a normal weight and put my diabetes into remission. Just look for Dr David Unwin and/or ' Low Carb ' on the internet. I based my meals around meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, berries and lower carb veg (mainly above ground veg). Just swapping something though to be 'healthy' like porridge for something that really is healthy (for a Type 2) like eggs (with no toast/bread) can make a noticeable difference all by itself!
Hi Ian
Thank you for replying to my post. I was diagnosed in September 2021. My HbA1c is 62. But I have been on controlled drugs for a few months before I was diagnosed with diabetes. I strongly believe they are the cause of it along with not being able to excercise for a few months. I’m still on controlled drugs for a back injury and I’m waiting to hear how my MRI went. Well now I have this diabetes, I’m trying my hardest to reverse it. I have lost some weight. I’m now 10st 8lb. I was 11st 1lb. I did lose a couple more pounds but I put it back on. I’m determined to lose the weight. I finally decided to join Diabetes UK, because I definitely need help with what I can and can’t eat, even though my daughter brought me books on being a diabetic etc. it’s the grab and go food that I can’t get my head around mainly. It use to be so easy grabbing some crisps and snacky bits like that, now I just grab some fruit, which gets boring and not really satisfying. Any way thank you for taking the time to give me some information
Thank you for replying to my post. I was diagnosed in September 2021. My HbA1c is 62. But I have been on controlled drugs for a few months before I was diagnosed with diabetes. I strongly believe they are the cause of it along with not being able to excercise for a few months. I’m still on controlled drugs for a back injury and I’m waiting to hear how my MRI went. Well now I have this diabetes, I’m trying my hardest to reverse it. I have lost some weight. I’m now 10st 8lb. I was 11st 1lb. I did lose a couple more pounds but I put it back on. I’m determined to lose the weight. I finally decided to join Diabetes UK, because I definitely need help with what I can and can’t eat, even though my daughter brought me books on being a diabetic etc. it’s the grab and go food that I can’t get my head around mainly. It use to be so easy grabbing some crisps and snacky bits like that, now I just grab some fruit, which gets boring and not really satisfying. Any way thank you for taking the time to give me some information
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Snacking is often people's downfall but sometimes it is done out of habit or boredom rather than actually being hungry. If you are hungry then having meals which are low carbohydrate but increased protein and healthy fats.
Some things that are not bad as snacks are nuts, nut based protein bars Nature Valley, KIND or shop own at less than 10gcarb per bar. Berries are good fruit with cream or full fat Greek yoghurt, a piece of cheese, olives, boiled eggs.
High Carb foods to restrict portions of are bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast cereals, pastry, and tropical fruits as well as cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks including fruit juices.
Basing your meals on meat, fish, eggs, cheese, dairy, nuts, vegetables, salads and fruits like berries with small portions of higher carb foods still give you options for tasty meals.
Have a look at the thread What did you eat Yesterday in the Food Forum (in the forum menu at the top) for ideas for what Type 2 folk have, bare in mind some people will be diet managed only and some on oral meds or even insulin so may have different amount of carbs per day.
Some things that are not bad as snacks are nuts, nut based protein bars Nature Valley, KIND or shop own at less than 10gcarb per bar. Berries are good fruit with cream or full fat Greek yoghurt, a piece of cheese, olives, boiled eggs.
High Carb foods to restrict portions of are bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast cereals, pastry, and tropical fruits as well as cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks including fruit juices.
Basing your meals on meat, fish, eggs, cheese, dairy, nuts, vegetables, salads and fruits like berries with small portions of higher carb foods still give you options for tasty meals.
Have a look at the thread What did you eat Yesterday in the Food Forum (in the forum menu at the top) for ideas for what Type 2 folk have, bare in mind some people will be diet managed only and some on oral meds or even insulin so may have different amount of carbs per day.
Thank you for your help. I have a problem, because I’m having trouble going to the toilet as I am on medication, they do really cause problems, I have been eating high fibre cereals, I tried over the counter stuff but they cause me stomach upsets, so I’m trying to eat healthy and of course plenty of fruit. I don’t know what else to do, I’m struggling at the moment as I don’t usually eat breakfast and I don’t eat until 11am because I’m intermittent fasting. Until I can have an op on my back I cannot come off the medication which would be fantastic! I’m also wishing I didn’t need an op as it’s also causing me stress worrying about it, which causes high blood pressure and I have high cholesterol. I hate having problems and want them to go away. I will try anything that will benefit me. Thank you
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
It is difficult as many of 'pain relief ' medications cause toilet issues, keeping fluids up helps. There are quite a few different medication for the constipation issue so there may be a gentler one which suits you.
The lower you can get your blood glucose before surgery the better as high glucose levels put you at more risk of infection and hinder tissue healing.
Berries are good fruits as they are the lowest carb.
Oh really. I best sort it all out then. Thank you. I will take a trip to the chemist and see what they can do. Is it best not to have cereals then? I really need to research. This diabetes UK are offering a 12 week meal plan? It’s on Facebook. I wanted to check that it’s definitely from this group.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
A suggested portion of most cereals would be too high carb and many people over estimate the portion they put in the bowl. A few are lower carb than others ALL Bran and some low sugar Granolas but I tend to have about 10-15g on my Greek yoghurt and berries for breakfast that keeps the breakfast carbs to less than 15g.
Check the Total carbs on your cereal packets and you will see how many carbs a portion would be. People are often more sensitive to carbs in the morning so prefer a higher protein, healthy fat, low carb breakfast.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hello and welcome
It does take a bit of time to get your head round a diabetes diagnosis, but it does get easier over time. I've found that increasing my fluid intake has helped greatly since my medication was increased. My bowel movements are better than they have been for years. In addition to about 3 pints of decaf tea and coffee I drink 3 pints of water and soda water a day.
I checked out the meal plan you mentioned on Facebook and it is from the other Diabetes Forum (diabetes.co.uk). We are diabetes.org.uk and I know we have meal plans as well, as I've had a good look at them. But they are all suitable for diabetics - just look for the Type 2 plans and check out the carb contents. Some are still quite high in carbs, particularly the "off the shelf" diabetic cookbooks.
The good thing is that you are not seriously overweight, and an HbA1c of 62 is not nearly as high as some people record. A reduction in carbs and portion sizes should help reduce both weight and blood glucose, and help your recovery when you have your operation. Finding some low carb bars as suggested above, and keeping one on you should help you control the grab and go. Fruit is high in sugars, particularly tropical fruits, so you might wish to keep a small container of just berries with you - my go to fruits are strawberries and blueberries. A portion size is 80gm, and that's not very big - about 5 strawberries!
I suggest you keep a food diary, paper or online/phone. MyFitBit is popular and I use NutraCheck. It means you have to weigh your portion sizes but it will give you accurate cal and carb readings. I keep digital scales and a clear bowl on my kitchen worktop, and it only takes a few minutes every day.
Best wishes
It does take a bit of time to get your head round a diabetes diagnosis, but it does get easier over time. I've found that increasing my fluid intake has helped greatly since my medication was increased. My bowel movements are better than they have been for years. In addition to about 3 pints of decaf tea and coffee I drink 3 pints of water and soda water a day.
I checked out the meal plan you mentioned on Facebook and it is from the other Diabetes Forum (diabetes.co.uk). We are diabetes.org.uk and I know we have meal plans as well, as I've had a good look at them. But they are all suitable for diabetics - just look for the Type 2 plans and check out the carb contents. Some are still quite high in carbs, particularly the "off the shelf" diabetic cookbooks.
The good thing is that you are not seriously overweight, and an HbA1c of 62 is not nearly as high as some people record. A reduction in carbs and portion sizes should help reduce both weight and blood glucose, and help your recovery when you have your operation. Finding some low carb bars as suggested above, and keeping one on you should help you control the grab and go. Fruit is high in sugars, particularly tropical fruits, so you might wish to keep a small container of just berries with you - my go to fruits are strawberries and blueberries. A portion size is 80gm, and that's not very big - about 5 strawberries!
I suggest you keep a food diary, paper or online/phone. MyFitBit is popular and I use NutraCheck. It means you have to weigh your portion sizes but it will give you accurate cal and carb readings. I keep digital scales and a clear bowl on my kitchen worktop, and it only takes a few minutes every day.
Best wishes
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I was reminded that my Gran used to use Monastery Herbs as a sandwich to help. I decided to look them up and to my surprise found the Science Museum have a sachet in their collection.
Have you tried stewed rhubarb?
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I can highly recommend a fibre supplement drink for improving your bowel movement. I have a glass of water every morning with Psyllium husk and chia seeds ( I flavour it with a dessert spoon of apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar and a dash or diet cola because I am weird 🙄 ) but you could use whatever low carb flavouring you like.... or get the Fibogel sachets which are already flavoured, although I am not sure if they contain carbs.
At nearly 58 years of age my gut health is the best it has been my entire life and my stools get a perfect score on the "Bristol stool chart" pretty much every day! 😉 Drinking plenty is important with constipation and particularly if you use a fibre supplement because it absorbs the water and forms a bulk of gel which slowly and gently moves through your digestive system clearing it out. It doesn't cause spasms like laxatives can do. Can't tell you how good it is to have such an easy regular movement.
At nearly 58 years of age my gut health is the best it has been my entire life and my stools get a perfect score on the "Bristol stool chart" pretty much every day! 😉 Drinking plenty is important with constipation and particularly if you use a fibre supplement because it absorbs the water and forms a bulk of gel which slowly and gently moves through your digestive system clearing it out. It doesn't cause spasms like laxatives can do. Can't tell you how good it is to have such an easy regular movement.
Oh wow, you have a few health issues too. Really sorry to hear that. My problems started back at the beginning of April, started getting severe back ache, because of covid could not see a doctor! Telephone calls only. I had shingles, then I was given a scan in June and I now had kidney stones. They kept telling me I just need physiotherapy, which was taking ages to get, but all the while the pain was excruciating. I went up the hospital a couple of times, they wouldn’t let me in. So in the end my doctor called an ambulance because I could hardly walk and the pain was so bad. I have a budging disc in my spine and had a spinal injection back in September, but it hasn’t worked. So I’m still on the meds but managing my pain, cannot do any excercise and can’t walk far. But I’m doing so much better than I did. I have also had to have 2 teeth out and one waiting to be pulled out. Thank you so much for the advice it has really helped.
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Oh my goodness @Dawn17 - you really have been having it tough!
Are any of the meds you are on / have been on steroids? Those have a well-known effect of raising blood glucose. As does illness and recovery from injury if you have diabetes.
Hope the pain management is making things bearable. Do you have ‘breakthrough’ relief as well as longer-acting medications?
It’s like you cannot eat anything!! I really thought fruit couldn’t harm you, so I thought you could eat plenty of them! I was eating clementine’s an nectarines regularly and an apple sometimes . I also ate prunes everyday thinking having natural foods would be ok. I really need to research so much! I want to reverse my diabetes. I drink mostly water and lime with soda water. I only drink a couple of cups a tea a day. The first tooth I had out since my diagnosis took about 2 months to heal, that made me worry so much. This tooth I had taken out Friday is actually healing quickly I think. This diabetes is so depressing!! I am really trying to read everything I need to know, but it’s so hard trying to fit everything in with my daily routines.
Hi
I haven’t had any steroids that I no of. I do have slow release long acting medication and also quick release meds. I don’t understand what you mean by ‘break through relief’. If my pain is worse at times I take a couple of paracetamol. The pain I have doesn’t actually go away, but it is bearable, which is ok, because I don’t want anymore meds. I don’t want to take medication anymore, I hate it, but I know the pain would be bad if I stopped taking it. But there is that question would I be in worse pain though. I have my medication review this month, so we will see. Thank you for your post
Hi can you tell me what the fibre supplement drinks are called? I don’t think I could drink what you do. I also haven’t heard of Fibogel. I’m trying to get my head around how much carbs your allowed a day. I know we have to have carbs, but I have no idea. I don’t really even understand the traffic light system or how to work out if anything is good for you if it doesn’t have the traffic light system. I really just haven’t got a clue. I’m too wrapped up with worrying about the operation if I’m having one on my back. I’m just so scared it makes me panic and have anxiety attacks. But I need it because there is nothing else they can do. I also HATE the dentist too. Really sorry I have just ranted on. End of rant. Thank you for your advice
Dawn
Hi thank you so much for welcoming me to the forum. I cannot believe that we cannot eat much fruit and to stick to certain ones. In the diabetes magazine it said you can eat fruit. So I actually thought I’m safe to eat fruit. I also have a Fitbit. Thank you for looking up the 12 week meal planner for me that’s really nice of you. I will have to look for some low carb bars. I have scales too. What is the difference between this diabetes group and the other one?
Hi Ian
My HbA1C when diagnosed was 62. I am 5ft 1 and I weigh 10.8lb. I did weigh 11.1 when I was diagnosed. I want to lose 2 stone. I have based my meals around fish, meat, nuts and veg. I didn’t think we could eat cheese or very rarely. I have had brown bread as a sandwich, but I haven’t had any sandwiches the last few days. I don’t really like eggs. I will check out all your suggestions. Thank you
Drummer
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Oh dear - at least you are not far into the realms of type two, but eating all that sugar (fructose) will not help.
I can cope with berries, and many type twos report the same, but in modest amounts and not every day works best.
Drummer
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
We don't need to have carbs.
Some colourful tasty ones with vitamins and minerals are a good thing to add into meals each day to keep meals cheerful and interesting, but we can survive on protein and fats if necessary.
The traffic light system is not much use for diabetics, as it doesn't tell use what we need to know, the level of carbs.
- Status