Hi All and any plant based peeps out there ?

[Eoj]

Hi All,
My name is Joe, I'm 57 years young in the sunny NW.

I was diagnosed in 2014 with type 2 diabetes which has been diet-controlled. I had my first my diabetic eye test, which showed I noted changes at the back of my eyes. So I went on a plant based diet , the next diabetic eye test. The changes had reverted to "normal"

But over the last two years of being monitored my HbA1C has crept up to the highest HbA1c reading of 59.0 mmol/mol.
For the past two last years when I have had my diabetic eye test there have been noted changes to show that I have 'background retinopathy'.My latest HbA1c test was done on the 30 November 2021.
So on the 13th January of this year I was put on Metformin, that did't agree with my stomach. So I'v been put on Glucophage SR 15 February 2022, the dose is 2000mg day split over two doses. Still can't say I'm a fan of Metformin slow release yet .

I’m recovering from hip surgery, I have had four operations on my right hip (had an infection, that decided to go and live in-between the implant and bone!) . So I’m looking at 18 months recovery, and possible knee replacement in the future.
My weight is 134.1 kg(I’m 1.73 Mt tall) , so my my BMI is 45

Me & My wife have started a Tia Chi recently, at the moment that hour class is like me doing a marathon. I find it very demanding, but worth it. Before I had surgery for my right hip (I had my left one replaced, no problems) . I was lifting weights five days a week, swimming four days a week and doing cardio four days a week. So I’m trying to do what I can at the moment, but I do understand how beneficial is it for me to be more active 🙂

If you look at my HbA1c results, you see that there a couple of low ones. I had come across "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead film by Joe Cross" so I did juice "reboot" lost three stone. But eventually put the weigh back on.

So I asked my Gp about monitoring my BG levels, Nope no need . I've even contact my local Community Diabetes Team based at the hospital. There reply was as "BG level monitoring is only needed on a daily basis if you are taking a treatment that may cause a Hypo as this would put you at risk. IE many T2DM patients are treated with gliclazide & insulin.
Metformin is Hypo safe so you only need to monitor your diabetes with a regular Hba1c check as this will tell you if the BG levels have been too high. If you would like one anyway though you can buy one from any pharmacy."

So I've just ordered the GlucoNavii Blood Glucose Monitor 🙂
I also asked about the "low Carb way" the reply from the Community Diabetes Team is "So while some people find a Low carb diet really works for them. Generally our team feel the best diet is one that is achievable long-term so we generally recommend a balanced diet rather than specifically low carb."
I've got the book Reversing Type 2 Diabetes by Prof Roy Taylor & have order his other book Life Without Diabetes

The Salford Community Diabetes Team, have offered me there "Diabetes Basics course which will give you more information about managing your T2DM." As I've never had a input, regarding my Type 2, I've jumped at the offer.

My plan is, I'm going to monitor my BG for a month along the lines of "An open letter to the newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetic" . That way I can get a good base line. After that I'm not so clear with which way to go ?

So if there are any Vegans/ Plant based people, with any suggestions regarding low carb.


Thanks in advance.

Joe
I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect big thinking & small typos 😉





HbA1C Results

May 2014= 45.0 mmol /mol
June 2014= 51.0 mmol/mol
Aug2014= 50.0 mmol/mol
Dec 2014= 36.0 mmol/mol
May 2015= 43.0 mmol/mol
Jul 2015= 42.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2015= 41.0 mmol/mol
Apr 2016= 42.0 mmol/mol
Sep 2016= 44.0 mmol/mol
Jan 2017= 41 .0 mmol/mol
June 2017= 34.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2017= 40.0mmol/mol
Jul 2018= 33.0 mmol/mol
Oct 2018= 43.0 mmol/mol
Mar 2019= 43.0 mmol/mol
Jun 2019= 43.0mmol/mol
Jan2020= 36.0mmol/mol
Jun 2020= 42.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2020= 44.0 mmol/mol
Jun 2021= 47.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2021= 59.0 mmol/mol

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi All,
My name is Joe, I'm 57 years young in the sunny NW.

I was diagnosed in 2014 with type 2 diabetes which has been diet-controlled. I had my first my diabetic eye test, which showed I noted changes at the back of my eyes. So I went on a plant based diet , the next diabetic eye test. The changes had reverted to "normal"

But over the last two years of being monitored my HbA1C has crept up to the highest HbA1c reading of 59.0 mmol/mol.
For the past two last years when I have had my diabetic eye test there have been noted changes to show that I have 'background retinopathy'.My latest HbA1c test was done on the 30 November 2021.
So on the 13th January of this year I was put on Metformin, that did't agree with my stomach. So I'v been put on Glucophage SR 15 February 2022, the dose is 2000mg day split over two doses. Still can't say I'm a fan of Metformin slow release yet .

I’m recovering from hip surgery, I have had four operations on my right hip (had an infection, that decided to go and live in-between the implant and bone!) . So I’m looking at 18 months recovery, and possible knee replacement in the future.
My weight is 134.1 kg(I’m 1.73 Mt tall) , so my my BMI is 45

Me & My wife have started a Tia Chi recently, at the moment that hour class is like me doing a marathon. I find it very demanding, but worth it. Before I had surgery for my right hip (I had my left one replaced, no problems) . I was lifting weights five days a week, swimming four days a week and doing cardio four days a week. So I’m trying to do what I can at the moment, but I do understand how beneficial is it for me to be more active 🙂

If you look at my HbA1c results, you see that there a couple of low ones. I had come across "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead film by Joe Cross" so I did juice "reboot" lost three stone. But eventually put the weigh back on.

So I asked my Gp about monitoring my BG levels, Nope no need . I've even contact my local Community Diabetes Team based at the hospital. There reply was as "BG level monitoring is only needed on a daily basis if you are taking a treatment that may cause a Hypo as this would put you at risk. IE many T2DM patients are treated with gliclazide & insulin.
Metformin is Hypo safe so you only need to monitor your diabetes with a regular Hba1c check as this will tell you if the BG levels have been too high. If you would like one anyway though you can buy one from any pharmacy."

So I've just ordered the GlucoNavii Blood Glucose Monitor 🙂
I also asked about the "low Carb way" the reply from the Community Diabetes Team is "So while some people find a Low carb diet really works for them. Generally our team feel the best diet is one that is achievable long-term so we generally recommend a balanced diet rather than specifically low carb."
I've got the book Reversing Type 2 Diabetes by Prof Roy Taylor & have order his other book Life Without Diabetes

The Salford Community Diabetes Team, have offered me there "Diabetes Basics course which will give you more information about managing your T2DM." As I've never had a input, regarding my Type 2, I've jumped at the offer.

My plan is, I'm going to monitor my BG for a month along the lines of "An open letter to the newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetic" . That way I can get a good base line. After that I'm not so clear with which way to go ?

So if there are any Vegans/ Plant based people, with any suggestions regarding low carb.


Thanks in advance.

Joe
I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect big thinking & small typos 😉





HbA1C Results

May 2014= 45.0 mmol /mol
June 2014= 51.0 mmol/mol
Aug2014= 50.0 mmol/mol
Dec 2014= 36.0 mmol/mol
May 2015= 43.0 mmol/mol
Jul 2015= 42.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2015= 41.0 mmol/mol
Apr 2016= 42.0 mmol/mol
Sep 2016= 44.0 mmol/mol
Jan 2017= 41 .0 mmol/mol
June 2017= 34.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2017= 40.0mmol/mol
Jul 2018= 33.0 mmol/mol
Oct 2018= 43.0 mmol/mol
Mar 2019= 43.0 mmol/mol
Jun 2019= 43.0mmol/mol
Jan2020= 36.0mmol/mol
Jun 2020= 42.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2020= 44.0 mmol/mol
Jun 2021= 47.0 mmol/mol
Nov 2021= 59.0 mmol/mol

Welcome to the forum.
You had been doing very well until just recently and it is surprising you had experience eye issues with levels that were really in the prediabetic range.
Have you recently adopted a plant based diet as a change to that may have increased your HbA1C as you are not able to have many of the foods which are zero carbs which perhaps makes it that bit harder.
There are quite a few people here who are vegetarian but I'm not sure about vegan.
I don't know if this link will be of any help but it is a low carb way that has been successful for many.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

I'm sorry to hear of your mobility issues I have every sympathy having had knee surgery for a ruptured tendon and fracture and finding it hard to be able to do much just yet, the more I do the more painful it seems to get.

 

[Vonny]

Good on you for getting the glucose monitoring meter....I have the SD Gluco navii and frankly it was a life saver for me. I now eat more vegetables than I've ever done in my life, but I also rely on cheese and eggs plus some meat and fish which I realise won't be possible for you. But monitoring what you eat should prove invaluable in determining what you can and can't eat.
I have no advice about your mobility I'm afraid. My partner had a knee replacement and has 2 exploded discs in his spine and he really struggles to walk any distance so I'm aware of how awful this can be. My sister-in-law had a private hip replacement which became infected and 2 years later she is just beginning to get back to normal. So I can only sympathise, not offer any advice. Very best of luck to you.

 

[Eoj]

Welcome to the forum.
You had been doing very well until just recently and it is surprising you had experience eye issues with levels that were really in the prediabetic range.
Have you recently adopted a plant based diet as a change to that may have increased your HbA1C as you are not able to have many of the foods which are zero carbs which perhaps makes it that bit harder.
There are quite a few people here who are vegetarian but I'm not sure about vegan.
I don't know if this link will be of any help but it is a low carb way that has been successful for many.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

I'm sorry to hear of your mobility issues I have every sympathy having had knee surgery for a ruptured tendon and fracture and finding it hard to be able to do much just yet, the more I do the more painful it seems to get.

Hi
Thanks for the reply, I became plant based as late 2014. The funny thing , I was heavy (not as heavy as I am now). The GP and nurse kept telling me how well I was doing, being diet controlled !!
Thanks for the link , I'll have a look later.
Joe

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Eoj 🙂 I think @Eddy Edson eats largely plant-based meals. I’m not vegan but eat a number of vegan meals each week. Watching the fat can help, I believe. The studies on WFPB eating and diabetes used a very low fat vegan diet as it was that that improved insulin sensitivity.

Getting a meter can only be a good thing. I hope it helps you. Remember too that sometimes a deterioration in HbA1C isn’t necessarily someone’s fault, some people just need extra meds through no fault of their own. You mention weight. Losing weight should help too.

Are you following a particular plant-based diet?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Eoj

It is certainly possible to have a diabetes-friendly plant-based menu, but it might take a bit of lateral thinking, and I guess will depend on how your body responds to pulses and legumes (for protein).

Metformin is Hypo safe so you only need to monitor your diabetes with a regular Hba1c check as this will tell you if the BG levels have been too high.

I find this a little frustrating, though I do understand it. The thing about using only an HbA1c is that it only tells you one piece of information - things are going OK, or things need improving. But there’s no nuance, no granularity. It can’t tell you WHY things are going well (or aren’t!). It can’t tell you which specific foods are causing bigger rises than you’d like.

Are you OK to eat oranges, or are apples better? Or are both tricky, and you are better off with berries?

How about porridge? Or pulses? Or high fibre cereal? Or brown pasta? Or wholemeal bread? Or ANY of the things that have a reputation for being fairly slow release… How do they work out for YOU?

An HbA1c can tell you none of these things.

I think by making an assumption that most people really won’t be bothered with doing at sort of intensive experimentation (certainly for a while) some HCPs end up denying everyone access to technology that could really help some people actively manage their condition.

And as you’ve found, a ‘quick’ temporary diet isn’t ideal - what you really need is a longer term, flexible, enjoyable, sustainable way of eating that suits your tastebuds, your pocket, your waistline AND your blood glucose levels.

And a BG meter can help you find just that.

To begin with, eat what you normally would, and take a BG reading immediately before and again 2hrs after starting your meal. Keep a note of what the meal was, and the total carbohydrate content of your portion (not just ‘of which sugars’).

After a week or so, try to spot patterns. Any meal or snack that boosted your BG by more than 2-3mmol/L at the 2hr check needs tweaking. Reduce the portion size of carbs, try a different source, or a lower carb swap (celeriac mash… a 50:50 mix… cauli rice… courgette spaghetti).

Keep experimenting and working away at it. Before long you’ll gave built up a personal database of how you are likely to respond to most main sources of carbs - with some unexpected wins, and some surprises along the way. And you’ll develop your own unique and personally tailored approach 🙂

 

[Eoj]

Good on you for getting the glucose monitoring meter....I have the SD Gluco navii and frankly it was a life saver for me. I now eat more vegetables than I've ever done in my life, but I also rely on cheese and eggs plus some meat and fish which I realise won't be possible for you. But monitoring what you eat should prove invaluable in determining what you can and can't eat.
I have no advice about your mobility I'm afraid. My partner had a knee replacement and has 2 exploded discs in his spine and he really struggles to walk any distance so I'm aware of how awful this can be. My sister-in-law had a private hip replacement which became infected and 2 years later she is just beginning to get back to normal. So I can only sympathise, not offer any advice. Very best of luck to you.

Hi Vonny,
Thanks for reply , like your partner I’ve got a dodgy back . I’m glad your sister-in-law, is getting back to norma.
I‘ve come to realise, I need to take control!
thanks
Joe

 

[Eoj]

To begin with, eat what you normally would, and take a BG reading immediately before and again 2hrs after starting your meal. Keep a note of what the meal was, and the total carbohydrate content of your portion (not just ‘of which sugars’).

After a week or so, try to spot patterns. Any meal or snack that boosted your BG by more than 2-3mmol/L at the 2hr check needs tweaking. Reduce the portion size of carbs, try a different source, or a lower carb swap (celeriac mash… a 50:50 mix… cauli rice… courgette spaghetti).

Keep experimenting and working away at it. Before long you’ll gave built up a personal database of how you are likely to respond to most main sources of carbs - with some unexpected wins, and some surprises along the way. And you’ll develop your own unique and personally tailored approach 🙂

Sorry for the late reply , today I’ve started getting my tracking my BG.
I ended up going shopping for tea tonight , I must have put five items back due to there Carb content. There’re some sneaky, labelling. I picked up a vegan lasagna, it had 68g of Carbs at 100g. The package was 480g. I just couldn’t get it for my tea. So went for that was 3.2g instead .
Thanks again
Joe

 

[trophywench]

Well pasta is high carb! - and of course itself it's vegan - only what you serve with it, decides whether it stays vegan or not. There are lower carb pastas of every shape though - so stick around and learn what there is to try!

 

[Leadinglights]

Well pasta is high carb! - and of course itself it's vegan - only what you serve with it, decides whether it stays vegan or not. There are lower carb pastas of every shape though - so stick around and learn what there is to try!

A friend is allergic to eggs and has to be careful what pasta he has as some will have egg in it. So that type wouldn't be vegan.

 

[trophywench]

A friend is allergic to eggs and has to be careful what pasta he has as some will have egg in it. So that type wouldn't be vegan.

True. You can see I'm not vegan!

 

[Eoj]

@trophywench

Well pasta is high carb! - and of course itself it's vegan - only what you serve with it, decides whether it stays vegan or not. There are lower carb pastas of every shape though - so stick around and learn what there is to try!

Hi Sorry,
I was saying, I was surprised that there was no portion measurement. Instead they where using the 100g get out of jail gambit, the packet contained 480g in total.
So I need to keep my eyes out and register what I'm reading on packets .
Thanks
Joe