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New-ish and in denial... :(

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Sarahcan

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi, I'm new to the forum. Recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and in denial... I was told at the end of 2019 by my doctor that my sugar levels were prediabetic but wasn't really given any support apart from the suggestion to lose weight. Not something that I have managed to do. I am now on Metformin slow release and feeling ashamed and horrible about the whole situation. Also, no idea what to eat so I'm making bad choices. Basically got my head in the sand about the whole thing but I know I need to start taking it seriously and make some changes. Feeling pretty alone with it as my partner and son are both telling me that I can't eat things that they eat. I know they are trying to help but it's not helpful. Sorry for the moany, negative post! Looking for positive suggestions and advice.

I have got the MySugar app and took my blood sugar this morning for the first time in ages - it was 8.1 mmol/L which I think is ok and means the medication is working?
 
Welcome @Sarahcan 🙂 Do you know what your HbA1C was at diagnosis? That will give you an idea of how much you need to change.

Are you also testing 2hrs after meals? That can give really useful information about how your meals are working for you. Here are the Type 2 targets you’re aiming for:

If you have type 2 diabetes​

  • before meals: 4 to 7mmol/l
  • two hours after meals: less than 8.5mmol/l
 
Inka said:
Welcome @Sarahcan 🙂 Do you know what your HbA1C was at diagnosis? That will give you an idea of how much you need to change.

Are you also testing 2hrs after meals? That can give really useful information about how your meals are working for you. Here are the Type 2 targets you’re aiming for:

If you have type 2 diabetes​

  • before meals: 4 to 7mmol/l
  • two hours after meals: less than 8.5mmol/l
Click to expand...
I don't know what my HbA1C was/is - don't really understand it - I have a blood test end of september I think. I haven't been testing regularly but want to start so that I can start trying to get a handle on the situation. I am normally really together about things but I seem to be in total avoidance about this.
 
Sarahcan said:
feeling ashamed and horrible about the whole situation. Also, no idea what to eat so I'm making bad choices.
Click to expand...
A lot of of us feel this way when diagnosed, please do not feel ashamed or horrible, changing your diet will take time as many on here will testify, it is all very confusing at first but you will make it, take one step at a time
 
Sarahcan said:
I don't know what my HbA1C was/is - don't really understand it - I have a blood test end of september I think. I haven't been testing regularly but want to start so that I can start trying to get a handle on the situation. I am normally really together about things but I seem to be in total avoidance about this.
Click to expand...

If you’re able to find out simply (eg by looking on the NHS app, etc) it would be useful to know because it will indicate how big a change you’re going to have to make, but also it might help motivate you and will be something to measure your success by.

Anything above 48 is in the diabetes zone. If, for example, you were 50, you’d know some small, sustained changes might help. If yours was, say, 75, you’d know you had to make some bigger changes. Losing weight will help you, as will regular exercise. It doesn’t have to be the gym - regular walks are good too.
 
john e said:
A lot of of us feel this way when diagnosed, please do not feel ashamed or horrible, changing your diet will take time as many on here will testify, it is all very confusing at first but you will make it, take one step at a time
Click to expand...
Thank you, that really helps.
 
What kind of things are you eating now? I think the best place to start for weight loss is at mealtimes increase the portion size of veg and reduce the portion size of carbs/fats, making sure you’re including good protein choices. For snacks, reduce quantity and make them lower calorie / healthier choices. You’ll read lots here about low carb diets but whatever route you choose, making slow gradual changes that you can stick with is the best way forwards.
 
Inka said:
If you’re able to find out simply (eg by looking on the NHS app, etc) it would be useful to know because it will indicate how big a change you’re going to have to make, but also it might help motivate you and will be something to measure your success by.

Anything above 48 is in the diabetes zone. If, for example, you were 50, you’d know some small, sustained changes might help. If yours was, say, 75, you’d know you had to make some bigger changes. Losing weight will help you, as will regular exercise. It doesn’t have to be the gym - regular walks are good too.
Click to expand...
I've looked on the app but that info doesn't seem to be on there. I have made a note of the numbers you mention and will find out from docs. Thanks 🙂
 
Lucyr said:
What kind of things are you eating now? I think the best place to start for weight loss is at mealtimes increase the portion size of veg and reduce the portion size of carbs/fats, making sure you’re including good protein choices. For snacks, reduce quantity and make them lower calorie / healthier choices. You’ll read lots here about low carb diets but whatever route you choose, making slow gradual changes that you can stick with is the best way forwards.
Click to expand...
I think evening mealtimes I'm not too bad... lentils, fish, salad, chicken, veg etc. I'm finding lunchtime and breakfast tricky without having bread/pitta involved. Also, yogurt and orange ice lollies for pudding which I think are a bad idea....
 
Sarahcan said:
I think evening mealtimes I'm not too bad... lentils, fish, salad, chicken, veg etc. I'm finding lunchtime and breakfast tricky without having bread/pitta involved. Also, yogurt and orange ice lollies for pudding which I think are a bad idea....
Click to expand...
Yoghurt and ice lollies sound like good choices, but you might need to look at the ones you’re having and find some lower carb versions. Which kinds do you have at the moment? Those are two of my favourite foods so should be able to suggest some alternative tasty versions.
 
Sarahcan said:
Hi, I'm new to the forum. Recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and in denial... I was told at the end of 2019 by my doctor that my sugar levels were prediabetic but wasn't really given any support apart from the suggestion to lose weight. Not something that I have managed to do. I am now on Metformin slow release and feeling ashamed and horrible about the whole situation. Also, no idea what to eat so I'm making bad choices. Basically got my head in the sand about the whole thing but I know I need to start taking it seriously and make some changes. Feeling pretty alone with it as my partner and son are both telling me that I can't eat things that they eat. I know they are trying to help but it's not helpful. Sorry for the moany, negative post! Looking for positive suggestions and advice.

I have got the MySugar app and took my blood sugar this morning for the first time in ages - it was 8.1 mmol/L which I think is ok and means the medication is working?
Click to expand...
Hi.
Don't let anyone tell what you can and cannot eat - being diabetic does not mean your life comes to an end. Of course you have to eat certian foods in moderation and in different combinations but you can still eat the foods you love.
I was in denial for a long time but eventually came to terms with the fact I WAS diabetic ( and mine was hiredritory ) my dad and three brothers all had it.
There a great website called Sugar free Londonder with some great and easy recipies on there - take a look 🙂
I do think you coming on here and asking the question is a really good step in the right direction and you will get some great advice and support - good luck and keep us up to date 😉
 
Lucyr said:
Yoghurt and ice lollies sound like good choices, but you might need to look at the ones you’re having and find some lower carb versions. Which kinds do you have at the moment? Those are two of my favourite foods so should be able to suggest some alternative tasty versions.
Click to expand...
Have you tried nimble wholemeal bread? It's delicious and not too high in carbs 🙂 Give it a go as this does not spike my BS at all.
 
You might find this link useful as it is based of real food which fits in better with family meals. It is a low carbohydrate approach which many people have found successful in both reducing blood glucose and losing weight.
lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk
As you have been put on metformin I assume you are a fair way into the diabetic zone but making dietary changes is just as if not more important.
Yes you need to reduce carbohydrates but that does not mean that you have to have NO carbs, just adjust your portion size and maybe cut out some of the high carb foods.
 
Lucyr said:
Yoghurt and ice lollies sound like good choices, but you might need to look at the ones you’re having and find some lower carb versions. Which kinds do you have at the moment? Those are two of my favourite foods so should be able to suggest some alternative tasty versions.
Click to expand...
The yoghurt is called light and free, I think it's greek style yoghurt and orange lolly - del monte!
 
Sarahcan said:
The yoghurt is called light and free, I think it's greek style yoghurt and orange lolly - del monte!
Click to expand...
The best way to compare yoghurts is to look at the product nutritional information for the Total carbs. Some yoghurts that are no added sugar and fat free have other fillers like starch to make them more palatable so they can actually have quite a lot of carb per portion.
Some people find it better to have plain Greek yoghurt often full fat and add their own berries.
Some of the high protein Kvarg or yoghurts are both low carb and low fat.
 
Sarahcan said:
The yoghurt is called light and free, I think it's greek style yoghurt and orange lolly - del monte!
Click to expand...
I find the light and free yoghurts are one of the better choices, low in calories and about 8-9g of carbohydrates per pot. The worst ones tend to be those with jam type stuff in. For lower carb options than your current ones it would be either plain natural or Greek yoghurt, or the quark/protein type yoghurts like kvarg.

The lollies, the packaging might look healthy with it being 100% juice, but I think you could improve on those. Many diabetics use orange juice to raise sugar levels quickly, so it’s not ideal for keeping them down. There’s 16g carbohydrate in each one and 15g of that is sugar (eg 3-4 teaspoons of sugar). I like twister or rocket lollies (9g each) or mini milk (5g each) but if you look at the packets you’ll be able to find one that’s lower than your current ones.
 
The Kvarg yoghurts are good and filling - I only eat a couple of teaspoons of it at a time. I have also found out that Alpro plant based yoghurt has no carbs/sugars, and low in cals, so good for an extra.
 
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