Help!

[nikki1111]

Sorry for the long post but I just want some advice and want to know if anyone else is in the same position. I've been T2 for about 8 years or so, I take Metformin x4, Simvistatin x1, Gliclazide x2 and Sertaline x1 for my mental health. I suffer with severe anxiety, complex OCD and depression. I had my HbAc1 results 2 weeks ago which were 96. For the last year or 2 my mental health had worsened which causes me to be extremely anxious, I have raging anger when I have an OCD episode. I'm physically and mentally exhausted.
Since I got the high result, I've been eating better and exercising. Although this week I haven't exercised as I'm feeling so tired.
What I wanted to ask especially any ladies, as I might be perimenapausal too (this is just a guess on my part), is anyone else in this position? I'm testing my BS daily, this time last year I was getting good readings but now I've had 15 like this morning, 12, 18 and the highest it's been was 19! I also have brain fog, I sometimes can't remember things etc which I worry about. The GP said it will be the anxiety but because I have physical and mental health problems, it could be any of those.
Again sorry for the long post, I'm really scared.

 

[ColinUK]

Do you only test in the mornings or is it only the morning readings which have been high?

Don’t forget that if your bloods are serially out of kilter that can show as “brain fog”.

Could you ask your GP to do blood tests perhaps?

 

[nikki1111]

They did a blood test for my thyroid which was ok.

 

[Jenny101]

Hi Nikki1111, I was perimenopausal for about 3 years with blood sugars dramatically varying up and down and with heavy and irregular periods. I asked both my diabetic doctor and nurse about the menopause and wasn't given any help at all. When I first mentioned it to my GP he took a blood sample which showed that I wasn't, but I think this was because it was in the early stages. Due to their lack of help I searched the internet and discovered that menopause can dramatically change blood sugars - I'm type 1 diabetic and have halved my long-lasting insulin over 12 months. HRT has helped although at the moment I'm trying different types / strengths - I'm just suffering from dizziness and hot flushes but at least there's no other problems. Just before a hot flush I feel like I'm hypo, but I'm not. This only lasts for 5 minutes. It's hard work knowing why your body does odd things during menopause and scarey when you can't work out why but just take this a day at a time - keep asking your diabetic doctor and / or nurse for advise - and keep asking questions on this site too as I'm sure someone will know something.

I see that you're on Statins? I was on the one's you appear to be on and had a very bad experience. Exhaustion, felt sick every time I looked at food and my left arm was very painful - so much so I struggled to put on a cardigan or jumper. My GP decided I was pregnant! I had two test which came back negative. He then told me I was a bad diabetic! So, again, I went back to the internet and saw that on Diabetes UK a lovely lady had explained that her husband was on statins and had symptoms just like mine. He stopped them and was fine. I spoke to my diabetic doctor and came off them. All is now good. Of course this might not be the case with you but I just thought I would mention it. Sorry for the long essay!!!!!!! Oh, and brain fog is absolutely normal - my non-diabetic menopausal friends get it too!!!!!!

 

[nikki1111]

Thanks Jenny

 

[nikki1111]

Thanks Jenny

Hi Nikki1111, I was perimenopausal for about 3 years with blood sugars dramatically varying up and down and with heavy and irregular periods. I asked both my diabetic doctor and nurse about the menopause and wasn't given any help at all. When I first mentioned it to my GP he took a blood sample which showed that I wasn't, but I think this was because it was in the early stages. Due to their lack of help I searched the internet and discovered that menopause can dramatically change blood sugars - I'm type 1 diabetic and have halved my long-lasting insulin over 12 months. HRT has helped although at the moment I'm trying different types / strengths - I'm just suffering from dizziness and hot flushes but at least there's no other problems. Just before a hot flush I feel like I'm hypo, but I'm not. This only lasts for 5 minutes. It's hard work knowing why your body does odd things during menopause and scarey when you can't work out why but just take this a day at a time - keep asking your diabetic doctor and / or nurse for advise - and keep asking questions on this site too as I'm sure someone will know something.

I see that you're on Statins? I was on the one's you appear to be on and had a very bad experience. Exhaustion, felt sick every time I looked at food and my left arm was very painful - so much so I struggled to put on a cardigan or jumper. My GP decided I was pregnant! I had two test which came back negative. He then told me I was a bad diabetic! So, again, I went back to the internet and saw that on Diabetes UK a lovely lady had explained that her husband was on statins and had symptoms just like mine. He stopped them and was fine. I spoke to my diabetic doctor and came off them. All is now good. Of course this might not be the case with you but I just thought I would mention it. Sorry for the long essay!!!!!!! Oh, and brain fog is absolutely normal - my non-diabetic menopausal friends get it too!!!!!!

Thanks Jenny. My periods are abit hit and miss, my last period was 6 weeks ago. Then they go back to every 4 weeks, could be heavy, could be light this is why I think I might be perimenapausal. Also dealing with my mental health aswell it's extremely difficult. Thanks again.

 

[nikki1111]

So the DN nurse has just rang and she has upped my Gliclazide to 4 tablets a day. She said my HbAc1 is because of what I was eating, fat in my blood was high. I'm so frightened.

 

[Drummer]

What are you eating, typically?

 

[MagS21]

Thanks Jenny. My periods are abit hit and miss, my last period was 6 weeks ago. Then they go back to every 4 weeks, could be heavy, could be light this is why I think I might be perimenapausal. Also dealing with my mental health aswell it's extremely difficult. Thanks again.

 

[MagS21]

I had been taking statins and having some issues with them, so stopped taking them. Result? I had a stroke. So please try a different one - there will be one that doesn't give you such side effects. The one I'm now taking seems to be okay. I'm post-menopausal at 65 with Type 1 for 58 years. Had an islet transplant 4 years ago and haven't need insulin since. Last HbA1C was 40

 

[nikki1111]

What are you eating, typically?

I am a comfort eater, bread, crisps, chips being my love. I havevsegere mental health problems, I really don't know if I can cope with both physical and mental health illnesses. I'm exhausted.

 

[DaveB]

I am a comfort eater, bread, crisps, chips being my love. I havevsegere mental health problems, I really don't know if I can cope with both physical and mental health illnesses. I'm exhausted.

Those high carb foods are not good for T2 and will be causing some of your high HBA1C. Do reduce the carbs. Go for proteins, fats, veg and non-tropical fruit in preference. For snacking comfort try 85% Dark Chocolate, nuts, cheese and berries. Check with the GP that your statin dose is no higher than you need to keep your HDL, LDL ratios etc in good order. Sometimes a dose that is too high can cause problems.

 

[nikki1111]

Those high carb foods are not good for T2 and will be causing some of your high HBA1C. Do reduce the carbs. Go for proteins, fats, veg and non-tropical fruit in preference. For snacking comfort try 85% Dark Chocolate, nuts, cheese and berries. Check with the GP that your statin dose is no higher than you need to keep your HDL, LDL ratios etc in good order. Sometimes a dose that is too high can cause problems.

I don't like 85% dark chocolate. What is HDL and LDL?

 

[Drummer]

I find that I feel so much better eating a low carb diet - I was brought up eating low carb foods - but the 'healthy diet' is carb heavy and we really do not need it. I find a high carb regime a very dreary diet.

 

[nikki1111]

I had my HbAc1 result 2 weeks ago, 96! The nurse said i also have high fat in my blood, I was and still am frightened. In general I have eaten what I've wanted, I like to feel full, love bread, crisps and potatoes! Last year when we has the first lockdown, I started exercising and eating well. Going into the autumn and winter I lost all motivation as my mental health got worse. I suffer with complex OCD, Anxiety and depression, it's very hard to try and stay in top of both physical and mental health!
So after being frightened by the high HbAc1 I knew I had to get myself sorted even though I'm going through a mental health crisis. So 2 weeks ago I started exercising, just dancing and aerobic style at home. Cut down on carbs, portion size. This week I haven't exercised as I've not been well, tired, exhausted and totally depressed and very very low. I am on the T2 Facebook page which is mostly helpful but I've just put on what I've eaten today and it seems I'm still eating too many carbs. So this is my food for today - Please bare in mind I'm exhausted physically and mentally, am used to eat when and what I want and to feel full.
2 slices of 50/50 toast (usually have seeded or I've bought low carb bread tomorrow)
Asda porridge oats with water, small banana and blueberries
Yorkshire tea with semi skimmed milk
Dinner - Muller light lemon yoghurt small apple a few brazil nuts
Tea with semi skimmed milk
Tea - Mushroom rocket omlette
Oven chips
Snacks - 3 glasses of water, 4 large snack jacks
Cup of tea with semi skimmed milk

I just feel totally deflated. Comfort food was my crunch, my comfort from mental pain. It felt like the only think I had to give me abit of happiness, and now it's been taken away. I don't have alot of money to buy different foods and ingredients. Sorry for the long post, I'm really really struggling

 

[Christy]

Hi @nikki1111. You're among non judgemental friends here. I'm sorry you're frightened and having such a difficult time. Like the sound of your exercise but it is hard if you feel down. Why not try changing one meal eg breakfast to a lower carb option as a start? Maybe meal planning would help? Make a list of the lower carb foods that you do like and increase the ratio of those. Eat plenty so that you're not starving and obsessed by food all day. Good luck. Remember there's lots of people here to help you.

 

[nikki1111]

Hi @nikki1111. You're among non judgemental friends here. I'm sorry you're frightened and having such a difficult time. Like the sound of your exercise but it is hard if you feel down. Why not try changing one meal eg breakfast to a lower carb option as a start? Maybe meal planning would help? Make a list of the lower carb foods that you do like and increase the ratio of those. Eat plenty so that you're not starving and obsessed by food all day. Good luck. Remember there's lots of people here to help you.

Thank you Cristy for your reply. I have realised I can only do one thing at a time and I am quite happy with the last 2 weeks. Thank you!

 

[nikki1111]

Hi, Nikki
So sorry to hear about your multiple health issues. That HbA1c result must have been a blow. However, by joining the forum and sharing your situation you've at least taken a first step towards maybe sorting things out.

Your food for today does look pretty carb-heavy, especially your breakfast. If that's a typical day then it would go some way towards explaining your HbA1c result. Your body clearly can't cope with that level, even with your meds. I know it's tough cutting out things that you enjoy but for the sake of our long-term health it's sometimes necessary. Maybe look at your portion sizes as a first step?

Martin

Thanks Martin, I will take that on board.

 

[Spozkins]

Something that really helped me to cut out carbs and processed food was to allow myself to eat as much veg as I could. I mean I would glut out on veg. I'd have my pasta or potatoes or bread, but I'd give myself 3 or 4 x as much veg/salad. (I tend to give myself a small handful of carbs for reference, however I'm a t1)

You're definitely not alone with struggling though. It's been a tough year for so many especially when predisposed to anxiety or depression. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking accountability and wanting to take charge though. Its definitely doable.

 

[Ljc]

Please don’t beat yourself up, your going through a rough time atm which also won’t be helping your BG *blood glucose) levels.
Some of the foods you mentioned above are fine for T2s others are not and porridge is a maybe or maybe not.
High BG levels can make us feel exhausted , feel ill , affect our moods but you also have other problems that won’t be helping.

A good diet needn’t cost loads esp if you cook from scratch .
I found it can help to cook more than you need and freeze some for later and also have some low carb snacks handy that you enjoy, that may help you leave the high carb ones alone .

Fruit can be problematic for some people , anything with berry as part of its name is usually tolerated better, I tend to have some frozen berries in the freezer , they do tend to be sharper tasting than fresh but I sprinkle a little sweetener on mine sometimes.
What was you cholesterol (fats) levels and were you given the breakdown of the various ones .

I am also wondering if the porridge and small banana may be too high barb for you but to be honest you will only know if what carbohydrates your body can and can’t tolerate if you self test, you see just to make life more interesting diabetes tends to be very individual in its likes and dislikes .
Eg porridge, some are fine with it, with others it acts like pure sugar.
I am fine with a small Apple or a small pear and don’t need any insulin for them. Others are not so lucky .

Now to tempt your taste buds and give you a few ideas, have a browse through these two long running threads .

In this one we tell all, naughties as well as good
What did you eat yesterday

We have some great innovative cooks in here
Recipies