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New to diabetes uk

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Alibabe109

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hi my name is Alison I have been living with type 2 diabetes for two years and all I have had done is a meds change cause metformin gives me a bad stomach so I believe I have to stop the metformin as I am not told different then 6 months later I am told by my gp that no I should not have stopped the metformin and that I have to continue to take it. So stomach pains continue I am also have never seen a dietitian and have friends telling me I should be eating sugar free everything which with no help I don’t understand..........eternally lost
 
Sugar free products are of little help in treating diabetes, you need to eat low carbohydrate foods, as they will raise your blood glucose.
By removing foods such as bread, potatoes and rice, breakfast cereals, and sugary foods in general it is possible to live without medication and have normal blood glucose, if you a lucky type two like me.
I took metformin and a statin for five weeks and then threw them away as I felt so dreadful. I have managed to maintain the reduction in Hba1c for a year with very little effort.
Many people suffer terribly taking Metformin, and it isn't much help with being able to exercise when you can't go out of the house.
As a diabetic you can't cope with carbohydrate in your diet, not in the amounts eaten by most people, but for a lot of people diabetes can be negated by a low carb diet and having around 50 gm of carbohydrate a day. Some can manage more - which they can find out by using a meter to test their blood glucose after meals, whilst others discover that they are particularly sensitive to some foods by the same method.
 
Sugar free products are of little help in treating diabetes, you need to eat low carbohydrate foods, as they will raise your blood glucose.
By removing foods such as bread, potatoes and rice, breakfast cereals, and sugary foods in general it is possible to live without medication and have normal blood glucose, if you a lucky type two like me.
I took metformin and a statin for five weeks and then threw them away as I felt so dreadful. I have managed to maintain the reduction in Hba1c for a year with very little effort.
Many people suffer terribly taking Metformin, and it isn't much help with being able to exercise when you can't go out of the house.
As a diabetic you can't cope with carbohydrate in your diet, not in the amounts eaten by most people, but for a lot of people diabetes can be negated by a low carb diet and having around 50 gm of carbohydrate a day. Some can manage more - which they can find out by using a meter to test their blood glucose after meals, whilst others discover that they are particularly sensitive to some foods by the same method.
Thank u drummer I start testing my blood next week
 
there is also a "Slow Release" version of metformin available that is supposed to be gentler on the digestive system. ask you Dr if he can prescribe that as well
Although Diet is the first step to control some of us need the addition help I am on both metformin & insulin , but they are already talking about stopping that because i now have aHBa1c of 37 which I am sure i have only achieved through a low carb diet & regular testing.
this forum has been a wonder
 
there is also a "Slow Release" version of metformin available that is supposed to be gentler on the digestive system. ask you Dr if he can prescribe that as well
Although Diet is the first step to control some of us need the addition help I am on both metformin & insulin , but they are already talking about stopping that because i now have aHBa1c of 37 which I am sure i have only achieved through a low carb diet & regular testing.
this forum has been a wonder
Thank you for your advice
 
Hi @Alibabe109 , welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear you have been having problems, both with the medication and the standard of help and advice you have been offered :( Don't worry though, you've made your best move so far by joining the forum! 🙂 There's lots of friendly help and advice here, so any questions or concerns you have, please ask, there's bound to be someone who can help and reassure you 🙂

Diabetes can be complicated, and that's not helped by the amount of unhelpful and conflicting information flying around. The first thing to bear in mind is that it's a very individual thing that can affect people differently, so you need to know what works well for you using the guidance from others about what to try, and finding out how well you tolerate things by testing 🙂

Have a read of Maggie Davey's letter and get hold of a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which will give you a much better understanding of what to expect and how to manage things than you have received so far from your doctor and well-meaning friends 🙂 Testing, particularly whilst you discover your tolerances for different food choices, is a must - have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S and Testing on a budget in order to learn how to test efficiently and effectively. Start a Food Diary, writing down what you eat and drink each day, recording the amount of carbohydrates (in grams) in all your meals and drinks. This can take a bit of work and patience, but eventually, in combination with your blood testing results, you will begin to spot patterns and areas where improvements can be made 🙂

Finally, get a free copy of the Diabetes UK 100 things I wish I'd known about diabetes for some good tips and advice from those in the know - people actually living with diabetes 🙂

Ask away, we are always happy to get questions, and anything you ask about might provide helpful replies for other people too 🙂
 
I tried both types of Metformin and couldn’t tolerate either so refused to take it. Managed to get my hba1c down from 73 to 38 in less than a year by testing and eating low carb. Was taking Alogliptin and my diabetic nurse will take me off that as well if my next test is satisfactory. It can be done without Metformin. There are alternatives and my GP and the diabetes uk helpline told me the same thing.
 
I tried both types of Metformin and couldn’t tolerate either so refused to take it. Managed to get my hba1c down from 73 to 38 in less than a year by testing and eating low carb. Was taking Alogliptin and my diabetic nurse will take me off that as well if my next test is satisfactory. It can be done without Metformin. There are alternatives and my GP and the diabetes uk helpline told me the same thing.
Well done I am great full of the advice
 
Hi @Alibabe109 , welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear you have been having problems, both with the medication and the standard of help and advice you have been offered :( Don't worry though, you've made your best move so far by joining the forum! 🙂 There's lots of friendly help and advice here, so any questions or concerns you have, please ask, there's bound to be someone who can help and reassure you 🙂

Diabetes can be complicated, and that's not helped by the amount of unhelpful and conflicting information flying around. The first thing to bear in mind is that it's a very individual thing that can affect people differently, so you need to know what works well for you using the guidance from others about what to try, and finding out how well you tolerate things by testing 🙂

Have a read of Maggie Davey's letter and get hold of a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker, which will give you a much better understanding of what to expect and how to manage things than you have received so far from your doctor and well-meaning friends 🙂 Testing, particularly whilst you discover your tolerances for different food choices, is a must - have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S and Testing on a budget in order to learn how to test efficiently and effectively. Start a Food Diary, writing down what you eat and drink each day, recording the amount of carbohydrates (in grams) in all your meals and drinks. This can take a bit of work and patience, but eventually, in combination with your blood testing results, you will begin to spot patterns and areas where improvements can be made 🙂

Finally, get a free copy of the Diabetes UK 100 things I wish I'd known about diabetes for some good tips and advice from those in the know - people actually living with diabetes 🙂

Ask away, we are always happy to get questions, and anything you ask about might provide helpful replies for other people too 🙂
To be honest I am a bit overwhelmed right now. But thank you for all the advice .
 
Relax and take your time absorbing everything! All,will become clear in due course. As long as you remember that whatever you’re going through, feeling or experiencing at the moment, someone here has had the same experience and can offer support and encouragement. It’s quite a learning curve you’re going through, and as others have wisely said here many times, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
 
Hi @Alibabe109 welcome to the forum 🙂 It is all quite overwhelming at first but we will all help you. Just in case you’re not feeling any better today, I’m sending you a virtual (((((hug))))) 😉
 
hi my name is Alison I have been living with type 2 diabetes for two years and all I have had done is a meds change cause metformin gives me a bad stomach so I believe I have to stop the metformin as I am not told different then 6 months later I am told by my gp that no I should not have stopped the metformin and that I have to continue to take it. So stomach pains continue I am also have never seen a dietitian and have friends telling me I should be eating sugar free everything which with no help I don’t understand..........eternally lost
Welcome Alibabe 109. There is too many people about who think they know. Keep hydrated & Low carbs will do you good. Go for walks & keep active. Good luck 🙂
 
Hi and welcome @Alibabe109 . It is understandable that you are feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Take your time, the information and advice will always be here, so take it at your own pace.
Some good advice so far. Best wishes and good luck.
 
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