A surprised Newb here

[manji]

Well I just as well start as I mean to go on bit of a rant. Bit of background, I’m 66 don’t feel anywhere near that age. I had a serious Stroke couple of years ago. While I was in hospital had a lot of tests. Basically they couldn’t find any reasons. All the usual were fine. No diabetes, usual blood pressure, alcohol tobacco free for years.
I was very fit.
It was eventually put down to stress and overwork over a long period . Told I would never walk again luckily signed up with a genius Neuro Physio he has got me back to full mobility. I’m just working on stamina now. I’ve had regular blood tests and hospital tests they have been remarkable.
Had a blood test couple of weeks ago received and phone call this morning. “ this is the nurse to talk to you about your diabetes “
She was remarkably vague. Said I was 49 in the risk area. Patronising as well said I had to walk more etc well one of the reasons I’ve recovered almost from the stroke is I do these seriously effective exercises particularly on lower limbs and feet
Currently not as mobile as I was I used to do at lot of walking.
I actually can’t see what else I can do other than cut my sugar down . I’m a muesli tofu eating type anyway.
Straight onto IPad and flooded with vague and overwhelming information.
I’m not ignoring the potential issue but it seems to me like a typical NHS tick box problem.

 

[Leadinglights]

Well I just as well start as I mean to go on bit of a rant. Bit of background, I’m 66 don’t feel anywhere near that age. I had a serious Stroke couple of years ago. While I was in hospital had a lot of tests. Basically they couldn’t find any reasons. All the usual were fine. No diabetes, usual blood pressure, alcohol tobacco free for years.
I was very fit.
It was eventually put down to stress and overwork over a long period . Told I would never walk again luckily signed up with a genius Neuro Physio he has got me back to full mobility. I’m just working on stamina now. I’ve had regular blood tests and hospital tests they have been remarkable.
Had a blood test couple of weeks ago received and phone call this morning. “ this is the nurse to talk to you about your diabetes “
She was remarkably vague. Said I was 49 in the risk area. Patronising as well said I had to walk more etc well one of the reasons I’ve recovered almost from the stroke is I do these seriously effective exercises particularly on lower limbs and feet
Currently not as mobile as I was I used to do at lot of walking.
I actually can’t see what else I can do other than cut my sugar down . I’m a muesli tofu eating type anyway.
Straight onto IPad and flooded with vague and overwhelming information.
I’m not ignoring the potential issue but it seems to me like a typical NHS tick box problem.

Welcome to the forum, an HbA1C of 49 mmol/mol put you just into the diabetic zone so it would be a good idea to make a few dietary changes. Many think they have a healthy diet but it is often too high in carbohydrates for them to tolerate. It is all carbohydrates that convert to glucose not just sugar so foods like bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals even muesli, tropical fruits are high carb foods not just cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks including fruit juice.
Have a look at this link for some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Some modest changes may be all that is needed.

 

[manji]

Welcome to the forum, an HbA1C of 49 mmol/mol put you just into the diabetic zone so it would be a good idea to make a few dietary changes. Many think they have a healthy diet but it is often too high in carbohydrates for them to tolerate. It is all carbohydrates that convert to glucose not just sugar so foods like bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals even muesli, tropical fruits are high carb foods not just cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks including fruit juice.
Have a look at this link for some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Some modest changes may be all that is needed.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The Freshwell Carb Chart was just what I needed.Good solid information but in someways still confused. I clearly had some misconceptions. Normal milk as opposed to low fat . What ? Of course they know what they are talking about but I guess where I’ve been brainwashed for so long it doesn’t make any sense.
I hate mentioning the stroke but I’ve always been rubbish at cooking believe me I’ve tried.
I am pretty damn good physically know but still struggle with intricate hand movements. Give me some housework or basic gardening I’m OK but cooking is another matter I’m dreadful with timing as well .
Shame because I love my veg and fruit there’s nothing on the green list for fruit and veg I don’t like.
Questions like can I lob an assortment of veg in a frying pan ? I havnt a clue.
I might sound high maintenance but I’ve spent the last few years being coached by my physio. It worked but he blew a few misconceptions out the window. Relentless repetitive exercise is bad for you. Weight training, jogging etc. If you exercise and start sweating or puffing excessively. Stop.
Sleep more. Pain is good for you. It wakes up the neuron receptors.
Off tangent again but I feel like I need to action this diet asap. I have a Diabetic nurse visiting in a month. She’s going to have preconceptions and state the obvious .
Oh he’s 66 has had a stroke . Had it so many times tried to explain myself to a lady on this helpline , she didn’t get it. He’s had a stroke. Tried to explain I’m doing very specific exercises on my lower limbs , stretching my feet, ankles, calf muscles I even do that while I’m watching TV and she’s telling me to use my feet , can I manage that ?
This is a recent photo of me. Did temporarily use walking stick, not slight curvature on spine. But far from an old ***.
The real obvious one is my belly that’s getting worse . Now is that I can’t do my long but leisurely walks anymore or my diet ? Sorry I’m really venting but frustrated and confused.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @manji

Sorry I’m really venting but frustrated and confused.

Feel free to rant away! We have literally centuries of lived diabetes experience on the forum, and thousands of individuals wrestling with their own diabetes challenges (many of whom are also juggling other conditions). Everyone muddling through, and trying to find their own way through the maze. Folks here ‘get it’ 🙂

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The Freshwell Carb Chart was just what I needed.Good solid information but in someways still confused. I clearly had some misconceptions. Normal milk as opposed to low fat . What ? Of course they know what they are talking about but I guess where I’ve been brainwashed for so long it doesn’t make any sense.
I hate mentioning the stroke but I’ve always been rubbish at cooking believe me I’ve tried.
I am pretty damn good physically know but still struggle with intricate hand movements. Give me some housework or basic gardening I’m OK but cooking is another matter I’m dreadful with timing as well .
Shame because I love my veg and fruit there’s nothing on the green list for fruit and veg I don’t like.
Questions like can I lob an assortment of veg in a frying pan ? I havnt a clue.
I might sound high maintenance but I’ve spent the last few years being coached by my physio. It worked but he blew a few misconceptions out the window. Relentless repetitive exercise is bad for you. Weight training, jogging etc. If you exercise and start sweating or puffing excessively. Stop.
Sleep more. Pain is good for you. It wakes up the neuron receptors.
Off tangent again but I feel like I need to action this diet asap. I have a Diabetic nurse visiting in a month. She’s going to have preconceptions and state the obvious .
Oh he’s 66 has had a stroke . Had it so many times tried to explain myself to a lady on this helpline , she didn’t get it. He’s had a stroke. Tried to explain I’m doing very specific exercises on my lower limbs , stretching my feet, ankles, calf muscles I even do that while I’m watching TV and she’s telling me to use my feet , can I manage that ?
This is a recent photo of me. Did temporarily use walking stick, not slight curvature on spine. But far from an old ***.
The real obvious one is my belly that’s getting worse . Now is that I can’t do my long but leisurely walks anymore or my diet ? Sorry I’m really venting but frustrated and confused.
View attachment 29659

Cooking doesn't have to be complicated recipes, stirfrys are good easy meals, what ever veg you like with meat, fish, tofu for protein thrown in. Curries with whatever you like, there are some low carb curry sauces. chilli or just tray bakes with veg and meat, fish etc. Omelettes are easy, the secret is a good pan.
Pre-prepared frozen veg packs are a good saving on preparation and still fine

 

[manji]

Cooking doesn't have to be complicated recipes, stirfrys are good easy meals, what ever veg you like with meat, fish, tofu for protein thrown in. Curries with whatever you like, there are some low carb curry sauces. chilli or just tray bakes with veg and meat, fish etc. Omelettes are easy, the secret is a good pan.
Pre-prepared frozen veg packs are a good saving on preparation and still fine

That’s helpful. Throw everything recipes I can manage. Yeah omelettes OK at put all sorts with them.
I baked some fresh fish yesterday. Came out alright but felt it would have tasted better with some sauce but then we are into what sauce is right.
Stir fry sounds good with tofu sounds a good idea because of my lack of knowledge I couldn’t think of a way to bulk up the fish and resorted to oven chips ( I know ) weird the chips were disgusting you could smell the additives.
Tofu yeah never had it in my life.
See what I mean been through a lot of sh*t in my life, supposedly a tough guy and don’t know what tofu is

 

[Leadinglights]

That’s helpful. Throw everything recipes I can manage. Yeah omelettes OK at put all sorts with them.
I baked some fresh fish yesterday. Came out alright but felt it would have tasted better with some sauce but then we are into what sauce is right.
Stir fry sounds good with tofu sounds a good idea because of my lack of knowledge I couldn’t think of a way to bulk up the fish and resorted to oven chips ( I know ) weird the chips were disgusting you could smell the additives.
Tofu yeah never had it in my life.
See what I mean been through a lot of sh*t in my life, supposedly a tough guy and don’t know what tofu is

Depends what sort of fish it was but a parsley and lemon butter or a cheese sauce, easy to make with a spoonful of Philadelphia and some grated cheddar and heated.
Dry spice rubs and herbs, lemon, ginger are all good to add for flavour.
A satay sauce is easy from mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, bit chilli, some yogurt. You can add that to your stirfrys.

 

[manji]

That’s helpful. Throw everything recipes I can manage. Yeah omelettes OK at put all sorts with them.
I baked some fresh fish yesterday. Came out alright but felt it would have tasted better with some sauce but then we are into what sauce is right.
Stir fry sounds good with tofu sounds a good idea because of my lack of knowledge I couldn’t think of a way to bulk up the fish and resorted to oven chips ( I know ) weird the chips were disgusting you could smell the additives.
Tofu yeah never had it in my life.
See what I mean been through a lot of sh*t in my life, supposedly a tough guy and don’t know what tofu is

Depends what sort of fish it was but a parsley and lemon butter or a cheese sauce, easy to make with a spoonful of Philadelphia and some grated cheddar and heated.
Dry spice rubs and herbs, lemon, ginger are all good to add for flavour.
A satay sauce is easy from mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, bit chilli, some yogurt. You can add that to your stirfrys.

Seriously all that confuses me. Nothing to do with stroke. My idea of a meal for ages would be cereal in the morning. That changed a while ago to Granola, Muesli. Lunch would be Fried eggs on toast or maybe cheese on toast, evening would be out of the freezer. Sausages, Burgers, fish with breadcrumbs etc add oven chips or microwave rice.
These meals are interspersed with decent yoghurts, pistachios ( love them) bananas, apples, grapes, frozen strawberries , blueberries, strawberries. TBH getting more and more irritated ( not with your answers ) but the complete overloading of information on the Official Site.
I did find amongst all the information a really handy green, amber , red chart but I can’t even find that. Again high maintenance but since the “ news “ I gone from having good productive days with a decent amount of exercise ( even walking up and down the stairs bearing in mind recent rapid recovery ) going to bed satisfied with what I’ve achieved to being extremely p*ssed off even angry.
I’m looking at these details on the side of food containers no real idea what they mean.
Things like I randomly read that boiled white potatoes are bad for you , what ?
I like baked potatoes used to lob all sorts in them , cheese , chopped onions, ham whatever are they ok ?

 

[manji]

Sorry some very random examples. What am I looking for on the label . Please bear with me

 

[manji]

A treat expensive but

 

[manji]

A favourite yoghurt of mine often have with some frozen fruit

 

[manji]

Ironically just started having this for lunch often with some sliced granary brown bread. Looks like breads out for me. It’s almost the bulk ups I’m going to really have a problem with.

 

[Maz2]

Welcome to the Forum. I was diagnosed pre-diabetic in 2018 and I came here for advice. I was gobsmacked to discover from people here how bad my diet was - breakfast cereal and toast, sandwiches for lunch, potatoes at teatime, pasta and rice when I went out. I thought I was fine as i didn't keep eating chocolates, biscuits and cakes all the time. How wrong I was.

 

[Maz2]

I gave up fruit yoghurts and kept to plain. Unfortunately, changing to full fat put my cholesterol up so went back to low fat but checked carb content to make sure not too high. We are all different and what works for one does not work for everybody. I found the glucose monitors very helpful.

 

[manji]

I gave up fruit yoghurts and kept to plain. Unfortunately, changing to full fat put my cholesterol up so went back to low fat but checked carb content to make sure not too high. We are all different and what works for one does not work for everybody. I found the glucose monitors very helpful.

Thanks Glucose Monitors ?

 

[Maz2]

the glucose monitors are the machines with the lancets and strips where you

Thanks Glucose Monitors ?

They are the machines with the lancets and strips where you check your blood sugar before a meal then 2 hours later to see what has happened to the blood sugars. If it has shot up anything higher than 2 to 3 mmol more than before the meal it is best to cut down or cut out the particular food. Obviously, the higher the rise the worse the food is for you personally.

 

[s'nic]

Remember you do not have to change every single thing on day one - that tactic can overwhelm anyone.

With a HbA1C of 49, changes will help you, but like me you are new to this. My advice would be do some important changes first - cutting sugar, and reducing portion sizes of carbs, and replacing those carbs with a bit extra meat and non-carby veg.

Once you have given yourself time to get the hang of what foods to go for you can make further changes as necessary. The further changes should be less stressful after becoming comfortable with your initial changes and taking time to get familiar with best and worst foods to go for.

 

[manji]

Remember you do not have to change every single thing on day one - that tactic can overwhelm anyone.

With a HbA1C of 49, changes will help you, but like me you are new to this. My advice would be do some important changes first - cutting sugar, and reducing portion sizes of carbs, and replacing those carbs with a bit extra meat and non-carby veg.

Once you have given yourself time to get the hang of what foods to go for you can make further changes as necessary. The further changes should be less stressful after becoming comfortable with your initial changes and taking time to get familiar with best and worst foods to go for.

Good advice many people have called me things like bull in a china shop. One thing I may have typed it incorrectly I’m 51 and she said the trigger point is 49,

 

[manji]

They are not seeing me for about a month. Checking my feet nothing wrong with my feet. She reminded me of those “unable to think outside the box “ nurses that attended me when I first left hospital after the stroke. If I’d paid attention to them I would be severely disabled and probably be in some home at the best,

 

[Drummer]

@manji you are still on the lower slopes of diabetes, a few changes might do the trick - choosing a lower carb version of the yoghurt, there are some low carb frozen stir fries - handy to toss into a pan to eat with almost anything, and vege mixes - they vary quite a lot depending on the things they contain - sweetcorn is something to watch out for as it raises the carb value quite a lot. I buy ones from Lidl. There are three types, and you probably can manage all three - I only buy the two with the lowest carbs as I need to make every gram count.
Mushrooms are low carb, and maybe you could try swede instead of potato - I chop a whole one into slices and do it in a pressure cooker until it is soft enough to mash. I make bubble and squeak with the leftovers - adding egg and frying it to eat with bacon, or mixing in cheese as well as eggs, more cheese on top and them into the oven to get a light tan.
It isn't exactly a life of privation and denial, this diabetes lark.
I eat at about 12 hourly intervals, I really could not manage more.