Advice needed

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alison

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Hi,

Sorry that this is my first post and I am already asking a question its just that I am hoping we can get some better advice here than the doctors have managed to provide!

My mum has type 2 diabetes and has had it for a few years, the other day she got a call from her docs to say she needed to come in as her levels were getting too high and they needed to increase her medication. She saw them today and they said she needs to manage it better or she will be at greater risk of stroke etc but they didn't have the time to tell her how she could manage her diabetes better....I can't believe it!

Any advice here that anyone has on how she could do this would be greatfully received.

Thanks
 
alison said:
Hi,

Sorry that this is my first post and I am already asking a question its just that I am hoping we can get some better advice here than the doctors have managed to provide!

My mum has type 2 diabetes and has had it for a few years, the other day she got a call from her docs to say she needed to come in as her levels were getting too high and they needed to increase her medication. She saw them today and they said she needs to manage it better or she will be at greater risk of stroke etc but they didn't have the time to tell her how she could manage her diabetes better....I can't believe it!

Any advice here that anyone has on how she could do this would be greatfully received.

Thanks
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Dear Alison,

Welcome to this forum, her treatment sounds terrible. If they have increased her medication it is almost certain that they expect her "levels" (HbA1c and fasting blood glucose) to be improved because of this. However, I have used carbohydrate restriction to improve my levels to the point where I do not take any medication whatsoever

Regards Dodger
 
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Hi Alison, and welcome!

How very unhelpful of the doctor? Hopefully, the new medication regime will go some way towards improving things, but really he should have taken time to explain the importance of good eating and frequent exercise (where possible). If he didn't have the time, then he should have arranged for her to see someone who did, and sooner rather than later. It sounds like your mum could possibly do with a 'refresher' with a dietician to discuss what types of food she should be eating to improve her control. Does she test her blood sugar with a meter? If not, this can be very useful to find out how you are doing and how different foods affect you.

I think she should go back and ask to be referred to a dietician with knowledge of diabetes, or if possible, a Diabetic Clinic at the local hospital, where she may be able to speak to a Diabetes Specialist Nurse about the best way forward. She certainly shouldn't be left in ignorance!
 
alison said:
Hi,

Sorry that this is my first post and I am already asking a question its just that I am hoping we can get some better advice here than the doctors have managed to provide!

My mum has type 2 diabetes and has had it for a few years, the other day she got a call from her docs to say she needed to come in as her levels were getting too high and they needed to increase her medication. She saw them today and they said she needs to manage it better or she will be at greater risk of stroke etc but they didn't have the time to tell her how she could manage her diabetes better....I can't believe it!

Any advice here that anyone has on how she could do this would be greatfully received.

Thanks
Click to expand...


Hi Alison,

Welcome to the forum...Hey there is no need to apologise for asking questions thats what we are all here for to ask and learn..🙂

Does your mum have or see a Diabetes Specialist Nurse or attend a diabetic clinic...I am sorry your doctor has'nt given or provided you with more information/help on the management of your mum's diabetes...and I dare say left you both in a state of panic

On the management side of things to prevent complications...my personal view would be...Take more exercise...does'nt have to be a marathon...even a 20 min walk a day extra would be of benefit...Fill up on more fruit and veg..drink plenty of water...cut back on saturated fats and salt...eat more health whole grains, rice etc

Sorry I cannot suggest anymore..sure someone will be able to give you more help

Heidi
🙂
 
C*5_Dodger said:
Dear Alison,

If they have increased her medication it is almost certain that they expect her "levels" (HbA1c and fasting blood glucose) to be improved because of this. However, I have used carbohydrate restriction to improve my levels to the point where I do not take any medication whatsoever

Regards Dodger
Click to expand...

...and what Dodger always forgets to add is that this isn't always a suitable course to take for everyone! It is better, first of all, to understand how your own body deals with different foods, so learn as much as you can and always make sure your mum consults with her healthcare team before making any substantial changes.🙂
 
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There is lots of advice on here abput all aspects of diabetes. It's a great resource for anyone with an interest.

As far as you mother goes, it's hard to offer specific advice. You could go on to the Diabetes UK site and look at some of the books or leaflets available on there.

Generally, there are three things you need to look into.
1. Diet and Exercise
2. Medication
3. Testing regime

You will get a lot of conflicting advice on diet. Some will advocate a low carb diet whilst others (including the Diatetic Association) say a normal healthy diet is best. Whatever your mother chooses, it's her choice. As a starting point, ask if the doctors can arrange an appointment with a dietician.

There are lots of different medication that can be taken to help control diabetes. Do you know what your mother takes? Please don't make any big changes without consulting her doctors though.

In order to understand what effects food and medication have on your body, you have to test blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, there seems to be a push in the profession to get people with type 2 to test less often. I persoanlly disagree with this. It's the only way to really understand what is happening.

If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask on here. No question is too simple or trivial.
 
AlanJardine said:
There is lots of advice on here abput all aspects of diabetes. It's a great resource for anyone with an interest.

As far as you mother goes, it's hard to offer specific advice. You could go on to the Diabetes UK site and look at some of the books or leaflets available on there.

Generally, there are three things you need to look into.
1. Diet and Exercise
2. Medication
3. Testing regime

You will get a lot of conflicting advice on diet. Some will advocate a low carb diet whilst others (including the Diatetic Association) say a normal healthy diet is best. Whatever your mother chooses, it's her choice. As a starting point, ask if the doctors can arrange an appointment with a dietician.

There are lots of different medication that can be taken to help control diabetes. Do you know what your mother takes? Please don't make any big changes without consulting her doctors though.

In order to understand what effects food and medication have on your body, you have to test blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, there seems to be a push in the profession to get people with type 2 to test less often. I persoanlly disagree with this. It's the only way to really understand what is happening.

If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask on here. No question is too simple or trivial.
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They said once under control to test once a week with me. By the way type 2
 
Once a week ?????????????? Thats is nowhere near often enough in my opinion !! I know I'm type 1 and its different for me but I can test anything up to 10 times a day in the hot weather. I think type 2's should be given more choice on whether to test more or not .
 
wow so many replies - thanks.

My mum actually asked to be referred to a dietician but the doc just said he would have to talk about it with her another time as he was running late! 😡

She actually eats really well, loads of fruit...the odd treat but nothing over the top. I'm guessing exercise is her main thing she needs to work on but that doesn't mean she is not active just that she doesn't do anything classed as exercise if that makes sense (eg, she is always on her feet but doesn't do anything where she would get out of breath).

She does have something to test her blood but has never used it which will change this week cos i'm staying with her and will sit down with her to help her work out how to use it. When are the best times to test?

Thanks again for all your advise
 
alison said:
wow so many replies - thanks.

My mum actually asked to be referred to a dietician but the doc just said he would have to talk about it with her another time as he was running late! 😡

She does have something to test her blood but has never used it which will change this week cos i'm staying with her and will sit down with her to help her work out how to use it. When are the best times to test?

Thanks again for all your advise
Click to expand...
Sounds like her doctor needs a kick up the backside 🙂

At first I would suggest (personal opinion) that she tests before each meal, then two hours afterwards. Note down the readings and what she ate. Do this every day for at least a week.
After this she can test less often. Maybe a before and after if she's trying something new, but every other morning and a couple of other times during the week (e.g before/after lunch or dinner).

The problems she may encounter are sore fingers (does get better once you are used to it), getting enough strips from your GP and actually getting her to keep it up.
 
InsulinAddict - its because 2 studies in 2007 "proved" that testing for T2s does not help. Actually what they really proved is that testing for T2s does not help if you do not use the results to actually learn anything

This made the PCT accountants very happy and they have started removing strips from the repeat prescriptions of T2s all over the country to save money, whether or not the individual T2 in question uses them for a real reason.

NICE now say that test strips should be prescribed in conjunction with education, but since that education involves telling people to test once a week (what on earth is that supposed to tell anyone?) then its pretty pointless.

On to the original question...

Over the last 5 years, I have seen this work for countless T2s, most of which have got their A1c to 6 or below, some reducing their meds by half along the way:
http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/joomla/jennifers-advice

It doesn't involve "diet x" or "low carb" or any other label that people want to attach to it. Its based on what works for the individual since we are all different. Its a learning process where you work out what meals work for you and what combinations/quantities of particular foods to avoid.

By the time I saw a dietician a month after diagnosis I was able to dismiss most of her suggestions because I already knew what those suggestions did to my BG. (same with the DSN) They do love to tell you to have weetabix for breakfast for example, but since it pushes my BG up by 5 mmol/l, I think I'll have something else thanks.

I know what works for me and its kept me at an A1c of 6 or below for the last 5 years. According to the DCCT study that's non-diabetic levels and according to statistics on complications I should be pretty safe from complications for years longer if not permanently as a result.
 
Can't add any more than diet exercise and testing. Ask if there is any help she can have too.

Don't feel silly about asking questions, we are here to help. There is a wealth of experience.

We are all differrent and for a lot of us it has been a mixture of trial and error and good advice from others here.

I'm sure your mum will be fine. May also pay to invest in a few good books, look at the the reccomended books, and there is a good recipe forum here too.
 
hi and a warm welcome alison i cant really add to what has already been said x
 
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