Hi my name is Phil I'm 62, I am an older dad, quite fit, overweight but not that much 5'10' and 13.5st so I was a bit disappointed to get my diagnosis, this came about during treatment for a leg infection (cellulitis) they diagnosed for that, anyway I'm so confused and worried now everything I feel I think is to do with diabetes, I had the covid vaccine on Friday which led to a few side effects, I have started on Metformin, which may or may not be giving side effects, and my leg still feels funny after my infection, I have absolutely no idea about diet, I read a lot but it all seems contradictory, so I have completely cut out sugar, no fruit, no sweets, no chocolate, I've also cut out bread, pasta, rice, and find myself not knowing what to eat. Could I have had this for years and so the damage is done? I'm very confused and scared...Sorry if I sound a mess lol
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Another new type 2
- Thread starter Phil1959
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Hello @Phil1959 and welcome to the forum.
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis it can be a shock, and difficult to come to terms with.
Diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be positively managed and in many circumstances, you can do a lot to help yourself and there is a help and support available.
There are many of us on the forum that have been in this situation and a lot of us have found good ways to make changes that work well. if you have a browse around the forum you will see discussions on these and (2) Useful links for people new to diabetes | Diabetes UK may help.
It looks as if you have made a very good start with your diet changes
What has worked for me is reducing starchy carbs, and I will list some of the things that have helped -
As well as cutting out all sugary things I seriously reduce all starchy carbs - bread, pasta, rice, potatoes etc. Some people can eat some of these in moderation, a tester will tell you how much these effect your blood sugars.
I eat lots of veg, which helps me feel full - but mainly the less starchy ones that grow above the ground.
Proteins are fine and help me feel full - but I avoid processed food.
Fruit also needs to be limited as it can be high in carb, I limit to one portion a day, usually berries.
I include lots of good fats - oily fish,olive oil,avacado, nuts and a little cheese.
You will find lots of help on the forum, and please ask any questions.
The 'Learning Zone' tab at the top of this page is also a good information source.
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis it can be a shock, and difficult to come to terms with.
Diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be positively managed and in many circumstances, you can do a lot to help yourself and there is a help and support available.
There are many of us on the forum that have been in this situation and a lot of us have found good ways to make changes that work well. if you have a browse around the forum you will see discussions on these and (2) Useful links for people new to diabetes | Diabetes UK may help.
It looks as if you have made a very good start with your diet changes
What has worked for me is reducing starchy carbs, and I will list some of the things that have helped -
As well as cutting out all sugary things I seriously reduce all starchy carbs - bread, pasta, rice, potatoes etc. Some people can eat some of these in moderation, a tester will tell you how much these effect your blood sugars.
I eat lots of veg, which helps me feel full - but mainly the less starchy ones that grow above the ground.
Proteins are fine and help me feel full - but I avoid processed food.
Fruit also needs to be limited as it can be high in carb, I limit to one portion a day, usually berries.
I include lots of good fats - oily fish,olive oil,avacado, nuts and a little cheese.
You will find lots of help on the forum, and please ask any questions.
The 'Learning Zone' tab at the top of this page is also a good information source.
Welcome Phil! I feel your pain and was in a similar position to you last August. If you look at my earliest thread (September 19) you will see so much sensible and helpful advice from the members of this forum. It really helped & I find it useful to scroll back through. There's loads of support available here, just ask. Take care, it does get easier once you get your head round things.
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Welcome to the forum @Phil1959
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis
It is perfectly natural to feel a bit overwhelmed and all out of kilter at the start - but it sounds like you’ve made some really good choices already.
As to ‘what can I eat’?? I think it’s more about striking the right balance for your metabolism than completely avoiding anything. The general ‘eatwell’ advice steers towards a relatively high intake of carbohydrate and fairly low levels of protein and fats, because that’s what some evidence suggests will work well. Unfortunately when your metabolism cannot cope with that level of carbohydrate intake then that ‘healthy’ diet becomes less ideal. And it seems to me that there‘s little point in trying to eat next-to-no-fat for a healthy heart if by doing that you end up with high blood glucose which damage the micro and macro vascular system and lead to heart problems!
So it’s a question of finding a new way of eating balancing the reduced carbohydrate that your body can cope with with fats proteins and micronutrients. Eating more ‘good fats’ and protein can help you feel fuller for longer and lots of veg is healthy in any diet.
Ask around on the forum, and you’ll get great tips and suggestions for adjusting and adapting meals and snacks to be every bit as delicious, but much kinder on your BG.
And don’t worry about ‘damage done’. Diabetes is generally slow moving, and any positive changes you make to BG management from this point onwards will slow or reverse any changes or increases in risk.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis
It is perfectly natural to feel a bit overwhelmed and all out of kilter at the start - but it sounds like you’ve made some really good choices already.
As to ‘what can I eat’?? I think it’s more about striking the right balance for your metabolism than completely avoiding anything. The general ‘eatwell’ advice steers towards a relatively high intake of carbohydrate and fairly low levels of protein and fats, because that’s what some evidence suggests will work well. Unfortunately when your metabolism cannot cope with that level of carbohydrate intake then that ‘healthy’ diet becomes less ideal. And it seems to me that there‘s little point in trying to eat next-to-no-fat for a healthy heart if by doing that you end up with high blood glucose which damage the micro and macro vascular system and lead to heart problems!
So it’s a question of finding a new way of eating balancing the reduced carbohydrate that your body can cope with with fats proteins and micronutrients. Eating more ‘good fats’ and protein can help you feel fuller for longer and lots of veg is healthy in any diet.
Ask around on the forum, and you’ll get great tips and suggestions for adjusting and adapting meals and snacks to be every bit as delicious, but much kinder on your BG.
And don’t worry about ‘damage done’. Diabetes is generally slow moving, and any positive changes you make to BG management from this point onwards will slow or reverse any changes or increases in risk.
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