Another Newbie

[susieq67]

Hello Everyone,

I'm Sue and I'm 67. I was diagnosed with Type 2 after initially visiting my GP because I am tired and exhausted all the time and thought I might have a thyroid problem. I had a series of fasting blood tests and all came back negative except the blood glucose which showed a level of 8 - this test was repeated two weeks later and returned a result of 7 - so here I am !

Before visiting my GP for the first time I had already started a calorie controlled diet (for cosmetic reasons); I have so far (6 weeks) lost 7lbs, only another 35lbs to go to get to my preferred target weight !

My GP has referred me to a DESMOND course and I'm waiting to hear about a date - but he did warn me that it could take up to a month to hear. In the meantime I've been reading up about self help, and in particular low-carb/high fat diets. To be truthful these diets go against everything I've ever been taught about weight loss dieting and I can't but help feel sceptical that they work or are even healthy in the long run - especially with their emphasis on large quantities of animal fats. Surely a calorie controlled diet is low in carbs as well whilst not limiting the variety of foods that can be eaten in controlled portions ?

 

[Northerner]

Hi Susie, welcome to the forum 🙂 Well done on your weight loss so far! From your numbers it sounds as though your diagnosis has been caught early, and hopefully if you can continue your weight loss this will also help to bring your blood glucose levels under control. I can understand your scepticism about the LCHF diet, we have been 'fed' the theory that high fat, especially saturated fat is nothing but bad for us. However, the thinking does seem to be changing, and I know that in Sweden LCHF is very popular. We also have members here who have had good success in following the diet.

However, what I would say is that diet is a very individual thing, so what works well for one person may not be suitable for another. It's best to consider a diet not as a means to losing weight, although obviously that is important if you are carrying extra pounds, but changing to a long-term solution that suits your tastes, lifestyle and you diabetes. As you seem to be having success with your current diet, the only thing you really need to consider is what effect various foodstuff is having on your blood glucose levels.

People can have different tolerances to the same things, so some may cope with porridge for breakfast fine, others may find it 'spikes' their blood sugars high, so an alternative needs to be found. The only way to know this information for sure isto test your levels before and after eating - have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S for an explanation of the priciples involved. Has your GP issued you with a meter and a prescription for test strips? If not, it would be worth asking so that you can understand how to tailor your diet in order to retain flexibility whilst omitting the items you do not tolerate well. If this proves impossible (your GP may say you don't need to test, but this is largely based on cost, not practicality or trying to save you the inconvenience), then the cheapest option we have come across here is the SD Codefree Meter with test strips at around £7 for 50. It is worth funding yurself for a while, if you are able so you know what are the unsuitable elements of your diet as far as diabetes is concerned (items may appear 'healthy', but not if they send your blood sugars high!).

I would also recommend reading Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter, and getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - with these behind you you will be well-equipped to ask any questions you may have by the time your DESMOND course comes around! 🙂

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will be happy to help 🙂

 

[jalapino]

A warm welcome the forum! 🙂

 

[Bloden]

Hiya Susie and welcome. Congrats on your weight loss. Keep up the good work!🙂

 

[susieq67]

Thank you for your replies 🙂

@Northerner - my GP didn't mention monitoring at all other than to say that I would be called for another fasting blood test in 3 months time. Although he's very happy that I regularly check my BP at home (yes, I've got a BP 'problem' too ! - another reason to lose weight !) between check ups at the surgery.


The letter inviting me to apply for a place on a DESMOND course arrived in the post this morning so I'll be ringing them first thing on Monday and, hopefully, I won't have to wait too long for a vacancy.

I'll have a read of your links later this evening when the study cools down a bit - brain goes to mush in this hot weather

 

[Northerner]

...I'll have a read of your links later this evening when the study cools down a bit - brain goes to mush in this hot weather

We've all been suffering a bit with this hot weather, hopefully a cooler spell is on the way 🙂

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forum susieq67 🙂

 

[Redkite]

Welcome to the forum susieq 🙂. Sounds like you're doing a great job with the weight loss!