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Concerned

E

ell

New Member
Hi lovely people, I have been type 2 for quite a few years and on Metformin for 3 years.
Suddenly in the last 3 months my Hba1c has gone from 48 to 72
I'm very worried, I have an appointment to discuss this next Thursday but can think of nothing that has changed other than the fact my thyroid blood tests have also gone haywire.
The nurse who rang me said it is most likely stress related because my hubby had a stroke last year and my stress levels have been incredibly high. I've never been a calm person and definitely am an overdose thinker.
All sorts going through my head and Thursday feels like a long way off.
I am thinking maybe they will suggest insulin and I am concerned about driving... obviously hubby can't drive at the moment and we are very rural here. Lots of hospital appointments coming up for hubby so the car is needed.
I try to take it one day at a time but do get very worked up about everything.
 
Hi and welcome.

Firstly DON'T PANIC! There are a lot of other medications to try before insulin and secondly insulin should not stop you driving, you just have to follow guidelines around testing before and during long drives.

Can I ask what if any dietary changes you made at diagnosis. Metformin alone will not manage your diabetes and needs to be used in conjunction with dietary changes. Unfortunately the NHS dietary advice often doesn't go far enough and people get told to cut down on sugar but that is less than half the story. All carbohydrates, both sweet and savoury will raise BG levels if you have diabetes. Cutting down on bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, breakfast cereals including the "heathy" wholemeal versions like wholemeal bread and pasta and that old favourite porridge which can be like Kryptonite for some of us. The sweeter fruits like bananas and grapes and mango and pineapple and dried fruits should also be limited to help lower your levels. I mostly have a few berries each day like raspberries which are my favourite but also strawberries and blackberries and blueberries and blackcurrants. At the moment I am eating stewed rhubarb out of the garden with a little sweetener and cinnamon and ginger. I have it with my creamy (not low fat) Greek style natural yoghurt for breakfast with a handful of mixed seeds.
Tonight I will be having a nice steak with fried mushrooms and a big plate of salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and cheese coleslaw. There are only a few carbs in the tomato in my salad so that is a really low carb meal and very filling. For lunch I had some olives with feta and Manchego cheeses.

Exercise is also important. I don't know if your husband has recovered enough from his stroke to walk or perhaps you could push him in a wheelchair but walking is great exercise for lowering BG levels, particularly after meals when levels usually go higher from the food you have eaten releasing glucose into your blood stream, so walking during the hour after a meal can really help. It is also good for reducing stress. It doesn't have to be a long walk, particularly if you are not very fit. Putting some music on and having a bit dance or doing housework after meals also works well or a bit of gardening if you have one. The worst thing is sitting down and perhaps watching TV after a meal and I think we are all guilty of it at some time or another.

These things can all help lower your levels probably more effectively that most medications, so whatever you can do with regard to these lifestyle changes can have a really positive effect.
 
That does seem quite a big jump in HbA1C but take things as calmly as you can and make a plan. There may be something you can do regarding your diet and this link explains very well about what you can do there. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
It is probably a bit premature to be talking insulin as there are several oral medications which can be added to see if that helps, but diet is the first thing to look at. Keep a food diary and try to estimate the carbs you are having and if it is well over 130g per day then there is an immediate thing you can do.
 
Welcome to the forum @ell It sounds like you have been dealing with a lot recently and stress can increase your insulin resistance. Be kind to yourself and don’t panic.

Lots of good advice above. If working out carbs sounds mind boggling, it does not take long to get used to gathering the information for the foods that you eat most often. Just knowing how many carbs you are eating at present can give you a starting point to work from. As your HbA1c has increased it tells you that at present your pancreas can’t cope with the amount of carbs you are eating. Hence the meds to help and the other strategies suggested around dietary changes and exercise.

I know I was surprised by how many carbs we were eating, and I decided to reduce mine so that I could have smaller doses of insulin. We mainly reduced our portion sizes (and the size of our plates) and that really helped me.

As others have said if you end up taking insulin it does not prevent you from driving. There are clear guidelines to follow before driving to ensure that we are safe to do so.

I am pleased that you have found the forum, as it is a great place to ask any questions that arise.
 
Sorry to hear about the stress and challenging situations you have been working through @ell

And sorry to hear your HbA1c seems to have taken a bit of a jump.

Hope your appointment goes well on Thursday - let us know how you get on.

As @rebrascora says, try not to worry unduly about insulin at this stage.

Firstly I’d only been driving for 3 years before I started on insulin therapy, and have been driving for the 34 years since - so there’s no reason you couldn’t driver perfectly safely while on insulin…

And secondly there are lots on oral med options that would usually be considered for people with T2 before insulin is recommended <3
 
@rebrascora @SB2015 @everydayupsanddowns @Leadinglights
Thank you all for your kind and helpful replies.
I am reassured that there are other meds that may be offered.
I need to get my diet under control, unfortunately I am allergic to eggs, beef and tomato and my go to food is bread that will have to change obviously.
I admit that all my good intentions have slipped since hubby's stroke.
For example it can take 3 hours to shower and help him dress so breakfast has become brunch. Sometimes I am so weary that I grab a couple of crackers with a big mug of coffee.
Hubby is nearly 80 and I am 75 so no spring chickens and walking is a nightmare. Hubby can walk a very short distance with an aid but prefers to hang onto my arm, unfortunately I am waiting for a knee replacement and the weight of hubby pulling on me has also given my shoulder a lot of pain. I bought a four wheel walker for him but he's refusing to use it.
Caring for hubby has become almost a 24/7 thing as his sleeping patterns are all over the place and often as soon as I fall asleep he will need something and wake me.
He doesn't have the mental capacity at the moment to realise I need to rest or know what time it is ...3 am is the same as 3 pm to him. I cannot leave him because he falls frequently.
I want to care for him and am doing my best but it leaves prescious little time or energy to worry about my own medical issues. I have been sloppy about meals, risotto and potato often on the menu I'm afraid.
I have lost some weight simply by missing meals.
I know that I have brought this on myself and only I can fix the lifestyle problems. I just feel so tired and am losing the fight.
Thank you all again for your kindness and suggestions. I will come back after my appointment Thursday.
Ellie
 
Hee hee - I was already using insulin well before I finally decided to learn to drive!

You have NOT brought any of this on yourself, madam! You both need help! Ask your doctor to request social services to get some of that, ASAP.
 
would you consider a home help at all ask his gp for help in this area You need to take care of yourself as well. Keep us posted how you feel and are coping If you need to vent and /or just wanna ask questions this forum is great for support
Take care my love
gail
xxxx
 
So sorry to hear what a tough time you are going through @ell .
Please let your doctor know how much you are struggling and ask for a care assessment. At the very least your husband should get help with personal care. You won't be able to help him if you are ill.
Is there any family nearby that could help out to give you a break? My heart goes out to you both :care:
 
@ell what a very difficult situation you are in. Do you have friends family or neighbours who could look after/ keep an eye on your husband for an hour and a half? I've started going to an aqua fit class and it is good exercise and I come out feeling relaxed. I'm considering joining one in the next town in an outdoor pool too. Is your husband being offered rehabilitation? Is there a day centre near you where he could go once a week? The stroke association may help. I suspect your increased hba1c is down to stress lack of sleep and poor nutrition. I am eating potato at the moment because I love new potatoes and they are not as bad as mash. Risotto is something I havent eaten since diagnosis just under a year ago. I bought a pack of broccoli and cauli rice from Holland and Barrett but haven't used it yet. I bought a black bean and beef ready meal reduced from Tesco at the weekend. I cut up some asparagus I had and cooked it all in microwave and found the asparagus bulked up the meal. I eat lowish carb 130 a day. I rarely buy bread as I have a greedy gene but do eat bread if I go to a cafe. When you talk about brunch a traditional full English is diabetic friendly perhaps with a slice of toast. If I eat it out I refuse beans and hash brown. Swede or celeriac are lower carb added to potato or omit the potatoes. You could do a sandwich for your husband and an open sandwich ie one slice for you. I like fish but you need to check carefully for bones for your husband. I particularly like a packet of smoked salmon with lemon and black pepper from M and S. I have it with scrambled egg, salad or on a slice of bread with cream cheese. Have you a freezer? Batch cooking may help particularly some nutritious soup which you could both enjoy.

I'm on dapaglifozin and metformin. Don't be so hard on yourself. It is very important that you prioritise your physical and emotional health otherwise you won't be able to give your husband the love and care you want to.

Make a good list of the difficulties before you see your doctor. They need to consider you are a full time carer and need support.
I've found this site great. On left hand side they have links to various websites including freshwell which is good for food ideas. I have not looked at info re strokes but I bet it is informative.

newforestpcn.co.uk

Diabetes & Metabolic Health | New Forest PCN

newforestpcn.co.uk newforestpcn.co.uk
 
It can be hard for people to accept they need help but bear in mind unless you care for your own health that you will not be in the best position to care for your husband. Having a carer come in to help with getting him up and about in the morning and at the end of the day would relieve the pressure on you. It may only have to be temporary until he improves.
At the very least some aids may be able to be provided to help.
Something I heard that rang very true is by him accepting help you can be a wife and enjoy time together rather than being bogged down with the day to day stuff.
You could have a quick breakfast of Greek yoghurt and berries to get you going in the morning before you start the caring.
 
There are lots of things you need to work out but I often have full fat Greek style yoghurt with berries and nuts or seeds. I agree with @Leadinglights. I really enjoy it and it fills me up and is easy to make. Today I had raspberries but I have had blueberries or blackberries. You can buy frozen fruit which would work.
 
ell said:
Hi lovely people, I have been type 2 for quite a few years and on Metformin for 3 years.
Suddenly in the last 3 months my Hba1c has gone from 48 to 72
I'm very worried, I have an appointment to discuss this next Thursday but can think of nothing that has changed other than the fact my thyroid blood tests have also gone haywire.
The nurse who rang me said it is most likely stress related because my hubby had a stroke last year and my stress levels have been incredibly high. I've never been a calm person and definitely am an overdose thinker.
All sorts going through my head and Thursday feels like a long way off.
I am thinking maybe they will suggest insulin and I am concerned about driving... obviously hubby can't drive at the moment and we are very rural here. Lots of hospital appointments coming up for hubby so the car is needed.
I try to take it one day at a time but do get very worked up about everything.
Click to expand...
I was put on insulin at the start of my journey before confirming I'm a T2. I had no issues and like you my main concern was driving as I live in quite a rural location. you do have to tell DVLA but it shouldn't be a problem more of a worry than an issue & you'll be given guidance by the nurse like carrying sugary snacks and the like.
no wonder you are stressed - I agree it is worth finding out about some support. my mum has carers come in to help
her wash and dress in the morning as she struggles to do this herself she also has someone come in and help her into her bed clothes in the evening. am sure your health centre could advise where to start.
maybe then you can take a little time for yourself. I do some online fitness classes (via zoom) for the over 55s with seated variations available. there is also thai chi, yoga and pilates and because it's at home it is easier to fit in. hope it all pans out ok (am sure it will)
 
Thank you again for all of your really helpful and supportive suggestions, I greatly appreciate them.
My husband has absolutely refused carers and even a bit of emotional blackmail about me needing the help just gets him agitated and upset that he is " causing" my stress and fatigue.
I will not push it for now because his emotional lability is so fragile post stroke.
Due to my own health issues I must find some easy healthy meals options but unfortunately I have some difficulties there. Allergic to eggs beef and tomatoes and real problems trying to eat meat. I have previously used cheese beans lentils and white fish for protein but my main foods unfortunately are bread crackers and potatoes and fruit.
I just wondered if anyone has come across a recipe book or website preferably that isn't 95% egg recipes ?
I've previously been referred to the NHS dietician and she couldn't really help much other than to write to my GP requesting an increase in my anti nausea meds to try to enable me to eat some foods I struggle with.
Meals need to be quick and easy to prepare due to my caring duties so if anyone has found a website where you can perhaps say which foods you can't eat. I know it's probably a big ask since I have tried so many books and sites without much progress but who knows.
Ellie
 
ell said:
Thank you again for all of your really helpful and supportive suggestions, I greatly appreciate them.
My husband has absolutely refused carers and even a bit of emotional blackmail about me needing the help just gets him agitated and upset that he is " causing" my stress and fatigue.
I will not push it for now because his emotional lability is so fragile post stroke.
Due to my own health issues I must find some easy healthy meals options but unfortunately I have some difficulties there. Allergic to eggs beef and tomatoes and real problems trying to eat meat. I have previously used cheese beans lentils and white fish for protein but my main foods unfortunately are bread crackers and potatoes and fruit.
I just wondered if anyone has come across a recipe book or website preferably that isn't 95% egg recipes ?
I've previously been referred to the NHS dietician and she couldn't really help much other than to write to my GP requesting an increase in my anti nausea meds to try to enable me to eat some foods I struggle with.
Meals need to be quick and easy to prepare due to my caring duties so if anyone has found a website where you can perhaps say which foods you can't eat. I know it's probably a big ask since I have tried so many books and sites without much progress but who knows.
Ellie
Click to expand...
You could look for low carb vegan recipes as a base and then add whatever other meat or fish you can eat.
Having cooked meat, chicken, ham etc and have with salad minus tomatoes would be a quick easy meal. Some substitution for potatoes like butternut squash, swede, celeriac and opt for berries as being lower carb. Check the carbs on the crackers as some are higher than others and go easy on the bread, seeded bread tends to be lower carb, I think Warburtons do a bread with lower carbs than some others or maybe have an open sandwich with just one slice of bread.
Making more of your meals so some can be frozen for home made ready meals.
You could try some of the Slimming World ready meals as long as you avoid those with pasta, rice or potatoes. or have half a portion with extra veg.
 
ell said:
Thank you again for all of your really helpful and supportive suggestions, I greatly appreciate them.
My husband has absolutely refused carers and even a bit of emotional blackmail about me needing the help just gets him agitated and upset that he is " causing" my stress and fatigue.
I will not push it for now because his emotional lability is so fragile post stroke.
Due to my own health issues I must find some easy healthy meals options but unfortunately I have some difficulties there. Allergic to eggs beef and tomatoes and real problems trying to eat meat. I have previously used cheese beans lentils and white fish for protein but my main foods unfortunately are bread crackers and potatoes and fruit.
I just wondered if anyone has come across a recipe book or website preferably that isn't 95% egg recipes ?
I've previously been referred to the NHS dietician and she couldn't really help much other than to write to my GP requesting an increase in my anti nausea meds to try to enable me to eat some foods I struggle with.
Meals need to be quick and easy to prepare due to my caring duties so if anyone has found a website where you can perhaps say which foods you can't eat. I know it's probably a big ask since I have tried so many books and sites without much progress but who knows.
Ellie
Click to expand...
I like https://www.eatingwell.com/ loads healthy recipe and a diabetic specific area on the site. even the non diabetic part has loads easy healthy recipes love their soups. maybe having some ready meals in the freezer for the days when it just doesn't come together. things like soups too mebbe
 
indigorblue said:
I like https://www.eatingwell.com/ loads healthy recipe and a diabetic specific area on the site. even the non diabetic part has loads easy healthy recipes love their soups. maybe having some ready meals in the freezer for the days when it just doesn't come together. things like soups too mebbe
Click to expand...
That looks like a useful site and the meals fit in with the suggested no more than 130g carbs per day. The pictures make the meals look very appetising.
 
This is my favourite recipe which I have used for many years before diagnosis but it is diabetic friendly. I sometimes spend money to make life easier. I have sometimes bought cooked salmon fillets from M and S. Sometimes I buy hot smoked salmon ( no need to cook) My fishmonger charges the same price for sea trout which I prefer. Apart from cooking the salmon it is basically an assembly job. The watercress is good but I've done it with other salad leaves too. I don't bother to dress the salad or you could use from the bottle but I have got cider vinegar a d olive oil. I like the fact she uses a spoon on pieces of avocado. I love the pumpkin seeds. You need to toast them. Just a few minutes in a frying pan. I do some and put in a jar ready to add to the dish. Your husband could try one to see if he likes the taste and can cope with the texture or probably some nuts would be good.

www.bbc.co.uk

Salmon, avocado and watercress salad recipe

This salmon, avocado and watercress salad is a regular lunch or supper at Nigella's, and we bet that it will soon be on the regular at your home too.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
 
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