Could someone help me please?

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HelenP

HelenP

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Sorry to be a pain, but I was diagnosed with Type 2 about a week ago, and my GP prescribed me tablets and told me to make an appointment with the diabetic nurse, who will be able to give me more information about everything, diet etc.
However, I discovered that the Diabetic Clinic is closed until September (that's handy!) so I'm totally on my own until for at least a month, trying to get my 19.6 sugar level down.

I wonder if anyone can answer a couple of questions for me, as I'm finding the food thing really confusing (I've had to look it up on the i'net, and there's so much conflicting info) .............

1) Do I have to cut out ALL carbs, such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, or choose wholemeal varieties and just cut down on them? If so, how much is too much?

2) If I'm doomed to living on meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit, how do I 'fill up' at mealtimes without those 'bulky' things?

3) Can I never ever eat a biscuit again?

4) Are tinned foods totally out of the question always?

I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but I really don't have a clue what I'm supposed to be doing, and I don't have anyone to ask for another 4 weeks!!

PS - someone mentioned free eye tests/prescriptions for diabetics, is this the case /

Thank you for reading this rambling post..........

xx
PS - I'm sure there are answers to my q's around the forum, but at the moment, I don't really understand what people are talking about, it's all a bit over my head, so I hope ppl might answer in a way that idiots can understand .............
 
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HelenP said:
Sorry to be a pain, but I was diagnosed with Type 2 about a week ago, and my GP prescribed me tablets and told me to make an appointment with the diabetic nurse, who will be able to give me more information about everything, diet etc.
However, I discovered that the Diabetic Clinic is closed until September (that's handy!) so I'm totally on my own until for at least a month, trying to get my 19.6 sugar level down.

I wonder if anyone can answer a couple of questions for me, as I'm finding the food thing really confusing (I've had to look it up on the i'net, and there's so much conflicting info) .............

1) Do I have to cut out ALL carbs, such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, or choose wholemeal varieties and just cut down on them? If so, how much is too much?

2) If I'm doomed to living on meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit, how do I 'fill up' at mealtimes without those 'bulky' things?

3) Can I never ever eat a biscuit again?

4) Are tinned foods totally out of the question always?

I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but I really don't have a clue what I'm supposed to be doing, and I don't have anyone to ask for another 4 weeks!!

PS - someone mentioned free eye tests/prescriptions for diabetics, is this the case /

Thank you for reading this rambling post..........

xx
PS - I'm sure there are answers to my q's around the forum, but at the moment, I don't really understand what people are talking about, it's all a bit over my head, so I hope ppl might answer in a way that idiots can understand .............
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Hi Helen , right firstly dont panic !! You do not have to cut out all carbs from your diet , you should try to stick to Low G.i foods though. brown and wholemeal bread and pastas are better for you , I would say beware portion sizes with any carbs though as carbs=sugar= high sugars 😱 I am a Low Carber and only eat tiny amounts of carbs (less than 20g a week) I live on Protein and fruit, veg and Im never hungry , a Low Carb meal does fill you up, I get more hungry if I eat Carbs. You are best avoiding processed foods , but yes of course you can eat them , any food is ok in moderation. You can still eat biscuits but remember only as a treat and not a whole packet lol . take things slowly and make changes to your diet and exersise and you will see a big difference in your levels and health. you would be good to test after certain foods to see their effect on your blood sugars levels after eating them , especially carbs . good luck . 🙂
 
HelenP said:
Sorry to be a pain, but I was diagnosed with Type 2 about a week ago, and my GP prescribed me tablets and told me to make an appointment with the diabetic nurse, who will be able to give me more information about everything, diet etc.
However, I discovered that the Diabetic Clinic is closed until September (that's handy!) so I'm totally on my own until for at least a month, trying to get my 19.6 sugar level down.

I wonder if anyone can answer a couple of questions for me, as I'm finding the food thing really confusing (I've had to look it up on the i'net, and there's so much conflicting info) .............

1) Do I have to cut out ALL carbs, such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, or choose wholemeal varieties and just cut down on them? If so, how much is too much?

2) If I'm doomed to living on meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit, how do I 'fill up' at mealtimes without those 'bulky' things?

3) Can I never ever eat a biscuit again?

4) Are tinned foods totally out of the question always?

I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but I really don't have a clue what I'm supposed to be doing, and I don't have anyone to ask for another 4 weeks!!

PS - someone mentioned free eye tests/prescriptions for diabetics, is this the case /

Thank you for reading this rambling post..........

xx
PS - I'm sure there are answers to my q's around the forum, but at the moment, I don't really understand what people are talking about, it's all a bit over my head, so I hope ppl might answer in a way that idiots can understand .............
Click to expand...

Dear HelenP,

There isn't much to add to what insulinaddict has said except have you got a blood glucose meter. I know it's difficult if you do not have access to a DSN (they can sometimes give you one!), but it would help in monitoring your blood glucose, and then adjusting your carb intake to achieve your target levels (not got BG levels yet? DUK quote some but I believe they are too high). It would also help if you get a book, I have found one by Jenny Ruhl good (see books thread) but there are others. Finally, welcome to the forum, you will always find help here.

Warmest Regards Dodger
 
Hi Helen, You're absolutely right - there is an awful lot of conflicting information out there! This is largely due to the fact that, to a greater or lesser extent, people react differently with this condition. Increasing exercise is one of the best things you can do to get those levels down, so if this is possible for you then try and exercise for 30 mins a day minimum - a brisk walk will help a lot as it makes your body more sensitive to the insulin you are producing.

As for food, since it is a month or so before you can get to see a dietician and DSN (diabetes specialist nurse), then it's a good idea to really limit the refined carbs - like sugar, sweet drinks, white bread etc. and try to eat fresh vegetables, brown bread with seeds (like granary) is good too. Tinned foods are fine, including tinned fruits - I usually get tinned fruit because the fresh always goes rotten before I eat it all! - make sure you get the stuf in 'juice' and not in 'syrup'!

Try looking at Diabetes UK's website for healthy eating advice - this should help you along until you can get an appointment.

As insulin addict says, some people advocate a very low carbohydrate diet, but you may find this too restrictive for your tastes and lifestyle, and it can be a very dramatic change that you might not feel able to sustain at this early stage. For now, just concentrate of eating a balanced diet, don't overload the portions, and try to get plenty of exercise. This way you will not have the confusion of knowing if any vital nutrients are missing from your diet.

And do ask again if there are any points you are unclear about - that's what we're here for!🙂
 
Hello 🙂

There is a book called "The first year type 2 diabetes - a patient-expert guide for the newly diagnosed" It is written by Gretchen Becker. Try and get yourself a copy from somewhere.

After having type 2 for just over a year and still not grasping anything as as I felt I had lack of support I discovered this website and was given the same advice to get this book (reguardless of me being over a year diagnosed) and it was great advice as the book is fantastic and I can just keep going back and refering to it whenever I want.

Also the folk on this forum are fantastic and really friendly and dont judge so :confused: ask away after all isnt that what the forum is about support and chit chat whatever your mood of the day? No question is a silly one and you sheould see what daft enquieries I have made to date! The majority of us have felt the same way (some of us still do like myself) at one time or another so your not alone.

You have found the right place so welcome! :D
 
cant add no more maybe look on amazon for the book very good prices and delivery times as well i got both my books from there x
 
Wow, such fab information so quickly, I feel quite choked, thank you so much.

I will TRY my best to start exercising - I am stupidly overweight (obviously I am now trying to resolve this!)which is why I'm worried about being hungry without 'bulky foods',😱 - so not easy to just get up and start exercising, but will def start by being more active and going for walks.

How do you know if a food is low GI? Is there a chart somewhere where I can look things up?

I don't have a tester thing where I can check my levels at home, so I don't know if new food regime is working until I can see the Diabetic Nurse or when I go back to my GP, whichever happens first! (although it should help weight loss if nothing else, lol )

Thanks again for all your help.

xx
 
HelenP said:
Wow, such fab information so quickly, I feel quite choked, thank you so much.

I will TRY my best to start exercising - I am stupidly overweight (obviously I am now trying to resolve this!)which is why I'm worried about being hungry without 'bulky foods',😱 - so not easy to just get up and start exercising, but will def start by being more active and going for walks.

How do you know if a food is low GI? Is there a chart somewhere where I can look things up?

I don't have a tester thing where I can check my levels at home, so I don't know if new food regime is working until I can see the Diabetic Nurse or when I go back to my GP, whichever happens first! (although it should help weight loss if nothing else, lol )

Thanks again for all your help.

xx
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you can buy things like Low Gi bread , it'll say Low Gi on the packet. you should be able to google Low Gi foods and get a list I would think. I dont do carbs so I'm slightly out of my depth here lol , maybe someone else would be able to help. :confused: Can you not ask your doctor / practise nurse for a glucose meter so that you can self test at home? Sept seems a long time to have to wait to me . good luck with the exersise , one day at a time is the best way to go .
 
Hi Helen, you can get testing meters for about ?10-15 from Boots etc. The expensive thing is the strips which can be ?25 for 50, so 50p per test. Depends how you are financially, but it might help if you can keep a record of food, levels etc. to show your doctor and encourage him to prescribe some strips for you. A couple of tests a day will help you to keep track of your levels - one when you wake, then try testing 2 hours after different meals - breakfast one day, then lunch, then evening meal as a guide.

Also, your earlier question about prescriptions and eyetests - as you are on tablets (which type?), you will get all prescriptions free, and a free eyetest a year.
 
Northerner said:
Also, your earlier question about prescriptions and eyetests - as you are on tablets (which type?), you will get all prescriptions free, and a free eyetest a year.
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I'm on Metformin 500mg - although I've just discovered on this forum they have another name, lol. Something else to look forward to, eh??

Thanks again.

xx
 
HelenP said:
I'm on Metformin 500mg - although I've just discovered on this forum they have another name, lol. Something else to look forward to, eh??

Thanks again.

xx
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Hahaha they dont effect everyone one like that so dont worry Helen :D
 
Some things that might help...

You can ask your GP to refer you to a dietician. It helps if you can take with you (to the dietician or possibly also to your DSN) a small notebook in which you've written down the food you are eating. This isn't about dieting, it is to help you get some feedback on how to have a good diet for your diabetes, like "if you swap to a wholegrain bread instead of white" or "try new potatoes instead of mash". That makes it easier rather than discussing what you eat in an abstract way.

You can find lists of GI ratings in quite a few recipe books for diabetes - go to your local library and browse the cookery section, then flick through the beginning to see who has a GI list etc.

I've just leafed through my cupboard and suggest you hunt out one of the following:

Antony Worrall Thompson's GL Diet Made Simple. (GL is basically a way of looking at how if you put higher GI foods with some that are lower your plate of food has an overall rating that is not as high as the highest item). You can ignore the complexities of it and just look at the huge several page guide to GI ratings if you like. This book has the longest list of any I own, but has all the number ratings for each thing, so is a bit more mathematical to look at.

Antony Worrall Thompson's gi diet. Has a quite a good gi list in simple categories (so maybe easier for starting off with) - high, med and low - and the book itself is based around losing weight and maintaining weight recipes.

Louise Blair & Norma McGough's Quick Cooking for Diabetes. Has a much smaller list (is a small book) so will only give you a few examples for each category. You might like this as an intro but I think you might prefer a longer list (when you want to know about stuff not covered there).

The Diabetes Guide: lifestyle tips and over 80 recipes, edited by Adam Daykin and written by NHS professionals is a book without a GI list (as far as my quick skim could see) but some good tips on diabetes from a lifestyle perspective, medical overview, cross cultural recipes and some food adapting advice. You might find this helpful in general. I wish I found it earlier than I did.

Good luck - you'll make sense of it all bit by bit.
________
Handjob Tube
 
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Thank you for your help 🙂

Thanks to the guidance I've had from you kind people, having been 'abandoned' by my GP centre, lol, I've done pretty well, I think - my original blood sugar reading was 19.6, followed a few weeks later by a 18.5. In the 3 weeks since I was diagnosed, my neighbour has tested me 4 times, with readings of 15.8, 10.1, 8.9 and yesterday I was 5.7.

So big thank you's all round, really!

xx
 
HelenP said:
1) Do I have to cut out ALL carbs, such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, or choose wholemeal varieties and just cut down on them? If so, how much is too much?
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How much is too much depends on your approach. Look at some books I suggested or the diabetes UK website to see the healthy eating plate for daily proportions. Lots of people follow that advice, lots on here seem to go for lower carbs. Seems like a personal choice from later experience as to whether to lower carb. You won't die from some carbs 😉

White bread (pasta, rice too) bad and multi grain granary style bread (basmati rice, wholemeal pasta) good. Granary style or german style rye bread or multi-seed and multi-grain are better than wholemeal. Or try soy and lindseed bread.

HelenP said:
2) If I'm doomed to living on meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit, how do I 'fill up' at mealtimes without those 'bulky' things?
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Fill up on veg - or try looking at one or two cookery books and following their meal advice. Try the diet/meal planning type ones for inspiration.

HelenP said:
4) Are tinned foods totally out of the question always?
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Have tinned fruit in natural juice and tinned veg in water without added salt or sugar, have tinned tuna in springwater.

HelenP said:
someone mentioned free eye tests/prescriptions for diabetics, is this the case /
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You go to the opticians, tell them you are diabetic and they will not charge you. My husband didn't need to take any proof. For prescriptions you will get a medical exemption card, that lasts several years. I think your Dr needs to start that off for you - ask in a pharmacy as they should know.

Lasty - but so importantly - join Diabetes UK. http://www.diabetes.org.uk/. You can set your own membership fee and you will get a bi-monthly magazine with tips, recipes, articles, handy leaflets for funeral plans, hearing aids and baths... (I do actually like getting the magazine). You will also be able to call their careline (I don't know if they take calls from non-members). Careline has been amazing for me. They helped me understand medical advice, gave me advice on what to do and listened to me when I cried and despaired. They are worth every penny of my membership.
________
Vaporizers
 
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Can't add to the advice already given, but good luck. Although biscuits and cakes have sugar and carbohydrate in them, you don't need to give them up altogether. As part of a balanced diet there is room for treats. See if you can talk to a dietician, and see what GI diet and cookery books they have in the library. Good luck.
 
The book that was mentioned in an earlier thread is available from play.com at ?7.49 free postage. It will come withing 2 or 3 days. I am currently reading it and think it will be a book I will frequently turn to for guidance in the coming months.
 
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