Depression and how to live with diabetes

[Drummer]

I was told 50% veg, 25% carb, 25% protein and minimal fat. Everyone seems to be told different things.

That would mean that 75 percent of the food contained carbs - I can't see anyone controlling type two eating like that unless it was all low carb choices.

 

[Jo121]

Hi @Jo121,

I am Type 1 so this might sound like a stupid question but what would be the effect on a Type 2 of eating a normal carby-ish meal (maybe with a smaller portion of chips) once in a blue moon so you don't have to feel left out?

Would that be so disastrous that it wouldn't be worth it or would it just given you a temporary blip which might be worth it?

In other words, do you need to be hard-core about avoiding carbs or is this a problem in general?

Another suggestion would be to consider whether having lower carbs than normal for the rest of the day except for the meal at the restaurant would work?

I dont know if I'm honest as I'm new to all this. I keep getting told in moderation but noone can tell me what that means- once every 6 months, once a week, once a month etc?

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I dont know if I'm honest as I'm new to all this. I keep getting told in moderation but noone can tell me what that means- once every 6 months, once a week, once a month etc?

That is a personal choice.
hba1c is a rolling measurement of BG.
If you have an occasional spike, you can still have a good hba1c.
Some members don't want even an occasional spike however.

Only you can decide to what level you will give things up to avoid a spike, or what type of spike you'll accept.
Many non diabetics can actually spike if they overload on sugar after not eating any for a while.

A lot of damage is done by having blood glucose over normal readings for a long period.
Obviously this decreases as Blood glucose levels near normal.

Everything is a trade off.

Initially, it is overwhelming, take time to stand back, and take control. You may not get it perfect first time, but eventually you will find a regime that suits you lifestyle.
It does get a lot better.

 

[Jo121]

Thank you. I see you have newcastle diet on your bio. I keep seeing this- what exactly is it? Is it the very low cal diet as I'm almost on that at the moment so keep thinking I'd like to try it but my nurse doesnt seem to like it and just tells me they wouldnt advise it.

That is a personal choice.
hba1c is a rolling measurement of BG.
If you have an occasional spike, you can still have a good hba1c.
Some members don't want even an occasional spike however.

Only you can decide to what level you will give things up to avoid a spike, or what type of spike you'll accept.
Many non diabetics can actually spike if they overload on sugar after not eating any for a while.

A lot of damage is done by having blood glucose over normal readings for a long period.
Obviously this decreases as Blood glucose levels near normal.

Everything is a trade off.

Initially, it is overwhelming, take time to stand back, and take control. You may not get it perfect first time, but eventually you will find a regime that suits you lifestyle.
It does get a lot better.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Thank you. I see you have newcastle diet on your bio. I keep seeing this- what exactly is it? Is it the very low cal diet as I'm almost on that at the moment so keep thinking I'd like to try it but my nurse doesnt seem to like it and just tells me they wouldnt advise it.

I was diagnosed ten years ago. I was morbidly obese.
I wasn't that active then, I used to be, but with work and home life I slipped into the comfortable zone, overeating and under exercising.

I initially looked at all the available information on diets, low carb, high fat, high protein, low GI, vegetable, and pinched bits from all of them. I tried a few while I researched.
I found a lot of "information" on some of the diets wasn't backed by any real facts, or any real studies, and indeed went in the opposite direction to established studies. Some didn't actually achieve the claimed results for me, so eventually I went down a more classical low GI, low fat, low calorie diet initially, working with the NHS who provided me with a dietician, a physio, and a meter.
I got my BG under control, and lost a very substantial number of stones.

Sometime around then the Newcastle diet was just in the news after it's first success on a handful of people.
I decided I still wasn't "reversed" so figured eight weeks of very low calorie diet couldn't hurt.
It seems to be a possible route back to a "normal" diet, as I still wanted to eat out, and quite often needed to grab food when and where I could, so I didn't want the hassle of committing to a limiting diet for life.
My doctor hadn't heard of it, but thought it was my choice, so supported me.
I did the Newcastle diet with Tesco shakes.
At the end, my BG was back to normal, and I was getting a good insulin response.
For me, it was ideal as it completely reset my eating habit as well.
I was conscious that eating had made me diabetic, no one to blame but me for what I ate and my weight.
So after the Newcastle diet, and my previous trawl of what made a healthy diet, it was fairly easy to transit over to a healthy Mediterranean diet. Probably more towards the low GI, low fat end, as it's a healthier option for me,
The other benefit is if I do put on a few pounds, and I have with lockdown, it's easy to simply eat less for a few weeks again,

It's been ten years since diagnosis, seven diabetes free, on a normal diet, with no diabetic complications.
I still think "calories" when I look at food, and can work it out in my head, which is a good thing to me.

I was morbidly obese when I was diagnosed, I had lost a lot of weight when I started the Newcastle diet.
I was working on BMI, so I was still overweight, but I certainly lost more on the diet, down to the point of looking ill.
Whether it was the final push that cleared internal fat, or the speed of loss I don't know, but as you said you were slim, it's a consideration, as your personal circumstances will obviously determine your actions and the outcome.

Have a look at the links below

The very low calorie diet was approved by the NHS as a recognised treatment, but it's not rolled out everywhere.

NHS England » Thousands to benefit from soups and shakes diet on the NHS from today​

Health and high quality care for all, now and for future generations

www.england.nhs.uk


The information on the diet is online, the basic plan is

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/media/wwwncla.../files/201809 Sample Recipes & meal plans.pdf

 

[Maca44]

It’s completely normal to feel upset and shaken up after a diabetes diagnosis. It’s hard at first. It does gradually get easier though and you’ll develop your own strategies.

Just what I wanted to say

 

[Leadinglights]

I was diagnosed ten years ago. I was morbidly obese.
I wasn't that active then, I used to be, but with work and home life I slipped into the comfortable zone, overeating and under exercising.

I initially looked at all the available information on diets, low carb, high fat, high protein, low GI, vegetable, and pinched bits from all of them. I tried a few while I researched.
I found a lot of "information" on some of the diets wasn't backed by any real facts, or any real studies, and indeed went in the opposite direction to established studies. Some didn't actually achieve the claimed results for me, so eventually I went down a more classical low GI, low fat, low calorie diet initially, working with the NHS who provided me with a dietician, a physio, and a meter.
I got my BG under control, and lost a very substantial number of stones.

Sometime around then the Newcastle diet was just in the news after it's first success on a handful of people.
I decided I still wasn't "reversed" so figured eight weeks of very low calorie diet couldn't hurt.
It seems to be a possible route back to a "normal" diet, as I still wanted to eat out, and quite often needed to grab food when and where I could, so I didn't want the hassle of committing to a limiting diet for life.
My doctor hadn't heard of it, but thought it was my choice, so supported me.
I did the Newcastle diet with Tesco shakes.
At the end, my BG was back to normal, and I was getting a good insulin response.
For me, it was ideal as it completely reset my eating habit as well.
I was conscious that eating had made me diabetic, no one to blame but me for what I ate and my weight.
So after the Newcastle diet, and my previous trawl of what made a healthy diet, it was fairly easy to transit over to a healthy Mediterranean diet. Probably more towards the low GI, low fat end, as it's a healthier option for me,
The other benefit is if I do put on a few pounds, and I have with lockdown, it's easy to simply eat less for a few weeks again,

It's been ten years since diagnosis, seven diabetes free, on a normal diet, with no diabetic complications.
I still think "calories" when I look at food, and can work it out in my head, which is a good thing to me.

I was morbidly obese when I was diagnosed, I had lost a lot of weight when I started the Newcastle diet.
I was working on BMI, so I was still overweight, but I certainly lost more on the diet, down to the point of looking ill.
Whether it was the final push that cleared internal fat, or the speed of loss I don't know, but as you said you were slim, it's a consideration, as your personal circumstances will obviously determine your actions and the outcome.

Have a look at the links below

The very low calorie diet was approved by the NHS as a recognised treatment, but it's not rolled out everywhere.

NHS England » Thousands to benefit from soups and shakes diet on the NHS from today​

Health and high quality care for all, now and for future generations

www.england.nhs.uk


The information on the diet is online, the basic plan is

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/media/wwwnclacuk/newcastlemagneticresonancecentre/files/201809 Sample Recipes & meal plans.pdf

This may work for some who are overweight but how suitable it would be for somebody who is slim or underweight I'm not sure, they would need to be careful.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

This may work for some who are overweight but how suitable it would be for somebody who is slim or underweight I'm not sure, they would need to be careful.

You make your choice based on what you believe.
If you believe you are slim enough to have no possibility of any internal fat, and that reducing your food intake for eight weeks would do you more harm than continuing diabetes, that is your personal choice.
If as you say, you wouldn't be sure, and you decide not to risk it, that would be your decision.

 

[helli]

Thanks the issue is not having the chips makes me miserable

There are alternatives to potatoes which can be made into chips.
The one that springs to mind is swede chips - they are lower carb and enjoyed by quite a few.
Unfortunately, they taste of swede which is a downer for me.

 

[Nayshiftin]

I hear your anxiety snd that equals the fact you are in shock n grief with all that comes with diabetes . It’s no wonder I am too . Then the so called experts don’t keep up with the trend or flow s as Nd yet you have to miraculously give them better readings. I want my beetroot you want chips , we either need to compromise and be in good health or face the consequences . It not that simple as sometimes we cope other times we don’t , drinking one glass of wine can make me drunk so it’s not good . Hang onto what you want to try. After all the nurse or dietician does not live with you. If you try for you and you have as evidence you have lost weight and lowered so high five there. You can do this . Keep talking many will support you hear. Being depressed shows your willing to change and fight this. You can do this but that song I did it my way. If it is good for you do it. Out when choosing choose for your worth it not to be with the crowd . Folks are too busy looking at themselves so you do same .

 

[Deleted member 21371]

There are alternatives to potatoes which can be made into chips.
The one that springs to mind is swede chips - they are lower carb and enjoyed by quite a few.
Unfortunately, they taste of swede which is a downer for me.

Sweet potato works for me. It is harder to crisp up, commercial ones have a floury batter, which kind of defeats the purpose.

 

[Nayshiftin]

Sweet potatoes spiked me high in carbs too

 

[pm133]

Sweet potatoes spiked me high in carbs too

Not surprised.
Sweet potatoes look like they have more carbs than normal potatoes.

 

[Nayshiftin]

I’ve not tried them but I’ve used celeriac for mash which is lovely compared to cauliflower mash . I guess they may chip too.

 

[Jo121]

I was diagnosed ten years ago. I was morbidly obese.
I wasn't that active then, I used to be, but with work and home life I slipped into the comfortable zone, overeating and under exercising.

I initially looked at all the available information on diets, low carb, high fat, high protein, low GI, vegetable, and pinched bits from all of them. I tried a few while I researched.
I found a lot of "information" on some of the diets wasn't backed by any real facts, or any real studies, and indeed went in the opposite direction to established studies. Some didn't actually achieve the claimed results for me, so eventually I went down a more classical low GI, low fat, low calorie diet initially, working with the NHS who provided me with a dietician, a physio, and a meter.
I got my BG under control, and lost a very substantial number of stones.

Sometime around then the Newcastle diet was just in the news after it's first success on a handful of people.
I decided I still wasn't "reversed" so figured eight weeks of very low calorie diet couldn't hurt.
It seems to be a possible route back to a "normal" diet, as I still wanted to eat out, and quite often needed to grab food when and where I could, so I didn't want the hassle of committing to a limiting diet for life.
My doctor hadn't heard of it, but thought it was my choice, so supported me.
I did the Newcastle diet with Tesco shakes.
At the end, my BG was back to normal, and I was getting a good insulin response.
For me, it was ideal as it completely reset my eating habit as well.
I was conscious that eating had made me diabetic, no one to blame but me for what I ate and my weight.
So after the Newcastle diet, and my previous trawl of what made a healthy diet, it was fairly easy to transit over to a healthy Mediterranean diet. Probably more towards the low GI, low fat end, as it's a healthier option for me,
The other benefit is if I do put on a few pounds, and I have with lockdown, it's easy to simply eat less for a few weeks again,

It's been ten years since diagnosis, seven diabetes free, on a normal diet, with no diabetic complications.
I still think "calories" when I look at food, and can work it out in my head, which is a good thing to me.

I was morbidly obese when I was diagnosed, I had lost a lot of weight when I started the Newcastle diet.
I was working on BMI, so I was still overweight, but I certainly lost more on the diet, down to the point of looking ill.
Whether it was the final push that cleared internal fat, or the speed of loss I don't know, but as you said you were slim, it's a consideration, as your personal circumstances will obviously determine your actions and the outcome.

Have a look at the links below

The very low calorie diet was approved by the NHS as a recognised treatment, but it's not rolled out everywhere.

NHS England » Thousands to benefit from soups and shakes diet on the NHS from today​

Health and high quality care for all, now and for future generations

www.england.nhs.uk


The information on the diet is online, the basic plan is

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/media/wwwnclacuk/newcastlemagneticresonancecentre/files/201809 Sample Recipes & meal plans.pdf

Thank you I'm going to ask my nurse about this as I'd give it a go as a starting point if it's safe

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Thank you I'm going to ask my nurse about this as I'd give it a go as a starting point if it's safe

Let us know her view on it.

 

[Drummer]

Not surprised.
Sweet potatoes look like they have more carbs than normal potatoes.

They do, and they spike me higher than 'normal' ones.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear how you are stuggling @Jo121

I can completely understand the feelings that you are expressing. At the end of the day your mental health is as important as your physical health. And whichever diabetes management strategy you employ, has to be one that you can sustain, and which sustains you - both physically and mentally.

Don’t feel that you are being prevented by anyone from eating anything. You are simply making choices. You can choose to have something one day, but then choose not to have it another day.

But the choice is yours.

I wonder if perhaps you are setting unrealistic expectations for your target BG range at this stage?

Be kind to yourself, and keep talking to us here.