-
Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
-
Learn more about joining the Diabetes UK Support Forum team here: https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/volunteering-opportunities-why-dont-you-join-us.112862/
Diabetes type 2
- Thread starter jules007
- Start date
- Status
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hi and welcome.
Sorry you have to be here but it is a fantastic place for information and support from people who have been there and got the T-shirt.
it would help to know what, if any medication you have been prescribed for your diabetes and your HbA1c result if you know it? This is the blood test used to diagnose and monitor your progress with diabetes and will be a number in excess of 47 but can be up into 3 figures if things have gone seriously amiss.
It would also help to know a bit about how you came to be diagnosed? ie. Were you symptomatic and if so which symptoms or was it found during a routine blood test?
Do you have much/any weight to lose as obviously what you eat and drink has a significant bearing on that? There are a surprising number of slim diabetics and some who desperately need to put on weight as well as those who need to lose it and those who want to maintain their weight where it is.
Alcohol can impact on your blood glucose levels, so knowing what medication you are taking is important. Similarly some medication can have an impact on what dietary changes are safe to be made, so the more information you can give us the better the advice we can give you. Diabetes is quite individual which is why they are not allowed to sell food labelled as "diabetic friendly" or "diabetic food" anymore.
Sorry you have to be here but it is a fantastic place for information and support from people who have been there and got the T-shirt.
it would help to know what, if any medication you have been prescribed for your diabetes and your HbA1c result if you know it? This is the blood test used to diagnose and monitor your progress with diabetes and will be a number in excess of 47 but can be up into 3 figures if things have gone seriously amiss.
It would also help to know a bit about how you came to be diagnosed? ie. Were you symptomatic and if so which symptoms or was it found during a routine blood test?
Do you have much/any weight to lose as obviously what you eat and drink has a significant bearing on that? There are a surprising number of slim diabetics and some who desperately need to put on weight as well as those who need to lose it and those who want to maintain their weight where it is.
Alcohol can impact on your blood glucose levels, so knowing what medication you are taking is important. Similarly some medication can have an impact on what dietary changes are safe to be made, so the more information you can give us the better the advice we can give you. Diabetes is quite individual which is why they are not allowed to sell food labelled as "diabetic friendly" or "diabetic food" anymore.
Hi barbara
I have been prescibed metformin but have been too worried to take it as I have been drinking wine and have read some awful things about it with metformin. I had no symptoms except weight loss had a blood test which said 94. Have been taking blood glucose levels it is usually between 9.8 and 11.8 and has been 9.1 once. I am eating brown bread fish salad ect... and been doing 40 minuets or more exercising per day. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago but now find i am getting symptoms of dizzyness ect..
I have been prescibed metformin but have been too worried to take it as I have been drinking wine and have read some awful things about it with metformin. I had no symptoms except weight loss had a blood test which said 94. Have been taking blood glucose levels it is usually between 9.8 and 11.8 and has been 9.1 once. I am eating brown bread fish salad ect... and been doing 40 minuets or more exercising per day. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago but now find i am getting symptoms of dizzyness ect..
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
High blood glucose which an HbA1C of 94 is and weight loss send up red flags that you may not be Type 2 but Type 1 or LADA (slowly developing Type 1) in which case you will need a different treatment regime. Had you been trying to lose weight?
I'm not saying that this is the case but something to be aware of.
Metformin will have minimal effect on your blood glucose levels but changing your diet will.
If you have reduced your carbohydrates so blood glucose has come down then the dizziness can be because your body is not used to lower blood glucose and you have what is referred to as a false hypo (feel hypo but blood glucose not low)
The levels you mention are still quite high but it depends on when you have tested in relation to food.
Fish and salad are good, bread not so much as that is high carb. Do you eat meat, eggs, cheese, dairy as they are all good together with vegetables and salads
Have a look at this link for some ideas for meals which are low carb. https://www.freshwell.co.uk/
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
A high HbA1c (which 94 is) and unintentional weight loss are red flags for Type 1 or possibly Type 3c rather than Type 2 diabetes, so it might be worth asking your GP why they think you are Type 2 rather than Type 1 or Type 3c and don't let them tell you that you are too old for Type 1.
I would respectfully suggest that you should be much more worried about controlling your diabetes, especially with an HbA11c of 94, than drinking wine, so maybe knock the wine on the head and start taking the Metformin. I know it's a bad time of year to say no to alcohol, but diabetes is serious! I am not saying that you can't drink in the future, once you get your diabetes under control but at the moment your health needs to take precedence in my opinion. Also if it is Type 3c rather than Type 1 or Type 2, the alcohol could make it worse.
As regards diet, the Metformin doesn't cause any problems with changing your diet to low carb, but if Gliclazide was added, as it may be at some point with an HbA1c that high, then you would need to be more careful and not cut carbs too severely.
Basically all the carbs you eat will get broken down into glucose and push your Blood Glucose (BG) levels up. As a diabetic, your body is struggling to deal with that amount of glucose in your blood, either because you are not able to produce enough insulin or because your body is resistant to it. Putting less carbs into your body will mean less glucose going into your blood. It's like turning the tap off when the sink is overflowing!
Unfortunately the NHS advice and some of that on the DUK website isn't overly helpful when it comes to dietary changes. Brown/wholemeal bread has only a tiny amount less carbs than white. For some people, the extra fibre in the wholemeal versions may slow the release of glucose but in reality it makes little difference for most people. Portion size is much more important, so if you normally have 2 slices of bread, have just one. If you normally have 4 pieces of potato, just have 2, half the amount of pasta and rice you have with a meal and have more curry/chilli/bolognaise and more veg. I tend to serve my chilli or curry on a bed of cooked shredded cabbage instead of pasta or rice. Some people use grated cauliflower (known as cauliflower rice). Cauli also mashes really easily with a dollop of cream cheese to make a surprisingly good alternative to mashed potato. Obviously the sweet, sugary food stuffs needs to be cut right back (bad time of year for that too 🙄 ), but it is all carbs not just sugar which will push your BG levels up, so you need to cut back on all carbs.
Do you have a follow up appointment in the near future?
I would respectfully suggest that you should be much more worried about controlling your diabetes, especially with an HbA11c of 94, than drinking wine, so maybe knock the wine on the head and start taking the Metformin. I know it's a bad time of year to say no to alcohol, but diabetes is serious! I am not saying that you can't drink in the future, once you get your diabetes under control but at the moment your health needs to take precedence in my opinion. Also if it is Type 3c rather than Type 1 or Type 2, the alcohol could make it worse.
As regards diet, the Metformin doesn't cause any problems with changing your diet to low carb, but if Gliclazide was added, as it may be at some point with an HbA1c that high, then you would need to be more careful and not cut carbs too severely.
Basically all the carbs you eat will get broken down into glucose and push your Blood Glucose (BG) levels up. As a diabetic, your body is struggling to deal with that amount of glucose in your blood, either because you are not able to produce enough insulin or because your body is resistant to it. Putting less carbs into your body will mean less glucose going into your blood. It's like turning the tap off when the sink is overflowing!
Unfortunately the NHS advice and some of that on the DUK website isn't overly helpful when it comes to dietary changes. Brown/wholemeal bread has only a tiny amount less carbs than white. For some people, the extra fibre in the wholemeal versions may slow the release of glucose but in reality it makes little difference for most people. Portion size is much more important, so if you normally have 2 slices of bread, have just one. If you normally have 4 pieces of potato, just have 2, half the amount of pasta and rice you have with a meal and have more curry/chilli/bolognaise and more veg. I tend to serve my chilli or curry on a bed of cooked shredded cabbage instead of pasta or rice. Some people use grated cauliflower (known as cauliflower rice). Cauli also mashes really easily with a dollop of cream cheese to make a surprisingly good alternative to mashed potato. Obviously the sweet, sugary food stuffs needs to be cut right back (bad time of year for that too 🙄 ), but it is all carbs not just sugar which will push your BG levels up, so you need to cut back on all carbs.
Do you have a follow up appointment in the near future?
Thankyou for your reply. My GP has said im type 2 I dont understand how she has discovered this? I havent actually seen her as i cannot get an appoimtment which is discraceful. She speaks to me over phone I said I drink wine she made no comment. Im at a loss. It is making me so anxious as im worried reading about complications. Can you advise me. Thankyou.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Many GPs still don't regard the possibility that anybody other than children can be Type 1 or LADA but there are many who are diagnosed of more mature years, a friend has just got a diagnosis of Type1 after 2 years of oral meds not working and losing lots of weight and she is nearly 80. So the assumption is that people are Type 2 and oral meds and dietary changes are advised.
If you have unintentionally lost weight then that is a red flag for Type 1
Drinking wine is a better drink rather than beer or liqueurs but still moderation is needed as it will challenge your kidneys and liver when they are needed to be trying to get rid of excess glucose from your body.
You really should insist on a follow up appointment but also look at making some dietary changes, you will find some suggestions in the link I posted.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Thankyou for the link it was quite intresting regarding the low carbs. Although in most things I have read it does say wholewheat bread is ok to eat. So that is a bit confusing. Im not so sure if I could cut out bread completely. Regarding alcohol it doesnt actually tell you about medication with alcohol.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Bread is one of those foods which some people tolerate but for others it increases blood glucose too much. There are some low carb breads that some people find are OK it is just a matter of finding in the supermarket or making your own. That is the value of testing at home in you can decide if that slice of toast or bread is OK for YOU.
Again with alcohol, it depends on the individual. Some may find that they will get an upset stomach if they drink when taking metformin but others are fine.
Somebody once said it is not necessarily the alcohol that does the damage but what you might be tempted to eat if you have overindulged. For some people alcohol send blood glucose low so they feel hungry which is why they head for the fish and chip shop or kebab house
Bread is one of those foods which some people tolerate but for others it increases blood glucose too much. There are some low carb breads that some people find are OK it is just a matter of finding in the supermarket or making your own. That is the value of testing at home in you can decide if that slice of toast or bread is OK for YOU.
Again with alcohol, it depends on the individual. Some may find that they will get an upset stomach if they drink when taking metformin but others are fine.
Somebody once said it is not necessarily the alcohol that does the damage but what you might be tempted to eat if you have overindulged. For some people alcohol send blood glucose low so they feel hungry which is why they head for the fish and chip shop or kebab house
Is it dangerous to have alcohol with metformin I have heard of something called lactosis? Is this a rare or common thing. I havent started metformin yet because of this I read. I cannot get my sugars lower then 9.8 or 11. Even though I have had much less carbs. Not had any sweet things and excersised daily. I have drank wine. How to get it to lower ?
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
I know no more that what it says in the NHS advice or on the internet but re the lactosis.
This is a buildup of lactic acid in the body that develops when cells burn glucose for energy without enough oxygen. It's more likely to occur in people who binge drink and take metformin. People with diabetes should limit alcohol (no more than one drink per day for women and two for men) and consume it with food.
How much alcohol are you talking about, one glass, one bottle ? What is more important getting your blood glucose managed or having a drink, both of which will cause long term problems if not addressed.
What sort of meals do you have as there may be something there which you can reduce further, you only mention sweet things but what about bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, pastry, breakfast cereals as they are all high carb foods.
A strategic testing regime of before you eat and after 2 hours will tell you if the meals you are having are OK if the increase id no more than 2-3mmol/l.
Hi I am a big drinker of wine. Which is why I am.so scared
to take metfornin. I have cut back.on carbs ect..but feel dizzy. My blood glucose is sometimes 12 and 9.1 when
i was working a 12 hour shift it has been 17. Then later in day it was 8.9 I dont understand it ? Why when I eat does it go down ? And wht feel dizzy when at home.
to take metfornin. I have cut back.on carbs ect..but feel dizzy. My blood glucose is sometimes 12 and 9.1 when
i was working a 12 hour shift it has been 17. Then later in day it was 8.9 I dont understand it ? Why when I eat does it go down ? And wht feel dizzy when at home.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
It would be easier to suggest some answers if you were to say what sort of meals you have, how many carbs and when you say a big drinker of wine, are you talking a glass with a meal, a bottle with a meal, more than that?
Blood glucose does vary during the day and will depend on a number of factors, what you eat and drink, how active you are. Also the reading you mention when were they in relation to when you ate?
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Welcome to the forum @jules007
There are some general pointers about alcohol here:
www.diabetes.org.uk
I’d suggest moderation is key - and that focussing on managing your diabetes should be your priority now. Your drinking shouldn’t be getting in the way of you feeling able to take the medication you have been prescribed to help with your diabetes.
There are some general pointers about alcohol here:
Alcohol and diabetes
Alcohol and diabetes can be a tricky subject. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, for some people, having a few drinks at home or in the pub is part of everyday life.
I’d suggest moderation is key - and that focussing on managing your diabetes should be your priority now. Your drinking shouldn’t be getting in the way of you feeling able to take the medication you have been prescribed to help with your diabetes.
Hi thank you for your reply
I have cut right back on carbs i havent had any sugar or any fizzy drinks for 3 weeks i have been walking too I dont understand why my blood sugar levels wont come down from 10.1 every day ? Any answers to what I am doing wrong. Can eating late make sugar higher ?
I have cut right back on carbs i havent had any sugar or any fizzy drinks for 3 weeks i have been walking too I dont understand why my blood sugar levels wont come down from 10.1 every day ? Any answers to what I am doing wrong. Can eating late make sugar higher ?
Welcome to the forum @jules007
There are some general pointers about alcohol here:
Alcohol and diabetes
Alcohol and diabetes can be a tricky subject. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, for some people, having a few drinks at home or in the pub is part of everyday life.
I’d suggest moderation is key - and that focussing on managing your diabetes should be your priority now. Your drinking shouldn’t be getting in the way of you feeling able to take the medication you have been prescribed to help with your diabetes.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
It is not just sugar or sugar in fizzy drinks that will increase blood glucose as ALL carbohydrates convert to glucose and are likely to be the greater part of your diet unless you deliberately cut those out or down as well.
Recognising what are the high carb foods is crucial, potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals, crisps, pastry, tropical fruits, starchy veg, pre-prepared sauces and ready meals as well as the obvious cakes and biscuits.
Hence the question about what meals you are having.
You would normally expect the carbs in the food you each to be metabolised in a few hours which is why people test the effect of their meals on blood glucose after 2 hours when they would be aiming at no more than 8-8.5mmol/l. So unless you are eating at midnight then going to bed it may be slower as that is when your body id going to sleep. What time do you eat. It is more what you eat than when.
You say your levels are not lower than 10 but when is it that you test?
Have a look at this link as you may find the explanation there in the good information and do's and don'ts as well as some menu plans. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
rodders1960
Active Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi i have been T2 for 11 months and am taking metformin. I have bought my levels down from 99 to 42. I cut out sugar and went very low carb. At the beginning i too, started having dizzy spells and tingling feet. My DN said i was having false hypo's, due to my body not being used to no carbs. I was advised to introduce just a bit more carb to my diet. This did do the trick. As a rule, i keep my carbs to just under 150grams a day. A really helpful book to get is 'Carbs & Cals'. The book really helped me.
- Status