First shopping trip as a 'Diabetic!'....Help Please!

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Ellowyne

Ellowyne

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all, I am only newly diagnosed, just on the 6th May! I have also just started Metformin 500mg, slow release, tummy troubles 😱

I have been shopping today and as a newly diagnosed diabetic was at a total loss as to what I could, and, could'nt buy?

We generally eat quite well, veg, salad ect and mostly served with new potatoes or virtually dry roasted potates. The thing is we only eat chicken, no red meat and no fish as I'm allergic to all fish :( So, I normally would use alot of spices or sauces to serve with the chicken, however, I am unsure of how these would affect my sugar levels :confused:

We normally have things like pasta sauce, muchroom sauce or curry sauces....are any of these ok?....I also am an addict to Tomato Ketchup and Salad cream, can I still have these?

I have just come back from the shops with plain chicken breasts and potatoes? Whilst this might be ok for a couple of nights I think I will go out of my head with no 'spice' taste!!.....love spicy food!

Their are some things that you know are a no, no....like regular coke....yes?

What about a snack?....like a biscuit? Diabets UK said try Oat based biscuits...like Hobnobs?

I am in a total daze and my appointmnet with the Diabetic nurse has had to be cancelled as she is unwell, not seeing her now until late next week!! Any ideas for meals and snacks please, please help!!

P.S. Sorry if I sound how I feel....in a total ditzy daze! 😱
 
hiya hun might be idea to go on and look around a few websties just type in to google foods for diabetics and foods to avoid , otherwise things like salad cream you can get the slim line type and low fat , as for ketchup making your own would be good no sweetners or additvies in there then , biccies i would say the same there not complicated to make you just need an oven really basic things like flour etc etc are needed, as for oats and things i have plain hobnobs and rich tea ,, id say making your own things homebaking would be the best thing i know it can be time consuming but i find it a real joy as for sauces curry and pasta sauces if you look for a pasta sauce called "belle avita" that is good for sauce and dreamfields is a good pasta you can order that online.

looking on the backs of lables as well is great it may add an extra half hour on your trip to the shops but works out in the long run. Drinks wise yes stay clear of the high sugar drinks like coke cola diet coke is best , i have alot of water and i have the low fat robinsons barley juice thats good , also i have a carton of apple juice as a treat..make sure as well as checking drinks are no sugar there also low in sweetner and additives, i reckon i could be an advocate for britvic the amount of water i have drank since febraury LOL x
 
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The main thing is to try and have a healthy, balanced diet - low in saturated fat, low in sugar and low in salt. Diabetes UK's website has a good section which might give you some ideas:

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Food_and_recipes/Eating-well-with-Type-2-diabetes/

I know how you feel - I was exactly the same when I got diagnosed and gave a lot of the stuff I had in my cupboard away to my neighbours - now I wish I hadn't, as I now know most of it is OK to eat!🙂
 
Thank you for your kind reply Steff....I'm afraid that home cooking, as in baking ect, is out of the question for me. I have severe mobilty problems and find cooking very difficult. My partner has to help with cooking but he also has to work long hours, my son is my part time carer and has some difficulties himself, I'm not going to put more strain on him with cooking. To be honest if we were to cook from scratch them we would'nt get dinner untill 10pm at night, as I say, my partner often has to work late! Our situation is very difficult and our options at this time are limited....so what can we do to 'make do?'

When you say look on labels....what am I supposed to be looking for? I don't know what sugar levels to watch out for on the labels? We generally buy low fat sauces anyway but I thought these would be a problem. Also, we have to have cheap foods like beans on toast or Jacket potatoes a couple of times a week because our income is limited at this time!...Talk about baring all!!, lol! I buy Reduced Salt and Reduced Sugar tins of beans, are these ok?

I have changed to Canderel for a sweetner, the type that looks like sugar....it says on the back suitable for diabetics. I'm more confused now as how do I know if they are, as you say, low in sweetner and additives?......I know it's early days but this is just awful! It feels like I will never get my head around all this stuff!!
 
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hey yes the beans and salt is fine i do the same , as for the home cooking can it not be an idea maybe for example to cook in bulk like if your other half did a speg bol make a load of it and freeze ,
the labels i would say if it says no sugar just chek the ingredients anyways and if it says contains glucose or sacrin avoid as thats type of sugars, the rest im preety much lost on myself i aint been diabetic that long and im soo clueless on loads, has your doc referred you to a dietician ?
you could google and find out what e numbers are and what they mean , so then you can avoid that particular e number , i woul;dnt know what to type but im sure it could be found
 
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Low fat are often higher in sugar, unfortunately. Look at the grams per 100g - 10g or less of sugar is OK. Beans are good for you! Especially the low-sugar/salt varieties, so enjoy! I have a very limited budget too and do as Stef suggests - I cook in bulk and freeze portions, then just blast them in the microwave. Thnigs like Chilli con carne, spag bol, chicken curry etc are great for freezing and if you make them yourself then you can avoid a lot of the extra sugars that go into 'bought' sauces. A friend of mine got me into this years ago as he worked very long hours - he would then spend a weekend off every now and then cooking up all sorts of stuff to freeze, meant he had a good choice every night and all he needed to add were rice, spaghetti or potatoes. most of my meals work out at 50p-?1 each.🙂
 
Hello Ellowyne,
One of the concepts being pushed at the moment is the Glycemic Index. We are supposed to look for food with Low GIs ( carbohydrates that absorb more slowly then others). We are to try eat Low GI foods with a few medium GI ones thrown in.
This link gives GIs and you may be able to construct a shopping list from the Low GI items there ...
http://www.the-gi-diet.org/lowgifoods/
Remember diabetes is about control of carbohydrates, sugar is only involved because it is a fast acting carb. Portion control is also important e.g. 15grams is often defined as one portion of carbohydrate e.g. one slice of bread, one new potato.
 
Newly Diagnosed

HI

I HAVE JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FOLLOWING A BLOOD SAMPLE TO SAY I HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES.

HAVE NOT YET GONE BACK TO DOCTORS FOR ADVICE, BIT OF A SHOCK REALLY, KEPT THIS TO MYSELF, RATHER THAN BOTHER MY FAMILY - I AM OVERWEIGHT ABOUT 3 STONES, SO PROBABLY MY OWN FAULT.

pLUS I DO DRINK OVER THE LIMIT EACH NIGHT, LIKE A BOTTLE OF WINE, SO PROBABLY DOESN'T HELP EITHER

GOOD TO KNOW OTHER PEOPLE IN SAME SITUATION AS ME, PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE AS A STARTER.....

THANKS

KAREN
 
KARENJAY said:
HI

I HAVE JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FOLLOWING A BLOOD SAMPLE TO SAY I HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES.

HAVE NOT YET GONE BACK TO DOCTORS FOR ADVICE, BIT OF A SHOCK REALLY, KEPT THIS TO MYSELF, RATHER THAN BOTHER MY FAMILY - I AM OVERWEIGHT ABOUT 3 STONES, SO PROBABLY MY OWN FAULT.

pLUS I DO DRINK OVER THE LIMIT EACH NIGHT, LIKE A BOTTLE OF WINE, SO PROBABLY DOESN'T HELP EITHER

GOOD TO KNOW OTHER PEOPLE IN SAME SITUATION AS ME, PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE AS A STARTER.....

THANKS

KAREN
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Hi Karen and welcome to the board. Dianosis is certainly a huge shock for anyone but please try not to blame yourself for it, despite the perception that the media tends to give there are so many reasons behind developing diabetes, most of which we have no control over, just 'luck' I guess!!

I guess in terms of general advice I can give I guess I'd say do go back to your doctor for advice, and exploit any opportunity you can get from them, especially in terms of seeing specialists, dieticians etc, it;s a massive shock to be diagnosed and I think most people feel their lives are going to change dramatically but it is amazing how, with a little time and work, the diabetes can just fit into your normal life. A good starting point may be to get yourself a good book on diabetes and learn about it, I always think learning about the condition has been what had allowed me to come to terms with it all and made the condition slot into what I do and not the other way round.

You're certainly in the right place so do feel free to ask any questions!
 
Ellowyne said:
I normally would use alot of spices or sauces to serve with the chicken, however, I am unsure of how these would affect my sugar levels :confused:
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Spices shouldn't be a major problem for you at all, as a diabetic it is the carb content of things that you are looking. Sauces etc can be tricky, if they're shop bought especially, some brands add sugar to the sauces so it's worth checking the labels out and comparing them.

The main principle is really to eat a healthy diet. Other than that it is mroe dependant on how your diabetes in treated, if you're on insulin for example, it may be that you can have more carbs as you can cover for them with insulin, if you're diet controlled etc it may be that you need to be more restrictive with your intake. You may find it useful to try and get an appointment with a dietician who will be able to give some advice specific to your situation.
 
My dear karenjay, I must agree with aymes - please don't blame yourself! There are many factors that determine whether you will become diabetic - most people do not develop it, so rather than feeling that you have brought this on yourself, please try and see it as a challenge to improve your life from now on - do the best you can for you! Learn what you can and voice any concerns or questions you might have here - you can be sure of a good response.🙂
 
hi and welcome karenjay like the others said we have all had that feeling of it's all my fault but it is not , these boards are of great comfort for me im sure they will be for you xx
 
Ellowyne, Karenjay - just read your posts and thought I'd chime in too

Ellowyne - chicken, turkey, fish (including tinned tuna) are fine. Look at total carbohydrates on food labels not simply the sugars and go for the lowest ones you can - I have things like some of the Homepride tinned ones in my cupboard as stand byes or for when my husband volunteers to "cook". I use spices a lot plus lemon juice and herbs but some curry powders/pastes can be high in carbohydrate so I simply watch the amount I have and balance it. Small portions of pasta preferably wholewheat and brown basmati rice are also stock cupboard staples. Don't tend to eat biscuits - if I have one it is never enough and I find I nibble away through several - so portion of fruit tends to be my treat. Tinned beans in water are also good standbyes and can be added to salads, casseroles, ready meals et cetera.

Ellowyne, Karenjay - do remember that many Type 2s have been shopping and cooking for/with a family for many years and it will take time to get your head round what is right for you. I really did find the Diabetes UK shop tour useful initially despite, for me, what has turned out to be a rather too great emphasis on starchy carbohydrates and too low a spin on low glycaemic index/load. However, it took me over a year before I could take on board the further changes involved in counting my carbs and watching GI

Karenjay, I think blaming yourself as a Type 2 is a fairly usual reaction - I certainly found the "if only I'd ...." statement rolling round my head. However, as I learnt more I realised that I was just unlucky enough to have a body that couldn't cope with carbohydrates and, over time, came to accept that I could do things about it as I gained in confidence and knowledge. Do make that appointment with your doctor and find out whether you will be able to manage with diet and exercise or whether you need medication and then start the voyage of discovery about what affects you as an individual. Small changes made gradually can make a tremendous difference

Both of you have come across this site and I hope realise that we are a friendly bunch who are willing to share our experiences (and a "good" variety of jokes). You never need to worry about what you ask and then you can use the responses to judge what is right for you at whatever stage you are at in managing this challenging condition
 
I've searched earlier threads for this as thought it might be useful to repeat and still haven't worked out how to link to other posts in this one.

Guideline daily amounts (GDA)

Calories: 2000 women; 2500 men
Fats & saturates: <70g (<20g saturates) women; <95g (<30g saturates) men
10g or less = lower fat
Carbohydrate: about 50% of calorie intake
around 265g women; 335g for men if 2000/2500 kcal
Added sugar: no more than 50g women; 65g men
10g or more per 100g = lot of sugar
2g or less per 100g = little sugar
Salt: no more than 6g per day
Fibre: at least 18g per day
 
Hi to everyone who's new here. Karen Jay, it most definatly and empahtically is NOT your fault. Don't blame yourself.

Foods to cook, go for whole meal and whole grains (whole meal pasta, whole grain rice) and try to eat as balanced a diet as possible. Avoid where possible things containing refined sugar and keep the bad fats down to a minimum.

It is quite fun to experiment, and the best way of knowing what's right for you. Although sauces are nice, do watch them as some contain hidden sugar. I also find it usefull to read food labels. The more there is of something in a product, the nearer the beginig of the list that ingredient is.

I found it better NOT to buy food labeled as DIABETIC or suitable for diabetics, they are more expensive and contain things you can probably do with out like sorbitol and xylotol.
 
Hi Karen!

I would expect your surgery to get in touch with you following your result, but do go and see your GP if not. I was about 3 stone overweight when 1st diagnosed 2 years ago. Was also diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, which apparently often goes hand-in-hand with diabetes and will affect your ability to loose weight - did they check for this too? - Might be worth asking them if not? Have a think about talking to your family - they may be able to help?

I think as the others have said - Not your fault, and when you've had chance to get over the shock, it might give you the incentive to improve your life, one step at a time 🙂
 
If it is all abit overwhelming at the moment I would just start by thinking with the "healthy eating" concept in your mind when you are shopping and cooking. Like anything, with a bit of practise, and some time to get your head around it, you will naturally perfect what you need to do.

These days there is a better awareness of the risk factors that can lead to the onset of Type 2 diabetes in some people. I hate to think that with these things in mind you are blamming yourself because you think you have brought this disease on. I sympathise, because at diagnosis I felt a real need to know why or how I developed this disease (I am type 1). I feel differently now, it took me some time, and also some help. Please do not blame yourself- it can prevent you from moving forward and getting on with diabetes, and more importantly- your life.

I wish you both all the best. And did I mention stay away from anything labelled "diabetic"? I discovered this one easter when a "diabetic" chocloate easter egg gave me the s****! It was jam packed with lactose and other sweetners.....eww!!!
 
Ellowyne said:
I have severe mobilty problems and find cooking very difficult. My partner has to help with cooking but he also has to work long hours, my son is my part time carer and has some difficulties himself,
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Just a thought - have you checked you are getting the benenfits you may be entitled to like Disability Living Allowance? Might be worth checking with Citizen's Advice Bureau. and the rates may you may be entitiled to might have changed with this diagnosis, if you have other complicating conditions?
 
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