Hello Everyone

[Matt T]

Hi all,

I'm Matt, a 50 year old married man from Mid Wales. I love the outdoors, wildlife and my interests are Fishing and watching (these days) football. I'm afraid I'm an avid Manchester United fan along with my wife (Who also knits) and loves watching the football with me.
I've always been pretty sporty, playing football until I was into my 40's and then coaching disabled kids for 3 years until bad knees forced me to retire.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 12 weeks ago and had a leg ulcer break out 10 weeks ago. It's very painfull and nothing seems to make it better. In the 10 weeks since having the ulcer, I've cut out any sugar from my diet and am starting to realise what I can and can't have. I had a call from my dietician Friday and because I'd done some homework into do's and dont's he was happy enough to sign me off his books. I don't know that much though and feel shopping is a mine field (So I'd appreciate any good ideas for things to eat or hints where to look, thanks in advance). I've also lost close to 2 stone in weight in the 10 weeks since the ulcer, in an effort to get it better But have to admit to being a bit scared by it due to losing my Mother to sepsis which entered through a leg ulcer back in 2015. I've already had cellulitis once and so am at risk of it again.
Nice to meet you all by the way!!

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum, sorry you have been suffering for such a painful ulcer but it is important to get your blood glucose level in good shape as high levels will inhibit healing. I hope you are having treatment, there are quite a few more modern ideas about wound treatment, some do sound wacky but can be effective.
Diet wise you mention cutting out sugar but you have to remember that is is all carbohydrates which convert to glucose so reducing things like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, pastry as well as cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks including fruit juice. Many feel they eat a healthy diet but some of those foods are not too good if Type 2 diabetic.
Have a look at this link as it may give you some menu ideas and there are some do's and don'ts. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
It is a low carbohydrate approach which many find successful at reducing blood glucose and losing weight if you need to. Basing meals on meat, fish, eggs, cheese, dairy, vegetables, salads and fruit like berries can still give you tasty filling meals

 

[trophywench]

And nice to meet you too Matt! I've always said welcome to the club no-one ever wanted to join but OTOH you do get to meet all sorts of folk, any number of whom are lovely. Some of whom are interesting - we're all different, anyway and moat people on here try to help.

Have they given you any medication for your diabetes?

Do you already have a blood glucose monitor and get strips on the NHS and are you testing at home?

I'm pleased you've started by cutting sugar out - and you must have formerly eaten shedloads too much as you've already lost 2 stone. But - what about all the other carbohydrates in the normal diet?

 

[Matt T]

And nice to meet you too Matt! I've always said welcome to the club no-one ever wanted to join but OTOH you do get to meet all sorts of folk, any number of whom are lovely. Some of whom are interesting - we're all different, anyway and moat people on here try to help.

Have they given you any medication for your diabetes?

Do you already have a blood glucose monitor and get strips on the NHS and are you testing at home?

I'm pleased you've started by cutting sugar out - and you must have formerly eaten shedloads too much as you've already lost 2 stone. But - what about all the other carbohydrates in the normal diet?

I think my problem was drinking a couple of cans of ale or cider each night. I didn't think it was going to do me any harm because whenever my Dr asked how much I drank I'd always tell them that I bought a 12 pack and it would last me the week. \to which they usually said "Well that's not really excessive!" so I thought there was nothing top worry about. The bad knees meant I was sat about more than I wanted to be. I love walking but the pain put me off. You learn too late though I suppose.

Thanks for the link Leadinglights and also for the warm welcome. 🙂

PS The Gp's must be slower here in Wales. I'm on Metformin but not been shown or given a way of monitoring my blood sugars as yet.

 

[Leadinglights]

I think my problem was drinking a couple of cans of ale or cider each night. I didn't think it was going to do me any harm because whenever my Dr asked how much I drank I'd always tell them that I bought a 12 pack and it would last me the week. \to which they usually said "Well that's not really excessive!" so I thought there was nothing top worry about. The bad knees meant I was sat about more than I wanted to be. I love walking but the pain put me off. You learn too late though I suppose.

Thanks for the link Leadinglights and also for the warm welcome. 🙂

Yes, ale and cider are high carb drinks, spirits with diet mixers or dry wines are much better, not that I'm encouraging you to drink.
Although exercise does help, it is diet that will have most impact.
I sympathise with the dodgy knees, I am still struggling 1 year on from knee surgery for a ruptured patella tendon.

 

[Matt T]

Yes, ale and cider are high carb drinks, spirits with diet mixers or dry wines are much better, not that I'm encouraging you to drink.
Although exercise does help, it is diet that will have most impact.
I sympathise with the dodgy knees, I am still struggling 1 year on from knee surgery for a ruptured patella tendon.

I suffered a ruptured achilles about four years back. After getting my boot off three months later, I noticed a silky smooth patch on my inside of my shin and a definite greeness to the flesh under it. I pointed this out to my GP and all he said was "We'll have to keep an eye on that" THAT is now an ulcer. 😡

 

[Lucyr]

PS The Gp's must be slower here in Wales. I'm on Metformin but not been shown or given a way of monitoring my blood sugars as yet.

Most T2s buy the meter and strips themselves if they want to test their blood sugars and aren’t on medication that causes hypos. The GP is unlikely to provide this unless you’re at risk of hypos.

 

[Leadinglights]

Many do find that being able to monitor their blood glucose helps them find what foods and meals they can tolerate without increasing blood glucose more than an acceptable level. The GlucoNavii or Spirit TEE2 are ones with the cheapest strips if you are going to self-fund, available online.

 

[Matt T]

Thanks for your help Guys. 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Matt T

Sorry to hear about your leg ulcer - is that being looked after now?

Have you had your annual ‘toe tickle’ recently (sensation check in feet, and pulses checked in lower legs)?

 

[offspin]

Thanks for your help Guys. 🙂

Hi Matt , Apart from the fact I am a Wolves supporter I mirror you issues ( I am think older than you ) . What I found that I buy fairly expensive walking shoes and after time I can now walk a considerable distance without to much pain.

I purchased a Gluco Navii Blood / Glucose machine from Amazon for about £25.00.( this deal came with 50 extra strips etc )

I had my A1C results that were 85 ( I go in a few months for another test ) I am now taking a low dose of Metformin twice a day.Indid reduce the level to 49 but through my fault it increased.( Cream cakes , potatoes and all the nice foods ) I have cut down on quantity of food and eat from a soup bowl.Looks as if you have more food than you actually have.

Regarding beers I have started drinking pilsner as the brewing process is totally different to other process as no sugar is used ( trace elements or very little ) . Carbohydrates are still present and no doubt calories !

You have taken the first step by joining this forum.

 

[Matt T]

Welcome to the forum @Matt T

Sorry to hear about your leg ulcer - is that being looked after now?

Have you had your annual ‘toe tickle’ recently (sensation check in feet, and pulses checked in lower legs)?

Hi everydayupsanddowns I'm still to have my toe tickle. It was postponed because my appointments were too close together, so they offered me another slot. You know how it is....as soon as you're ill the appointments seem to come thick and fast.

 

[Matt T]

Hi Matt , Apart from the fact I am a Wolves supporter I mirror you issues ( I am think older than you ) . What I found that I buy fairly expensive walking shoes and after time I can now walk a considerable distance without to much pain.

I purchased a Gluco Navii Blood / Glucose machine from Amazon for about £25.00.( this deal came with 50 extra strips etc )

I had my A1C results that were 85 ( I go in a few months for another test ) I am now taking a low dose of Metformin twice a day.Indid reduce the level to 49 but through my fault it increased.( Cream cakes , potatoes and all the nice foods ) I have cut down on quantity of food and eat from a soup bowl.Looks as if you have more food than you actually have.

Regarding beers I have started drinking pilsner as the brewing process is totally different to other process as no sugar is used ( trace elements or very little ) . Carbohydrates are still present and no doubt calories !

You have taken the first step by joining this forum.

Your old Midfielder "Carl Robinson" was born in my town and used to play alongside me on a Saturday every week until he got spotted and flew off to pastures greener.

Try the Pilsners from ALDI they're no alcohol but taste no different to the reel thing and only £2.49 for 6.

Thanks for the tip of eating from a soup bowl.

Good luck. 🙂