Hello from a newbie to Diabetes UK

[Mancunian61]

Hi everyone,

I've been diagnosed for about 7/8 years, was diet controlled at first, then after much putting off went on Metformin, which didn't agree with me and after 1 year changed to Sitagliptin. I am now at the stage where my diabetes is still not managed well and levels are twice as high as they should be. I met for a review yesterday and the nurse is now at the stage where she is not sure what comes next, she mentioned Glipizide. After reading about this I'm not keen on taking it, but she may suggest something else. I also have some residual gastro problems from taking the Metformin and possible IBS, still under the consultant for that bit.

Now here comes the crunch, my diet is still very poor and self control low for eating sweet things. Awareness of what I should and shouldn't eat and do is not really a problem putting it in to practice IS. I know it is all down to me but I think I have still been in denial, even so many years later and I don't like taking medication of any kind, hence the reluctance of taking the diabetic medication, although I did get in to the routine of taking Metformin, which then violently disagreed with me, once it was established in my system. I have been taking the replacement medication Sitagliptin regularly as prescribed for the last 4/5 months.

I know what I should and should be doing, that isn't the problem, as I said above doing something about it is and after yesterday I do now realise it is not going away and I really do need to start taking responsibility and move forward positively. The main point I know is changing my diet and reducing/eliminating all the biscuits/chocolate I eat - I must say that this would not be excessive for a non diabetic but no where near good for a diagnosed diabetic. I am overweight (obese in health terms but not excessively so to look at), I have lost 2-3 stones over the last 18 months but hit a plateau at the moment but not actively on any diet, I was just trying to watch what I eat, I think the Metformin and bowl problems were the main cause of the weight loss.

I think I have joined this forum to try and get some support in helping me take little steps and then bigger ones. Please be kind and all support welcome!

BW

 

[Stitch147]

Hi and welcome to the forum. This is a great place for help and advice. Ive only been dignosed since august and had loads of questions. Everyone on here is helpful and the majority are very knowledgable as they have been living with diabetes for a long time. I was put straight on metformin due to my high levels but it didnt make any difference. I am now also on gliclizide which is really helping to get my levels where they should be. It can be very hard to cut things out from your diet, i have been craving some of the weirdest things. I thought id be craving chocolate and biscuits but instead i am craving white bread and fruit juice! Its not easy, but hopefully you will get there.

 

[pottersusan]

I've got the tshirts and am in the videos (if you know what I mean) for losing weight and changing diets. Its easy knowing what you need to do, as you say, it's actually doing it that's the problem. The only way I've done it has been by going through everything in my cupboards/fridge/freezer and getting rid of all the naughties to my friends (and believe me there where plenty). I then wrote myself menus and strict shopping lists until I got used to the new regimes. Going low carb makes such a difference and you may suffer withdrawal symptoms.
In theory small steps are good, but for me I had to make the major decision and just do it. The problem with small steps, I find, is that its very easy to con yourself.
Good luck

 

[pottersusan]

I should add that from the losing weight angle I saved amazing amounts of money and from the health angle I felt a million times better. (I am, literally, half the woman I used to be - so I know where you're coming from😉)

 

[Northerner]

Hi BW, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear you have been struggling a bit, but good to see you recognise the problem and have come seeking help and support 🙂 I wonder if you are considering other aspects of your diet, besides the more obvious sugary items? All carbs can be a problem, dependent on your won particular tolerances for things. Do you test before and after food to see what effect particular meals have on your levels? If not, I would really recommend that you do, as this is the best way to find out what you can and can't eat and keep maximum flexibility in your diet - have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S to see what I mean by this approach, if you are not already familiar with it.

Although you have been diagnosed several years, it seems that a fresh approach might be beneficial, so think of yourself as newly-diagnosed and look forward. I'd suggest having a read of Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter to see if there is anything helpful that you may not have considered in the past, and possibly even consider getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - this is a new start for you as you get to grips with your situation, so keep hold of that momentum and get to work 🙂

If you can incorporate some regular exercise into your day then this will really help with your levels, as it will make you more sensitive to insulin. If you have any questions, please do let us know, and keep posting to keep us updated with how things are going - you can do this! 🙂