Hello from Sunny Rugby!

[The WillMan]

I just joined the group after being T2 for 25 years.

I've not paid attention to it and objected to the usual meds (Metformin etc). I now am on insulin Fast and slow and also a weekly jab. I really enjoy a cider drink, but lately, I have found I have stomach problems (more than usual), which means I don't eat that much, and I no longer enjoy food, which is a shame as I used to enjoy cooking.

I am trying to find a low/no sugar drink to replace the cider and food that doesn't make me feel sticky. The best results so far are rice-based meals and tonic water or lemon zero-sugar Fanta. The trouble is the Fanta isn't sold in the UK, so it has to come from abroad.

I keep meaning to ask the GP for access to a dietician but I'm very stubborn. I tried the bariatric NHS route but gave up after being messed around for five years (I am a big boy in the wrong places!).

Anyway, any advice is welcome as long as its flexible and not based on a miracle concoction of stuff. Oh yes, another thing, Neuropathy in feet. I'm a mess!!!

 

[Leadinglights]

I just joined the group after being T2 for 25 years.

I've not paid attention to it and objected to the usual meds (Metformin etc). I now am on insulin Fast and slow and also a weekly jab. I really enjoy a cider drink, but lately, I have found I have stomach problems (more than usual), which means I don't eat that much, and I no longer enjoy food, which is a shame as I used to enjoy cooking.

I am trying to find a low/no sugar drink to replace the cider and food that doesn't make me feel sticky. The best results so far are rice-based meals and tonic water or lemon zero-sugar Fanta. The trouble is the Fanta isn't sold in the UK, so it has to come from abroad.

I keep meaning to ask the GP for access to a dietician but I'm very stubborn. I tried the bariatric NHS route but gave up after being messed around for five years (I am a big boy in the wrong places!).

Anyway, any advice is welcome as long as its flexible and not based on a miracle concoction of stuff. Oh yes, another thing, Neuropathy in feet. I'm a mess!!!

Welcome to the forum, a pity you didn't find it years ago and you may not have found yourself in this situation but no good looking back and it has to be finding a sensible way of moving forward to manage your condition the best you can from now on.
You may be better to lay off the alcoholic drinks until you get your blood glucose levels more stable as alcohol can affect how your body responds to carbs and insulin.
I'm sure I have seen the diet Fanta or Fanta zero in the UK but you could try the flavoured sparkling water or other diet/zero drinks.
What insulins are you taking and what is your HbA1C.

 

[The WillMan]

I agree, but it didn't seem to affect me then and has just crept up over time. I'll happily give up the pop, but I'm trying to find a low/no sugar or alternative. There's a bit more to that story than I'm going to tell.
I can get the Fanta no sugar but it's not generally available in the UK, they do the orange version but not lemon. I have had it here but can't remember where, however there are UK suppliers who ship it in.
HBAiC according to my CGM is 13% or 119mmol, running high at the moment, more normal is ~7%. Never had a hypo but feel rubbish about 4 or lower.
I tend to find my GP and Consultant just reiterate the usual script which isn't helpful, and I am stubborn and depressed...

It causes problems now with the boss as she still can't understand why I'm not interested in food at all. She still buys sweet things when I explicitly say "please don't" as they are easy to eat when I'm hungry.

Anyway, enough of me.

 

[Leadinglights]

There are people here who have been in a similar situation but have come here and found the help they needed to move forward to improve their diabetes management.
If you find the way of using your insulin properly there is no reason why you cannot eat more normally. Not that full sugar drinks are a good idea other than as hypo treatment. 4 mmol/l or below is hypo so no wonder you would feel rubbish at that level as you would have been very high and 119mmol/mol is definitely high.

 

[trophywench]

Asda sell it and I know very well there's a big Asda in Rugby. Also available online from Amazon - Coca Cola distribute it in the UK.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @The WillMan

Glad you have found us!

Sorry to hear you’ve lost interest in food. I’m not sure which weekly jab you are on, but if it’s one of the GLP-1 meds like Ozempic, part of their action can be to reduce appetite to help weight loss.

If your HbA1c has begun to run a bit higher it sounds as if your insulin isn’t quite balancing with your menu at the moment. Have you been given help in matching insulin doses to specific meals (carb counting)?

You should be able to find a spot where insulin and food play nicely together (most of the time!) and steer your weight towards where you want it. Carrying extra weight can make you resistant to insulin, and taking larger doses than you need can mean you are ‘feeding’ the insulin which can lead to weight gain.

But hopefully you can find the food/insulin balance that suits your reduced appetite, which will naturally allow your weight to reduce as you’ll be eating less?

 

[gail2]

Wellcome to forum good support on here
take care
gail

 

[goodybags]

Hi @The WillMan welcome to the forum, hope you find the advice & helpful on here your looking for

If your Hba1c is as high as your GGM prediction you would feel like rubbish, by the way which weekly Jab are you on ?

 

[nonethewiser]

Asda no added sugar orange & mango is delicious & cheap at 99p for 1L bottle, it's our fav in a glass of water.