Help

[Tonio]

I am newly diagnosed only 4 weeks ago , type 2. I’ve always been quite slim and notice I didn’t feel the same and was losing weight so went doctors. Currently on 4 Metformin ( 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening) and 2 gliclazade ( 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening) I work shifts so tend to eat very odd times. I am trying to bulk using food only no gainers as the sugar content is too much, but need help to what I can and can’t eat to assist also best meals to eat before and after going to the gym. Also need help understanding about GI

 

[Maz2]

I am sure more experienced posters will be along to help soon. However, I am pre-diabetic, got out of it, and now in it again. I found this Forum very helpful to me.

I think the most important thing is that it is not just sugar like chocolate, biscuits, etc that cause the trouble but also carbs such as potatoes, bread, breakfast cereal, rice, pasta. Most people here either keep them to a minimum or do not eat them. It is important to test with a meter to see what foods are best for you as everyone is different. Most people seem to like the SD Codefree meter which is available on Amazon as the strips are cheaper.

I believe the important thing is that readings two hours after a meal are no higher than 2-3 mmols than before the meal. Ideally, the readings should have come more or less back to what they were before the meal or not too far away from it.

 

[Northerner]

I am newly diagnosed only 4 weeks ago , type 2. I’ve always been quite slim and notice I didn’t feel the same and was losing weight so went doctors. Currently on 4 Metformin ( 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening) and 2 gliclazade ( 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening) I work shifts so tend to eat very odd times. I am trying to bulk using food only no gainers as the sugar content is too much, but need help to what I can and can’t eat to assist also best meals to eat before and after going to the gym. Also need help understanding about GI

Hi Tonio, how are you feeling generally? Do you have any history of Type 2 diabetes in your family? Given your description of how your diagnosis came about I am wondering if you may actually be a slow-onset Type 1. Although around 20% of people with Type 2 are not overweight at diagnosis, which is a significant proportion, it's unusual to be losing weight. How long has the weight loss been going on?

As you are on gliclizide your GP should have issued you with a blood glucose monitor and a prescription for test strips. Gliclizide prompts your pancreas to produce more insulin and this can sometimes lead to low blood sugar levels which then need to be trated with some fast-acting sugar e.g. a couple of jelly babies of similar. Because of this you should always test your levels before driving to ensure you are at a safe level. If you weren't given a monitor, explain this to the GP and insist on one.

Using the monitor you will also be able to assess the impact of your food choices on your blood sugar levels, as described in Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S. What is your appetite like? The problem is that, if you haven't been diagnosed correctly then 'bulking up' may not produce the results you are seeking i.e. gain weight. A slow-onset Type 1 will have a reduced supply of insulin and this means your body will not be able to use and store the energy from your food and you may continue to lose weight. I would add that a number of our members have been misdiagnosed as Type 2 and this can mean that you are placed on an unsuitable medication regime. A lot of healthcare professionals have little knowledge of Type 1 diabetes generally, but particularly when it appears in adulthood, so I would suggest asking the GP if there is a possibility of this - there are tests available that can help identify it.

For now, I would try to follow your normal diet and wait to see if the medication has its desired effect rather than making any drastic alterations to your eating patterns, as this may only cloud the waters.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Tonio

Like Northie, the weight loss caught my eye. Might be worth speaking to your GP to ask whether there are other clinical factors that are being taken into account, or whetherits mostly down to age. C-Peptide and Antibody tests can help, but these are not always 100% conclusive in themselves.

Do you know if you were tested for ketones?

 

[mikeyB]

Indeed. I was on an increasing dose of useless medication before I was diagnosed properly at 43. I wouldn’t expect that weight loss in T2, for sure, though T2 is more frequent in shift workers. I think you should press your GP to refer you to a Diabetes specialist to investigate further. That’s what happened to me, though that was in the good old days when we had what was known as the NHS

 

[mikeyB]

I think I should add, you haven’t been diagnosed as T2, you’ve just been assumed to have T2.

 

[Tonio]

Welcome to the forum @Tonio

Like Northie, the weight loss caught my eye. Might be worth speaking to your GP to ask whether there are other clinical factors that are being taken into account, or whetherits mostly down to age. C-Peptide and Antibody tests can help, but these are not always 100% conclusive in themselves.

Do you know if you were tested for ketones?

Thanks , since being on meds I have been able to maintain my weight which is good but looking to put on weight without causing myself and damage. I’m not sure but I done my bloods the other day and for the first time it came up with ketone? They were 14 mmol do you have any idea what that could mean I use a glucorx

 

[Tonio]

H

Hi Tonio, how are you feeling generally? Do you have any history of Type 2 diabetes in your family? Given your description of how your diagnosis came about I am wondering if you may actually be a slow-onset Type 1. Although around 20% of people with Type 2 are not overweight at diagnosis, which is a significant proportion, it's unusual to be losing weight. How long has the weight loss been going on?

As you are on gliclizide your GP should have issued you with a blood glucose monitor and a prescription for test strips. Gliclizide prompts your pancreas to produce more insulin and this can sometimes lead to low blood sugar levels which then need to be trated with some fast-acting sugar e.g. a couple of jelly babies of similar. Because of this you should always test your levels before driving to ensure you are at a safe level. If you weren't given a monitor, explain this to the GP and insist on one.

Using the monitor you will also be able to assess the impact of your food choices on your blood sugar levels, as described in Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S. What is your appetite like? The problem is that, if you haven't been diagnosed correctly then 'bulking up' may not produce the results you are seeking i.e. gain weight. A slow-onset Type 1 will have a reduced supply of insulin and this means your body will not be able to use and store the energy from your food and you may continue to lose weight. I would add that a number of our members have been misdiagnosed as Type 2 and this can mean that you are placed on an unsuitable medication regime. A lot of healthcare professionals have little knowledge of Type 1 diabetes generally, but particularly when it appears in adulthood, so I would suggest asking the GP if there is a possibility of this - there are tests available that can help identify it.

For now, I would try to follow your normal diet and wait to see if the medication has its desired effect rather than making any drastic alterations to your eating patterns, as this may only cloud the waters.

i thanks for the info, I’m ok seem to be having quite a bit of hypos recently. I’ve always weighed between 9stone but went up to 11 stone and realised I dramictily dropped a stone despite keeping to the same regime. I have a monitor which I was given so I tend to test my bloods before and after but it’s so hard to locate what causes a drop or spike. I really have got a lot to learn it’s prob gonna take time but I’ll eat it. Thanks again

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thanks , since being on meds I have been able to maintain my weight which is good but looking to put on weight without causing myself and damage. I’m not sure but I done my bloods the other day and for the first time it came up with ketone? They were 14 mmol do you have any idea what that could mean I use a glucorx

Many modern meters are designed to warn users if they get a reading above 13 or 14 to consider checking for ketones. This is because for people with T1, high BG along with not enough insulin in the body can lead to the body breaking down fat and muscle and produce ketones as a byproduct. If allowed to build up they can make the blood acidic and lead to a serious condition called DKA.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks , since being on meds I have been able to maintain my weight which is good but looking to put on weight without causing myself and damage. I’m not sure but I done my bloods the other day and for the first time it came up with ketone? They were 14 mmol do you have any idea what that could mean I use a glucorx

With some meters you can test for both blood glucose and blood ketones. You need to use different strips for the two types. With such meters, if your blood sugar level is above a certain point then it may show a message to prompt you to test for ketones. This is because high ketones and high blood sugar levels can be very dangerous. This is most likely to be a problem for people on insulin, however, as it is a lack of insulin that creates the danger. This is why it's important to get a correct diagnosis though - if your body is failing to provide sufficient insulin of its own (as is the case in slow-onset Type 1) then ketones can climb high, and medications intended to treat Type 2 diabetes may not be helpful.

Do ask to see a specialist so you can pin down a definite diagnosis and get the treatment that is right and safe for you. Unfortunately, we see far too many people here who have been misdiagnosed, often purely on age as some healthcare professionals assume Type 1 only occurs in childhood - it doesn't, I was 49 and I have known members here diagnosed in their 60s and 70s, so it can happen at any age.

Edit: posted the some time as Mike! 🙄

 

[Tonio]

Many modern meters are designed to warn users if they get a reading above 13 or 14 to consider checking for ketones. This is because for people with T1, high BG along with not enough insulin in the body can lead to the body breaking down fat and muscle and produce ketones as a byproduct. If allowed to build up they can make the blood acidic and lead to a serious condition called DKA.

Oh that makes sense because when I got diagnosed they did mention that I may be a type 1 and a half. Gonna try test my bloods more often as I need to get the reins on this

 

[Tonio]

With some meters you can test for both blood glucose and blood ketones. You need to use different strips for the two types. With such meters, if your blood sugar level is above a certain point then it may show a message to prompt you to test for ketones. This is because high ketones and high blood sugar levels can be very dangerous. This is most likely to be a problem for people on insulin, however, as it is a lack of insulin that creates the danger. This is why it's important to get a correct diagnosis though - if your body is failing to provide sufficient insulin of its own (as is the case in slow-onset Type 1) then ketones can climb high, and medications intended to treat Type 2 diabetes may not be helpful.

Do ask to see a specialist so you can pin down a definite diagnosis and get the treatment that is right and safe for you. Unfortunately, we see far too many people here who have been misdiagnosed, often purely on age as some healthcare professionals assume Type 1 only occurs in childhood - it doesn't, I was 49 and I have known members here diagnosed in their 60s and 70s, so it can happen at any age.

Edit: posted the some time as Mike! 🙄

Thanks I’m due to go doctors next week so I’ll put that to them and see what I’m advised and get back to you on what they say. Cheers again

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Oh that makes sense because when I got diagnosed they did mention that I may be a type 1 and a half. Gonna try test my bloods more often as I need to get the reins on this

I believe that if you are LADA/T1.5 you really should be on insulin as soon as possible to support your remaining beta cells rather than burning them out. You should also ask about a supply of ketone strips (either blood or urine) to ensure that you don't have ketones building up.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks I’m due to go doctors next week so I’ll put that to them and see what I’m advised and get back to you on what they say. Cheers again

Your last comment about you possibly being Type 1.5 ias actually what we have been suggesting, so it seems they are already on to the possiblity. Hopefully they will get on the case and confirm for you soon 🙂

 

[Ralph-YK]

Welcome to the forum Tonio.

I was given so I tend to test my bloods before and after but it’s so hard to locate what causes a drop or spike.

Hopefully you will start to see a pattern. Try keeping a record of your levels, food diary and gym activity (this may affect BG levels. Northerner might know more about that).

 

[Tonio]

I believe that if you are LADA/T1.5 you really should be on insulin as soon as possible to support your remaining beta cells rather than burning them out. You should also ask about a supply of ketone strips (either blood or urine) to ensure that you don't have ketones building up.

They did state that I was boarder line but only put me on meds. I will definely question them when I go next Wednesday and see what they say

Your last comment about you possibly being Type 1.5 ias actually what we have been suggesting, so it seems they are already on to the possiblity. Hopefully they will get on the case and confirm for you soon 🙂

hoping so as it’s becoming stressful but I’m sure they will get on top of it.

 

[Tonio]

Welcome to the forum Tonio.

Hopefully you will start to see a pattern. Try keeping a record of your levels, food diary and gym activity (this may affect BG levels. Northerner might know more about that).

Yeah think a good diary would help need to start one asap. Cheers

 

[zx10pilot]

Hi Tonio,
I was diagnosed at 44 after suffering the 4Ts (Tired, Thirsty, Toilet & Thin).

You mention weight loss, but there are four typical symptoms of Type 1 versus Type 2:
Tired - I was exhausted all the time, especially after eating.
Thirsty - I could drink pints of water / milk / orange juice & had almost unquenchable thirst.
Toilet - I couldn't really go for more than a couple of hours without needing the loo, especially at night.
Thin - I lost about 2 stone over the course of 3 months.
Have you had similar symptoms? If so, I would ask for further tests as soon as possible as you need the correct diagnosis.

Luckily the Doctor I saw was on the ball & got me on insulin straight away.
Regards
zx

 

[Tonio]

Hi Tonio,
I was diagnosed at 44 after suffering the 4Ts (Tired, Thirsty, Toilet & Thin).

You mention weight loss, but there are four typical symptoms of Type 1 versus Type 2:
Tired - I was exhausted all the time, especially after eating.
Thirsty - I could drink pints of water / milk / orange juice & had almost unquenchable thirst.
Toilet - I couldn't really go for more than a couple of hours without needing the loo, especially at night.
Thin - I lost about 2 stone over the course of 3 months.
Have you had similar symptoms? If so, I would ask for further tests as soon as possible as you need the correct diagnosis.

Luckily the Doctor I saw was on the ball & got me on insulin straight away.
Regards
zx

I wasn’t thirsty a lot ,was going toilet a lot lost a stone in 3 months that’s all I had really and obviously craving sweet stuff. Gonna question them next week and see what they say. Thanks

 

[Northerner]

I wasn’t thirsty a lot ,was going toilet a lot lost a stone in 3 months that’s all I had really and obviously craving sweet stuff. Gonna question them next week and see what they say. Thanks

With hindsight, my problems were similar. I lost about 2 stone over an 18 month period. I put this down at the time to doing extra training for running marathons and half marathons - I've always been slim, so my new 'reduced' weight wasn't alarming in any way. However, when I thought back I had also developed an almost insatiable thirst - at work I would get two cups of tea and two glasses of water every time I went to the machine, which was pretty often, and I also started drinking huge quantities of milk at home, as much as 40 pints a week! 😱 It seems my pancreas was failing and this was the reason for the excess thirst, particularly the milk, as milk contains sugar in the form of lactose and my body was craving energy (because it thought it wasn't getting enough as there wasn't enough insulin to process the sugar). This will be the same as your situation, craving sugar.

Hope you can follow this! 🙂 Anyway, what happened was that I caught a bad stomach bug. Infections can raise your blood sugar levels so my already high (unknown to me) levels got even higher. Basically, my pancreas became overwhelmed and I fell very ill with something called DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis). I lost a further 17 pound in 3 days and decided it was time to call the ambulance. The rest is now history.

So, this is something that can sneak up on you, but just one infection can push you into crisis. This is why it is very important to get a proper diagnosis and the correct treatment as soon as possible so you have the necessary treatments available to prevent what happened to me, happening to you.