Hi 2 months in confused!!

[Penny58]

Type 2 diagnosis 2 mths ago really struggling to get to grips with what I can and cannot eat, getting fed up of salad and veg but not sure what to do, recipes often seem conflicting

 

[Ian68]

Hi Penny lots of useful info here

Landing Page | Diabetes UK Learning Zone

learningzone.diabetes.org.uk

Do you know what your HbA1C was when you were diagnosed? Would be something above 48 are you on meds. Do you test your BG levels?

It might just be a case of making some simple lifestyle changes such as switching carb heavy food to whole meal and reducing portion size.

Testing your BG just before you eat and 2 hours after along with keeping a food diary helps you gain a good understanding of what you can eat.

 

[Penny58]

I don't off hand don't have it written down. I was started on metformin 2 a day straight away, i go back for 3 months check in few weeks but haven't been asked to do any testing at all

 

[Drummer]

@Penny58 As a type 2 you can eat meat, fish, seafood, eggs, cheese and full fat dairy as protein and fats do not usually lead to increased blood glucose. If you choose low carb veges and fruit up to what you can cope with - that is where the meter comes in for testing, then keeping to normal numbers is fairly simple.

 

[Penny58]

Hi Penny lots of useful info here

Landing Page | Diabetes UK Learning Zone

learningzone.diabetes.org.uk

Do you know what your HbA1C was when you were diagnosed? Would be something above 48 are you on meds. Do you test your BG levels?

It might just be a case of making some simple lifestyle changes such as switching carb heavy food to whole meal and reducing portion size.

Testing your BG just before you eat and 2 hours after along with keeping a food diary helps you gain a good understanding of what you can eat.

I don't off hand but was started on Metformin straight away. I have my 3 month check in about 5wks but haven't been asked to do any testing for myself. I have had feet and eye test and all good and weight loss heading in right direction .

 

[Penny58]

@Penny58 As a type 2 you can eat meat, fish, seafood, eggs, cheese and full fat dairy as protein and fats do not usually lead to increased blood glucose. If you choose low carb veges and fruit up to what you can cope with - that is where the meter comes in for testing, then keeping to normal numbers is fairly simple.

This is were I'm at a lose as I don't know what numbers and haven't been told to do any checks, maybe my 3 month check up will be a changing point after initial weight loss and next lot of bloods.

 

[Ian68]

Hi Penny congrats on your weight loss. My HbA1C was high 128 and I was given a BGM by the nurse. Since then they changed my diagnosis from type 2 to type 1 and I was provided with a libre 2 sensor.

My point of view is if you are not testing how can you learn.

I know there they will be making the libre 2 available on prescription to type 2 diabetics just not sure when. When you go for your review I would tell them you want to get grips with your diabetes but without a means of testing you will never work out what works for you. Ask if the libre 2 is an option on prescription if not ask for a BGM. You are obviously doing the right things with your weight loss. The thing is with diabetes it’s a long game so whatever you do it has to be sustainable.

I cut my carbs to 30g a day which in hindsight was not the healthiest thing to do and wasn’t sustainable. You can buy BGM of circa £15 but chose one with affordable strips if you do. Self funding continuous monitor’s like the libre are more expensive £50 a fortnight.

You are doing great with your weight loss and don’t stress yourself over it.

 

[Penny58]

Hi Penny congrats on your weight loss. My HbA1C was high 128 and I was given a BGM by the nurse. Since then they changed my diagnosis from type 2 to type 1 and I was provided with a libre 2 sensor.

My point of view is if you are not testing how can you learn.

I know there they will be making the libre 2 available on prescription to type 2 diabetics just not sure when. When you go for your review I would tell them you want to get grips with your diabetes but without a means of testing you will never work out what works for you. Ask if the libre 2 is an option on prescription if not ask for a BGM. You are obviously doing the right things with your weight loss. The thing is with diabetes it’s a long game so whatever you do it has to be sustainable.

I cut my carbs to 30g a day which in hindsight was not the healthiest thing to do and wasn’t sustainable. You can buy BGM of circa £15 but chose one with affordable strips if you do. Self funding continuous monitor’s like the libre are more expensive £50 a fortnight.

You are doing great with your weight loss and don’t stress yourself over it.

Thank you for that information and support

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you for that information and support

You have got several threads going so be sure to check for replies in each.
If you can then it would be a good idea to find out what your HbA1C is as it will tell you how much work you will need to do and make the changes to your diet without going too extreme too quickly.
Testing what meals you can tolerate is something many people consider important as it gives you control over your diabetes.
This link may help you find a way forward with some dietary changes as it is based on real food and follows a low carbohydrate approach which many people find successful both reducing blood glucose level and losing weight.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

 

[Penny58]

I don't off hand don't have it written down. I was started on metformin 2 a day straight away, i go back for 3 months check in few weeks but haven't been asked to do any testing at all

Thank you

 

[Penny58]

You have got several threads going so be sure to check for replies in each.
If you can then it would be a good idea to find out what your HbA1C is as it will tell you how much work you will need to do and make the changes to your diet without going too extreme too quickly.
Testing what meals you can tolerate is something many people consider important as it gives you control over your diabetes.
This link may help you find a way forward with some dietary changes as it is based on real food and follows a low carbohydrate approach which many people find successful both reducing blood glucose level and losing weight.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

Thank you

 

[Penny58]

Hi Penny congrats on your weight loss. My HbA1C was high 128 and I was given a BGM by the nurse. Since then they changed my diagnosis from type 2 to type 1 and I was provided with a libre 2 sensor.

My point of view is if you are not testing how can you learn.

I know there they will be making the libre 2 available on prescription to type 2 diabetics just not sure when. When you go for your review I would tell them you want to get grips with your diabetes but without a means of testing you will never work out what works for you. Ask if the libre 2 is an option on prescription if not ask for a BGM. You are obviously doing the right things with your weight loss. The thing is with diabetes it’s a long game so whatever you do it has to be sustainable.

I cut my carbs to 30g a day which in hindsight was not the healthiest thing to do and wasn’t sustainable. You can buy BGM of circa £15 but chose one with affordable strips if you do. Self funding continuous monitor’s like the libre are more expensive £50 a fortnight.

You are doing great with your weight loss and don’t stress yourself over it.

Thank you

 

[silentsquirrel]

I know there they will be making the libre 2 available on prescription to type 2 diabetics just not sure when. When you go for your review I would tell them you want to get grips with your diabetes but without a means of testing you will never work out what works for you. Ask if the libre 2 is an option on prescription if not ask for a BGM.

Hi @Penny58 , I am afraid @Ian68 is being wildly optimistic to think libre "will" be available on prescription to T2s.
The draft guidelines are changing soon, so that T2s on insulin with poor control just may have a slightly better than zero chance of getting libre, and hopefully those with very special circumstances who find fingerprick testing almost impossible may be considered.

For T2s on diet only, or diet plus metformin, I would expect it to be years if not decades away. (If you are in Scotland, I understand the situation is slightly better, but it would still only be for those on insulin.)

Certainly you can ask for a BG meter, you may be one of the few lucky ones whose surgery appreciates how helpful testing can be, but be prepared to be told T2s do not need to test.

 

[Drummer]

At the moment a Type 2 not on medication can't even get VAT off a glucose meter and strips which they usually have to buy themselves because HCPs don't see any reason for us to test our blood day to day. If suddenly we are to be given CGMs I could have a fit of the vapours due to the shock of it.

 

[Penny58]

Hi @Penny58 , I am afraid @Ian68 is being wildly optimistic to think libre "will" be available on prescription to T2s.
The draft guidelines are changing soon, so that T2s on insulin with poor control just may have a slightly better than zero chance of getting libre, and hopefully those with very special circumstances who find fingerprick testing almost impossible may be considered.

For T2s on diet only, or diet plus metformin, I would expect it to be years if not decades away. (If you are in Scotland, I understand the situation is slightly better, but it would still only be for those on insulin.)

Certainly you can ask for a BG meter, you may be one of the few lucky ones whose surgery appreciates how helpful testing can be, but be prepared to be told T2s do not need to test.

Thank you

 

[Leadinglights]

At the moment a Type 2 not on medication can't even get VAT off a glucose meter and strips which they usually have to buy themselves because HCPs don't see any reason for us to test our blood day to day. If suddenly we are to be given CGMs I could have a fit of the vapours due to the shock of it.

If you buy on line then you tick the box to say you are diabetic, no question about medication so I assumed that it was legitimate not to pay VAT

 

[trophywench]

If you buy on line then you tick the box to say you are diabetic, no question about medication so I assumed that it was legitimate not to pay VAT

I would very firmly assume the same. If the Government did not intend it to be the case, then they should explain that to both the patients and the companies offering things for sale to us.

 

[Drummer]

If you buy on line then you tick the box to say you are diabetic, no question about medication so I assumed that it was legitimate not to pay VAT

When I signed up for a Tee 2 I believe I had to respond to questions in an email about medication before being able to access the tickbox - but that was over 5 years ago now - how time flies eh?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Quite a few members here find their practice nurse or GP actively try to dissuade them from self monitoring.

This is partly cost saving… but it’s also them worrying about people getting upset by the results. Or finding it painful and inconvenient.

However so many forum members find that far from being upsetting, it is hugely helpful to be able to see exactly how they respond to different foods, and whether this or that thing suit them better.

Reactions to foods can be very individual, and one of the best ways to discover your own tolerances (can you eat porridge? are apples OK? is one slice of seedy bread OK at breakfast? how about later in the day…) is to ask your meter.

Check before eating, and again 2hrs after the first bite and see how much it has gone up, if at all. Ideally you want the ‘meal rise’ to be 2-3mmol/L or less. If you get a bigger rise, try a smaller portion - or maybe try that source of carbs later in the day (breakfast time is often trickiest).

Many members here use their BG meter to fine-tune their menu and to discover some happy surprises - things they thought would be off limits, but which their body copes well with 🙂

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Quite a few members here find their practice nurse or GP actively try to dissuade them from self monitoring.

This is partly cost saving… but it’s also them worrying about people getting upset by the results. Or finding it painful and inconvenient.

However so many forum members find that far from being upsetting, it is hugely helpful to be able to see exactly how they respond to different foods, and whether this or that thing suit them better.

Reactions to foods can be very individual, and one of the best ways to discover your own tolerances (can you eat porridge? are apples OK? is one slice of seedy bread OK at breakfast? how about later in the day…) is to ask your meter.

Check before eating, and again 2hrs after the first bite and see how much it has gone up, if at all. Ideally you want the ‘meal rise’ to be 2-3mmol/L or less. If you get a bigger rise, try a smaller portion - or maybe try that source of carbs later in the day (breakfast time is often trickiest).

Many members here use their BG meter to fine-tune their menu and to discover some happy surprises - things they thought would be off limits, but which their body copes well with 🙂

I found that the rise depended on my pre meal reading.
If I was 4, I could see an 8 and still be reasonably happy.
Depending on circumstances, if I started eating at an 8, I tried to keep the rise as low as possible.
Even now, I'm not too fussed about the rise, so long as I stay in the none diabetic end zone, and rarely test before meals anymore.