Hi everyone!

[Twirlygirl]

Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2 a year ago but think i have been in denial until now, I initially persuaded the practice nurse to give me 3 months to get it under control as i was nervous about starting on medication - this went well at first but then my brain seemed to decide I didn’t want to be diabetic so therefore I would act like I wasn’t, after a few shopping trips where i felt overwhelmed by what I should and shouldn’t eat and the ongoing feeling from my husband and family that i just need to cut out sugar and lose weight and then i wont be diabetic anymore, and the differing medical views about whether it can be reversed or just controlled, i ignored any attempt to ‘be good’ and ended up on metformin - currently just 500mg bd, but still eating whatever i like ( I know I’m an idiot). After a couple of weeks of feeling overwhelmingly tired, thirsty and desperate for the loo, I have finally decided it’s time to put on my big girl pants and crack on - so i‘ve joined here today, ordered a glucose monitor ( my gp’s said i dont need to monitor but I’m thinking if i can see what’s going on that might keep me motivated - hopefully some of you will agree) and I’m going to read the books i bought a year ago and search on here for advice - sorry for waffling on and if you’ve read this far, Thankyou! Xx

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum. If you read around then you will see there is overwhelming support for getting a glucose monitor and establishing a good testing regime to allow you to make better food choices and get a grip on making dierary changes that are needed in addition to the medication. Some people do suffer stomach issues with metformin and find taking mid meal can help but if it still persists then you can ask for slow release version which is supposed to be kinder on the stomach. But it is what you eat that will have the biggest impact, that is not to say you can't have enjoyable and sustaining meals, it is a matter of choosing the right foods.
This link may help you find a way that fits in with family cooking as it is a low carb approach based on real food.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

The book Carbs and Cals is a good resource but people do use various apps free or otherwise to keep track of carb content of all the foods they incorporate into their diet.
Do you know what your latest HbA1C is as that will indicate how much work you need to do, if not then ask.

 

[Twirlygirl]

Welcome to the forum. If you read around then you will see there is overwhelming support for getting a glucose monitor and establishing a good testing regime to allow you to make better food choices and get a grip on making dierary changes that are needed in addition to the medication. Some people do suffer stomach issues with metformin and find taking mid meal can help but if it still persists then you can ask for slow release version which is supposed to be kinder on the stomach. But it is what you eat that will have the biggest impact, that is not to say you can't have enjoyable and sustaining meals, it is a matter of choosing the right foods.
This link may help you find a way that fits in with family cooking as it is a low carb approach based on real food.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

The book Carbs and Cals is a good resource but people do use various apps free or otherwise to keep track of carb content of all the foods they incorporate into their diet.
Do you know what your latest HbA1C is as that will indicate how much work you need to do, if not then ask.

Hi, thank you for replying, my glucose monitor is arriving tomorrow so i thought id start by testing pre and post meals for a week or two then hopefully less as i see the effect what I’m eating has, I felt rubbish at first on metformin but that settled and i think the problem now is because of the rubbish I’m eating rather than the drug. My last HbA1C was 61, I’m due to have it checked again next month x

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi, thank you for replying, my glucose monitor is arriving tomorrow so i thought id start by testing pre and post meals for a week or two then hopefully less as i see the effect what I’m eating has, I felt rubbish at first on metformin but that settled and i think the problem now is because of the rubbish I’m eating rather than the drug. My last HbA1C was 61, I’m due to have it checked again next month x

You sound to have it sussed, keeping a good food diary alongside your testing will give you something to work on and look for some substitutions or reduced portions if needed. Your HbA1C is not desperately high so with some work you should be able to get it down.

 

[Ian68]

so i thought id start by testing pre and post meals for a week or two then hopefully less as i see the effect what I’m eating has,

Hi don’t rule out a meal or food type after 1 bad reading. There are lots of things that effect our BG level. I often try a smaller portion or eating it at a different time of day. I can’t look at a piece of bread in the morning with going sky high. but could happily have a sandwich later in the day and keep my BG in range. (Wholemeal of course 🙂 )

 

[Twirlygirl]

Hi don’t rule out a meal or food type after 1 bad reading. There are lots of things that effect our BG level. I often try a smaller portion or eating it at a different time of day. I can’t look at a piece of bread in the morning with going sky high. but could happily have a sandwich later in the day and keep my BG in range. (Wholemeal of course 🙂 )

Ok that’s good to know, thank you, there’s so much to get my head round - admitting to myself I’m diabetic for a start - I’m hoping testing will help me to get it into my head that i cant eat whatever i like without consequences

 

[Ian68]

I know the feeling I was only diagnosed in December but things get easier once you get into a rhythm. Personally I find breakfast the hardest time. It’s difficult to give others advice on what to eat as our bodies are all different. Today Breakfast was 0% Greek yogurt with a handful of blueberries. Lunch was ham, egg, CHIPS and pickles and my BG Has been between 5 and 7. The thing is I had plenty of protein but only a few chips. I still enjoy a take away. Chicken Shiah kebab I just don’t eat the pita bread or if I have an Indian I with have a byriani and a japati but only eat half and have the rest for lunch the following day. It works for me but probably not for others.

 

[Twirlygirl]

I know the feeling I was only diagnosed in December but things get easier once you get into a rhythm. Personally I find breakfast the hardest time. It’s difficult to give others advice on what to eat as our bodies are all different. Today Breakfast was 0% Greek yogurt with a handful of blueberries. Lunch was ham, egg, CHIPS and pickles and my BG Has been between 5 and 7. The thing is I had plenty of protein but only a few chips. I still enjoy a take away. Chicken Shiah kebab I just don’t eat the pita bread or if I have an Indian I with have a byriani and a japati but only eat half and have the rest for lunch the following day. It works for me but probably not for others.

Yes, i think its going to be a bit of trial and error, my problem is my sweet tooth, even though i know i should avoid them i cant - I’m hoping that seeing the effect it has on my glucose level when i test might finally snap me into gear

 

[Leadinglights]

Yes, i think its going to be a bit of trial and error, my problem is my sweet tooth, even though i know i should avoid them i cant - I’m hoping that seeing the effect it has on my glucose level when i test might finally snap me into gear

There are a few things you can have to satisfy a 'sweet tooth' but as you cut down on sweet things your tastes will change and things will seem too sweet.
Protein nut bars like Nature Valley, KIND or shop own are a low carb option, chocolate eclairs are not bad for carbs, sugarfree jelly with added berries with cream is a good desert. There are recipes for low carb cakes which some people make, sugarfreelondoner is one web site that a few people use for those recipes.

 

[Twirlygirl]

Yes, i think its going to be a bit of trial and error, my problem is my sweet tooth, even though i know i should avoid them i cant - I’m hoping that seeing the effect it has on my glucose level when i test might finally snap me into gear

There are a few things you can have to satisfy a 'sweet tooth' but as you cut down on sweet things your tastes will change and things will seem too sweet.
Protein nut bars like Nature Valley, KIND or shop own are a low carb option, chocolate eclairs are not bad for carbs, sugarfree jelly with added berries with cream is a good desert. There are recipes for low carb cakes which some people make, sugarfreelondoner is one web site that a few people use for those recipes.

They sound like great options - I’m happy that I can have cream! I’ll definitely check out that website, thank you x

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Hi, thank you for replying, my glucose monitor is arriving tomorrow so i thought id start by testing pre and post meals for a week or two then hopefully less as i see the effect what I’m eating has, I felt rubbish at first on metformin but that settled and i think the problem now is because of the rubbish I’m eating rather than the drug. My last HbA1C was 61, I’m due to have it checked again next month x

Try Myfitnesspal or similar apps to measure what you eat and control the carbs. Test your BG using a meter/finger prick tests if poss... I was in denial when prediabetic but not now..... x

 

[Twirlygirl]

Try Myfitnesspal or similar apps to measure what you eat and control the carbs. Test your BG using a meter/finger prick tests if poss... I was in denial when prediabetic but not now..... x

Hi, yes I’ll give that app a go, just bought a meter which arrived today so hopefully that’ll help me work out what I’m doing! X

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hope the BG meter gives you the information you need to fine tume your choices, and keep a lid on your cravings.

Let us know how you get on 🙂