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Hi there

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brackenny

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Type 2
Hello wonderful people. I have diabetes because I was on a huge dose of Steroids back in 2002, I also have MS, a brain tumor, high cholesterol, depression, bladder problems, sacroilitis, Hiatus Hernia, Fibro and Rheumatism.

I have been doing some internet research because I've just turned 58 and I look 9 months pregnant!!!! I have always liked to take care of my appearence so looking so big is really awful for me. Has anyone here been diagnosed with Gastroparesis with weight gain with their diabetes? I am so fed up trying to diet to keep the weight off it's really been affecting my anxiety & depression. I do a weekly exercise group with MS Society for an hour but with limited mobilty and high pain levels I really just don't know where to turn. I am finding housework a real chore now literally. So my hair has been thinning and because I have MS, I was told by a friend that Biotin has a good review and my nails (extremely soft), my hair (has stopped thinning so much) and my skin (seems to be dry) would benefit from taking it. Not knowing the side effects (if any) there was with Biotin, I started a course and have been taking them now it must be for at least 6 months now. I have to say I haven't seen to much of a change but did read something on the internet that got me worried. Biotin should only be taken on advice of the GP - my GP doesn't know I am on it. I also read it can give you an upset tummy, make you tired and headaches as well as blurred vision - all of which has/is happening to me. So the Diabetic Nurse called me today to say that I need to have a blood test done. Do I continue to take the Biotin? Apparently it can have an effect on the Lab Results so now I have decided to stop with immediate effect. You know being ill has a lot to answer for!!! Anyway I hope to get some good information from you and perhaps some words of encouragement to help me battle onwards.
 
Hi brackenny, and welcome to the forum.

I can't answer your questions, but I hope that the knowledge of people in here can help you with your T2 Diabetes, your weight problem and even perhaps your MS.

Firstly you may well be correct that the Steroids at least helped you get diabetic.
There is along list of things which can (not always do) raise Blood Glucose. The main types of medicine on that list are Steroids and Statins. Are you still taking either of those?

Secondly, Steroids are also implicated in weight gain. And Statins are often implicated in depression, brain fog and muscle pains.

Now I don't suggest you should stop taking medicines that are prescribed for you - just be aware of the side effects!

So what can help you? Well there is a very true saying that you can't out-run a poor diet.
So what are you eating?
Many T2 diabetics, including myself, have put their T2D into remission and lost weigh, lowered Blood Pressure, gained energy, reduced depression and more by:
A). Eating real food - rather than highly processed.
B). Cutting down (hard) on Carbohydrates (though you have to be careful if you are on Insulin).
All of this without 'going on a diet' , so no calorie restriction - just count carbs, not calories! Just eat a good satisfying meal in order to be able to last til the next one with no snacking!

There is also evidence that a Low Carb High(er) Fat way of eating can improve symptoms for those with MS.

I used a Blood Glucose meter (self funded) in order to determine the worst (carby) food for me - the ones that spiked my Blood Glucose the most. Then I eliminated them, or cut back as hard as I could on them.
I currently eat between 20grams and 40 grams of carbohydrates per Day.

Once I became 'fat adapted' I didn't feel hungry at breakfast time, so I was able to skip breakfasts, go into 'Time Restricted Feeding' aka 16x8 and thus the weigh and BG declined even faster.

Any more information would make this reply far too long.
I hope this helps!
 
Gastroparesis is caused by a faulty nervous system and hence only associated alongside diabetes since Diabetic Neuropathy (which generally is caused by having too high blood glucose for too much of the time) can hit any and all parts of that system. It also requires different strategies to keep it happy and not be faced with too much stomach contents for the digestive system to deal with at any one time. It isn't always caused primarily BY diabetes though.

Have you actually been properly diagnosed with Gastroparesis though?
 
Welcome to the forum @brackenny

Sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety and depression alongside your other health needs.

If you are taking Biotin (or any supplement) it is usually a good idea to mention it to your GP, and also to discuss it with your local Pharmacist, especially as you are living with multiple conditions, with (most likely) multiple meds, as pharmacists are well placed to know if anything is going to disagree with anything else.

Are you undergoing tests for gastroparesis? Are you struggling with bloating and nausea?
 
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