Hi, just thought id take a minute to introduce myself. I am Amy, 36. Informed this morning that i have type 2 diabetes, doctors has prescribed Metformin and another tablet (cant remember the name) to try and get my blood sugars down. i am a little overwhelmed and spent most of this morning trying to find an app that tracks everything, carb intake, fat intake, salt etc etc and im yet to find one so if anyone has any suggestions or words of wisdom please let me know. i have some other health complaints which make exercising more difficult but i need to change my ways drastically, unsure where to start with it all if im completely honest.
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Hi
- Thread starter RaybA
- Start date
- Status
Abida DUK
Supporter Care Advisor
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent of person with diabetes
Hi Amy, a very warm welcome to the forum! 🙂
I'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling overwhelmed with your recent diagnosis but want to reassure you that people living with diabetes can live happy and healthy lives with the right support and guidance. We've got a very supportive and knowledgeable community on the forum, so please feel welcome to ask any questions you'd like here.
Also, if you’d like to have a chat about this one-to-one, you are more than welcome to speak to our Helpline. They aren’t medical professionals, but they do have a lot of knowledge about diabetes (including blood sugar levels, carbs, and symptom management) and are also trained counsellors - you can give us a call on 0345 123 2399 or send an email to helpline@diabetes.org.uk, and a member of the team will be happy to help.
I'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling overwhelmed with your recent diagnosis but want to reassure you that people living with diabetes can live happy and healthy lives with the right support and guidance. We've got a very supportive and knowledgeable community on the forum, so please feel welcome to ask any questions you'd like here.
Also, if you’d like to have a chat about this one-to-one, you are more than welcome to speak to our Helpline. They aren’t medical professionals, but they do have a lot of knowledge about diabetes (including blood sugar levels, carbs, and symptom management) and are also trained counsellors - you can give us a call on 0345 123 2399 or send an email to helpline@diabetes.org.uk, and a member of the team will be happy to help.
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hi and welcome.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but great that you have found the forum as there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here from people who have been in your situation and got the T-shirt. It is "overwhelming" at first. Actually I would be surprised if there is a newbie post which doesn't include that word. Food is such an important aspect of our lives, both from a sustenance point of view but also obviously enjoyment, customs/tradition/religious and community connotations that make long term changes to our way of eating a daunting prospect. The good news is that it does get easier as you form new habits and in fact many of us feel fitter and healthier and slimmer and younger as a result of the changes we have made to our diet. I have found there have been several health benefits apart from my diabetes management and for me following a low carb way of eating has also helped me to control my disordered/comfort eating, so there may have been more positives to come of it than negatives and my new way of eating is not by any means devoid of treats or nice food, it is just different and getting your head around those changes is the hardest part.... learning what to buy and how to cook it and which foods cause your body the most problems and which you can get away with and in what portion size.
If you can let us know the name of the other medication you have been given, that will be helpful as it will influence the advice we offer. Also, do you know the result of the blood test used to diagnose you? This is called an HbA1c test and is used to diagnose and track your progress with diabetes. It is usually a number in excess of 47 if you have a full diagnosis (as oppose to 42-47 if you are at risk of developing diabetes and below 42 is normal. If things are significantly awry, that number can be up into 3 figures and I am guessing yours might be quite high if they have started you on two lots of diabetes medication straight away.
Have they given you a home BG testing kit? That is something which can be extremely empowering in managing your diabetes through dietary changes and many people here on the forum who have been successful in managing their diabetes have found it an invaluable tool as it allows you to "see" your diabetes in the numbers the meter gives you when you test and this can give you direct feedback on the food you have eaten. They can be self funded if your GP/nurse will not provide you with testing strips on prescription..... It is the testing strips which incur the most expense over the longer term, so don't be tempted to go for a free meter (some manufacturers give them away) which you may then find has expensive test strips. If you are interested in getting a meter and need to self fund, we can give you recommendations.
Anyway, enough info for now. Just to let you know that we are here to answer any questions you have and offer support or just to listen if you need to let off steam. We understand how diabetes affects so many aspects of life and whilst advice and support is really helpful, sometimes we all need to let off a little steam at the frustration and unfairness of it all. The diagnosis is often likened to the grieving process because you have lost the innocent carefree life where you could eat whatever you wanted without a thought, but it certainly doesn't mean that your food will no longer be enjoyable or interesting. In some respects it can become more enjoyable and interesting because you may start to try new foods to replace the ones that your body can no longer tolerate, but it definitely needs more thought and planning. 🙄
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but great that you have found the forum as there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here from people who have been in your situation and got the T-shirt. It is "overwhelming" at first. Actually I would be surprised if there is a newbie post which doesn't include that word. Food is such an important aspect of our lives, both from a sustenance point of view but also obviously enjoyment, customs/tradition/religious and community connotations that make long term changes to our way of eating a daunting prospect. The good news is that it does get easier as you form new habits and in fact many of us feel fitter and healthier and slimmer and younger as a result of the changes we have made to our diet. I have found there have been several health benefits apart from my diabetes management and for me following a low carb way of eating has also helped me to control my disordered/comfort eating, so there may have been more positives to come of it than negatives and my new way of eating is not by any means devoid of treats or nice food, it is just different and getting your head around those changes is the hardest part.... learning what to buy and how to cook it and which foods cause your body the most problems and which you can get away with and in what portion size.
If you can let us know the name of the other medication you have been given, that will be helpful as it will influence the advice we offer. Also, do you know the result of the blood test used to diagnose you? This is called an HbA1c test and is used to diagnose and track your progress with diabetes. It is usually a number in excess of 47 if you have a full diagnosis (as oppose to 42-47 if you are at risk of developing diabetes and below 42 is normal. If things are significantly awry, that number can be up into 3 figures and I am guessing yours might be quite high if they have started you on two lots of diabetes medication straight away.
Have they given you a home BG testing kit? That is something which can be extremely empowering in managing your diabetes through dietary changes and many people here on the forum who have been successful in managing their diabetes have found it an invaluable tool as it allows you to "see" your diabetes in the numbers the meter gives you when you test and this can give you direct feedback on the food you have eaten. They can be self funded if your GP/nurse will not provide you with testing strips on prescription..... It is the testing strips which incur the most expense over the longer term, so don't be tempted to go for a free meter (some manufacturers give them away) which you may then find has expensive test strips. If you are interested in getting a meter and need to self fund, we can give you recommendations.
Anyway, enough info for now. Just to let you know that we are here to answer any questions you have and offer support or just to listen if you need to let off steam. We understand how diabetes affects so many aspects of life and whilst advice and support is really helpful, sometimes we all need to let off a little steam at the frustration and unfairness of it all. The diagnosis is often likened to the grieving process because you have lost the innocent carefree life where you could eat whatever you wanted without a thought, but it certainly doesn't mean that your food will no longer be enjoyable or interesting. In some respects it can become more enjoyable and interesting because you may start to try new foods to replace the ones that your body can no longer tolerate, but it definitely needs more thought and planning. 🙄
Thank you for this. I am going shortly to pick up my medications so will definitely let you know the second name of medication. I am sat here thinking I’m going to starve, I will be the first to admit I am an avid comfort eater and I don’t choose good options, more tasty options and things that I like eating (probably why I’m here now).
This time last year I was in normal range, I only had the blood test because id asked to be referred to weight management (hoping to get saxenda prescribed) I honestly thought it would come back ‘normal no action’ like it always has.
So my HBA1C was 6.9 (old money) which on the new scale is 151 or (52), my second HBA1C less than a week later was 7.1 (old money) or 157 (54) that in itself confuses me.
I haven’t been given a BS monitor but it is something I am considering but again I don’t know where to start (I know how to use it as I’ve done care work for years and we had diabetic residents), I have waves of feeling weak, sick and generally rubbish all round. In the hotter weather, I have woken up in a puddle of sweat hallucinating and it isn’t the first time so I’d love to be able to check even if it’s just when I’m feeling particularly ‘off’. Hallucinating in itself is scary and when it first started occurring I thought it was due to depression and not sleeping properly etc now I’m not so sure.
Also been told by diabetic nurse today that type 2 don’t get ‘lows’ in probably feeling that way for being too ‘high’ yet when I feel that off I eat something and feel a bit better (no nausea) so I’m unsure now.
Apparently for a diabetic my cholesterol is a bit high at 5.9 for a diabetic I need to aim for 4.
Also getting pain in my kidneys, been given a pot for a urine test to check my kidneys.
Any information, advice, help I’d really appreciate it as I’m feeling ‘mind blown’ x
This time last year I was in normal range, I only had the blood test because id asked to be referred to weight management (hoping to get saxenda prescribed) I honestly thought it would come back ‘normal no action’ like it always has.
So my HBA1C was 6.9 (old money) which on the new scale is 151 or (52), my second HBA1C less than a week later was 7.1 (old money) or 157 (54) that in itself confuses me.
I haven’t been given a BS monitor but it is something I am considering but again I don’t know where to start (I know how to use it as I’ve done care work for years and we had diabetic residents), I have waves of feeling weak, sick and generally rubbish all round. In the hotter weather, I have woken up in a puddle of sweat hallucinating and it isn’t the first time so I’d love to be able to check even if it’s just when I’m feeling particularly ‘off’. Hallucinating in itself is scary and when it first started occurring I thought it was due to depression and not sleeping properly etc now I’m not so sure.
Also been told by diabetic nurse today that type 2 don’t get ‘lows’ in probably feeling that way for being too ‘high’ yet when I feel that off I eat something and feel a bit better (no nausea) so I’m unsure now.
Apparently for a diabetic my cholesterol is a bit high at 5.9 for a diabetic I need to aim for 4.
Also getting pain in my kidneys, been given a pot for a urine test to check my kidneys.
Any information, advice, help I’d really appreciate it as I’m feeling ‘mind blown’ x
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
A monitor is a good investment to help you manage blood glucose level and sadly GP don't provide them unless you are very lucky unless of course the additional medication is one which can cause low blood glucose in which case they should provide one and strips on prescription.
You may find this link helpful in explaining a low carb approach which had proven successful in both reducing weight and blood glucose. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
The symptoms you describe can be high blood glucose but also (unlikely in your case) low blood glucose which is why a monitor is a good idea
Inexpensive ones can be bought on line but it is the cost of the strips which is important so shop around, the GlucoNavii was on with the cheapest strips but the price does seem to have gone up recently.
You may find this link helpful in explaining a low carb approach which had proven successful in both reducing weight and blood glucose. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
The symptoms you describe can be high blood glucose but also (unlikely in your case) low blood glucose which is why a monitor is a good idea
Inexpensive ones can be bought on line but it is the cost of the strips which is important so shop around, the GlucoNavii was on with the cheapest strips but the price does seem to have gone up recently.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
That is a medication which encourages the kidneys to excrete excess glucose via urine, it is important to drink plenty as otherwise you can become dehydrated, I think they suggest 3 litres, of course the consequence is frequent loo visits and potential for urinary tract infection as bacteria love that sugary environment so keep an eye out for that.
Lucyr
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Yes, you need to be careful with dietary advice people will give you whilst you’re taking empagliflozin as it is not recommended to follow a low carb diet with this medication.
Bruce Stephens
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
It's one of the SGLT2 inhibitors and as well as possibly increasing the risk of UTIs it can hide ketones which is why they're not for people with Type 1 (usually). Not usually an issue for people with Type 2, but it's not unknown.
Lucyr
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
If you read the leaflet for this medication, most specifically say not to follow a low carb diet whilst taking it. I don’t even low carb and had DKA as a T2 within a week of starting to take it. You can reduce carbs if intake is high, just be careful not to cut them all out to a low carb level as most posters here would reccomend without considering the leaflet specifically advising against this
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I am quite surprised that with an HbA1C at 54mmol/mol that additional medication has been prescribed, indeed people at that level have been given the opportunity to reduce their blood glucose by making dietary changes without starting on any medication.
As mentioned it is not recommended that people adopt a low carb dietary regime that is less than 130g per day.
It seems strange that you have been prescribed the extra meds when many people find that a low carb regime is successful either without meds or with just the help of metformin.
It seems Doctors are too hasty at reaching for the prescription pad without giving dietary options a chance to work.
As mentioned it is not recommended that people adopt a low carb dietary regime that is less than 130g per day.
It seems strange that you have been prescribed the extra meds when many people find that a low carb regime is successful either without meds or with just the help of metformin.
It seems Doctors are too hasty at reaching for the prescription pad without giving dietary options a chance to work.
Bruce Stephens
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
As you say, 54 is pretty low. If I remember correctly the NICE guideline suggests starting with just metformin (if medication is needed at all).
I’m not sure if I was given it because I’ve had pain in my kidneys for a couple of days, originally thought I’d pulled something (in my sleep) as it was just the left side to start but now both are aching. I’ve got my urine analysis to send off to the lab so maybe it won’t be a long term thing?? Honestly have no clue but just following the diabetic nurses advise for now.
Started both tablets this morning and felt dizzy for a good 30-60 minutes. That seemed to correct itself. Hopefully when the metformin increases from 1 tablet to 2 to 3 to 4 it doesn’t make me feel horrendous x
Started both tablets this morning and felt dizzy for a good 30-60 minutes. That seemed to correct itself. Hopefully when the metformin increases from 1 tablet to 2 to 3 to 4 it doesn’t make me feel horrendous x
Bruce Stephens
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Could be, I guess. Maybe it also acts as a diuretic or something.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi and welcome
Like the others who have replied, I am very surprised at the level of medication you have been prescribed. You are only just into the diabetic range and many people at this low level are given the opportunity to reduce their HbA1c with a healthy lifestyle first (diet and exercise). I was, and successfully managed it (then I became ill, but that's another story). I am currently on Metformin SR and Canagliflozin (similar to your medication) and have chipped my HbA1c down to 59. Bit like tackling a peanut with a sledgehammer!
Once your kidney results are through, it might be worth having a word with your nurse to see if you can try diet and exercise first. She may have been taking your other medical conditions into account. Metformin does have a side effect of tummy troubles, and the "flozin" family also have side effects. It is essential to drink plenty - I get through 3-4 litres a day and my diabetic nurse told me not to go too low on the daily carbs. It is suggested less than 130gm carbs a day, but I stay near the top end, at around 90gms a day, give or take.
You asked about apps to track everything, carb intake, fat intake, salt etc. I use NutraCheck which is £29.99 a year for the app only. The web version is much more expensive. There is also MyFitBit which I believe does have a free version. Sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. I have mobility issues and found the best exercise is in the swimming pool where the water supports my body. There are evening sessions at most pools. I do aquafit as it is social and fun (we are mostly ladies of a certain age and all shapes and sizes!).
This is a great opportunity to try all sorts of new foods. I have enjoyed the different recipes I tried out. For example I make a sauce of peppers, onions, celery, courgettes and a tin of tomatoes which I serve with soy bean pasta and chopped grilled chicken or tuna tinned in brine. Low carb and healthy. I make my own soups (without potato or thickeners) and freeze batches. I also use my slow cooker or casserole, with lots of veggies and chicken.
Best wishes
Like the others who have replied, I am very surprised at the level of medication you have been prescribed. You are only just into the diabetic range and many people at this low level are given the opportunity to reduce their HbA1c with a healthy lifestyle first (diet and exercise). I was, and successfully managed it (then I became ill, but that's another story). I am currently on Metformin SR and Canagliflozin (similar to your medication) and have chipped my HbA1c down to 59. Bit like tackling a peanut with a sledgehammer!
Once your kidney results are through, it might be worth having a word with your nurse to see if you can try diet and exercise first. She may have been taking your other medical conditions into account. Metformin does have a side effect of tummy troubles, and the "flozin" family also have side effects. It is essential to drink plenty - I get through 3-4 litres a day and my diabetic nurse told me not to go too low on the daily carbs. It is suggested less than 130gm carbs a day, but I stay near the top end, at around 90gms a day, give or take.
You asked about apps to track everything, carb intake, fat intake, salt etc. I use NutraCheck which is £29.99 a year for the app only. The web version is much more expensive. There is also MyFitBit which I believe does have a free version. Sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. I have mobility issues and found the best exercise is in the swimming pool where the water supports my body. There are evening sessions at most pools. I do aquafit as it is social and fun (we are mostly ladies of a certain age and all shapes and sizes!).
This is a great opportunity to try all sorts of new foods. I have enjoyed the different recipes I tried out. For example I make a sauce of peppers, onions, celery, courgettes and a tin of tomatoes which I serve with soy bean pasta and chopped grilled chicken or tuna tinned in brine. Low carb and healthy. I make my own soups (without potato or thickeners) and freeze batches. I also use my slow cooker or casserole, with lots of veggies and chicken.
Best wishes
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