Never got to grips with my diabetes...

[Dan Stafford]

and now it’s time to change...

Hi guys n gals

I need some, I’ve been in the denial stage for about 2 years and haven’t done anything to help myself with my type 2 diabetes.

To cut a long story short I suffer with mental health and tried to take my own life back in January.

I’m getting help with my mental health and now also want to get healthy and bring my diabetes to a control, it’s affecting me greatly and have terrible stomach problems too.

I’m starting from scratch and feel like I’m all new to it as I’ve not really sought any help before.

I am on slow release metformin.

What food should I be eating? It’s like a mine field out there.

Thanks
Dan

 

[Bronco Billy]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum.

You’ve certainly been through the mill! Well done for the progress you have made so far, it couldn’t have been easy. They say that feeling physically healthier leads to better mental health, so stay motivated on that front as well.

Diet is possibly one of the most debated topics on the forum. each member has their own idea of what is good and bad. The truth is it’s what works for you and your lifestyle. Hopefully, the pages below will provide you with some guidance. Good luck and never forget we are here. There is a wealth of information to tap into, no question is too silly.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/food-and-diabetes/i-have-type-2-diabetes

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/food-and-keeping-active/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/managing-type-2-diabetes/best-and-worst-foods/

https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/diabetestype2.pdf

 

[Drummer]

One thing I can say is that - with luck - a diet which is low in carbs can mean that you don't need the Metformin - it practically turned me inside out and my gut has never been the same since, though it is a lot better than it was. I'm a lot happier now.
The simple basic information you need is that you can't deal with carbohydrates - the sugars and starches.
You should be able to eat some - I find that a maximum of 40 gm of carbs a day is right for me at the moment, and that gives me normal test results.
Foods which are dense carbs are the ones I avoid, but I can eat very well by choosing low carb veges and fruits, but I do eat a lot of salads.
Meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and cheese are all fine - usually - coffee with cream or drinks which are flavoured, not sugared are the ones to look for.

 

[CathyB]

Hi Dan,
Welcome 🙂 so glad you are getting help with your mental health and that you are ready to take control of your diabetes 😉
Low carb is the option I chose to follow and as I’m never going to make a commitment to be a gym bunny, I borrow a neighbours dog and walk as often as I can, nearly a year down the line and I’m 4 stone lighter, reduced my metformin by half and SO much happier in myself. Trust me when I say if I can do it, anyone can!
You will get all the support you need here and all the information to decide the best way for you