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Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
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- Thread starter Teacake
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Drummer
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
To be honest - no.
I'd spend decades telling doctors that carbs made me feel ill - diagnosis simply confirmed what I'd been expecting for about 30 years. On the way home I went into the butcher and ordered a whole lamb (I'd been eating a cholesterol lowering diet for almost 2 years, and failing) so I used the paperwork to light the barbecue next day.
As a very ordinary type 2 I ate a low carb diet, as carbohydrates are what we can't cope with) and was back to normal in 6 months.
What I do find overwhelming is the level of ignorance about a proper diet to feed a Human.
I'd spend decades telling doctors that carbs made me feel ill - diagnosis simply confirmed what I'd been expecting for about 30 years. On the way home I went into the butcher and ordered a whole lamb (I'd been eating a cholesterol lowering diet for almost 2 years, and failing) so I used the paperwork to light the barbecue next day.
As a very ordinary type 2 I ate a low carb diet, as carbohydrates are what we can't cope with) and was back to normal in 6 months.
What I do find overwhelming is the level of ignorance about a proper diet to feed a Human.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi
Yes I think everyone feels overwhelmed when it comes out of the blue. But you are in the right place here. You haven't said what your HbA1c was, or whether you are on medications - it helps members to tailor their replies to you. I store mine in my signature below.
I suggest you work your way through the Learning Zone, one module a day so you can take it in. Also you should keep a food diary of everything that goes in, including fluids, and record at least your carbs. If you are a bit overweight, also record the calories. Most Type 2 people lower their blood glucose by reducing their carb intake. That's not just the usual suspects - sugar, sweets, cake, biscuits, pastries etc, but bread, potato, rice, pasta, root veggies, processed foods (they're often loaded with sugar), and many fruits. I have an online website with phone app (NutraCheck) which does all the hard work measuring and recording for me, and offers a 7 day free trial.
Exercise is important, even if it's only a short walk every day. I go to the pool 3 times a week for a water workout class, as I can't walk far. And of course losing weight, if you need to, helps. Smaller portions and less carbs, but I fill my plate with lots of low calorie vegetables.
Please ask whatever questions you want - we've all been there and learned from others. Best wishes
Yes I think everyone feels overwhelmed when it comes out of the blue. But you are in the right place here. You haven't said what your HbA1c was, or whether you are on medications - it helps members to tailor their replies to you. I store mine in my signature below.
I suggest you work your way through the Learning Zone, one module a day so you can take it in. Also you should keep a food diary of everything that goes in, including fluids, and record at least your carbs. If you are a bit overweight, also record the calories. Most Type 2 people lower their blood glucose by reducing their carb intake. That's not just the usual suspects - sugar, sweets, cake, biscuits, pastries etc, but bread, potato, rice, pasta, root veggies, processed foods (they're often loaded with sugar), and many fruits. I have an online website with phone app (NutraCheck) which does all the hard work measuring and recording for me, and offers a 7 day free trial.
Exercise is important, even if it's only a short walk every day. I go to the pool 3 times a week for a water workout class, as I can't walk far. And of course losing weight, if you need to, helps. Smaller portions and less carbs, but I fill my plate with lots of low calorie vegetables.
Please ask whatever questions you want - we've all been there and learned from others. Best wishes
Yes, totally stunned and given no advice other than 'lose weight'. @Felinia has given you good advice above. I bought a bs meter and the Carbs & Cals book. Keep in mind everyone is different but there's lots of friendly advice here.
Vonny
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi @Teacake and yes, the bottom fell out of my world the day I was diagnosed. With hindsight it was actually the best thing that could happen as I have totally turned my life around and am fitter than I have been for around 20 years! I only managed that through monitoring my blood sugar and keeping a food diary so I knew what spiked me and what I was safe with. Oh, and the massive support here on the forum of course 🙂 I'm not sure I could have kept it up without the friendly help I've been given.
Cherrelle DUK
Much missed Online Community Coordinator
Hi @Teacake, welcome to the forum.
Well I certainly felt overwhelmed and scared when I was first diagnosed so you're not alone. The lack of info certainly added to y fears so I'm glad you've found us.
Once you get your head around things it does get easier. Is there anything in particular we might be able to help with?
Well I certainly felt overwhelmed and scared when I was first diagnosed so you're not alone. The lack of info certainly added to y fears so I'm glad you've found us.
Once you get your head around things it does get easier. Is there anything in particular we might be able to help with?
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
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Ah that’s so inspiring @Vonny
Feeling overwhelmed and scared is perfectly natural @Teacake
But try not to feel too badly about your diagnosis. Perhaps like @Vonny it will be a catalyst that encourages you to make some changes towards a healthier, happier you - changes you may have been wanting to make for some time, but somehow didn’t have the oomph? Diabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy.
Making small, sustainable changes to your menu, and your level of activity can really help. Often you don’t realise how weary, worn down and lethargic you have been feeling. Erratic and elevated blood glucose levels can be exhausting and are linked with low mood, but this may have come on quite gradually. Making a few positive changes can give you more energy, a clearer mind, and a brighter outlook. Plus the regular checks you get after a diagnosis with diabetes mean that any potential problems may be spotted earlier, and can be sorted out sooner.
Take it steady… one step at a time. It’s often said here that diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. You have time to adjust and adapt.
Be kind to yourself 🙂
wow that amazing, I had already started a calorie controlled diet, and to date have lost 1stone. I've had no help from doctors or a diabetic nurse. I feel they have just told me to take metformin and get on with it.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
On the food labels you will see a line "Carbohydrates", and inset underneath it "of which sugars". The figure for carbohydrates INCLUDES sugars in the UK. As a diabetic, it is the carbohydrate figure you should be looking at, and reducing.
Felinia
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Still not sure I understand. The package will always have the measurement for 100gm of product. ie 37.8gm carbs of which 2.4gm are sugars. A 23.8gm serving will therefore contain 23.8/100*37.8 = 8.9gm carbs of which 23.8/100*2.4 = 0.6gm sugars. This is all types of sugars, not just sugar as in the white stuff you put in drinks. The example is a slice of wholemeal bread from a small loaf. Or am I still not answering your question? 
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