Hi I was diagnosed with T2 about 18 months ago, but led to believe it was only border line. Now I have been put on Metformin one 500 tablet a day for one month then up to 2 per day. Depending on results I was told i may have to take three tabs a day. I am quite an active person, try to walk at least 5 miles at least three times a week and smaller distances in between. I have today purchased a treadmill so hopefully exercise will improve. I do find that I get VERY constipated and am looking for advice on what to eat to help this condition. I love orange juice but that is so high is sugar.I drink roughly one and a half ltrs of water a day, maybe three cups of both tea and coffee, now with no sugar. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Newbie - chris101
- Thread starter chris101
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Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi Chris101, welcome to the forum 🙂 I d wish people wouldn't tell patients that they are 'borderline', as this somehow implies that they do not have to take it too seriously, giving a false sense that you only need to be a 'bit more careful' in order to stay well. Any diagnosis of diabetes needs to be tackled as soon as possible so that effective changes can be made to both diet and lifestyle right from the first indications.
Are you able to test your blood sugar levels so that you can build up a picture of how different food and activities affect you? If not, then it is something you should ask your GP about. Diabetes is a very individual condition, and each person needs the tools to learn how best to manage things for themselves.
I would highly recommend reading Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker and also Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter to give you a greater understanding of what is required to manage your diabetes well.
It sounds as though you are pretty active, but the treadmill will certainly help if it means you are able to add even more regular exercise into your schedule! Exercise makes you more sensitive to the insulin you produce, so helps improve your blood sugar control. What sort of meals do you eat? Perhaps if you could give us a sample day's menu we could help you decide whether things should be substituted with more diabetes-friendly alternatives etc. I would personally recommend following the GL diet (Glycaemic Load), as this is a way of selecting food that will release its energy slowly after eating and is kinder on your levels - The GL Diet for Dummies is a great introduction. This may or may not help with the constipation - is this a problem you have discussed with your doctor?
Please ask any questions you may have and we will do our best to help! 🙂
Are you able to test your blood sugar levels so that you can build up a picture of how different food and activities affect you? If not, then it is something you should ask your GP about. Diabetes is a very individual condition, and each person needs the tools to learn how best to manage things for themselves.
I would highly recommend reading Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker and also Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter to give you a greater understanding of what is required to manage your diabetes well.
It sounds as though you are pretty active, but the treadmill will certainly help if it means you are able to add even more regular exercise into your schedule! Exercise makes you more sensitive to the insulin you produce, so helps improve your blood sugar control. What sort of meals do you eat? Perhaps if you could give us a sample day's menu we could help you decide whether things should be substituted with more diabetes-friendly alternatives etc. I would personally recommend following the GL diet (Glycaemic Load), as this is a way of selecting food that will release its energy slowly after eating and is kinder on your levels - The GL Diet for Dummies is a great introduction. This may or may not help with the constipation - is this a problem you have discussed with your doctor?
Please ask any questions you may have and we will do our best to help! 🙂
Copepod
Much missed Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Welcome Chris101
Northerner has covered the basics of diabetes, but you also asked about constipation, so here's a link to NHS advice http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Constipation/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Orange juice isn't a particularly good source of fibre, but better if it has "bits" than if it's smooth. However, other foods such as bran and vegetables are good sources of fibre, with lower sugar / carbohydrate content than most fruits.
Northerner has covered the basics of diabetes, but you also asked about constipation, so here's a link to NHS advice http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Constipation/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Orange juice isn't a particularly good source of fibre, but better if it has "bits" than if it's smooth. However, other foods such as bran and vegetables are good sources of fibre, with lower sugar / carbohydrate content than most fruits.
my typical days food would be porridge or wheetabix with semi skimmed milk for breakfast, mid morning banana with low fat yogurt. lunch wholewheat sandwich with slice ham, afternoon snack apple with yogurt, evening meal chicken or some meat with a couple of potatoes and usually 3 types of green veg. Evening snack maybe fresh melon with low fat yogurt.
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
A lot of people find that they are more insulin-resistant in the mornings (myself included!), so it might be better to try and avoid having too many carbs before lunch. Have you been able to test before and after your porridge to see what effect it has on your blood sugar levels? It may be fine, but it is a very individual thing. Similarly with weetabix - a lot of people will find they release their energy quickly, causing levels to rise. If this is happening to you then the banana will be adding extra carbs, and probably the yoghurt too as 'low fat' often means 'high carb'. The only way to know is to test before and after. Your diet does sound healthy, but you may benefit from making some substitutions and adjustments in order to improve your control. Have you tried Burgen Soya and Linseed bread? It's a popular alternative to wholewheat and most people find it has less effect on their levels. Also, hae you tried having a low carb breakfast, like scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes?
Austin Mini
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi Chris, sounds a bit like me in 1988. I went straight back to diabetic nurse who tested my blood and put me on insulin there and then. Give your nurse a call Monday morning and explain to her whats happening. To get a good idea of whats going on you need to test at least 4 times a day. Your days food intake is a bit like mine without eating between meals. Orange juice is what I use to get me out of a hypo, stay well clear its far too sugary. If you must drink have LOW SUGAR or DIET squash. I purchased an exercise bike but it was insulin I needed. Go see your nurse, please.
teapot8910
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Welcome to the forum 🙂
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