Newbie here

[nadiawinborn]

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and pre diabetes HbA1c of 47. I have gained 3 stone since early 2020 due to severe pain and asthma, which got worse after contracting COVID in early 2020. Before this I was running 30 miles a week. I was physically fit at this time and a very healthy weight. I miss running with my friends, feeling very isolated.
I work as a Vulnerable foot Specialist Podiatrist for the NHS and it terrifies me about getting type 2 diabetes due to the risks yo the body. So I need to get myself under control to prevent Diabetes type 2 and it's risks. I am open yo any advice re diet and types of exercise suitable for someone with reduced mobility due to pain. I do hike but longest I can do now is 6 miles and then I am exhausted and sleep for the afternoon. I am usually in pain whilse I walk but usually push through it.

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum
Interesting there has just been a discussion about podiatry.
You are at the top end of prediabetes but look upon it as a wakeup to do something about it as you must be fully aware of the potential consequences. Covid has certainly had an effect and people are being diagnosed with diabetes but also pain can cause elevated blood glucose.
You sound to be doing very well with exercise despite problems you are having. There are some NHS exercises for people with reduced mobility and I believe Diabetes Uk also have a program.
Making some changes to your diet is the most important thing you can do. As it is all carbohydrates which convert to glucose it is those you need to be watchful of.
As well as the Learning Zone here you may find this link helpful in finding a way forward on modifying your dietary regime. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[nadiawinborn]

@leading

Welcome to the forum
Interesting there has just been a discussion about podiatry.
You are at the top end of prediabetes but look upon it as a wakeup to do something about it as you must be fully aware of the potential consequences. Covid has certainly had an effect and people are being diagnosed with diabetes but also pain can cause elevated blood glucose.
You sound to be doing very well with exercise despite problems you are having. There are some NHS exercises for people with reduced mobility and I believe Diabetes Uk also have a program.
Making some changes to your diet is the most important thing you can do. As it is all carbohydrates which convert to glucose it is those you need to be watchful of.
As well as the Learning Zone here you may find this link helpful in finding a way forward on modifying your dietary regime. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

Thank you this looks very interesting. I already make most of my food from scratch. I do struggle with lunches at work and need ideas fot luchbox lunches that are low in carbs. I enjoy overnight oats or yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

 

[Windy]

Could you cycle with your running mates and join them that way? I don't know if a bike would also be feasible or if it would be too painful to use, but it allows you to coast along on the downhill and flat bits and not have to pedal all the time. I'm thinking an electric bike would be best as they take the effort out of the hills, but they're horribly expensive.
Swimming maybe? It's reasonably gentle and you can pootle along at your own pace.
I hope you can get something that suits you, Sarah

 

[nadiawinborn]

Could you cycle with your running mates and join them that way? I don't know if a bike would also be feasible or if it would be too painful to use, but it allows you to coast along on the downhill and flat bits and not have to pedal all the time. I'm thinking an electric bike would be best as they take the effort out of the hills, but they're horribly expensive.
Swimming maybe? It's reasonably gentle and you can pootle along at your own pace.
I hope you can get something that suits you, Sarah

Thanjs for the ideas. I do have a bicycle but am not a very confident rider. I used to swim a lot but feel too self conscious to get into a swim suit. I am managing gentle walking.

 

[Leadinglights]

@leading

Thank you this looks very interesting. I already make most of my food from scratch. I do struggle with lunches at work and need ideas fot luchbox lunches that are low in carbs. I enjoy overnight oats or yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

I used to take a big salad with cooked meat or tuna or cheese and some mayonnaise. If you have access to a microwave you could take eggs and make an omelette with some cheese or mushrooms, or home made soup

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @nadiawinborn

Sorry to hear how difficult the pain has made it to keep up the levels of activity you were used to - that must be very disheartening.

I think @Felinia found aquarobics fairly low impact, easy on the joints, and was able to find a class which suited her and didn’t feel awkward.

For lunch ideas, you might find the ‘what did you eat yesterday’ thread offers some thoughts and ideas, which has contributions from people with varying levels of carb intake.

There are also some helpful meal plans that you can choose from on the main Diabetes UK website

Meal plans and diabetes

Eating nutritious, healthy and downright delicious food is that bit easier with our meal planners. We've created multiple different weekly meal plans to suit all types and tastes. They're nutritionally balanced, are calorie and carb counted, and can help if you want to lose weight. They also...

www.diabetes.org.uk

There’s no one approach that works for everyone, and each person‘s metabolism and gut biome will have specific tolerances to varying levels of carbohydrate, but for our T2 members a common experience is that a lower carb way of eating improves blood glucose outcomes more often than other approaches.

 

[Felinia]

Hi
As everydayupsanddowns said, I find aquafit very gentle on my joints. I have osteoarthritis so am in constant pain until I get into the water. I can't stand or walk for too long, but in the water, I'm pain free and able to keep going for the entire class of 45 to 55 minutes. I'm obese with a lot more than 3 stone still to lose, but there are all shapes and sizes in the pool - nobody cares. It's also sociable, fun and I have my waist back!!

 

[nonethewiser]

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and pre diabetes HbA1c of 47. I have gained 3 stone since early 2020 due to severe pain and asthma, which got worse after contracting COVID in early 2020. Before this I was running 30 miles a week. I was physically fit at this time and a very healthy weight. I miss running with my friends, feeling very isolated.
I work as a Vulnerable foot Specialist Podiatrist for the NHS and it terrifies me about getting type 2 diabetes due to the risks yo the body. So I need to get myself under control to prevent Diabetes type 2 and it's risks. I am open yo any advice re diet and types of exercise suitable for someone with reduced mobility due to pain. I do hike but longest I can do now is 6 miles and then I am exhausted and sleep for the afternoon. I am usually in pain whilse I walk but usually push through it.

Wife was in same situation is you, told prediabetic but because of mobility issues couldn't exercise, she joined local Slimming World group & went on to lose 5 stone & since then all bloods have been normal.

 

[Deleted member 34756]

Hi @nadiawinborn, it's great to see you've joined the online community. Sorry to hear about the issues you've had after contracting covid. We have some great material on our website that may be able to give you some guidance with preventing type 2 diabetes.