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- Thread starter Redrottie
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Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Welcome to the forum.
The sooner you tackle your diagnosis the less likely you are to get these worrying complications.
Do you know what your HbA1C is as that will give an indication of where you are on the diabetic scale and so how much work you will need to do. If you were diagnosed at the end of last year you should have had another HbA1C test to see if the measures you should have been taking, dietary changes and or medication have been effective. You should also have had retinal eye screening and foot check.
It is a very manageable condition but needs some work on your part to achieve it.
What sort of dietary approach are you taking? Many find a low carbohydrate or low calorie regime can be very successful. But whatever you choose has to be enjoyable otherwise it will not be sustainable.
The sooner you tackle your diagnosis the less likely you are to get these worrying complications.
Do you know what your HbA1C is as that will give an indication of where you are on the diabetic scale and so how much work you will need to do. If you were diagnosed at the end of last year you should have had another HbA1C test to see if the measures you should have been taking, dietary changes and or medication have been effective. You should also have had retinal eye screening and foot check.
It is a very manageable condition but needs some work on your part to achieve it.
What sort of dietary approach are you taking? Many find a low carbohydrate or low calorie regime can be very successful. But whatever you choose has to be enjoyable otherwise it will not be sustainable.
Hi, I had no symptoms. It was picked up on a routine blood test. My HbA1C was 67 with my first blood test and now 60. I’ve changed my diet almost completely. I do still have my nemesis, chocolate, but try to stick to a square of dark chocolate these days. I do have background retinopathy in one eye which scares me the most. The thought of going blind is unthinkable. Blood pressure is now under control so hoping I can move forward. Cholesterol is now good. My feet are well looked after anyway and my diabetic nurse is more than happy. However, I did have tingling in the evening after she checked them. I’ve just started Metfomin but was missing my lunchtime dose so I’m now on slow release. I’m on Dapagliflozin too. I have to be very conscious of the food I eat and how often I eat something. Like you say, it needs to be sustainable and not a prison sentence. The problem I have is you don’t know the damage it’s doing until you get your check up.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
It sounds as if you have made a good start with your dietary changes and hopefully with the help of the medication things will improve further.
I do feel that dietary changes are almost as important as it is no good if you are still having more carbohydrates than your body even with the meds can cope with and the meds can only do so much.
Many people say that they have background retinopathy, I did but at the next screening it is all clear. Certainly getting your blood glucose down will help to enable that to happen.
Even with the medication you are on the suggested amount of carbs is no more than 130g per day.
Hi Redrottie, welcome to the forum,
It's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when first diagnosed but stick with it and hopefully things will fall into place a bit more.
You've done really well to get your numbers down so congratulations! It is worrying when you start experiencing additional symptoms but you can't change the past, only focus on the future and you've made the right changes that will hopefully contribute to a well managed journey.
We've got lots on info on the forum and the main site so do have a look around and let us know if we can help in any way.
It's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when first diagnosed but stick with it and hopefully things will fall into place a bit more.
You've done really well to get your numbers down so congratulations! It is worrying when you start experiencing additional symptoms but you can't change the past, only focus on the future and you've made the right changes that will hopefully contribute to a well managed journey.
We've got lots on info on the forum and the main site so do have a look around and let us know if we can help in any way.
Many thanks
Thank you. Had my first sit down with my diabetic nurse. Funny how they seem to imply the doctors don’t know as much as they do!! I think once I get some more weight off, things will hopefully improve and stabilise.
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
What dietary advice did they give you as often the standard NHS advice based on the Eat Well Plate is too high in carbohydrates for many to tolerate.
I did the 4 session education course. Avoid processed foods, red meat, white bread etc. Look for foods with fibre, protein. Look at portion size. Basically everything I like, avoid! I try to eat as much veg as possible. I’ve been told to eat oily fish, salmon, mackerel etc. it’s just getting into the swing of it really. Does that sound right ?
Leadinglights
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
No real need to avoid red meat, certainly not from a diabetes point of view. Any bread regardless of colour, rice and pasta treat with caution. Processed foods is a hot topic as they can often have added starch and sugar but by being selective some will be OK.
So yes, protein and healthy fats with veg, salads and fruit like berries are the basis of meals which can still be filling and tasty. Herbs, spices and pastes are useful for flavouring rather than pre-prepared sauces.
The book or app Carbs and Cals is a useful resource as it gives carb values of various portions of a whole range of foods.
Thank you. I don’t think any diet is perfect but appreciate the pointers. I’ll take a look at that app which will hopefully help. Many thanks.
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