Newbie

[Flossypops]

Hello. I have type 2 and just found in June. Got over the "they must have it wrong" phase. I am on metformin 500 twice daily. Finding it all very confusing as so much conflicting information out there. However I have lost 21lbs since finding out and have had my eyes opened so much to food labels and what food contains. I do not eat meat but do fish and do struggle with meal ideas. I have a very supportive husband who eats what I eat and loves it as losing weight too. So my first questions is what breakfast cereal can I eat as everything appears to full of carbs..

 

[Northerner]

Hello. I have type 2 and just found in June. Got over the "they must have it wrong" phase. I am on metformin 500 twice daily. Finding it all very confusing as so much conflicting information out there. However I have lost 21lbs since finding out and have had my eyes opened so much to food labels and what food contains. I do not eat meat but do fish and do struggle with meal ideas. I have a very supportive husband who eats what I eat and loves it as losing weight too. So my first questions is what breakfast cereal can I eat as everything appears to full of carbs..

Hi Flossypops, welcome to the forum 🙂 There certainly is a lot of confusing and often conflicting information about diabetes out there. I'd recommend reading the 'tried and tested' Maggie Davey's letter and also getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - these don't make any false or misleading claims, but are very positive and clear guides to managing diabetes, especially in the early months 🙂

Breakfast cereals for most people are off the menu, I'm afraid - as you say they all contain high amounts of carbs and can cause high 'spikes' in blood sugar levels. Many people are more insulin-resistant in the mornings, meaning it is probably the worst time of day to be eating carb-based meals, unfortunately Some people are OK with porridge (the 'proper' kind, not the instant oats you can buy), but others have to avoid it. Better alternatives are protein-based breakfasts such as scrambled eggs, mushrooms, bacon (yup!) etc. which contain few carbs. The main problem with diabetes is that people's tolerances for things can vary considerably. Ideally, the only way to discover your own tolerances is to test your blood glucose levels before and after eating - have you been given a meter and a prescription for test strips? Read Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S for an explanation of how testing helps you tailor your diet to your tolerances 🙂 If your nurse/GP says you don't need a meter, then it's worth getting one and buying the strips yourself for a while so you can work out what works for you and what doesn't. The cheapest option we have come across is the SD Codefree Meter which has test strips at around £8 for 50. 🙂

Well done on your weight loss to date! 🙂 Please feel free to ask any questions you may have - everyone is very friendly and happy to help, we've all been where you are now! 🙂

 

[scottishlass]

Hello and welcome from another newbie - also diagnosed in June and struggling just the same as you! I bought the meter that Northerner suggests and find it invaluable, highly recommended. I now have a growing list of foods to be avoided and unfortunately for me all breakfast cereals are off the menu. Like many others, I often choose eggs for brekkie now and you might also find it worth trying Burgen soya and linseed bread to see if you can tolerate it. I can only eat a single slice in the morning without "spiking" but it hits the spot for me if I really fancy carbs.

 

[Flossypops]

I think I will invest in a meter so I can get to grips more with what does and what does not affect me. The burgen bread option appears to be a winner from many members so will definitely try. Great support received so far from family and friend and this is a great forum.

 

[Flossypops]

Hi Flossypops, welcome to the forum 🙂 There certainly is a lot of confusing and often conflicting information about diabetes out there. I'd recommend reading the 'tried and tested' Maggie Davey's letter and also getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - these don't make any false or misleading claims, but are very positive and clear guides to managing diabetes, especially in the early months 🙂

Breakfast cereals for most people are off the menu, I'm afraid - as you say they all contain high amounts of carbs and can cause high 'spikes' in blood sugar levels. Many people are more insulin-resistant in the mornings, meaning it is probably the worst time of day to be eating carb-based meals, unfortunately Some people are OK with porridge (the 'proper' kind, not the instant oats you can buy), but others have to avoid it. Better alternatives are protein-based breakfasts such as scrambled eggs, mushrooms, bacon (yup!) etc. which contain few carbs. The main problem with diabetes is that people's tolerances for things can vary considerably. Ideally, the only way to discover your own tolerances is to test your blood glucose levels before and after eating - have you been given a meter and a prescription for test strips? Read Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S for an explanation of how testing helps you tailor your diet to your tolerances 🙂 If your nurse/GP says you don't need a meter, then it's worth getting one and buying the strips yourself for a while so you can work out what works for you and what doesn't. The cheapest option we have come across is the SD Codefree Meter which has test strips at around £8 for 50. 🙂

Well done on your weight loss to date! 🙂 Please feel free to ask any questions you may have - everyone is very friendly and happy to help, we've all been where you are now! 🙂

 

[Flossypops]

Thank you for my welcome. It is so nice to find this forum. I have just ordered the book you recommend by Gretchen Becker. I think the next purchase will be the meter as it has not been mentioned as yet by the nurse. Great links and loved Maggie Davey's letter so much more information. Thank you