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Newly diagnosed type 2! And struggling

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EmilyJMart

EmilyJMart

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hey guys! So I’m newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It’s quite evident I went undiagnosed for a few years. However moving forward I’m in need of some help… I’m stuggling on what to eat. I’ve completely changed my eating habits which is great but I’m getting bored of just chicken, veg, eggs and turkey ham. I’m not one for breakfast so finding myself just eating a piece of fruit. I’m missing my carbs enormously.. I was a crisp addict and that was all I would eat. Now I’ve completely cut them out I’m wondering if there was any that I could have with the odd lunch that wouldn’t spike my sugars. Also, what about gravy and stuffing etc? I know I can’t have potato unless it’s sweet but those two staples I am missing a little. Can someone please help me with snack ideas and more meal ideas. I’ve changed my bread, pasta, and rice to whole meal/wholewheat but it’s obviously dry as don’t know what I can use as sauces or anything. I’ve turned into a plain Jane , a healthy plain Jane but plain . Someone please help. Thanks for having me
 
I wish I could give a reply but I’ve no idea. Ur doing so much better than me as I eat everything but small quantities, I have never had this under control and I’m starting to struggle
 
@EmilyJMart Do you test your own blood sugar? That’s a good way to see if you can tolerate some carbs. Are you on any medication for the Type 2?
 
Hi thanks for reply, yeh I do my sugars most days, I’m on 4 lots of insulin and metformin,
 
Hey! I was testing but the nurse on gave me a few strips which have gone. When I say few I mean 10- urgh. I called today and asked for more, I spoke to a pharmacist and he said I shouldn’t worry too much about testing as I’m on 2 metformin a day and ozempic!!!! I told him I’d much rather he consulted my nurse. Apparently he’s messaged her but we shall see x
 
Leats said:
Hi thanks for reply, yeh I do my sugars most days, I’m on 4 lots of insulin and metformin,
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Leats said:
I wish I could give a reply but I’ve no idea. Ur doing so much better than me as I eat everything but small quantities, I have never had this under control and I’m starting to struggle
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I think it’s mind over matter for me. I find skipping the crisps and Diet Coke such a struggle but one week strong of none. Lol
 
EmilyJMart said:
Hey! I was testing but the nurse on gave me a few strips which have gone. When I say few I mean 10- urgh. I called today and asked for more, I spoke to a pharmacist and he said I shouldn’t worry too much about testing as I’m on 2 metformin a day and ozempic!!!! I told him I’d much rather he consulted my nurse. Apparently he’s messaged her but we shall see x
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Lots of Type 2s here find their own meters and strips if the nurse won’t give you anymore. It really is a useful thing to do.
 
Inka said:
Lots of Type 2s here find their own meters and strips if the nurse won’t give you anymore. It really is a useful thing to do.
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I think this is going to be my only option. It’s just a shame they cost a fortune
 
Leats said:
It’s all the things I don’t like, fish, veg, brown rice
I’m my own worst enemy, the fruits I like are the sweet ones, I eat a bit of veg,
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There are lots of recipes there if you look through. What kind of things do you like to eat?
 
EmilyJMart said:
I find skipping the crisps and Diet Coke such a struggle but one week strong of none. Lol
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Are you missing the cruchiness in crisps? I really like crunchy food LOL. How about some toasted hazelnuts or almonds? I find they give me the crunch I crave. Why can't you have Diet Coke anymore? I hate the stuff, but there must be a zero version you can have.
 
Obviously what people who are on insulin will be doing in terms of their diet will be different to those who are just dietary managed or taking oral medication. So read with caution and take what you can for your own situation.
As Type 2 dietary managed, I found the principals in this link worked well for me https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
It is a low carb approach which is based on normal food so there is still plenty you can eat. Low carb is suggested as being less than 130g Total carbs per day, some do need to go lower but that is a good starting point.
You can still have diet coke or other diet drinks. People have the impression that 'brown' versions of foods are better but they have just as many carbohydrates as the 'white' variety, and sweet potatoes just as many carbs as normal potatoes so tend to try to find substitutes. I use butternut squash as that is lower carb and pasta made from edamame or black beans.
Homemade sauces or soups are good and fruits such as berries are lower carb than some other fruits.
High protein yoghurts or Kvarg deserts are low carb and many have full fat Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds and nuts.
Meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, with lots of vegetables and salads will give you plenty of options for tasty meals. Herbs and spices and dry rubs for flavour with be less carbs than pre-prepared sauces.
For example, today I had boiled eggs and 1 slice toast for breakfast, homemade soup with cheese, beetroot, tomatoes 2 crackers and half an apple for lunch and will be having barbeque pork ribs and green beans and courgettes and carrots, and mixed berries and cream for dinner.
 
Yes exactly that!!!! It’s the crunch!
I dunno, I just assumed it wouldn’t be very good even though there are no carbs or sugar in it lol! Yeah, I’m not a fan of nuts unless they’re flavoured… I’m sure I could adjust lol
 
Last night I had salmon roasted with orange, fennel, onion, salt, pepper, white wine and a splash of olive oil. Simple and delicious. For lunch today I had chicken mixed with a bit of yoghurt, olive oil, half a small apple, celery, red wine vinegar and salt and pepper. Nice and filling, with low carbs and very tasty.

I use recipes from books by Giancarlo Caldesi, who is a chef who is also T2 diabetic. They are generally quite simple (In the one called 30 minute diabetes cookbook) and very tasty.
 
EmilyJMart said:
Hey! I was testing but the nurse on gave me a few strips which have gone. When I say few I mean 10- urgh. I called today and asked for more, I spoke to a pharmacist and he said I shouldn’t worry too much about testing as I’m on 2 metformin a day and ozempic!!!! I told him I’d much rather he consulted my nurse. Apparently he’s messaged her but we shall see x
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Hello and welcome @EmilyJMart, I was diagnosed on the 30th May as T2 and like you I struggled with what to eat, I have found the book carbs & cals which someone on here had recommended invaluable, there is an app but only certain parts are free. I also bought the book 'The reverse your diabetes cookbook' by giancarlo caldesi and his wife Katie, I love his cheats - Fakeways, and alternative to nachos etc. I found testing my blood sugars really helpful as I learnt what caused my BS to rise above the 'norm', because I take no medications I have self funded my meter and strips, but find I'm using fewer now that I have a better understanding of what I can manage and what I can't.
 
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