Recently diagnosed - need advice about BG monitor

[brightonian]

Hi everyone,

I've been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a couple of weeks ago and I was hoping I could get some advice. My entire family has type 2, so it was inevitable, really. My HbA1c was 55 and my doctor has put me on Metformin. I'm also trying to lose a lot of weight and I'm thinking of starting a low carb diet.

I'm confused about whether I should use a BG monitor, or is this not needed at this stage? If I should use a BG monitor, does anyone have any advice on which one? I looked on Amazon and there are so many to choose from!

Also, if anyone has any starter tips for a low carb diet, I'd appreciate it 🙂

Thanks in advance!

 

[Kaylz]

Testing BG is the only way you will be able to tell what foods your body can tolerate

They can be expensive to self fund though and the 2 cheapest we are aware of to self fund are the Gluco Navii and the Tee2
xx

 

[Drummer]

As you are not deep into diabetes territory you might find that simply avoiding the high carb foods, grains and potatoes and fruits other than berries, will do the trick.
Many people are surprised to find they do not tolerate some foods others recommend as not causing spikes, as we are all unique, it is the only thing we have in common.
I am a little unlucky in that I am really sensitive to carbs.
I sometimes ponder upon this when eating my steak and mushrooms for breakfast or having roast chicken with swede and sweet potato and whatever other veges I fancy, followed by a low carb dessert with cream or real custard etc.

 

[Vonny]

I found the easiest way to go v low carb was simply to cut out spuds, pasta, rice and bread. It seemed like a mountain to climb at first but after a week I was used to it and simply not craving carbs any more. There's a thread called "What did you eat yesterday" which is full of ideas for no/low carb meals. I personally start the day with a 2 egg omelette, home made soup and some cheese for lunch and then meat or fish for the evening meal with salad or green veg.

Welcome to the forum by the way 🙂 Good to have you with us

 

[grovesy]

I personally found that going on a restricted diet not sustainable for me, you have to find a way of eating that suits you and can maintain long term.

 

[trophywench]

The reason the two meters mentioned are mentioned, is because the cost of the test strips is more reasonable than other makes you can buy, and members of this forum have found them pretty reliable. They are both only available online though, can't get them or the strips for them, from a pharmacy.

Here's an article which explains how to test to get the most out of doing it.

Type 2 Diabetes - A Personal Journey: Test, Review, Adjust (loraldiabetes.blogspot.com)

 

[brightonian]

I've ditched the 'bad' carbs and I've decided to go for the Glucoses Navii meter. Thanks for the advice and tips, everyone 🙂