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Recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

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LLOYD-FRANKLIN

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I've recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, originally I only went to my GP because of pins and needles in my hands. I've had multiple blood tests and multiple Venesections as well as X-Rays and Ultrasounds. I'm really confused, I have started medication Gliclazide 80mg 28 days worth for a start, this is my second day taking them. My HbA1c is 113 mmol/mol.

I'm really bad at cooking so dreading changing my diet next week when I do my food shop.
 
I've recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, originally I only went to my GP because of pins and needles in my hands. I've had multiple blood tests and multiple Venesections as well as X-Rays and Ultrasounds. I'm really confused, I have started medication Gliclazide 80mg 28 days worth for a start, this is my second day taking them. My HbA1c is 113 mmol/mol.

I'm really bad at cooking so dreading changing my diet next week when I do my food shop.
Hello and welcome.
Don't worry, cooking low carb is very easy.
I have lots of chops and steak, beef burgers if they are on offer, and eggs, cheese, seafood and fish - usually a frying pan and a saucepan or wok will do the job.
I shop mostly in Lidl these days. The frozen stir fries are good, mixed veges without sweetcorn are handy for stew or casseroles. I usually get fresh mushrooms but try to keep a pack of frozen ones for emergencies.
With you rather high Hba1c and the Gliclazide you need to be careful to reduce carbs slowly, and to avoid hypos - you should have been issued with a glucose tester so you can check your blood glucose.
I use swede instead of potato, and find that boiled and then mashed it is a good substitute. I use a pressure cooker and do the whole thing, then I can use the leftovers for bubble and squeak next morning.
 
Welcome to the forum @LLOYD-FRANKLIN

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis :(

But glad you have found us!

And good to hear that you now have a diagnosis and can begin to take steps to improve things. Diabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy.

Try not to be disheartened about your diabetes, many people on the forum later reflect that their diagnosis became a sort of catalyst which prompted them to make positive changes towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. Perhaps changes that they had been intending to make for years, but never quite managed to get around to.

Other members reflect that starting to eat in a way which suited their metabolism better seemed to resolve other aches, pains, and health issues too. Often you don’t realise how weary, worn down and lethargic you have been feeling. Erratic and elevated blood glucose levels can be exhausting and are linked with low mood, but this may have come on quite gradually. Making a few positive changes can give you more energy, a clearer mind, and a brighter outlook. Plus the regular checks you get after a diagnosis with diabetes mean that any potential problems may be spotted earlier, and can be sorted out sooner.

Don’t rush into any major changes to your eating habits all of a sudden. You have plenty of time to make modest adjustments over a gradual period as you see how your body responds to the meds you have started.

In the end you’ll find the right balance between your menu, food choices, carb intake, levels of activity, and any medication that helps you steer towards your target range.

It might be helpful to start a food diary? Be brutally honest, and note down everything you eat and drink, along with a reasonable estimate of the total carb content (not just ‘of which sugars’). This will give you a good feel for where you are starting from as you begin to make changes and tweaks 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum. Many find a low carbohydrate approach successful in both losing weight if you need to and reducing blood glucose but as you are starting with quite a high HbA1C and being prescribed a medication which can cause low blood glucose it is better to go cautiously with reducing your carbohydrates especially if your diet was very carb heavy.
Keeping a food diary with everything you eat and drink with an estimate of the total carb not just sugar will help you find a starting point from which to reduce your carbs gradually say by one third for a couple of weeks then by another third etc until your body adapts to the lower carb regime and to the medication. The suggested amount of carbs per day is no more than 130g so from your diary you will see how far from that you are.
This link may help you with some ideas for modifying your diet and shopping list. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
 
Hi @LLOYD-FRANKLIN
Welcome to the forum, hope you find some useful advice & information, on here many of us have.
I’d second the recommendation of starting keeping a food diary
 
Hello and welcome
Excellent advice from very knowledgeable people above. I found the best way to manage my food diary and monitor my daily carbs was with an app. I use NutraCheck which is UK based. It offers a 7 day free trial then there is a small fee. I also looked at MyFitnessPal which is USA based and free. The other way I monitor my carbs is by weighing them. I keep digital scales and a clear bowl on the kitchen worktop so I know my portion size - no guesstimating. I don't weigh salads and above ground veggies.
You say you are not much into cooking. I'm a lazy cook and find a slow cooker so helpful. I just throw in prepared vegetables, diced chicken or meat, and stock first thing, and there's a hot meal waiting when you get home. You can get prepared casserole packs, diced carrot/swede or diced squash/sweet potato which I freely admit to using. The freezer section is also a good source. The slow cooker is great for making soups. I cook fish/salmon in a tinfoil parcel with a squirt of lemon juice, some fish seasoning or topped with a sliced tomato/mushroom. Just takes 20 minutes on fan 175.
Please ask any questions you may have - nothing is silly and we've all been where you are now, and probably asked the same questions. Best wishes
 
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