Saying hello and looking for helpful guidance

[jkwalker]

Hi all,I'm John I've had type two for a few years now, look forward to learn how to better manage things.

Thanks John.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi John and welcome.

Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be diagnosed ie. routine blood test or symptomatic and what if any medication you are on for it. Have you had any diabetes check ups since you were diagnosed? We know that some people have had very little support with their diabetes during the pandemic. If you have had follow up checks, do you know your most recent HbA1c result. This is the blood test used to diagnose and track your diabetes and indicates how well it is being managed.

Have you made any lifestyle changes? These are important with Type 2 diabetes and dietary changes can be more powerful that many of the medications used to treat it, so it is a very integral part of managing the condition and something which tends to cause quite a bit of confusion unfortunately. Losing weight, if you have some to lose, will also help, but we all know that is sometimes easier said than done. Increasing the amount of activity you do, ideally by incorporating a daily walk, run, cycle ride or swim can really help to bring levels down as well as help with weight loss.

Anyway, if you can give us a bit more information, we can hopefully help you to manage your diabetes better.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @jkwalker

Glad you have found us!

We have literally centuries of lived diabetes experience on the forum, with all sorts of people using lots of different approaches to manage their diabetes in a way that works for them, and their different and individual metabolisms.

Ask away with any questions, and let us know how things are going 🙂

 

[jkwalker]

Hi folks thanks for the welcome, I was diagnosed a few years ago through routine blood tests. My sugar levels were high but seemed to climb over a period of a few months, fair amount of Guiness involved in those months to be fair then the medication started.
I've cut out beer mostly only having a very occasional one, the chocolate and crisp snacking has gone as well. I do have a couple of glasses of red wine some weekends.
My levels were down and being managed occasional dip into the 4 range and up into the 9 on a high day. More recently I have been struggling to get my level down anywhere near 7 never mind under. For the last couple of months or so it has been between 9 - 11, I've not consciously made any changes to my behaviour or diet. My weight has crept up by 1 -2 kg. My GP has added more medication but things aren't really coming down.
I'm embarrassed to say I am currently taking,
6 x 500mg Metformin
2 x 80mg Gliclazide
1 x 100 mg Sitagliptin (added a couple of months ago)

I also have high blood pressure and taking medication for that.

I'm aware that one of the main issues I have is the timing of taking my medication, I am guilty of forgetting to take them straight after a meal, something I do need to work on.
I do find it a bit of a worry what damage is being done. Worrying and a bit depressing.

Look forward to your replies.

Thanks John.

 

[Leadinglights]

It sounds as if you have had more and more medication added but may not have made enough modification to your dietary regime as you are mentioning only cutting out a few obvious things not looking at the TOTAL carbohydrates you are having. It is not just the sugary things that need to be avoided but things like potatoes, rice ,pasta, bread, breakfast cereals are all high carb foods which need reduction in portion size or substitution for lower carb foods.
You may find this link helpful

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

 

[jkwalker]

It sounds as if you have had more and more medication added but may not have made enough modification to your dietary regime as you are mentioning only cutting out a few obvious things not looking at the TOTAL carbohydrates you are having. It is not just the sugary things that need to be avoided but things like potatoes, rice ,pasta, bread, breakfast cereals are all high carb foods which need reduction in portion size or substitution for lower carb foods.
You may find this link helpful

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

Thanks for the link. Makes for interesting reading.
Here's to day 1 of ringing the changes