So much differing advice!!

[OC54JAX]

Hi

I had a blood test in June and shortly after had a letter from the GP to say my sugar levels were high (65 apparently). I saw the diabetic nurse who officially diagnosed me as diabetic and advised me to cut out sugar, rice, pasta, bread and potatoes. Thing is, this is not advice I have seen on various websites and in books. The advice seems very different depending on where you look. I have cut out the cr&p I used to eat in the evenings and following another blood test three weeks after the first my levels were down to 55. I am now trying to eat meals without the four items mentioned above and I'm suffering from migraines which I've not had for years. Today I've had salad with Feta and half an avocado for lunch and tonight I will eat fish with carrots and broccoli.

I want to take this diabetes seriously in order to avoid the dreaded metformin but I'm starting to feel miserable. I know you can't help me with this but I think I may need a little sympathy!!!

 

[Hazel]

Personally, do what suits you. You will find no one solution suits everyone

Take me I can't tolerate bread, of any kind, or rice. But I can take pasta and potatoes.

Are you on any meds yet? I would recommend you self test your bloods before and after foods, to see what YOUR body tolerates.

Doing what you were told to do, don't do you any harm - but it is very limiting

Ask away with any questions you can think of

 

[Amigo]

Hi

I had a blood test in June and shortly after had a letter from the GP to say my sugar levels were high (65 apparently). I saw the diabetic nurse who officially diagnosed me as diabetic and advised me to cut out sugar, rice, pasta, bread and potatoes. Thing is, this is not advice I have seen on various websites and in books. The advice seems very different depending on where you look. I have cut out the cr&p I used to eat in the evenings and following another blood test three weeks after the first my levels were down to 55. I am now trying to eat meals without the four items mentioned above and I'm suffering from migraines which I've not had for years. Today I've had salad with Feta and half an avocado for lunch and tonight I will eat fish with carrots and broccoli.

I want to take this diabetes seriously in order to avoid the dreaded metformin but I'm starting to feel miserable. I know you can't help me with this but I think I may need a little sympathy!!!

You'll be permanently hungry on that intake Jax. You need to introduce small amounts of carbs like 3 small new potatoes, a slice of bread etc. and home test to see what you can tolerate.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi

I had a blood test in June and shortly after had a letter from the GP to say my sugar levels were high (65 apparently). I saw the diabetic nurse who officially diagnosed me as diabetic and advised me to cut out sugar, rice, pasta, bread and potatoes. Thing is, this is not advice I have seen on various websites and in books. The advice seems very different depending on where you look. I have cut out the cr&p I used to eat in the evenings and following another blood test three weeks after the first my levels were down to 55. I am now trying to eat meals without the four items mentioned above and I'm suffering from migraines which I've not had for years. Today I've had salad with Feta and half an avocado for lunch and tonight I will eat fish with carrots and broccoli.

I want to take this diabetes seriously in order to avoid the dreaded metformin but I'm starting to feel miserable. I know you can't help me with this but I think I may need a little sympathy!!!

Hi OC...you do have my sympathy...the diagnosis can often come as a real shock...so it's not surprising you feel miserable...however diabetes is a perfectly manageable condition...it's true you will have to make changes to your diet/lifestyle to manage your diabetes effectively...your blood glucose (BGs) levels do put you in the diabetic range...whilst a little high...not massively so...you can with a little work reduce those and hopefully stay off medication...there is a wealth of information on what diet is best...what foods are right for us...it can be overwhelming...have a look on the forum...there are several threads with recipes...tips on snacks...meal ideas...I think you'll be surprised at what you can eat...there are the obvious foods to avoid...as mentioned white bread...potatoes...rice & sugar...but in essence what we need to avoid is anything heavy in carbohydrates...did the DSN (nurse) offer you a place on an education course...offer any advice on diet apart from avoiding the obvious foods mentioned above...mention anything about home testing your blood glucose?...it is early days for you yet...I'm reluctant to bombard you with too much information...if you can tell us a little bit more about how you came to be diagnosed...how much do you know about diabetes...what support you have/have not been offered...it may help members give the right advice...offer suggestions...clearly you've made a positive start...a reduction from 65 to 55 in just three weeks is impressive...post any questions you have here...one of us will be able to help...good luck...keep us updated.

 

[grovesy]

Welcome.

 

[scottishlass]

Hi, and welcome to the forum from a fellow newbie. I'm too new to this club to advise with any authority, except to say again what you will see time and time again on this site: TEST! My surgery refused me a meter and so I am self funding and after three months am getting a handle on what I can and cannot eat . For me a small quantity of Burgen bread is okay but a couple of thin slices of Lidl low GI bread sends my BG into the stratosphere. I can't do bananas or spuds either but can eat a small portion of wholewheat pasta and also sweet potato. Without frequent testing in these early days you will have difficulty finding out what's best for YOU. Best of luck, there's lots of support here from those who live with this dratted condition.

 

[Ljc]

Hi OC Welcome. Yes 65 put you firmly in the diabetic range , which is above 48. You've done well in reducing your level in such a short time. A word of warning , their is a lot of misinformation out there. If you've seen references/pics to the eatwell guide or plate, that may be good advise for non diabetics but it can cause havoc with our glucose levels, as it's carbohydrate heavy.

Your nurse is right about the carbs however imo cutting them right out is rather drastic advise for a newbie., I'm guessing apart from the headaches you're feeling pretty hungry too ? I know I would be.
Also by going at it too hard in the beginning could mean you're setting yourself up to fail. Now I'm not saying you should go mad and reintroduce all those lovely oops .........horrid carbs 🙄. How about a two small new potatoes with your meal, if you fancy some rice just have one or two dessert spoons.

To be perfectly honest as has already been said self testing is the only way to find out which carbohydrates your body can tolerate, sadly we are all different in this.
Though many nurses/docs say otherwiseand often with spurious reasons like, it hurts, it will only upset you , the Hb1ac is all you need etc etc. We here believe it's a cost cutting measure that is only going to cost the NHS more in long run dealing with our complications.

If you want to test and are refused a glucose meter, its the ongoing cost of the testing strips you have to watch for, high street brands cost £15 upwards
Many here use the SD Codefree meter whose test strips cost £7 for 50.
all meters in the uk have to conform to certain standards, so it's not cheap and nasty.
It's available from Homehealth , we use the mmol/ measurement in the uk and you're entitled to claim VAT relief.
You will also need to buy more lancets and test strips as they only provide 10 of each in starter packs.
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/

Have a read of *Test review adjust* by Alan S
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html
Their is also lots of helpful reading in the thread *usuful links for people new to diabetes * just scroll down to the T2 section
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/
For future reference you'll find it on the top of the newbies say hello here forum.

 

[Lilian]

You might find this interesting/helpful (or not) https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/side-effects

 

[OC54JAX]

Hi OC Welcome. Yes 65 put you firmly in the diabetic range , which is above 48. You've done well in reducing your level in such a short time. A word of warning , their is a lot of misinformation out there. If you've seen references/pics to the eatwell guide or plate, that may be good advise for non diabetics but it can cause havoc with our glucose levels, as it's carbohydrate heavy.

Your nurse is right about the carbs however imo cutting them right out is rather drastic advise for a newbie., I'm guessing apart from the headaches you're feeling pretty hungry too ? I know I would be.
Also by going at it too hard in the beginning could mean you're setting yourself up to fail. Now I'm not saying you should go mad and reintroduce all those lovely oops .........horrid carbs 🙄. How about a two small new potatoes with your meal, if you fancy some rice just have one or two dessert spoons.

To be perfectly honest as has already been said self testing is the only way to find out which carbohydrates your body can tolerate, sadly we are all different in this.
Though many nurses/docs say otherwiseand often with spurious reasons like, it hurts, it will only upset you , the Hb1ac is all you need etc etc. We here believe it's a cost cutting measure that is only going to cost the NHS more in long run dealing with our complications.

If you want to test and are refused a glucose meter, its the ongoing cost of the testing strips you have to watch for, high street brands cost £15 upwards
Many here use the SD Codefree meter whose test strips cost £7 for 50.
all meters in the uk have to conform to certain standards, so it's not cheap and nasty.
It's available from Homehealth , we use the mmol/ measurement in the uk and you're entitled to claim VAT relief.
You will also need to buy more lancets and test strips as they only provide 10 of each in starter packs.
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/

Have a read of *Test review adjust* by Alan S
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html
Their is also lots of helpful reading in the thread *usuful links for people new to diabetes * just scroll down to the T2 section
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/
For future reference you'll find it on the top of the newbies say hello here forum.

Thanks for your help.

I think the whole diabetic nurse appointment was a bit short and not particularly informative. Yes you're diabetic, cut out carbs, DON'T test because you dont need to, book a place on this course I'll send you details on, book another blood test and we'll see you again in 3 months.

About 5 years ago I went to see my GP worried about numbness and pins and needles in my big toes and up the insides of both feet. Was told my "pulse was fine so nothing to worry about". Wonder why they didn't test for diabetes then? I don't have much confidence in my surgery.

I know the importance of testing my levels as my husband is insulin dependent. (I've ordered a meter and stuff which should be with me on Friday). Difference is he can eat what he wants and inject accordingly whereas I need to watch what I eat.

On the upside I had three small potatoes with my fish tonight - feel less miserable already.

 

[OC54JAX]

You might find this interesting/helpful (or not) https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/side-effects

Now THAT was extremely helpful - thank you !

 

[OC54JAX]

You'll be permanently hungry on that intake Jax. You need to introduce small amounts of carbs like 3 small new potatoes, a slice of bread etc. and home test to see what you can tolerate.

Yes definitely hungry all the time. Nightmare!

Had three small spuds tonight and feel better already 🙂

Surgery won't supply testers so I've ordered one for myself

Ta muchly

 

[OC54JAX]

Hi OC Welcome. Yes 65 put you firmly in the diabetic range , which is above 48. You've done well in reducing your level in such a short time. A word of warning , their is a lot of misinformation out there. If you've seen references/pics to the eatwell guide or plate, that may be good advise for non diabetics but it can cause havoc with our glucose levels, as it's carbohydrate heavy.

Your nurse is right about the carbs however imo cutting them right out is rather drastic advise for a newbie., I'm guessing apart from the headaches you're feeling pretty hungry too ? I know I would be.
Also by going at it too hard in the beginning could mean you're setting yourself up to fail. Now I'm not saying you should go mad and reintroduce all those lovely oops .........horrid carbs 🙄. How about a two small new potatoes with your meal, if you fancy some rice just have one or two dessert spoons.

To be perfectly honest as has already been said self testing is the only way to find out which carbohydrates your body can tolerate, sadly we are all different in this.
Though many nurses/docs say otherwiseand often with spurious reasons like, it hurts, it will only upset you , the Hb1ac is all you need etc etc. We here believe it's a cost cutting measure that is only going to cost the NHS more in long run dealing with our complications.

If you want to test and are refused a glucose meter, its the ongoing cost of the testing strips you have to watch for, high street brands cost £15 upwards
Many here use the SD Codefree meter whose test strips cost £7 for 50.
all meters in the uk have to conform to certain standards, so it's not cheap and nasty.
It's available from Homehealth , we use the mmol/ measurement in the uk and you're entitled to claim VAT relief.
You will also need to buy more lancets and test strips as they only provide 10 of each in starter packs.
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/

Have a read of *Test review adjust* by Alan S
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html
Their is also lots of helpful reading in the thread *usuful links for people new to diabetes * just scroll down to the T2 section
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/
For future reference you'll find it on the top of the newbies say hello here forum.

Thank you Lin - I have a meter on order 🙂

 

[Ljc]

Now THAT was extremely helpful - thank you !

I believe we call That Keto flu. It eases once your body has adapted to getting its fuel (glucose) from another source.
As you read on here you'll find we follow a range of different dietary regimes, you'll find what works for you.

We have a couple of threads you might be interested in,
What did you eat yesterday
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/page-107#post-751030

We have some great cooks on here, who put their own recipes here , they are mouthwatering
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/forums/recipes.21/
For future reference you'll find both in the food/carb queries and recipe forum.

 

[Bubbsie]

Thanks for your help.

I think the whole diabetic nurse appointment was a bit short and not particularly informative. Yes you're diabetic, cut out carbs, DON'T test because you dont need to, book a place on this course I'll send you details on, book another blood test and we'll see you again in 3 months.

About 5 years ago I went to see my GP worried about numbness and pins and needles in my big toes and up the insides of both feet. Was told my "pulse was fine so nothing to worry about". Wonder why they didn't test for diabetes then? I don't have much confidence in my surgery.

I know the importance of testing my levels as my husband is insulin dependent. (I've ordered a meter and stuff which should be with me on Friday). Difference is he can eat what he wants and inject accordingly whereas I need to watch what I eat.

On the upside I had three small potatoes with my fish tonight - feel less miserable already.

Sounds like that could have been my appointment with my GP way back last year...take the pills...read this leaflet...book a place on this course...not surprising OC...same for many of us here...can't say whether the symptoms you had 5 year ago were diabetes related or not... some of us have had diabetes for some time before diagnosis...type 2 symptoms develop slowly...many have none at all...are diagnosed by chance...it is a possibility the foot problems were an early warning...despite the lack of appropriate advice/support diabetes is one condition we can with the right routine largely manage ourselves...fortunately you've come to the forum early...realise the benefits of testing...few type 2's non dependent on hypo causing medication are supplied with a meter & testing strips...always the same excuse...no need...HbA1C is sufficient...ironic really so many of us are discouraged from testing...IMHO it's the only way for me (and others) to manage our diabetes...when those figures do come down...our health care professionals are happy to accept those results...despite refusing to supply the necessary equipment/advice...relieved to hear you are feeling more positive.