Surprise results

[Patloyo]

i’m very new to all this - have been using a meter for about a fortnight. In that time I’ve been to a couple of blow out dos with lots of ‘normal’ food and drink that have not pushed up my readings (between 6 and 7) and yet a bowl of unsweetened porridge made with water sent things sky high (11). The lowest reading I’ve ever had (5.4) was after a Sunday lunch where I didn’t want to tell anyone about my diagnosis, and just ate what was put in front of me (and drank red and white wine). I’m bemused.
The low carb life is definitely making me feel better in some ways - though I hate thinking about food all the time, and am waking up in the night with dry mouth and nightmares. Is that normal?

 

[Ljc]

Hi Patloyo. You’ve just discovered how fickle Diabetes can be. You’d think porridge would be fine wouldn’t you after all its healthy , however some of us have to avoid it like the plague. It’s highly possible the wine helped slow down the transformation of carbohydrates into glucose, how long after eating did you test, if 2 hours, try 3 hrs after the same meal as you may (hopefully not) have spiked later.
I don’t t know about the dry mouth (are you drinking enough during the day or sleeping with your mouth open) but I’m wondering if your nightmares are due to worrying about diabetes.

I am pleased to hear you are feeling better now you’ve cut down on carbs , It does get easier honest.
In some ways it becomes second nature but this does take time.

 

[Patloyo]

Hi Patloyo. You’ve just discovered how fickle Diabetes can be. You’d think porridge would be fine wouldn’t you after all its healthy , however some of us have to avoid it like the plague. It’s highly possible the wine helped slow down the transformation of carbohydrates into glucose, how long after eating did you test, if 2 hours, try 3 hrs after the same meal as you may (hopefully not) have spiked later.
I don’t t know about the dry mouth (are you drinking enough during the day or sleeping with your mouth open) but I’m wondering if your nightmares are due to worrying about diabetes.

I am pleased to hear you are feeling better now you’ve cut down on carbs , It does get easier honest.
In some ways it becomes second nature but this does take time.

Thank you, that’s very helpful. I hope I will have the strength of character to stick with this low carb business. I’m determined to keep off drugs if I can, even though the basic rule for me seems to be ‘If you like it, you can’t have it’. Thank goodness for those of you on the Forum who have found a way through.

 

[Ljc]

@Patloyo we can have treats just not everyday and their are things that may seem naughty but actually aren’t too bad at all.
If you give us an idea of what you’re eating, as I’m worried that you may be restricting foods too much. This is a marathon not a sprint and the last thing we want is you having such a restrictive diet that you fall off the waggon.

I don’t know if anyone has pointed out the very helpful info on a thread called , Useful links for people new to diabetes (just click on the blue link) apologies if you have already read it.
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/
Scroll down to the T2 section, take your time and have a good read through.
For future reference you’ll find it at the top (pinned) of the newbies say hello here forum.

You might want to have a look at the recipe forum, we have some very innovative cooks on here who put there successful recipes here
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/forums/recipes.21/

The main thing is, is to ask loads of questions ok 🙂

 

[Beck S]

Thank you, that’s very helpful. I hope I will have the strength of character to stick with this low carb business. I’m determined to keep off drugs if I can, even though the basic rule for me seems to be ‘If you like it, you can’t have it’. Thank goodness for those of you on the Forum who have found a way through.

I certainly takes time, but I am getting there. Those first few weeks were just horrible for me though, everything I looked at was evil carbs and it made me feel really down. I'm beginning to understand it now, three months later, and it's making so much more sense. You'll get there - you sound like you're already doing the right thing. I think don't be afraid to experiment and see what foods do affect you at this early stage, it'll give you a clearer idea down the road of what you can and can't tolerate. I'm introducing some stuff back in now to see what works, and it's causing some spikes sometimes, but it means I know more about my food now.

 

[Maz2]

I am OK with porridge although I know a lot of people cannot eat it. I have oat bran or something like that, not the instant oats or those with fruit or sugar added to them. Most people here seem to be able to eat bacon and sausage and I cannot so it just shows we are all different.