Three weeks in

[Beck S]

Been three weeks since I got my diagnosis, and I've got my head down (with some help from my housemate who's been brilliant) and worked on my diet, cut all my carb and sugar intake down, apart from my morning cup of tea, one step at a time. I learned that Metformin can be evil, cauliflower rice is ok in small doses, and I really, really miss carbs. It's been a difficult couple of weeks but I'm slowly getting my head round it. The best thing is that I've seen my BG readings come down from 18s, 19s, and 20s, to 6s, 7s, and 8s, so I'm obviously doing something right. Hopefully this will keep spurring me on because this is hard.

I may have eaten a mini-roll at lunchtime though...

 

[Bubbsie]

Been three weeks since I got my diagnosis, and I've got my head down (with some help from my housemate who's been brilliant) and worked on my diet, cut all my carb and sugar intake down, apart from my morning cup of tea, one step at a time. I learned that Metformin can be evil, cauliflower rice is ok in small doses, and I really, really miss carbs. It's been a difficult couple of weeks but I'm slowly getting my head round it. The best thing is that I've seen my BG readings come down from 18s, 19s, and 20s, to 6s, 7s, and 8s, so I'm obviously doing something right. Hopefully this will keep spurring me on because this is hard.

I may have eaten a mini-roll at lunchtime though...

Pretty good going Beck...numbers going down...no need to rush...you need to take things at your own pace...it is difficult to cut the carbs...but...it does get easier...as for the mini roll...I occasionally (often) sneak a small two finger KikKat...the odd treat doesn't hurt...in moderation (ooh I do hate that word...but...so applicable).

 

[Copepod]

Great news @Beck S. Many people find that side effects of metformin diminish over a few weeks, so I hope that applies to you. You're getting good feedback with your blood sugar meter.
Just one question - how about your physical activity / exercise levels?

 

[purgatory]

I too am a few weeks into diagnosis and I have to say you sound like you are doing great, I haven't cut out all carbs but I have cut back and so far that seems to be working ok for me, I have to say though I bought cauliflower rice to give it a go and didnt even eat any as it smelled like burning plastic! I also bought a load of bean based pasta substitutes from Holland and Barrett and I tried one but they are all for the bin I think as I was not impressed, the one thing I truly miss apart from chocolate obviously is sugar in my tea! sweeteners are just nasty

I totally agree with you it is hard but I guess we are without a choice, having said that I must be doing something right as I have lost 8lbs in two weeks without actually trying, and I confess I have snuck a wagon wheel now and then old habits and all plus my palate is a little slow in catching up to the no sugar thing!

 

[Wirrallass]

Been three weeks since I got my diagnosis, and I've got my head down (with some help from my housemate who's been brilliant) and worked on my diet, cut all my carb and sugar intake down, apart from my morning cup of tea, one step at a time. I learned that Metformin can be evil, cauliflower rice is ok in small doses, and I really, really miss carbs. It's been a difficult couple of weeks but I'm slowly getting my head round it. The best thing is that I've seen my BG readings come down from 18s, 19s, and 20s, to 6s, 7s, and 8s, so I'm obviously doing something right. Hopefully this will keep spurring me on because this is hard.

I may have eaten a mini-roll at lunchtime though...

Yes you most certainly are doing something right Beck ~ 20's to 6's~8's is a fantastic achievement in such a short period of time ~ so very well done you

I couldn't tolerate Metformin or Metfartin commonly known here for its laxative side effects😱 so my GP prescribed Sukkarto SR which is a slow release form of Metformin. However I couldn't tolerate this either so I manage my Diabetes with diet control and exercise only ~ very difficult at first but I've made it work for me and my numbers are generally in the 5's & 6's ~ unless of course I have nibbled through 2 or 3 sausage rolls or a small tub of tirisamu😱 my sweet tooth is my downfall and I too miss my carbs so you are not alone there. Apparently one chocolate eclaire will hardly elevate your glucose level 😛 as I was informed by our good @Northerner 🙂

One of my tips I would give to you is to drink plenty of water ~ I drink 200mls of warm boiled water each morning and the same before I go to bed ~ and I drink up to 600mls for the rest of each day.

Given time you will find it easier to manage your Diabetes & meal times won't be such a hardship for you. Try to be patient ~ Rome wasn't built in a day!

So pleased for you that you have an understanding & supportive housemate. You are fortunate to have such a chum🙂 Take care & do stay in touch as to your progress x

 

[Beck S]

Thanks everyone. I'm trying to be really positive about it so that it'll help me, I know what I'll be like if I'm miserable.

Great news @Beck S. Many people find that side effects of metformin diminish over a few weeks, so I hope that applies to you. You're getting good feedback with your blood sugar meter.
Just one question - how about your physical activity / exercise levels?

They're not the best, but I walk a fair bit. We have an exercise bike in the house so I'm going to be using that more. Hoping to fit in about 20 minutes or so a day to start with, just to start getting my stamina levels back up to exercise. I also have gym membership but it's been a while since I've been. I know that if I hope to continue having some carbs, I'm going to need to fit it in.

Yes you most certainly are doing something right Beck ~ 20's to 6's~8's is a fantastic achievement in such a short period of time ~ so very well done you

I couldn't tolerate Metformin or Metfartin commonly known here for its laxative side effects😱 so my GP prescribed Sukkarto SR which is a slow release form of Metformin. However I couldn't tolerate this either so I manage my Diabetes with diet control and exercise only ~ very difficult at first but I've made it work for me and my numbers are generally in the 5's & 6's ~ unless of course I have nibbled through 2 or 3 sausage rolls or a small tub of tirisamu😱 my sweet tooth is my downfall and I too miss my carbs so you are not alone there. Apparently one chocolate eclaire will hardly elevate your glucose level 😛 as I was informed by our good @Northerner 🙂

One of my tips I would give to you is to drink plenty of water ~ I drink 200mls of warm boiled water each morning and the same before I go to bed ~ and I drink up to 600mls for the rest of each day.

Given time you will find it easier to manage your Diabetes & meal times won't be such a hardship for you. Try to be patient ~ Rome wasn't built in a day!

So pleased for you that you have an understanding & supportive housemate. You are fortunate to have such a chum🙂 Take care & do stay in touch as to your progress x

Yes, it really helps. She also suffers from a chronic condition, so she knows what it's like to have to keep to a medical regime every day so there's a bit of experience there. And she's happy to try all different types of food with me as well.

I am rubbish at drinking water normally, so I am trying to push myself to drink more. I have found a squash made by a fairly local company which is suitable for diabetics which doesn't actually taste bad, so I'm planning on drinking loads of that to help!

I like the eclair information too! Very helpful 😛

 

[Copepod]

@Beck S. Walking is great exercise. Some people like to use step tracker devices etc. Some areas have health walks - either groups at set times, which give the added bonus of sociability during walk and perhaps at cafe afterwards, or routes marked by arrows in local parks, which may encourage you to explore a bit further. When you're happy walking 5km (just over 3 miles), then you're very welcome to join free timed 5km walks / jogs / runs called parkrun, every Saturday at 9am in England & Wales, 9.30am in Scotland & Northern Ireland. There is absolutely no expectation that everyone will run the whole way or even at all! Register free at www.parkrun.org.uk , print out your barcodes and research which locations are most convenient for you.

 

[Beck S]

I like walking - I belong to the Wetlands Trust so I try and go down there often on a weekend to get some walking in. I do like the idea of eventually being able to run a bit - I've never been a runner and never been fit enough to run any distance but the past year or so it's something I would quite like to aim for - I'd like to do our local 5k as a fundraiser eventually. Once I get stronger I will look at that for sure.