What help is available?

[Craigtype2]

Hello I'm new to this site and found it whilst searching for help on the net as I have had type 2 for 3 years with virtually no support. I do not know where to turn to for help or what help is available. I am struggling to have any control and for the last 18 months I have been having readings of 18 up to 30+. I haven't felt myself in along time every day is struggle. I have spoken to my doctors many times who have made adjustments to my medication several times. I'm now on insulin which still isn't bringing down my levels enough increasing weekly but it's taking so long and I'm so tired of feeling so rotten all the time. I have not been offered any support and dont know where to turn. I'm really struggling as I also have an addiction to eating and bad mental health and both of these are impacting my diabetes. Can anyone point me in the direction of some support please?

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum @Craigtype2, you are not alone in feeling you have little support from the medical profession but diabetes is a condition where people have to learn how to self manage as the condition and what works is very different in different people and really a one size fit all approach does not work.
A bit more information about what your medication regime is would help people tailor their advice to you. Many people find themselves in your situation but do manage to turn things around by making some life style changes as those levels you mention are not good and must be making you feel unwell. Levels as high as 30 should be a red flag to seek medical advice asap.
If you say medications and even insulin is not working then It might be worth questioning your diagnosis as Type 2 as it may indicate you fit Type 1 or LADA .
Some examples of the sort of foods and meals you have will help people make suggestions about changes you might try.
Have a look around the forum and the Learning Zone as it will give you a better understanding of your options.
Do come back with any specific questions you have.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Craigtype2 🙂 Sorry you’re feeling unsupported. I imagine the addiction to eating must clash horribly with your diabetes.I hope you’re getting support with that.

What insulin(s) do you take and when? Insulin doses do have to be increased gradually, largely for two reasons: safety, and to ensure your blood sugar comes down slowly rather than too fast, which can occasionally cause issues. It’s hard to comment more without knowing your insulin regime.

 

[Craigtype2]

Welcome to the forum @Craigtype2, you are not alone in feeling you have little support from the medical profession but diabetes is a condition where people have to learn how to self manage as the condition and what works is very different in different people and really a one size fit all approach does not work.
A bit more information about what your medication regime is would help people tailor their advice to you. Many people find themselves in your situation but do manage to turn things around by making some life style changes as those levels you mention are not good and must be making you feel unwell. Levels as high as 30 should be a red flag to seek medical advice asap.
If you say medications and even insulin is not working then It might be worth questioning your diagnosis as Type 2 as it may indicate you fit Type 1 or LADA .
Some examples of the sort of foods and meals you have will help people make suggestions about changes you might try.
Have a look around the forum and the Learning Zone as it will give you a better understanding of your options.
Do come back with any specific questions you have.

Thank you @Leadinglights for your reply. My medication currently is as follows.
60 units toujeo once per day(insulin)
2x500mg metformin per day
2 x 80mg gliclizide twice per day.
I'm increasing my insulin at 3 units weekly until I get my levels correct.
You mentioned lifestyle changes could help but that's were I struggle. I have anxiety and depression and turn to food for comfort which doesn't help aswell I have an addiction to food. I'm not stupid I know what I should and shouldn't eat i just cant stop myself eating it. I just dont know how I can control my diabetes when I'm like this. I look at food and I know I dont need it when im not hungry I know I should eat it as it's full of sugar but yet I still eat it and im hate myself for it. I'm so fed up feeling I'll and struggling every day.

 

[Craigtype2]

Welcome @Craigtype2 🙂 Sorry you’re feeling unsupported. I imagine the addiction to eating must clash horribly with your diabetes.I hope you’re getting support with that.

What insulin(s) do you take and when? Insulin doses do have to be increased gradually, largely for two reasons: safety, and to ensure your blood sugar comes down slowly rather than too fast, which can occasionally cause issues. It’s hard to comment more without knowing your insulin regime.

Thank you @Inka for your reply my meds currently are
My medication currently is as follows.
60 units toujeo once per day(insulin)
2x500mg metformin per day
2 x 80mg gliclizide twice per day.
I'm increasing my insulin at 3 units weekly until I get my levels correct.

 

[Leadinglights]

At the moment you are fighting trying to keep the food intake and medications in balance and the food is winning.
It does become a vicious circle as the more your glucose levels rise the worse you feel so you turn to food you know you shouldn't eat so on it goes. But medication alone is not a magic bullet.
As your levels are going very high you should be insistent on getting more help from your G P practice as it sounds as if you have largely left to your own devices.

 

[Inka]

Thank you @Inka for your reply my meds currently are
My medication currently is as follows.
60 units toujeo once per day(insulin)
2x500mg metformin per day
2 x 80mg gliclizide twice per day.
I'm increasing my insulin at 3 units weekly until I get my levels correct.

I’m Type 1 not Type 2, but I wonder whether you’d find a regime with a separate meal insulin gives better control. If you find it hard to control your eating and it can be variable, then just having the Toujeo (which is a background insulin) might not be enough to give you better control. if you had a fast insulin to deal with your meals, that might help. It’s more injections, but usually better control. The regime is MDI - multiple daily injections.

Just something to research and to discuss with your nurse. @Lucyr is a Type 2 on insulin and I think she uses an MDI regime.

 

[Lucyr]

I think the standard approach for type 2 is to start on a background only insulin, as for some people that plus lifestyle changes may be enough to get the levels down. If your eating is something you’re struggling with though then this approach might not suit you and you might need something else to help deal with your mealtime blood sugars, either fast acting insulin or some other kind of medication (more gliclazide if you’re not on max dose, something else if you are, there’s lots of options).

What follow up appointments do you have booked? If none, who can you book an appointment with? I think my plan would be to write a list of questions (including things like “how can I get support with my eating” etc) and arrange an appointment to talk the next steps through with someone.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear how difficult you are finding things @Craigtype2 - but well done for joining here and seeking to help and support yourself.

Anxiety, depression and disordered eating all have the potential to make managing diabetes very difficult, but combines all together (with an addictive relationship to sweet and sugary foods) must be extremely challenging.

Have you been referred for help with your MH challenges? Counselling or support groups, or ‘social prescribing’ might help, but it sounds like your complex situation needs to be properly assessed.

 

[Craigtype2]

At the moment you are fighting trying to keep the food intake and medications in balance and the food is winning.
It does become a vicious circle as the more your glucose levels rise the worse you feel so you turn to food you know you shouldn't eat so on it goes. But medication alone is not a magic bullet.
As your levels are going very high you should be insistent on getting more help from your G P practice as it sounds as if you have largely left to your own devices.

I have been in touch with my gp and told the how I'm feeling and how I'm struggling. They weren't very helpful with regards to my meds but they did a referral to the weight loss clinic to hopefully help me with my addiction to food which should help me with weight battle and hopefully give me some confidence back. I have to carry on increasing the insulin weekly and a review is to be done in 6 weeks.

 

[Inka]

Well done on contacting them @Craigtype2 I know how hard it can be to do something like that when you’re feeling down.

 

[Craigtype2]

I think the standard approach for type 2 is to start on a background only insulin, as for some people that plus lifestyle changes may be enough to get the levels down. If your eating is something you’re struggling with though then this approach might not suit you and you might need something else to help deal with your mealtime blood sugars, either fast acting insulin or some other kind of medication (more gliclazide if you’re not on max dose, something else if you are, there’s lots of options).

What follow up appointments do you have booked? If none, who can you book an appointment with? I think my plan would be to write a list of questions (including things like “how can I get support with my eating” etc) and arrange an appointment to talk the next steps through with someone.

Thank you for your help. My gp hasn't been very helpful over ther years. I had a telephone appointment on monday and he has done a referral for the weight loss clinic but no changes to my meds as he believes it's the right regime but I need to be patient. I have a follow up in 6 weeks.

 

[rebrascora]

Agreed. Pushing for help is really hard when you are feeling low so a big "WELL DONE" from me too. I am a total coward for that sort of thing so really think that is one of the biggest steps you can make towards improving things. Wishing you lots of success. Setting yourself very small, easily attainable goals will really help you to make good progress.

 

[Drummer]

Hello I'm new to this site and found it whilst searching for help on the net as I have had type 2 for 3 years with virtually no support. I do not know where to turn to for help or what help is available. I am struggling to have any control and for the last 18 months I have been having readings of 18 up to 30+. I haven't felt myself in along time every day is struggle. I have spoken to my doctors many times who have made adjustments to my medication several times. I'm now on insulin which still isn't bringing down my levels enough increasing weekly but it's taking so long and I'm so tired of feeling so rotten all the time. I have not been offered any support and dont know where to turn. I'm really struggling as I also have an addiction to eating and bad mental health and both of these are impacting my diabetes. Can anyone point me in the direction of some support please?

Would it help to have things you can eat which are low carb - so you could eat them in addition to the foods you intended to eat and not push up your levels?
I make myself comforting desserts with gelatine - I used to use sugar free jellies but they are too sweet for me now.
One is made with coconut milk and a strong set gelatine. After making the jelly I wash the coconut milk tin out with hot water and when it is cool add peppermint and cacao powder, some cream or full fat yoghurt and froth it up. If it isn't frothed up it can be really solid and not as nice. Another option is jelly with yoghurt and or cream and strawberry puree. I froth that too - I have a Bamix so I might as well.
The other things I eat are probably of no interest to you - but having a big bowl of jelly can be a big help, particularly if it is pretty much guilt free.
I usually have packets of frozen strawberries in the freezer, as tossing them into the warm jelly makes it set almost at once, no waiting.
I do hope you can sort out your medication and begin to see lower numbers and feel better soon. When diagnosed with type two many people find they have little support, even if not one of the very boring and ordinary sorts like myself. Don't let them ignore you.

 

[Craigtype2]

Agreed. Pushing for help is really hard when you are feeling low so a big "WELL DONE" from me too. I am a total coward for that sort of thing so really think that is one of the biggest steps you can make towards improving things. Wishing you lots of success. Setting yourself very small, easily attainable goals will really help you to make good progress.

Thank you

 

[Craigtype2]

T

Would it help to have things you can eat which are low carb - so you could eat them in addition to the foods you intended to eat and not push up your levels?
I make myself comforting desserts with gelatine - I used to use sugar free jellies but they are too sweet for me now.
One is made with coconut milk and a strong set gelatine. After making the jelly I wash the coconut milk tin out with hot water and when it is cool add peppermint and cacao powder, some cream or full fat yoghurt and froth it up. If it isn't frothed up it can be really solid and not as nice. Another option is jelly with yoghurt and or cream and strawberry puree. I froth that too - I have a Bamix so I might as well.
The other things I eat are probably of no interest to you - but having a big bowl of jelly can be a big help, particularly if it is pretty much guilt free.
I usually have packets of frozen strawberries in the freezer, as tossing them into the warm jelly makes it set almost at once, no waiting.
I do hope you can sort out your medication and begin to see lower numbers and feel better soon. When diagnosed with type two many people find they have little support, even if not one of the very boring and ordinary sorts like myself. Don't let them ignore you.

Thank you for your support. I am a big fan of jelly and yogurt although I have never combined the 2. I try to avoid yogurt because it always has a high sugar content which is a shame cause I could live on yogurt . I also go for low fat yogurt because of my weight. Why do you mention to use full fat? Thank you for your help.

 

[Leadinglights]

T

Thank you for your support. I am a big fan of jelly and yogurt although I have never combined the 2. I try to avoid yogurt because it always has a high sugar content which is a shame cause I could live on yogurt . I also go for low fat yogurt because of my weight. Why do you mention to use full fat? Thank you for your help.

Full fat Greek yogurt is lower carb than low fat and you can add your own berries. I have the high protein yogurt or quark deserts which are low carb and also low fat, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla and white chocolate are ones I have come across, ASDA, ALDI both have them.
Full fat will fill you up so you will be less likely to snack on high carb things. Other good things for snacks are nuts, cheese, boiled eggs. There are Nature Valley or shop own brand Protein nut and chocolate bars which are 10g carb per bar so again not too bad carb wise.

 

[Drummer]

T

Thank you for your support. I am a big fan of jelly and yogurt although I have never combined the 2. I try to avoid yogurt because it always has a high sugar content which is a shame cause I could live on yogurt . I also go for low fat yogurt because of my weight. Why do you mention to use full fat? Thank you for your help.

The yoghurts I buy are low carb, I get the full fat Greek style yoghurt from Lidl.
Eating what I think of as the natural fats, those which come with the foods, I lost loads of weight - well over 50lb - I stopped weighing about 6 months before diagnosis as my weight was going up and up out of my control eating low fat and high carb - to lower cholesterol, which was not working either. I am just having to renew or remake all my winter clothes yet again, coming up to 5 years from diagnosis.
I don't weigh, but I do measure, and my waist is over a foot smaller - I was just about spherical at diagnosis.

 

[Craigtype2]

Full fat Greek yogurt is lower carb than low fat and you can add your own berries. I have the high protein yogurt or quark deserts which are low carb and also low fat, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla and white chocolate are ones I have come across, ASDA, ALDI both have them.
Full fat will fill you up so you will be less likely to snack on high carb things. Other good things for snacks are nuts, cheese, boiled eggs. There are Nature Valley or shop own brand Protein nut and chocolate bars which are 10g carb per bar so again not too bad carb wise.

@Drummer @Leadinglights you both seem to refer to the control of carbs, but I though I had to try and control my sugar? Am I doing something wrong? I think the high fat low carb is called keto diet is that something I should maybe try?

 

[Leadinglights]

@Drummer @Leadinglights you both seem to refer to the control of carbs, but I though I had to try and control my sugar? Am I doing something wrong? I think the high fat low carb is called keto diet is that something I should maybe try?

It is ALL carbohydrates that convert to glucose not just sugar, which is why with Type 2 diabetes people need to watch the total amount of carbohydrate they have, as their body is unable to cope because the insulin they produce may be insufficient or is unable to be used effectively.
Some people who are managing their blood glucose levels by diet or diet and metformin are often very careful about how much carbohydrate they have and will use their blood glucose monitor to test what foods they can tolerate but you will find that as everybody is different in their tolerance that the amount of carbs that people have will vary, some may have 130g per day but some as low as 40g per day, most somewhere in between. That would be considered low carb.
By Keto you are referring to very low carb so probably as little as 20g per day which for many people would be very hard to sustain.
When you have low carb then you have to get your energy from somewhere and that is protein and healthy fats together with vegetables and salads and some fruits like berries.
Whatever regime you choose has to be sustainable and enjoyable otherwise it is hard to stick to.

Many foods that claim to be low or no added sugar are still high carb, so beware of the traffic light system on packets as they are misleading for diabetics as it is the TOTAL carbohydrate you need to look at, usually in the small print on the back.
Google search for carb content of foods will give you a good idea of what would be better food choices.
Various carb apps people use are also good if you are thus inclined.