Steroid Induced Type 2 Diabetes....

[jenniwren]

When I was 12 (14 years ago!!) I was diagnosed with Auto Immune Hepatitis. I have been on steroid and immune- suppressant treatment ere since with the lowest dose of pred being 12.5mg. Random blood sugar tests in the past have showed slightly elevated sugar levels that become normal again when fasting. Since January 2013 though, the blood sugars have been getting higher and higher and just over a week ago, my consultant confirmed type 2 diabetes and has requested for my GP to treat this with medication. I haven't yet had the medication and am not sure what they will be using to treat this, possibly metformin.

I maintain a healthly lifestyle and work full time. Whilst this does tire me out sometimes, I try to take it easy when I start to feel run down and do often miss social events to keep myself well. I have never drunk alcohol, eat a balanced diet that is low fat and relatively low sugar, walk my dog regularly and keep myself fit and healthy- I am slim and not your 'normal' type 2 diabetic. I was wondering if anyone else out there has type 2 diabetes from taking steroids for a prolonged period of time in conjuction with liver disease and what advice you might have for me! My main struggle at the moment is cutting out sugary foods- whilst I don't binge on chocolate, sticking to the guidelines I have been given by the diabetic nurse of 5mg of sugar per 100g rules out most snacks and drinks! I feel like I need some indulgences in my life!!!

Any help or advice on sugar substitutes or low carb, but filling snacks would be very much appreciated

Thanks Jen xx

[nutrimar]

Hi Jen. Sorry to hear about your diabetes.

While not diabetic, I have been diagnosed with glucose intolerance which means I am at risk of getting it. I use Xylitol as a sugar substitute as it is a natural sweetener and not artificial. You could also try Stevia, which is another natural sweetener. Please don't try the artificial sweeteners on the market that contain Aspartame, as they will not help your situation. As for carbs... Buy things like whole grain pasta and brown rice, rye or spelt bread. I have also found that juicing vegetables is a good source of nutrition, and will surprisingly fill you up. Try googling the juice master, or look up on you tube a documentary called Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, they are great sources of info. Hope this helps. Martin

[jenniwren]

Hi Martin,

Thanks for your response! Very helpful. I've always been pretty good with using whole grain rice and pasta knowing the benefits of them compared to white. The same goes for bread but I've never tried rye or spelt so I'll give those a go.

Jeni

[SunnySideUpDawn]

Good advice all told, although I was told to avoid brown rice as well as white as I'm at risk too. I would avoid stevia if you can, and research the other sweetener, xylitol, carefully. Stevia claims to be natural, but the only natural part of it is a 1% ingredient that is derived from the stevia plant--not stevia, something derived from it.

In terms of low carb and low sugar snacks--rye absolutely! Try it with cottage cheese or avocado, yum yum!