Confused

[Suey147]

Hi, I am recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic

I know I need to cut carbs but what is recommended for me daily?

I have lost weight since diagnosis but still would like to lose another 20lbs

I go to exercise classes 5 nights a week doing Zumba and kettle bells etc

I don’t smoke and very rarely drink

I still have not had a face to face meeting with a diabetic nurse just 5 minute calls so to be honest have been winging it with Google searches and a blood monitor

I’m on metformin SR but struggling as I suffer with side effects so regularly have to cut the dosage to one twice daily until they stop then up them again once it’s stable

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Hi and welcome to the group, Suey147 . 😀👍 Thank you for introducing yourself to everyone.

Here’s the free Diabetes leaflets from the DRWF website that deals with diet/exercise and Diabetes.

What have you been eating for meals and/or snacks? Have you talked to the nurse about carb. counting? 😀👍

[Gambit62 in reply to Activity2004]

Activity2004 - did you mean to insert a link to the leaflet

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you. Here’s the link. drwf.org.uk/understanding-d...

[Gambit62]

Suey147 - have you mentioned the side effects to your pharmacist - they may be able to recommend a suitable alternative that doesn't have so many side effects.

[Suey147 in reply to Gambit62]

Hi Gambit, yes I have same with metformin so they put me on slow release so still trying them just a matter off taking it slowly I think 🙂

[daverussell]

Hi Suey147,

I'm still very confused too. I've had little support since my diagnosis in December.

I'm in a similar situation to yourself: I'm fit and relatively healthy (ok I was maybe borderline overweight). I workout 2 or 3 times per week. However, I'm (allegedly) managing my diabetes on diet. I've added extra workout session per week and I've changed my diet and I lost nearly 3/4 to 1 stone in 6 weeks.

I use the app MyFitnessPal (free version)- in fact. I've used it for a couple of years on and off before my diagnosis, just to observe/control my fitness, along with heart rate monitor to show calories burnt during exercise. I find this a useful way to watch my carb intake.

I was recommended and signed up to an app called MyDesmond. I have posted questions to the expert and general chat, through this app. It helps a little, bur I'm still struggling with most symptoms.

However, I've just recently had my 2nd blood test and was told I have it under control so "well done." I'm not convinced. Although a colleague of mine who was recently diagnosed prediabetic just attended an online group meeting, so I need to follow up with my GP.

If as they say my diet has helped. To do this I stopped crisps and biscuits altogether and do not drink alcohol at home. I knew all along this wasn't particularly healthy. I now snack on walnuts and cashew nuts. For lunch, I have omlette with mozerella and tuna, instead of bread. For dinner I follow low carb recipes from Joe Wick's 'Lean in 15'. That has massively increased my fruit and veg intake (no longer have potatoes and bread in my diet) .

I'm still screaming out to find answers. Why do I still feel tired and lethargic? (Although I haven't had vertigo since my diet). I was advised by the expert on MyDesmond, I maybe not having enough carbs. They also said I should speak to my healthcare team. I've got no idea who they are. I also recently read (I think it was on diabetes.co.uk) that not all diabetes patients need to cut carbs. All the diet advice is very confusing.

I'm following this post for answers too.

[Suey147 in reply to daverussell]

Hi Dave, thank you for your reply as everything you have said mirrors myself including date I was diagnosed.I think my worst habit was crisps not a sweet tooth for me more savoury.

I’ve cut crisps out too but have as a treat I’m a chef so don’t even nibble I like fresh fruit and vegetables and fish but still struggling even at gym 5 nights a week.

I think because of covid I’m still waiting to get time with diabetic nurse.

They put me forward for a diabetic course but still almost 6 months on have not heard anymore about this either🙄

[daverussell in reply to Suey147]

I've just been onto my doctor. Due to my improved hb1ac levels (from 51 to 45), my she said my ongoing symptoms are related to anxiety, which as a result of insomnia which is due to tinnitus - another appointment I've been waiting for 3 months.

When I asked about my health care team for diabetes, they've booked me an appointment with the diabetes nurse in 2 weeks.

Stay strong, and all the best.

[Koalajane]

I am type 2 diabetic in remission and have had face to face appointments with my diabetic nurse throughout the pandemic, bar one at the beginning where I went for blood tests and blood pressure tests plus weight check and then had a telephone conversation with my lovely diabetic nurse. My nurse is so helpful and I have learnt such a lot from her

[Suey147 in reply to Koalajane]

Hi koala, I am happy someone is getting appointments but like I said I have had two 5 minute calls since December My hb1ac level was 94 and not had a test since December when I was diagnosed

I’ve learnt everything from internet and asking people as I was quite oblivious to diabetes not overweight fit and active woman so it was a massive shock and in all honesty still is s bit of a shock

[Koalajane in reply to Suey147]

That is very poor. Hope you can get to talk to your diabetic nurse and get some good advice

[Red9905 in reply to Suey147]

Hi Suey, my HBa1c was 66 in July and by September I'd got it down to 43 purely by fasting, one meal a day and just water or black coffee during the day. Also lost 2 stone which was a bonus. Good luck

[Kniste]

Not the best person to give advice, as my dad said, you can have my advice,I am not currently using it. The human body is a simple machine.

1) if you are exercising 5 times per week you will need more fuel.

I believe that if you want to weigh less, you eat less.

if you wish to be healthy then you eat healthy.

If you wish to be fit you exercises.

If you want to be happy, then don't worry.

I dropped from 105kgs to 87kgs with this principle over 2 years. my BMI is now 25.6, I am squeezing the last few grams off before I have my next checkup.

another word of foolish wisdom, worry can turn 50gms of food into 1 kg of body fat. Use one of the 5 nights training to relax and indulge yourself (not eating).

Once every day, stare into the mirror and admire the magnificent beast on the other side of the glass. If the pupils are dilating then the admiration is genuine.