I need help in advising a friend with diabetes, please

[Whydothis]

On Sunday I saw a couple I have known for about 45 years. One is a slim, active farmer, who was diagnosed with T2 diabetes about 3 years ago. I heard that his blood sugar readings are going up, he keeps having to have his medication changed, and it is looking serious (and he doesn't look well)

I had my biggest shock when talking to his wife. It turns out that he is still eating sugar, mainly in the form of home made cake every day. I questioned this, and she told me that "like everyone" he needs some sugar in his diet. She carries sweet biscuits when they go out to make sure he doesn't get hungry!!!

When I said that it is only T1 diabetics who have to carry sugary food around, I was "corrected" and told that we all need to eat sugar. I am very worried and want to help!

So - can anyone point me towards a short, clear, explanation of the basics of the diet for T2 that I can pass on? I feel I need to start just with "Don't eat added sugar" before there is any chance of talking about low carb! I have done a quick search, but all I can find is information that takes the basic message for granted (for example the phcuk site, and Unwin's infographics, seem to assume that patients know about avoiding sugar)

I am worried, and want to help, but I need to gently suggest something short and simple to read or to watch on youtube - so any suggestions, please?

[NikonikoFred]

I tend to direct people to Dr Jason Fung’s book “The Diabetes Code”. Very easy to understand and totally explanatory. Also on U-tube Dr David Unwin who has years of successfully treating diabetic patients. Getting many off medication and into remission.

[Whydothis in reply to NikonikoFred]

Thank you - you did mention this book to me before - I should have looked back to my questions and the answers.

[NikonikoFred in reply to Whydothis]

👌

[NikonikoFred]

By the way, Dr Jason Fung is a nephrologist who treat obese and diabetic patients

[Subtle_badger]

I keep repeating it, but Hidden watch one David Unwin video and seems to have put her very serious diabetes into remission.

youtube.com/watch?v=RUH7epL...(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden]

Hi, He and his wife need to ask his GP and/or nurse specifically about daily cake and sugar. It’s commonly misunderstood with DM Type 2. S

[Hidden]

How Much Sugar Per Day Required For The Body by Dr Berg

youtube.com/watch?v=lx87378...(Not working as expected?)

[Whydothis in reply to Hidden]

That's a brilliant short one to get started with - thank you!

[Hidden in reply to Whydothis]

You're welcome

[TheMoaningViolet]

Michael Mosley books perhaps?

[Whydothis in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

I will add them to my list - thank you

[Ianc2]

have a look on diabetes.org. Lots of help, recipes, etc.

[Whydothis in reply to Ianc2]

I am pulling together a list of websites, youtube talks, and books so I will make sure this is on it. Tomorrow I will phone and start the conversation.

[moreless in reply to Whydothis]

I certainly wouldn't follow the advice of Diabetes.org, they use mainstream advice. diabetes.co.uk/ is much better.

[Whydothis in reply to moreless]

Thank you - I will get it right!

[Subtle_badger]

theguardian.com/news/audio/...

"they managed the Renaissance without sugar"

[Whydothis in reply to Subtle_badger]

I love the quote, and have added the podcast to my list

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador]

Oh dear. The phrase 'A Little Knowledge Is A Dangerous Thing' springs to mind. I'll be perfectly honest: I doubt there's much hope of you convincing them of anything, because they've already decided that they're right.

I had a similar conversation with my sister (about my overweight niece) and it ended in a blazing row because she is firmly convinced that a diet containing fat would be equivalent to giving her daughter arsenic. Bear in mind that this is a woman with a PhD. Irrational beliefs are impervious to rational debate.

Still, no harm in forwarding them the videos. Dr Berg and Dr Unwin give some great presentations and they know their onions. I wish you lots of luck!

[S11m in reply to TheAwfulToad]

My daughter-in-law is the same - quite convinced that diabetes is incurable... but my father, when he was diagnosed back in the 1970 was told to try to avoid sugar.

I think that, if a diabetec has taken too much insulin, they can get hypoglycaemia and {short-term} benefit from sugar?

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to S11m]

Yes, it seems the couple concerned are getting confused with Type 1. And also under the impression that "all bodies need sugar", because the health authorities say so. And surely, they know what they're talking about ...?

[Whydothis in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I will try! I am making the phone call this evening.

[Whydothis]

I am not at all sure I can convince them that fat isn't dangerous, but I am having a good try!

[Whydothis]

Thank you all for your support and advice with this. I wound myself up enough to make the phone call, had a good chat, and have sent an email with links and explanations.

I think part of the problem is that "my" diabetic is unusual in that he has always been very slim and is now underweight - they have always been terrified of fat (other than margarine in cakes!!!) so he is eating low fat yogurt, no fat on meat ...

At least I have started the conversation, with your help. I will report back if and when I get a response.

[Whydothis]

I had mentioned nuts, but didn't think about olives - I will suggest them next time.

[Whydothis]

Ready for my next conversation, thank you!