Help I've been diagnosed with Diabetes

[ImaDiabetic]

Hi. I've NC as I'm very embarrassed but I've been here along time - moldies,cancel the cheque,Maui etc.
I am waiting on my second blood test confirming the diagnosis but DR is pretty sure I have it and has asked me to sign up for Expert program.
I weigh 20 stones 🙈🙈 and know I have to lose weight but I am obviously rubbish at weight loss and now mortified that my inability to lose weight has caused an illness with such serious health implications.
Has anyone managed to reverse type 2 Diabetes or have any tips for me. I am too scared to google at the moment plus I am so pissed off _ I have had a crap year and was finally get back on track to finish year on a high and thought I know I will get blood tests to check everything ok as I am tired all the bloody time and they came back with vit d of 19 !! and Diabetes.
Plus I am so hungry all the time and eating everything- as I'm hungry and tired and some defiance about I can until I have final diagnosis- self sabotage going on here.!!!
Please help with advice. It would be good to hear from real people about how they have tackled it.

[StarbucksSmarterSister]

A friend of mine has managed to put hers into remission through diet. I'm sure you'll get lots of helpful advice on here.

[Costacoffeeplease]

I’ve recently been diagnosed, I had no symptoms and only found out during pre-op checks for an operation a couple of weeks ago

I’m not particularly overweight, but am the fourth generation to be diagnosed in my family so it wasn’t a massive shock

I’m afraid if you want to try to control or reverse it, it does mean healthy eating and more exercise, which is an issue for me as I’m disabled with mobility problems

I have adjusted my diet - a snack is now a handful of cashew nuts, popcorn, a ryvita and a boiled egg, or an apple. We’ve changed to wholewheat bread and pasta and I have a fraction of what I would have eaten before my diagnosis

My initial blood test was 300, I’m now down to 103 (just now) but average of about 130 depending on when I test

Good luck!

[GrumpyHoonMain]

My uncle managed to reverse it by following the 800 calorie glucose diet and exercising but it was under medical supervision. He weighed less than you initially and while diabetes is common amongst Indian people it isn’t in my mum’s family - so it has ended up worked permanently (he has been diabetes free for 10 years) so it could work for you if the GP is convinced it’s related to your weight rather than anything else.

[SimonJT]

The easiest thing to do would be to post your average weekly exercise schedule and your average weekly food menu.

I’m a type 1, but the diet is the same for both.

[GoldenKelpie]

There is a GP who has had amazing success with his Type 2 diabetic patients at his practice in Southport, Dr David Unwin, over the past six years.

He has a website for you to have a look at and see how he supports his patients and helps them to stabilise their blood sugars, and reduce or even stop their medication.

www.lowcarbprogram.com/meet-the-team/

Have a look at the website, see what you think.

I have been low carbing for more than three and a half years for health reasons and, frankly, it saved my life and sanity.

Good luck x.

[Loz90333]

OP, have a look at the Exante diet, plenty of people have reversed their diabetes (my dad included) and has some really impressive weight loss results!

[OutThereSomewhere]

Afaik if you are pre diabetic it can be reversed with a special diet. Have you crossed the pre diabetic threshold?

My issue was carbs and hidden sugars. I didn't have a sweet tooth as such. It can be frustrating and takes time to adjust. Have you had a dieticians referral yet?
A few tips to start:
Eat regularly: 3 main meals and a small snack between meals.
If possible try to get min 30 mins physical exercise every day (at least 5 days per week).
Be careful of quantity of nuts/seeds as they are higher in calories.
Use Diet yoghurt and low fat dairy products.
Use wholemeal and wholewheat instead of white breads.
Limit potatoes/chips/mash.
Avoid mixing carbs (eg chips & rice -crumbed meat &potatoes- potatoes & bread stuffing - crisps&bread).
Limit fruit portions & fruit juices/fizzy drinks.

[madcatladyforever]

I used to be fat and diabetic too OP. I had bariatric surgery and reversed my diabetes. I've lost 8 stone now.
It's available on the NHS so you should qualify with diabetes.
Don't ignore it, diabetes can be devasating and cause all sorts of problems, kidney sidease, blindness, amputations.
Don't just go with the flow, you can sort this out and you need to.

[SimonJT]

Someone has mentioned diet yoghurts, be careful as most fat free/low fat yoghurts are very very high in sugar. As a type one diabetic I cannot eat any fat free or low fat version of any yoghurt brands apart from actual greek yoghurt, not greek style.

[ImaDiabetic]

Omg. Thank you all so much for your responses. I'm a little emotional at the wonderful advice I've been given here. I feel so crap about having been diagnosed and was ready to absolve into a major pitch party when I thought I'll bet mumsnet can help. And it has.💐💐

I will look at the diets and decide the best one. I have gym membership so am aiming to actually use it. !!! The vit D deficiency and tiredness,although that could be the Diabetes too, mean I will have to start planning gym sessions well as I will have to fit in work ,house and kids too. No excuses though as I have no choice but to lose weight.
The diabetes website says a Mediterranean diet. Has anyone done that?

[werekitty]

I reversed my type 2 diabetes by losing 3 stone. I used myfitnesspal and logged all my food and increased my exercise, it took me 10 months but my sugar levels are normal.

[Yddraigoldragon]

Agree the 800 cals a day diet. It worked for me, I followed the plan by Michael Moseley called the blood sugar diet. There are threads on here about it. If not that then do low carb, follow Biwi’s bootcamp also on here, low carb will make a huge difference virtually immediately.
Good luck, this is not the end of the world, and if type 2 can be reversed.

[ImaDiabetic]

I am very daunted by the amount of weight I have to lose but have decided I need to focus on small goals, so looking at losing a stone at a time.
Madcat I have scared myself as I feel the 'outward' symptoms so worry about what is going on 'inside. I am greatful for the diet tips. I am writing them down and wi follow a meal plan so I dont have think about it too much then I just need to get the exercise planned into my days/week.
I have not told anyone in real life, as I am ashamed, so am glad I have lovely people to talk to. Thank you.

[OutThereSomewhere]

Please don't be ashamed. It takes courage to admit you need help. Undiagnosed diabetes is very common and known as the silent killer. Do this for yourself. Regarding weight loss: set realistic targets the weight loss programmes usually start with 6lb per week but they're not diabetic. I found meal planning difficult to begin with. So many processed foods tend to have hidden sugars. I have a very busy schedule and eating regularly was a challenge for me. By eating regularly, it will keep your sugar levels more regular throughout the day.

[GrumpyHoonMain]

At your weight you will probably be able to lose loads quite quickly if you follow a decent diet and exercise plan. You should count the number of calories you currently eat (weigh out your typical portions) and then use that figure to reduce down. Your GP can help.

[worriedaboutmygirl]

It's great that you have been booked into a weightloss/lifestyle programme. Once that is done, you might want to ask if your GP can refer you for an online programme like www.ourpath.co.uk. You can also pay (not very much per month) for this. You need to be aware that "healthy" choices like fruit (especially dried fruit and juices) and jacket potatoes can have a serious impact on your blood glucose levels. Have a read about glycemic index and try to only eat low glycemic index foods. Logging everything you eat (several apps available, some with coaching or support) will help you keep track and help you to understand your eating patterns. Well done for taking action.

[AlwaysColdHands]

There’s some good evidence emerging about plant based diets and reversing diabetes. Look at gemmanewman.com/learn-more (scroll down to find stuff on diabetes) and also the work of Dr Michael Greger
nutritionfacts.org/2018/09/20/how-to-reverse-type-2-diabetes/

Best of luck to you 👍🏻

[MichaelMosleyisagod]

Have just lost three stone on the Michael Mosley Fast 800 diet - it is amazing. There are several good Facebook groups to follow and many posts on reversing type 2 diabetes

[ImaDiabetic]

Thanks for all the links and advice. I've made a list of diets and will have a look at them all and pick one/maybe a couple I think I can work with.
Now I am looking there is alot of help I feel much better about coming up with plan of action.
Spending the weekend doing research. I think I need cold hard facts about what the diabetes will do to me to help adopt a new diet and lifestyle.

[Costacoffeeplease]

Well the ultimate consequences include blindness and amputation (I know someone who had both legs amputated due to diabetes) and death (again, I know someone who didn’t control their blood sugar and died in their 40s) só it is something to treat very seriously

[Goldenchildsmum]

Don't feel ashamed. See this as the universe helping you to get healthy. Without this diagnosis you'd have probably carried on being overweight and unhealthy which would have caused another type of illness. You can now turn your life around

[ImaDiabetic]

I am worried. Feeling very low about it all but know I need to get off my arse and sort it.
I am angry as I've sorted out some emotion crap this year that has been holding me back and was getting ready to end the year on a high. Told myself it was ok to have a rubbish year as I was now feeling better about things. And now this. Ending the year in a low again.
Having said that I came up with a plan for dealing with toxic family and got positive result with it so will focus on that strategy for this. Need a plan and then resolve to stick with it. The scare tactics should help with that. !!

[ImaDiabetic]

I like the idea of the universe is helping me. Weirdly I asked the universe in helping me deal with family and it worked. Looks like I will be asking for help again. :)

[stripeypillowcase]

op
your head is in the right place.
you have a good attitude and been given lots of good advice already.
I also recommend the mosely approach, a relative got from t2d to healthy on the blood sugar diet (after discussing it with diabetes nurse) in about 3 months.
lost a few stone of weight as well.

[stripeypillowcase]

have a look at a diet app (my fitness pal for example).
monitor what you eat and measure/weigh your portions for a week or so.
getting an eye for nutrition will help.

good luck!