Is there a support thread for type 2 diabetics on here?

[Everythingaches]

I’m pre diabetic , almost diabetic and if I eat the wrong things I feel starving, presumably cos my blood sugars go haywire.
Some support and advice would be appreciated!

Yes, it’s called Diabetes Support.

Ask a stupid question!

Where is it please?

If you go to the Talk homepage, all topics are listed alphabetically, so it’s under D.

I was diagnosed type 2 about 3 months ago, and I am on a medication to reduce my blood sugar. I have bought myself a wearable glucose monitor, to keep an eye on my sugars, and I have cut down drastically on the amount of sugar in my diet - I was eating far too much chocolate, too many biscuits and other sweet treats, and too much fruit juice. I have also cut down on the amount of carbs I’ve been eating - potatoes, rice, pasta, noodles, bread - but filling up with lots more veg. Plus I’ve switched to wholewheat pasta and brown rice.

One of my biggest problems was lunches - sandwiches were my default lunch, and that was too many carbs, so I have had to find other options - cold chicken and coleslaw, cold meat and beetroot, lentil soup, hummus and crudités. Be careful of ready made fresh and tinned soups - you have to check how much sugar and carbs they contain, and sometimes what looks like a healthy vegetable soup can have unexpected sugar in it.

Having the Dexcom has meant I can see what makes my blood sugar spike, and I can see that my levels are generally within the acceptable levels.

The basic advice I was given by the diabetic nurse was to eat lean protein and plenty of veg.

What is Dexcom?

I was told no exotic fruits but could have apples, pears and berries. I am trying to cut down on diet sodas but find plain still water bleurgh though I do like sparkling.

Dexcom is a wearable glucose monitor, @Deathraystare - it's a little module that goes on your arm or abdomen, with a tiny needle that goes into the skin and allows it to measure your blood glucose (from the fluid in the cells, not directly from the bloodstream). It gives you a regular reading, and it will sound an alarm if your blood glucose goes too high or too low.

I use the Dexcom 1, but there are other Dexcom models, and FreeStyle Libre also do a similar wearable monitor.

If you go to the Dexcom and Freestyle Libre sites, you can get a single monitor to try out, for free, just by entering your email address. The Dexcom 1 works for 10 days before needing replacement, and the Freestyle lasts a week, I think.

If you are type 1 diabetic, the NHS may provide a monitor, but as a type 2, I have to buy mine - they aren't cheap, but for me, it is useful and reassuring to know that the medication and diet changes are improving my blood glucose levels.

@@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

Ahh thanks. Presumably pretty basic and not needs apps/smart thingymajigs (yes I am that basic!).

The dexcom does require either an app or a device to read it - I don't think you get that as part of the free trial, I'm afraid, @Deathraystare.

Your other option is to buy a blood glucose monitor and strips - Amazon sell them - you do a finger prick, put a dot of blood onto a strip, then the machine reads it. They don't require an app, but you don't get regular readings throughout the day. And you get sore fingertips from the pricks.

I have had type 2 for about 16 years and it has been gradually getting worse. At this stage I have a very restricted, low carb diet, all the drugs including slow release insulin and tons of exercise and it's still annoyingly hard to control I wear a Freestyle Libre which lasts for a fortnight at a time and I find it very useful. It costs quite a lot (€65 for each one) but it's a lot less hassle than constantly finger pricking and it's more useful data because it's continuous. If it goes up I can go for a walk or hop on the rowing machine to tackle it straightaway whereas with the finger prick method I might not know that it has gone up for a couple of hours. What I have found really interesting is how much besides food affects my glucose. For instance a bad night's sleep makes it hard to keep my glucose down, as does stress.

I meant to add, that it's worth putting effort in now when you're pre-diabetic. You might still get worse but it will progress more slowly than if you didn't try.

Do you think you could try Ozempic? It was developed as a diabetic treatment but the lack of hunger is very helpful if you need to restrict your diet and the Ozempic is obviously helpful in controlling glucose.

I wouldn’t qualify for Ozempic as my bmi is 26