Diabetes 2 - any tips/comments

[Deathraystare]

HI I have at last been diagnosed (though I suspected it a long time ago - even when tests were negative) with Diabetes 2.

I an now taking medication (Metformin) and have some info from the doctor.

Any tips/comments that you have found useful?

Obviously (I am overweight) I will have to start eating much more healthily. No more chocolate! I rarely eat puddings anyway and will be eating from scratch more as I know then what is in the ingredients (I also have high blood pressure).

Hi. DH recently diagnosed, on metformin and recently gliclazide added.

If you are offered the ''living with diabetes'' course, highly recommend you attend. If you aren't, ask your surgery if it is available. I went with DH and found it extremely helpful in terms of where carbs actually come from (you may be surprised what does, and does not, contain carbs and to what degree!! - nothing is actually 'banned', you just have to balance it all out) One of the most important things we found out is that low-fat versions of things often contain lots of sugar for taste..(especially low fat yoghurts) .you may become a food-label reading addict in the supermarket lol!! funnily enough, I have found that supermarket own brands/cheaper versions often contain less carbs, there is definitely variation between brands.

9 months in and
DH is still doing battle with his blood sugar levels - coming down slowly, but he says he feels massively better in himself even though he didn't realise previously he was unwell IYSWIM - more energy, bowel habits better etc.

Good luck! x

I would like to agree with what mummy said! I have Type II despite being otherwise healthy and with a BMI of 21. My tips would be:

Less carbs
Avoid reduced fat (full of sugar!)
Check labels
Avoid drinking fruit juice
Avoid jarred sauces and make your own where possible
Go for a walk every day
Invest in a bread maker rather than eat shop-bought bread (again, full of sugar!)
Drink diet soda to quench sweet cravings (I find Coke Zero does the trick much better than Diet Coke)

Good luck!

Thank you so much for your replies both of you. Really helped. Thank goodness I checked with someone because the info I got handed said about your 5 a day that could included fruit juice (I know when mum was alive a doctor said Orange juice spikes your sugar level sky high) and said you could have tinned fruit in syrup!!!!

I am hoping Pepsi Max is ok because there is no sugar in that (calories are 4 per 100ml).

I have just done a huge shop so will definately be cooking from scratch rather than relying on jars of stuff.

Iintend to go out for a walk everyday and hope that the afternoon slump disappears soon.

Thanks again!

Have a read of Richard K Bernstein's book on diabetes (Type 1 and 2) & low carbohydrate diet. He is a doctor, and a Type 1 diabetic, but has treated many Type 2 diabetics too.