Type 2 Diabetes and Confused

uncookedchefy

Hi all
I've been a user for many years of myfitnesspal but never joined the community, I'm in need of some support as I've recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and confused on what to each when it comes to carbs, I've set myself a limit to 80g which I think might be too low as by cutting out sugar products and only getting my sugar from carbs I feel tired.
I've only been taking metformin for a week and just started taking two 500mg tablets a day.
any suggestions anyone if you think I'm not getting enough carbs??

boiler1017

Welcome to the club. I got my good news as a Christmas present. I would suggest looking into diabetes education for some approaches on what to put on the plate. I started using myfitnesspal to track food to manage how I balance my carbs. I have been told to try to keep things at 180-190 carbs a day with no more than about 65 for any one meal. I started the same 2 tabs a day for metformin as well. I also joined a gym to get back to exercising more regularly. With the metformin and cholesterol pill, I have dropped 20 lbs since December. I am finding that by eating a ton of veggies and cutting out a lot of the breads/sweets, I am staying full. I have been trying to stay at 1500 calories a day for the last few months as I learn what works and what doesn't for my glucose readings.

malibu927

Ask for a referral to see a registered dietitian

mincemeatpie

I am type 2 also. I decided not to take the Metformin and statins. Read about side effects. I eat about 80 grams of carbs a day. Be careful taking the Metformin and lowering carbs too much. I purchased an ebook from Stew Smith called The Diabetic Workout and Food Plan. He trains military personnel to get in shape and who have health problems. He is very knowledgable. I take Berberine(herb) 500mg 3x a day instead of Metformin and no side effects. I also lowered my Tryglycerides 100 points in 6 monthes with diet and excersize and the Berberine. No drugs. Buy small plates, cut down on portion size, (don't deny yourself all foods, just cut down on size so you don't feel like you are missing out). I've heard that statins can cause diabetes. Do your reading. I suggest you check out Dr. Michael Murray and Dr. Ronald Hoffman for diet and supplements. You can do this without the heavy drugs . You have to adopt a new headspace to succeed with eating and excersize so you don't feel deprived. Look at it as an adventure with lots of new things to learn.

jgnatca

I was on metformin for years and it can help a lot with keeping the appetite and the blood sugars in control.

I found the plate visualization to be most helpful. As you reduce carbs make sure you are getting enough protein and fat. I found to keep my calories in range I was getting most of my carbs from vegetables, other than my morning oatmeal.

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/

earlnabby

uncookedchefy wrote: »

Hi all
I've been a user for many years of myfitnesspal but never joined the community, I'm in need of some support as I've recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and confused on what to each when it comes to carbs, I've set myself a limit to 80g which I think might be too low as by cutting out sugar products and only getting my sugar from carbs I feel tired.
I've only been taking metformin for a week and just started taking two 500mg tablets a day.
any suggestions anyone if you think I'm not getting enough carbs??

See a Registered Dietician and/or a Certified Diabetic Specialist. One thing they will tell you is that the amount of sugar you eat does not matter, the only number that is important is total carbs (unless you are on insulin, then you really need to follow doctor's advice)

Each person will be different, but I am T2Dm and my Certified Diabetic Specialist has given me a maximum of 160 g of total carbs per day. Her recommendations range between 150-180 g depending on the age, stats, etc of the person. It is up to me to decide how I want to spend those carbs but getting at least 25 g of fiber per day is one target. I do not track sugar, only fiber and total carbs.

I was on glipizide (kidneys did not like metformin) for 9 months and dropped my A1C from 7.3 to 5.5. After stopping the meds, I lowered it to 5.0 over the next year and have maintained it between 5.0 and 5.3 ever since.

Good luck and again, seek out nutritional advice from professionals.

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ReginaOSU

Great job taking steps to manage your diabetes. I am a type 1 and I love MFP; I enjoy the premium version and think it is especially helpful for those of us managing diabetes. I agree with the others that meeting with a RD is a good idea. A diabetic educator can be helpful as well. Exercise and balancing your meals really does make a significant impact.

lorrpb

With a little weight loss and a bit of mild to moderate exercise, you can beat this in a matter of months!

melhudman

I was diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes about 6 months ago. I went to a wellness physician who suggested a Ketogenic diet. I try to keep my carbs under 20 Grams a day. Since Feb. 15th to today, my blood sugar has consistently been below 120 and my blood pressure is normal, down from an average of 200/104. I have gone from 231 to 205 and feel great. I still have some belly fat but I workout at the gym 3 days a week and try to do Yoga 3days a week. Again, I feel great and I'm watching the blood sugar numbers and the pounds melt away.

mincemeatpie

I also wanted to tell you about Bitter Melon. It's an wrinkly looking cucumber that is a very powerful blood sugar lowering plant. The Asians eat this all the time in various dishes. I juice them and drink 2 oz. a day. It's very bitter but lowers blood sugar in about 45 minutes. They can be cooked but I find the juice is better. Remember that the plants are for the healing of the nations. Dr. Gabriel Cousens has a book called There Is a Cure for Diabetes which is a great resource for healing through plants . If you enjoy cooking go to an Asian grocery store and learn about the different ways to prepare bitter melon.

rsipock

uncookedchefy,

I am not very conversant in grams and macronutrients; I understand food. Since people say I am rather healthy, I'll tell you what I eat to give you an idea of possibilities. To keep this short: I eat meat and vegetables. I don't eat pastries like bread. I don't eat anything processed. It is a real simple lifestyle. I've been eating this way since 2006. I suppose by the nature of my diet I am gluten-free, low-carb, and low-sugar. Those aren't my intentions. It just happens that way. The only carbs I eat (other than the ones found in meat and vegetables) are a carb-meal every fourth evening. For example, tonight I am going to have huevos rancheros with the added carbs of some beans and a corn tortilla. I do have a blog you can look at, but I should warn you that I am extremely boring. I don't snack, don't struggle, don't crave. I just eat what I'm supposed to eat.

In closing, I just want to say that I work around the clock 12-18 hour shifts loading freight. I don't use caffeine and I feel fine. I'm not suggesting you follow my example. It may be a little strict for some people. However, I am saying you could use my example to prove that you can lower your carbs and live well, if that's the choice you want to make.