I have Type 2 Diabetes

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JCL1
JCL1 Posts: 9
in Introduce Yourself
I don't know what to eat. I'm not on insulin yet, can't take Metformin,. I need some advice here. Thanks!

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  • misscristie
    misscristie Posts: 643 Member
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    How bad is your diabetes? What are your numbers running? Did your doc say you can control it with diet? Sometimes it's too far gone to do that.

    Since you're not medicated, stick to as much protein and green vegetables (not peas though) as possible. Avoid sugars and starches - no bread, desserts, candy, etc. Only low glycemic fruit if you must have it, but I wouldn't recommend that either unless you're really in control of your sugar.
  • Mrfsgirl
    Mrfsgirl Posts: 3
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    Hey-
    I have been diabetic since I was 5, I will be happy to help you!
    Ask your doctor about Byetta; its an injection twice a day BUT it works!! I had major side affects from Metformin. I took Byetta for 2 years and loved it, right now I am on no meds!!! I watch my diet and exercise!! Unfortunately, the winter has helped me pack on a few pounds, but my last HGa1c was a 6.0 so, I'm not doing toooo bad!!!
    Let me know what questions you have -
    Dina
  • crystal_sapphire
    crystal_sapphire Posts: 1,205 Member
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    out of curiosity why can't you take metformin? is your physician wanting you to try eating more healthy and exercise first? If so, I'd start by introducing a whole lot more vegetables in your diet. Eat fruit but keep in mind it is higher in sugar and may increase your blood glucose levels.

    It's time to shop for some lean protein such as poultry and fish. Cut out white breads and processed foods as much as you can. Eat whole grains and always have a protein at every meal.

    Example: 2 scrambled eggs on whole grain toast (1 slice) and perhaps a piece of fruit for breakfast. This way you're getting protein + fibre + vitamins and natural sugar from the fruit
  • Staceslim
    Staceslim Posts: 100 Member
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    I have type 1 so I guess I am not much help to you, but what has been posted so far make sense. I don't know what Byetta is but I sure do wish I could get my A1C down to six, man that would feel good.
  • polo571
    polo571 Posts: 708 Member
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    Hey bud sorry to hear that. On june 15th i went to hospital and my a1c was 8.9 and I got it down to 5.3 in 90 days. So theres hope so keep positive. So do you have a dietician? The big thing that worked for me was 6 small meals a day to keep sugars from spiking. When you snack no more then 30carbs and when you eat a meal no more then 60carbs. You have to get moving and start with walking and I played golf 4 nights a week in the summer. Make sure you stay active and get on your feet. If you get the blood sugar under control the weight will come with it. If you need anything friend me and I will try to help.
  • debnu1
    debnu1 Posts: 1,568 Member
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    Are you just recently diagnosed? Basically for a diabetic diet you need to pair Protein with complex carbs. Fruit and bread, etc will effect your blood sugar, where protein and vegetables help maintain it. The idea is to maintain balance as you don't want your blood sugar to jump way high, or get too low. I would recommend eating every 3-4 hours in small amounts. Each meal have some protein and a few carbs--for instance.

    Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with low fat cheese and vegies, a piece of delightful low carb bread.
    Snack: Apple and a cheese stick
    Lunch: a sandwich with meat of your choice, two pieces of bread, carrots and celery with dip
    Snack: Pistachios (shown to keep blood sugars on an even keel)
    Dinner: Chicken breast, Whole wheat spaghetti (measured portion) marinara sauce, parmesan and mixed vegies
    snack a small amount of Chocolate covered almonds... My new guilty pleasure!

    As you can see it is a basic healthy set of meals. If you keep track of your sugars and your carb intake you will quickly learn what works for you! Just be sure that you avoid the white stuff, sugar and flour...They spike your sugars the fastest.

    I met with a dietician when I was first diagnosed with Gestational diabetes (what I currently have) it made a huge difference for me. You may want to ask for a referral just so you know more of what you need!

    Best of luck!
  • Cmuchoa
    Cmuchoa Posts: 161 Member
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    Hi - I have type II as well and control it with food - my doctor had given me the Byetta 2x day as he said it would also help me loose weight - but it didn't happen so I stopped. I try to only eat protein and veggies. Be careful with the veggies (stay away from the high starchy ones - corn, peas, carrots). I try not to eat too much bread but if I do I only eat whole wheat or pumperknickle. If I have rice it is only brown. My nbrs have been really good - upon waking somewhere 86-99. Just read all the labels and if it is high in carbs or sugars just put it back. Try only to shop the perimeter of the store - going down the aisles can be pretty dangerous. Good luck.
  • Losing2Live69
    Losing2Live69 Posts: 743 Member
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    Did your doc diagnose you with diabetes and then just expect you to figure it out on your own? I am a type II diabetic. I take metformin and insulin. I was on 4 shots a day, but I have lost enough to come off one of my insulins all together and start taking the other one as needed instead of with every meal no matter what. Anyway, how does your sugar run and what are your eating habits now? Do you know if you are insulin deficient or insulin resistant or both? With diabetes you need to eat 6 small meals a day. My food diary is public if you want to look at it. I keep my carbs between 120 and 150. It was higher yesterday because I at at Olive Garden. I saw a diabetic educator to learn the right way to eat. It gets pretty complicated when you are learning how to eat right. There are "good" carbs, "bad" carbs, fiber and net carbs. I was overwhelmed. You have to watch your carbs, yet eat enough carbs and also combine them with protein. Some of the low carb foods I eat are nuts, seeds, cheese, peanut butter, cottage cheese, some veggies. If you have specific questions feel free to message me. If you haven't seen a diabetic educator yet, I suggest starting there. Don't take anyone's advice on here as "the way to do things". Diabetes is a serious disease and everyone is different. Everyone's treatment is different. What works for me may not work for you. Good luck.
  • lango6
    lango6 Posts: 15 Member
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    If you're interested in a comprehensive dietary approach to managing Type II diabetes, check out the Zone diet (http://www.zonediet.com/Home) or many of its rip-offs (South Beach, etc.). It has been proven to control Type II diabetes in most instances where pancreatic function is normal and insulin resistance can be overcome. Here is a testimonial of how effective this diet can be: http://www.drsears.com/tabId/399/itemId/9702/No-snake-oil-here.aspx. My promotion of this diet is only based on my own success with it and the fact that it represents a reasonable and achievable lifestyle that will lead to improved health.

    Do attempt dietary control techniques before opting for medication. Type II is generally lifestyle and diet-related diabetes unlike Type I, which must be managed with meds.
  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
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    I'm a type 2 diabetic as well. Polo has it down with the amount of carb intakes per snack and meals. I will add that veggies, lean meat, whole wheat and fiber play vital roles in lowering your blood sugar. According to the diabetic exchange, 15g of carbs = 1 serving of carbs = 1/2 cup of juice/milk = 1 slice of toast = 1/2 potato = 1/2 cup of cereal and so on. So, for the main meals of the day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), keep it to 3 servings of carbs. Definitely no more than 4.

    Snacks should be eaten 2 - 3 hours between meals to keep your glucose levels stable throughout the day, and should be kept at 1 serving of carbs (15g). Definitely no more than 2.

    If you want "free foods" that can be eaten throughout the day between snacks, you can have 1 cup of [preferable low sodium] chicken broth, 2 stalks of celery, coffee [with minimal to no cream, and Splenda - no real sugar], unsweetened hot tea, unsweetened iced tea. As for condiments, mustard, hot sauce, salsa, pepper, are examples of flavorings to add to food that have little to no carbs in them per serving.

    Keep in mind that when you're reading food labels and nutrition facts, you have to pay attention to the serving size, as the labels indicate only the amounts of nutritional value PER SERVING. It's very easy to misinterpret those labels for the whole package. Also, invest in a food scale. Measuring out your portions will keep your serving sizes accurate for proper carb control also.

    Lastly, exercise and increased water intake will absolutely lower your glucose levels. If you don't already have one, get a glucose meter and test yourself every morning and 2 hours after your largest meal [which is usually dinner for most people] to get an idea of where your blood sugar is throughout the day. Test more often if you'd like, which is preferable to me. Generally an hour after eating smaller meals or snacks will give you a better steady graph of how your progress is going.

    The methods are the ones I used for myself, and I'm proud to say that I'm completely asymptomatic of diabetes and I'm no longer on medication. I was initially on insulin when I was first diagnosed because I went into the ER last April for a sudden diabetic coma + acute pancreatitis. Since my pancreas was damaged, I required insulin shots and was put on Glucotrol to stimulate insulin production. By June of last year, 2 months after the initial diagnosis, I had completely turned it around and no longer required medication for it. I'm not trying to be bragadocious about it, but it's to prove that it is possible to reverse the symptoms of high blood sugar. That doesn't mean I'm no longer diabetic because once you have it, it's very easy to go right back to being hyperglycemic again. So, be mindful of your diet, exercise, and drink plenty of water.

    I wish you the best of luck with your health.
  • JCL1
    JCL1 Posts: 9
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    I had things under control until I had chemotherapy for breast cancer a year ago.....messed my liver and kidneys up......off the Metformin until we get those things under control. I'm overwhelmed with this! It's like starting all over again. Thanks, Everyone for your comments!
  • Tamiash
    Tamiash Posts: 106 Member
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    bump
  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
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    It's understandable that it would be overwhelming. Just take it one meal at a time, literally, and you should be able to get the hang of it [again].
  • britt_fit
    britt_fit Posts: 169
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    Welcome! Did you know that many insurance companies cover diabetes education? I think that would be a really good place to start if you haven't already...you can sit down with a registered dietitian and learn all about what to do to manage diabetes!
  • JCL1
    JCL1 Posts: 9
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    You are so inspiring! Thanks for your post. I'm trying to learn how this site works.
  • JCL1
    JCL1 Posts: 9
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    Thanks for all the comments ....you've given me the help I needed to get going. Now for a trip to the grocery store!

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