Type 2, worried and confused

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davidmcinally90
davidmcinally90 Posts: 9 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hi folks, My name is David and I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes just over 2 years ago. I guess like most people with type 2, I went through the "rebellious" phase. I now realise that this is a bit silly and that I really need to get a grip of it before it gets a firm grip of me. At the moment, I'm tipping the scales at 14st 14lbs (not good). I've been told my "ideal" weight would be between 10st 7lbs and 11st. As you can see, I have a bit of a task ahead of me. Please don't get me wrong, I know it's my fault and that I'm the only one who can make that first step. I'm finally ready to make that first step!!!
I have days where I feel really down about it and days where it doesn't bother me.
I also have a left sided hemiplegia so I'm limited to what I can do in terms of exercise. However, I'll give anything a go and have modified exercises in the gym at work to allow me to do them.

Does anyone have any advice re:carb and sugar intake as I'd be really happy to hear from you.

Replies

  • KarenUK56
    KarenUK56 Posts: 143 Member
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    Hi David, I think you'll find loads of help on here. Not much from me, I'm afraid, except, I also have a left sided weakness due to a stroke nearly 2 years ago and I've lost 2st3 lbs using MFP since June 2014. My only exercise is walking (slowly, haha!). Good luck to you.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited January 2016
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    davidmcinally90 wrote: »
    Hi folks, My name is David and I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes just over 2 years ago. I guess like most people with type 2, I went through the "rebellious" phase. I now realise that this is a bit silly and that I really need to get a grip of it before it gets a firm grip of me. At the moment, I'm tipping the scales at 14st 14lbs (not good). I've been told my "ideal" weight would be between 10st 7lbs and 11st. As you can see, I have a bit of a task ahead of me. Please don't get me wrong, I know it's my fault and that I'm the only one who can make that first step. I'm finally ready to make that first step!!!
    I have days where I feel really down about it and days where it doesn't bother me.
    I also have a left sided hemiplegia so I'm limited to what I can do in terms of exercise. However, I'll give anything a go and have modified exercises in the gym at work to allow me to do them.

    Does anyone have any advice re:carb and sugar intake as I'd be really happy to hear from you.

    Hi David. I am also T2Dm (diagnosed 2 years ago). I was able to get my blood sugar levels back to the normal range within a few months and have kept them there for the rest of the time without medication. Here is how:
    • I started losing weight at an average of 1.5 lb a week using MFP and water exercise. I had back issues and could not do "regular" exercise. I have lost 125 lb so far with 25 more to go.
    • I set my total carb target to a maximum of 180 g daily, per the instructions of my doctor who is a Certified Diabetic Specialist. This worked out to 35% of my total calories when I customized my macro settings on MFP
    • I do not track sugars. Per my doctor, total carbs is the only pertinent number for T2Dm who do not need insulin. I replaced sugars with fiber in my MFP diary since it is important to get enough.
    • There is no need to go "low carb", but some prefer it. Diabetics need to reduce carbs, not necessarily cut them out
    • I needed to reduce the fruit I ate to only one serving a day because of the number of carbs in fruit. I also started eating my sandwiches with one slice of bread instead of two. When making stews with rice, I reduced the serving to 1/4 cup dry (approx.1/2 c cooked)and cooked the rice in the stew instead of separately. Amazing that it is sufficient when mixed up with the meat and veggies instead of in a pile on the side. My snacks tend to be protein oriented (hard cooked eggs, cheese, veggies with hummus, yogurt, etc) rather than carb oriented (crackers, chips, etc), although I still snack on popcorn at times.

    The best advice I was given when I started was "You are not making a big change in your life, you are making a series of small changes". Change one thing, make it a habit, then change another, and another, and another.
  • ilovedaisychains
    ilovedaisychains Posts: 2 Member
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    Hi..

    Type 2 diabetic here also.. Have been for 6-7 years. Only just taking it seriously myself so understand where you are at.
    I have been eating healthy for only a week and weigh in tomorrow but must admit i feel so much better already (depression & diabetes wise)

    I have a few things i can share that has worked for me so far (sugar level wise)

    I have swapped..
    White potato for sweet potato
    White bread for wholemeal or ryvita
    White pasta for wholemeal

    If you do not like any of the above then do not panic as any reduction on the white version will be ok but do limit portion size.

    Also been makin homemade soups with vegetables of my choice, lentils, stock cube and water (throw it in a pan and 20 mins later a yummy soup) sweet potato makes any soup feel more filling + it fantastic for you.

    I honestly believe if we have 3 meals a day and a small snack on the evening our bodies will thank us. Hope this helps and i have not come across as a "know it all" as trust me.. I only am just begining these healthy eating habbits myself.

    Good luck... If you need support feel free to add me.

    Best wishes...

    Ilovedaisychains



  • TenaciousTAZ
    TenaciousTAZ Posts: 135 Member
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    Glad you are making some conscious changes. I have seen my mother deteriorate from the disease and I chose to focus on nutrition and exercise. (I was pre-diabetic 7 years ago, and now I'm doing great)
    Reading labels and knowing glycemic index of foods is a good bet, and even better, choosing whole foods and no processed. I create awesome meals, but it took time to discipline myself. It also takes time to desensitize your taste buds. To me, raspberries and strawberries are sweet, but sugar sensors in the taste buds can signal sour if one is used to lots of sugar (I'm not assuming you or any diabetic is a sweet lover....my mom got diabetes from too many potatoes, rice, and bread.)
    Anyway, educate yourself as much as you can, and I have to say proteins and healthy fats are your friend. Carbs can be a frienemy...we need them for energy, but certain ones are bad.
    Good luck in health.
  • davidmcinally90
    davidmcinally90 Posts: 9 Member
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    Hi folks, thanks for your replies.
    It's reassuring that I'm not on my own here. They tell you that you have type 2 and basically leave you to it!!! This site has given me the confidence to get fitter, healthier and (hopefully) reduce or in time eliminate my diabetes medication. Feel free to add me if you'd like. Thanks again D

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