Hi, I’m Val. Previously diagnosed type 2 diabetic. Was on insulin, then off (yay!), now back on ... well, whatever it takes to manage this disease. I was off it for almost three years. Those chocolate bars (etc) are not the best choice. I had foot surgery last year (a lipoma), but while returning for post-op evals, I saw another patient who’d lost toes. I do not want to end up there. My intake must change.

Thank you for starting the group.

Hi, Gentyl, I really understand what you are saying about food and family. There are ways around it. Make recipes that you like, that work for your food plan. For 'diabetic' recipes, I just drop the word 'diabetic ' from the description for family members. Also many 'regular' recipes come with nutritional breakdown or can be run through a recipe generator like the one in Fitness Pal. Fruit based desserts are usually enjoyed. My family and friends love an old Weight Watchers recipe for strawberry squares which is basically just strawberries in calorie reduced jello with CoolWhio. We just call it 'Strawberry Squares . It's your life and health. A smile and a good recipe can go a long way.

The foot takes a long time to seal & heal after surgery. Mine became complicated by a hematoma *shudder* but more on topic. A month ago, I spot checked and caught my glucose at 290, which triggered A1C test (9.4) and re-evaluation. I worked on dietary choices two weeks, then started a low dosage of insulin (4 units); am now seeing good numbers in morning. 121-127. This may improve further in the coming month.

Gentyl, I likewise saw impact on family. Big contributor to my mother’s death. She always wanted to feed us and food was synonymous with comfort. My empathy for the challenge this presents.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi Nancy, you have been on quite a journey and I admire your resolve very much. It's not easy but you are all in. Every person is different but many of our challenges are the same. Chocolate does spring to mind! As a person who likes sweets very much, I understand the challenge. I can be very susceptible to the 'pantry prowl' especially if I'm tired or bored. So any treats are best if I'm fully aware and accounting for it. My numbers are good but I have to work at it or I can backslide. It's great to talk with others who are also walking this path. I am encouraged by you!

Hello: I've been diagnosed with Type II diabetes for about three years. Diabetes runs in my family on my mother's side. I am the third generation (as far as I know -- could go further back). My A1C was 11.3 when I was first diagnosed and in three months it was down to 6.3. Over the three years now, my A1C has crept up to 7.3, and I'm getting strict again. I already have a bit of peripheral neuropathy in my feet, and I don't want it to progress. Currently I'm taking metformin and glyburide twice a day. I take alpha lipoic acid (600 mg) to control the neuropathy. I'm 5'4" and weigh 178.6 lbs. I am here to lose weight, and to commune with others who also have this disease and keep my nose to the grindstone. In addition I am taking 50 mg of Zoloft each day which has been a game changer for me. I have energy again, and feel better than I have in years.

Hi. I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago with an A1C of 7.5. With low-carb eating and regular workouts I brought it down to 5.4 in 6 months. I was doing well until Covid. Stress led to weight gain (20 lbs since March) and my fasting sugar levels climbed up to 190-220 in the last 4months! I started metformin 2 months ago but it's not helping. Before I head to my doctor again, I want to restart my low-carb, workout life style and hopefully keep it.

Hi - In the UK and was diagnosed three years ago. Pre-COVID I travelled a lot with my job as a sports journalist and so Low-Carb was really only manageable when I was at home and eventually I had to make my peace after burnout that LC was something I could only do when not away, as well as utilising my own treadmill and spin-bike, and that I would have to also balance that with meds.

It resulted in my leaving a FB group where they demanded that I commit to LC only and no meds... and it took a while to come back to any kind of forum.

Back on the UK diabetes forum, and glad to see a group on here. I count my carbs now on MFP... I use a Libre sensor as my meter and I scan FBG, Pre & Post prandial for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Bedtime.

GP thinks I might be Type 1.5 but for now we are managing as a Type 2....

Thx for reading.

Everybody's journey is different. You have to find what works for you. Maybe it's all LC or maybe not. Take out of it what you can and keep looking. I'm an 'everything in moderation' person myself with a firm belief in the benefits of a regular, doable exercise program. There is no magic fix for me just keeping up good habits and trying my best to learn new tips and tricks along the way. I learn everytime I read someone else's experience. Thank you for keeping me honest with myself.

Hello
Recently was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes...How about you ? Looking to find New friends on MFP so as to form a team, a long running support team, to beat our Type 2 - Naturally

by way of introduction - hello and here's my story.. what is yours ?

Dec 2020 - Merry Christmas the present no one wants..
Well now it is a real race with the clock - had a stressful period where I also started to eat real trashy sweet things and started cooking and eating - reached a new weight high and without exercise I started turning mushy... then I started to pee a lot and urine strips were showing glucose and protein - got some blood tests and I was off the charts for Blood glucose - Dr immediately diagnosed Type 2 and prescribed meds - I am now on the clock to get the blood glucose down before my next blood panel ( need A1C down) - So I picked up the meds but not taking them - I worry about being reliant on meds, and also damage that the meds may have on my liver and kidneys - so will get one shot at lifestyle changes (Food / Fasting / Breating (Meditation)/Exercise) before the next scheduled blood panel (3 months apart) - and where my Dr, will get the results
- I changed my diet 100%, and I started to use the home gym I had been establishing - slowly at first as I was a bit concerned as to a heart attack - as I also have some higher blood pressure readings ( hypertension ) - I now have a glucose meter and am testing a lot - the first 2 weeks were not showing good results then things have changed and have been going well since - this crazy plan may just work - well we all have one life to lead and the Dr's are so busy they can not really rely on you to do what you say you will do - however as Type 2 can rob you of years it is life or death - so that is a real incentive - my new extreme sport.. thanks for reading