Newly diagnosed diabetes

[TippyThomas]

I don't like plain water so I bought a water infuser pitcher off Amazon (although I'm sure they're available elsewhere) and have never looked back. One of the best purchases I've made.

Looks something like this:

 

[tvguy]

Probably one of the most productive changes you can make is no soda.

That was my experience as well. Including diet soda. I even tried some of the sodas with other sweeteners. Stevia just tore up my system. So much for being an alternative natural sweetener.

 

[tvguy]

I was diagnosed with type 2 in 2003. Started on Metformin, in later years other medications were added. I stopped the Metformin on my own as the pills were getting harder for me to swallow. That’s when I discovered I didn’t have IBS, as the “bathroom issues” I had for OVER 20 YEARS completely disappeared. It was the Metformin causing them!

I had that issue with straight Metformin so I went off it. But my Doctor a few years later suggested we try Metformin ER, the extended release version. I don't have issues with that version of Metformin.

 

[Dznypal]

As. PP. said I’m not making up excuses just stating that if I didn’t eat or drink some things before cause I didnt like them
I’m starting on metformin ER

 

[Simba's Mom]

I was diagnosed with a pre diabetic condition in 2003, changing from regular to diet pop delayed full on diagnosis until 2008 and I've been on insulin pretty much ever since. My starting A1c was 11.8, now I'm down to 6.6.

Fantastic news about your A1C! I was diagnosed as prediabetic 2 years ago, and just completed a year long diabetes prevention class. I've lost 30 pounds, exercising more, and all the food recommendations from here. Can't think of anything to add. My A1C only came down 0.2 so far, but my doctor claims that it should continue to come down if I continue my new eating habits. My weakness is all sweets, but especially ice cream. Now while sweets aren't totally off-limits, I eat them much less. Recently I was at WDW and had a Ghirardelli's sundae and a No Way Jose sundae all in the same day, then proceeded to get sick. I guess it was the universe telling me not to return to my old ways!

 

[lisaviolet]

Two things -

Don't have diabetes but I have read this book -

Glucose Revolution: The Life-Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar https://g.co/kgs/Uzfuq9S

And I believe it has the simplest hacks.

And.....

Metformin can lower your b12. Please keep your eye on that, b12 deficiency can become very serious - meaning it can cause a boatload of symptoms. And unfortunately not all doctors know the ins & outs. Get your number, not just "it is fine"

(For those reading celiac, Crohn's, weight loss surgery, intestinal surgery, tapeworms, H. pylori & use of PPIs can also cause b12 deficiency - with pernicious anemia being the most common cause)

 

[QueenIsabella]

For drinks, my favorite is Crystal Light decaf iced tea. It's not sold everywhere, but Publix puts it on a BOGO now and then, and I stock up. It may take some trial and error for you to find a drink that works for you, but sugared sodas have to go. My husband can't have most fake sweeteners, but stevia works for him--just the opposite of Tvguy, above, but there you have it.

Metformin never bothered me, either, but I can't have amlopidine. It was funny, when I was in the hospital for foot surgery last November, they made me wear an allergy bracelet for amlopidine, like I might trip and fall into a vat of it or something.

I'm having good success with Jardiance, and have lost 40 pounds, so there's that. A lot of the meds are trial and error--Ozempic made weight just fall off me, but the stomach cramps were so bad, I couldn't sleep at night. Interestingly, I thought I would have trouble with self-injections, but I didn't.

There are many "protein" pastas--experiment until you find one that you like, Chickpea flour pasta is popular with my DD21--she's not diabetic, but doesn't eat much meat, so she needs the protein.

You need to find the foods that work for you, and not just make excuses for not changing your diet. Your diet HAS to change. I find that having certain treats makes it more palatable for me. For example, my family LOVES ice cream. I can't eat it, and sugar-free ice cream doesn't cut it (wrong mouthfeel, tastes fakes, etc.). So, I have sugar free pudding and sugar free fudgeicles. The taste is fine (to me), and it satisfies my ice cream craving without sabotaging my A1C

 

[TippyThomas]

For drinks, my favorite is Crystal Light decaf iced tea. It's not sold everywhere, but Publix puts it on a BOGO now and then, and I stock up. It may take some trial and error for you to find a drink that works for you, but sugared sodas have to go. My husband can't have most fake sweeteners, but stevia works for him--just the opposite of Tvguy, above, but there you have it.

Metformin never bothered me, either, but I can't have amlopidine. It was funny, when I was in the hospital for foot surgery last November, they made me wear an allergy bracelet for amlopidine, like I might trip and fall into a vat of it or something.

I'm having good success with Jardiance, and have lost 40 pounds, so there's that. A lot of the meds are trial and error--Ozempic made weight just fall off me, but the stomach cramps were so bad, I couldn't sleep at night. Interestingly, I thought I would have trouble with self-injections, but I didn't.

There are many "protein" pastas--experiment until you find one that you like, Chickpea flour pasta is popular with my DD21--she's not diabetic, but doesn't eat much meat, so she needs the protein.

You need to find the foods that work for you, and not just make excuses for not changing your diet. Your diet HAS to change. I find that having certain treats makes it more palatable for me. For example, my family LOVES ice cream. I can't eat it, and sugar-free ice cream doesn't cut it (wrong mouthfeel, tastes fakes, etc.). So, I have sugar free pudding and sugar free fudgeicles. The taste is fine (to me), and it satisfies my ice cream craving without sabotaging my A1C

I had a friend make a dish for me with a protein pasta and I was amazed how little it raised my glucose. Not sure if it's safe for everyone to use, but I'm now able to enjoy pasta every now and again if I use the protein pasta.

 

[EACarlson]

Will your insurance pay for a CGM or Continuous Glucose Monitor? I pay 25$ a month for mine with my insurance and it's fantastic. Abbott Laboratories has a deal to try the first one for free. Seeing how different foods and different things affect your glucose levels is enlightening.

 

[MIGrandma]

I had that issue with straight Metformin so I went off it. But my Doctor a few years later suggested we try Metformin ER, the extended release version. I don't have issues with that version of Metformin.

I was taking the extended release.

 

[Dznypal]

I did download the calorieking app as someone suggested and if Im looking at tit right I looked at milk
Kroeger 2% reduced fat
looks like you can have1 cup for 12g so if you use this as a snack and a snack can be 15 grams that would that then free up 3 grams for something else
Where can you go if what your looking for isnt listed
are there other apps like this
this one looks good to use but theres so many steps you have to go through to find what your looking for

 

[Cadiewampus]

For drinks, my favorite is Crystal Light decaf iced tea. It's not sold everywhere, but Publix puts it on a BOGO now and then, and I stock up. It may take some trial and error for you to find a drink that works for you, but sugared sodas have to go. My husband can't have most fake sweeteners, but stevia works for him--just the opposite of Tvguy, above, but there you have it.

Metformin never bothered me, either, but I can't have amlopidine. It was funny, when I was in the hospital for foot surgery last November, they made me wear an allergy bracelet for amlopidine, like I might trip and fall into a vat of it or something.

I'm having good success with Jardiance, and have lost 40 pounds, so there's that. A lot of the meds are trial and error--Ozempic made weight just fall off me, but the stomach cramps were so bad, I couldn't sleep at night. Interestingly, I thought I would have trouble with self-injections, but I didn't.

There are many "protein" pastas--experiment until you find one that you like, Chickpea flour pasta is popular with my DD21--she's not diabetic, but doesn't eat much meat, so she needs the protein.

You need to find the foods that work for you, and not just make excuses for not changing your diet. Your diet HAS to change. I find that having certain treats makes it more palatable for me. For example, my family LOVES ice cream. I can't eat it, and sugar-free ice cream doesn't cut it (wrong mouthfeel, tastes fakes, etc.). So, I have sugar free pudding and sugar free fudgeicles. The taste is fine (to me), and it satisfies my ice cream craving without sabotaging my A1C

we did try protein pasta and while it was good I guess I am lucky in that it nor bread really appealed to me

 

[mommasita]

I don't like plain water so I bought a water infuser pitcher off Amazon (although I'm sure they're available elsewhere) and have never looked back. One of the best purchases I've made.

Looks something like this:

View attachment 942807

Oh this looks neat
Thanks. I’m gonna bookmark this for after wjtj
Do you freeze the middle ?

 

[TippyThomas]

Oh this looks neat
Thanks. I’m gonna bookmark this for after wjtj
Do you freeze the middle ?

No, I just put fresh fruit in and let it set overnight in the fridge. I guess you could freeze it but I'd imagine that would make it infuse less. Let me know how it works out for you. I love mine!

 

[LuvOrlando]

I think Weight Watchers has an app that will count carbs for you in meals and this helps a lot when trying to avoid things, it might be very helpful as you adjust and it makes picking a lower calorie option into a bit of a game.

To make a cup of pasta go further make it like a baked ziti type meal with ricotta or add a solid chunk of meat like a brasciole which is a slice of steak filled with spices and rolled up.

Cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative to rice with meats.

There are soy noodles now that have half the carbs and very low calories.

Zoodles are zucchini noodles fantastic with fresh pesto and shrimp or chicken.

Cucumber and lemon make a very refreshing water, even just the peel works and a little splenda makes it sweet.

 

[mommasita]

No, I just put fresh fruit in and let it set overnight in the fridge. I guess you could freeze it but I'd imagine that would make it infuse less. Let me know how it works out for you. I love mine!

Thanks omg I should have spell checked

 

[AnnaS]

I am pre-diabetic - I really should watch what I eat I love my sweets. It runs in my family. My mom and one of my sisters were on pills and then insulin. My older sister now also on pills.

Many have mentioned some great substitutions which I have followed when I decided to go on a low carb diet -zucchini noodles/cauliflower substitute for rice and mashed potatoes - there is another squash too - can't think of the name right now (spaghetti squash?). Bake and shred/use as spaghetti.

I used to buy Ezikel bread

Fruits is easy - just have cantaloupe, apples and all kinds of berries

No pre-made salad dressings (stick to oil/vinegar)/no gravy/have it served on the side if out

Protein, beans, eggs, nuts, some veggies are not as good -

I would google the food groups and only have those in the house

 

[snappy]

Try oatmeal, specifically old fashioned steel cut with eggs. Fills you up. My husband swears by exercise, and weight training helps the most, especially if you manage 5 or more times a week. His A1c is 6.0. Feels good.

 

[lanejudy]

Where can you go if what your looking for isnt listed
are there other apps like this

There are many apps. If you find one doesn't have your typical food items, try another. Or even just Google for a 1-off item. You'll get to where you can estimate based on other items you do know. Name brands of products may or may not make a big difference -- Kroeger 2% milk will be basically the same as any other brand of milk. Some prepared foods the brand may matter due to breading, sauces or other ingredients.

 

[redrosesix]

I recently met with my new dietition...and I know what you mean. I had worked with one years ago when I was trying to control my levels with diet and exercise and they insisted on putting things on the menu that I just would never eat, like eggs.

The new one made it very simple...it's about having a diet that supports your life. Exercise should be a staple for everyone but insulin resistance ironically makes you feel like you have less energy even when eating more sugar. Metformin treats that as well as insulin insufficiency. She also said to think of your meals in terms of quarters. one quarter protein, one quarter carbs and the rest vegetables. it's better to eat smaller meals every 4 hours, but they all must have some protein, so cheese and dry crackers works as a snack.

So for example, you can have spaghetti and meatballs, but much easier if you use bolognese sauce with the meat plus the meatballs, and back off on the pasta. substituting squash or other things for the noodles is still just substituting carbs for carbs and then you get into the constant counting rather than enjoying your life and eating what you want. meals like mac and cheese are more complicated but you just use it as a side plus a salad and chicken. some things cancel out others, so the cheese in the mac and cheese makes up for the barbeque sauce on the chicken.

I do swim every day, so that helps but now I have more energy and I'm adding more walking too. so whether your thing is swimming or jogging, or even belly dancing, give yourself the time to do it. Do it for yourself. Find the meals that you like and put a new spin on them. You have to go beyond what you're cooking for your family and be somewhat selfish....although not really because most people in North America aren't eating properly.