Type 2 Diabetes - Looking For Advice

[PollyannaMom]

My DH was diagnosed about a year and a half ago, and it was a big shock at first. We went super strict with his eating at the start, and then backed off to a more comfortable plan as he learned what specific foods affect his individual numbers the most. The key is finding sustainable swaps and changes!

Walking is excellent (but my DH hates it and doesn't do it because it bothers his hips). Stress can affect numbers too, so make sure Mr. Slo takes time to relax and do things he enjoys. Sleep is another factor people don't mention much, but poor sleep really messes with my DH's morning numbers, so factor that in when looking for patterns.

Keeping a diary for a while was very helpful for him! He logged exactly what he ate and all of his readings so he could spot patterns.

Doing the diet with him him is nice, especially at first, but keep in mind that your nutritional needs are not the same as his. As time goes on, I learned how to include things for myself sometimes without "teasing". (It helps that I have a food allergy and never asked him to give that food up with me either.)


And finally, I do some fancier ones too, but my easiest salmon recipe is to line a baking sheet with foil (flat piece covering it, then a kind of crumply one for air flow), brush the top of salmon with a little of this:

And bake for 22 minutes at 425 degrees.

Along with it, I make whatever vegetables we're in the mood for, and some brown basmati rice or we split a twice-baked potato. (He's allowed some carbs as long as he watches portions.)

Please feel free to PM me any specific questions!

 

[sam_gordon]

Here's my tale of woe... As @Pea-n-Me pointed out, about a year and a half ago I found out I had type 2 diabetes. It knocked me off kilter, I was feeling sorry for myself, etc, etc. I started eating better and less, started walking 3-5 times a week, 30-45 minutes at a decent pace (for me), right around 3.5-4mph. Bought a used treadmill so I could walk when the weather wasn't good.

Was taking my medicine and got my numbers to go down. Actually down far enough, I'd say they were just borderline pre-diabetes. Ended up losing about 20 pounds. All good, right? Then I fell off the wagon back in July when we went on vacation (when all that yummy food & drink is there, I couldn't say no). Came back from vacation and couldn't get motivated to eat better, couldn't get motivated to walk like I used to. That was in August. Labor Day weekend, I found out my job was being eliminated the beginning of October. Talk about stress and not getting good sleep for a while. And who's in the mood to work out?

I've found another job and I like it, but it's going to take a while to learn all the ins and outs. And it's a lot more traveling. I *TRY* to choose decent foods in restaurants, but when you're just looking for something quick, it's not always easy. Needless to say my numbers are back up, as is my weight. Not as high as they were when I was diagnosed, but not as low as I had gotten them to.

I'll find inconsistencies with what I eat and what my numbers are. For example, last night dinner was cauliflower, mini meatballs (no sauce) and a sugar free soda. I walked after dinner. My numbers this morning were higher than they've been in weeks. There's a number of days I think "why bother?".

 

[tvguy]

I was diagnosed as type 2 about 6 years ago. My A1C was 6.3, and my blood glucose in the range of 140. Due to a kidney issue, my Doctor took me off Metformin for all of 2022 and my A1C jumped to 7.3 and my blood glucose to 160.
Doctor put me on Jardiance........and I haven't had my A1C tested yet since the switch but my blood glucose is up to about 170. That doesn't make me happy since Jardiance costs $2,000 for a 3 month supply......I paid $400, my insurance paid $1,600 because it is a Tier 4 medication.
I have no advice. I stopped Metformin because of concerns it was causing issues with my kidneys...and it really cause issues with my tummy. When I first went on it, it really did a good job of getting my blood glucose down, however when my blood sugar got below 120, it started having cognitive issues......my brain didn't like the lower blood sugar. My body is at war with my Doctor.
As for salmon, we have always eaten a lot of salmon, long before I was watching my blood sugar. My wife generally bakes it, but she has also been known to BBQ it, or cut it up and cook it up on the stove and mix it in with pasta and some kind of sauce. We always use fresh.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think it is natural for many people to have ups and downs with this! Just try to get back on track when you can.

 

[Micca]

If you have a George Foreman grill you can make a delicious version of salmon. You could do a marinade, or maybe just squeeze some lemon on it after it cooks. Of course this works with an outdoor grill too. Secret is not to overcook it because it will dry out. Grilled salmon comes out like restaurant quality, give it a shot.

 

[slo]

Here's my tale of woe... As @Pea-n-Me pointed out, about a year and a half ago I found out I had type 2 diabetes. It knocked me off kilter, I was feeling sorry for myself, etc, etc. I started eating better and less, started walking 3-5 times a week, 30-45 minutes at a decent pace (for me), right around 3.5-4mph. Bought a used treadmill so I could walk when the weather wasn't good.

Was taking my medicine and got my numbers to go down. Actually down far enough, I'd say they were just borderline pre-diabetes. Ended up losing about 20 pounds. All good, right? Then I fell off the wagon back in July when we went on vacation (when all that yummy food & drink is there, I couldn't say no). Came back from vacation and couldn't get motivated to eat better, couldn't get motivated to walk like I used to. That was in August. Labor Day weekend, I found out my job was being eliminated the beginning of October. Talk about stress and not getting good sleep for a while. And who's in the mood to work out?

I've found another job and I like it, but it's going to take a while to learn all the ins and outs. And it's a lot more traveling. I *TRY* to choose decent foods in restaurants, but when you're just looking for something quick, it's not always easy. Needless to say my numbers are back up, as is my weight. Not as high as they were when I was diagnosed, but not as low as I had gotten them to.

I'll find inconsistencies with what I eat and what my numbers are. For example, last night dinner was cauliflower, mini meatballs (no sauce) and a sugar free soda. I walked after dinner. My numbers this morning were higher than they've been in weeks. There's a number of days I think "why bother?".

Thank you for telling your story and hugs to you
I hope you're able to get back on track and successfully stay there, even though I'm sure it can't be easy.
Good luck and God Bless!!

 

[slo]

I was diagnosed as type 2 about 6 years ago. My A1C was 6.3, and my blood glucose in the range of 140. Due to a kidney issue, my Doctor took me off Metformin for all of 2022 and my A1C jumped to 7.3 and my blood glucose to 160.
Doctor put me on Jardiance........and I haven't had my A1C tested yet since the switch but my blood glucose is up to about 170. That doesn't make me happy since Jardiance costs $2,000 for a 3 month supply......I paid $400, my insurance paid $1,600 because it is a Tier 4 medication.
I have no advice. I stopped Metformin because of concerns it was causing issues with my kidneys...and it really cause issues with my tummy. When I first went on it, it really did a good job of getting my blood glucose down, however when my blood sugar got below 120, it started having cognitive issues......my brain didn't like the lower blood sugar. My body is at war with my Doctor.
As for salmon, we have always eaten a lot of salmon, long before I was watching my blood sugar. My wife generally bakes it, but she has also been known to BBQ it, or cut it up and cook it up on the stove and mix it in with pasta and some kind of sauce. We always use fresh.

I'm sorry to hear about the medication problems, and I thank you for posting about it.
I hope things get better for you soon

 

[slo]

That’s not too bad, which means he doesn’t have too far to go, especially if they started him on medication.

Has he seen a nutritionist yet? That would help, and be sure to go with him. They’ll do an assessment of what he’s been eating and show him how to make changes.

@sam_gordon had a long diabetes thread a year or so ago, but I can’t find it. Will keep looking and post it here.
Found it! https://www.disboards.com/threads/diet-exercise.3842631/

Many people eat too many carbs with their breakfast. That’s starting the day off with elevated sugar. Try to change some of those over to protein sources like hard boiled eggs, yogurt with higher protein content, and even a slice of turkey or something like that. Think about doing that throughout the day.

Others have said whole foods and I agree with that. Try to lower portion sizes. You asked about a treat. Once he gets his sugars back in control, he could choose something as part of his overall diet plan. If he’s checking his blood sugars he could see how that affects them and decide if it’s worth it. If he likes sweets, an orange, or a sugar free pudding can be something he gets used to. He shouldn’t have a lot of cakes, candy and ice cream, etc. (or his A1C on recheck probably won’t be too good).

Exercise helps burn sugar so if he could start a walking program, that would also help.

Good luck! I like that you say you’ll do it with him. That’s always why I like to include families when I talk to people about this type of thing. Most are more than willing to help, as long as they know what they have to do.

Thank you for posting this link - I will check it out later tonight.

Medicine my DH is going on is Ozempic (I think that's how it's spelled), so we'll see how that goes.

I'm hoping that the changes he makes won't be to difficult to handle because we already don't eat fast food, we don't have a lot of garbage in the house and because I'm always watching what I eat due to wanting to keep my weight where it is right now I will not be eating things he wants in front of him.

The biggest problem is with my UC I can't eat all the vegetables that he needs to start eating, and he doesn't like vegetables enough to eat them on his own. Technically, I also shouldn't be having whole grain items, brown rice and things like that, but since I've been in remission for almost 2 years, and I get my infusions, I will give some items a try, but I most absolutely can't be eating the fresh vegetables - that's a hard no for me.

We'll get through it, and in the end, he has to be as strict with himself, as I am with myself with my UC. We'll get through this together. We've been married almost 28 years and together for 35 years - we've been through a lot together - since we were 16 years old. It's crazy to look back and think how many storms we've been through and we're still moving forward.

 

[slo]

I want to thank everyone again for your posts.
If I had more time I would comment on them all, but please know that I have read each and every one of them.
Thanks again!!!

 

[slo]

My DH was diagnosed about a year and a half ago, and it was a big shock at first. We went super strict with his eating at the start, and then backed off to a more comfortable plan as he learned what specific foods affect his individual numbers the most. The key is finding sustainable swaps and changes!

Walking is excellent (but my DH hates it and doesn't do it because it bothers his hips). Stress can affect numbers too, so make sure Mr. Slo takes time to relax and do things he enjoys. Sleep is another factor people don't mention much, but poor sleep really messes with my DH's morning numbers, so factor that in when looking for patterns.

Keeping a diary for a while was very helpful for him! He logged exactly what he ate and all of his readings so he could spot patterns.

Doing the diet with him him is nice, especially at first, but keep in mind that your nutritional needs are not the same as his. As time goes on, I learned how to include things for myself sometimes without "teasing". (It helps that I have a food allergy and never asked him to give that food up with me either.)


And finally, I do some fancier ones too, but my easiest salmon recipe is to line a baking sheet with foil (flat piece covering it, then a kind of crumply one for air flow), brush the top of salmon with a little of this:
View attachment 733199
And bake for 22 minutes at 425 degrees.

Along with it, I make whatever vegetables we're in the mood for, and some brown basmati rice or we split a twice-baked potato. (He's allowed some carbs as long as he watches portions.)

Please feel free to PM me any specific questions!

This is the biggest problem - his stress is off the charts.
Stress kills your insides - I can honestly say that it is probably the biggest reason why I developed UC and had a very hard time getting it under control.
I will definitely encourage him to work on his models more when he can (he likes doing models and is incredible with them - absolutely incredible) and once DD19 starts her games, our long weekends going to watch her play will be relaxing too - it's will be cold, but relaxing.

Thank for the posting that picture - I will check it out at the store tomorrow.

 

[VandVsmama]

my type 2 diabetic DH has had very good success by eating keto.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Thank you for posting this link - I will check it out later tonight.

Medicine my DH is going on is Ozempic (I think that's how it's spelled), so we'll see how that goes.

I'm hoping that the changes he makes won't be to difficult to handle because we already don't eat fast food, we don't have a lot of garbage in the house and because I'm always watching what I eat due to wanting to keep my weight where it is right now I will not be eating things he wants in front of him.

The biggest problem is with my UC I can't eat all the vegetables that he needs to start eating, and he doesn't like vegetables enough to eat them on his own. Technically, I also shouldn't be having whole grain items, brown rice and things like that, but since I've been in remission for almost 2 years, and I get my infusions, I will give some items a try, but I most absolutely can't be eating the fresh vegetables - that's a hard no for me.

We'll get through it, and in the end, he has to be as strict with himself, as I am with myself with my UC. We'll get through this together. We've been married almost 28 years and together for 35 years - we've been through a lot together - since we were 16 years old. It's crazy to look back and think how many storms we've been through and we're still moving forward.

Don't sacrifice your health for his. If anything, just plan opposite sides for dinners.

You can both have the main protein - then he should have his veg sides and you should have your UC-friendly sides.

As my kid put it, mom, you wouldn't start putting dairy in your food if dad was calcium deficient - you'd just make 2 different things (or make something that can be topped different ways) so both of us would get what we need.

I can't say enough - with chronic diseases, you don't go down a path that's hard to reverse, so if you are in a good place, STAY there for you!

PS - And it's okay to throw 1/2 of each side in the fridge and bring them out for take 2 the next night or for lunch the next day. Cook once, eat twice (but plan that eat twice and just put half away at the jump)...so there's no more total work for you by planning different sides...

 

[LuvOrlando]

So sorry this is going on with your family. I try to avoid sugars and baked good because they seem to cause more inflammation and pain for me so I've been experimenting with fish a few years now, not to mention Lenten requirements. Dr will need to direct with the particulars but the avoidant diet is sort of similar for most inflammation.

We like the MarketSpice Salmon rub, but it is amazing on all fish & their Steak blend and their Egg blend, not expensive but it's a mail order wait.
For salmon I like the big family size slab at Wegmans because it is often cheaper than the small fillets and I can use leftovers for salad the next day. Get a meat thermometer and do some googling until you figure out your oven.
Monkfish makes great fish taco because it holds it's shape (I use a burrito) & we like a sprinkle the Mc Cormick Baja fish Taco blend spice, which is amazing in shrimp taco too.
Fillet of almost all white fish are very nice with tarragon and onion in oil
Trader Joes has a bunch of fish burger type things and options like cauliflower pizza dough
The Ezekial breads are usually in the refrigerator section and are much heavier than white bread.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I had a salmon chowder the other day. So good. You make it like corn, clam or seafood chowder but with salmon instead. I make my chowders with low-fat milk. They’re not as creamy as some chowders, but they’re still really good. You can put a little bacon and chives on the top for some extra zing.

I cooked salmon for the first time myself a few years ago. I don’t buy it much because I’m the only one who likes it.

 

[kerry1379]

Sounds like you have gotten some great advice slo. Best of luck as you navigate this change.
I had gestational diabetes with my pregnancies and both my parents and extended relatives have type 2. So I won the lousy genetic lottery and now officially have it at age 46. (I have about 20 lbs I should lose, and am working on it but am in otherwise decent shape.) So unfortunately I have had to navigate this change to my life as well.

There were 2 things I wanted to mention that I haven't seen talked about upthread. It might help to understand why it is so important to try to keep those blood sugar numbers in good ranges. (You may know this already. My apologies if this information is redundant.) When our bodies have too much glucose in our blood circulating through out our system for too long, it acts like teeny tiny shards of glass and causes damage-most often seen with the neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney, and circulation issues. It is ok if blood sugar levels spike temporarily-just learn from it and strive to keep those numbers in good ranges. The damage comes when those glucose levels stay high for longer periods of time. I tell you this because, for awhile, my dad's way of "managing" (i.e. NOT managing) his type 2 diabetes was to eat what he wanted and adjusting his medication accordingly. Not suprisingly, this did not keep his numbers in good ranges. He is now struggling with numerous health issues as a result of not managing his diabetes for many years.

Does he do the finger sticks? I hated those and started to get hypersensitivity in my finger tips from it. My doctor recently got me to try this disc thing that has the tiniest needle that adheres to my shoulder for two weeks. Then I can use my phone with the company's app and scan that disc anytime I want to to see my blood sugar levels. It can also show me trends and do alerts for too high or too low. It is awesome! So I just wanted to say, there are some amazing products out there that can help manage this disease that do make it easier. So if your loved one is struggling, talk with your doctor and see if there are options that might help.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Thank for the posting that picture - I will check it out at the store tomorrow

You're welcome!

This is the bread he likes too (after trying several) -

 

[Buzz Rules]

All the recipes are customizable. Their YouTube channels have great healthy Mediterranean recipes.

 

[China Expat]

I went three months no sugar and carbs and had amazing changes! Read labels...esp. carbs. There are keto snacks to enjoy, even some ice creams! I fell off he wagon in November and need to get back on track!

 

[slo]

You all are amazing!!
I am overwhelmed with all your posts.
I have read every one and will actually be rereading them again when I have more time to really absorb them all.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sorry to hear this, Sandy. He'll do well, you'll see. As will you also.

We have purchased Mission brand low and no (net) carb tortillas, just for lower carb eating. . They are very good.

https://www.missionfoods.com/products/better-for-you/low-carb-tortillas/

Wishing you guys well. 's