[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

Buford T. Justice XIX · 08-07-2015 8:06pm

kellyshell wrote: »

from what you are saying portion control, exercise and booze will be what I need to look into. Porridge would be the 30g sachet from aldi. I do add a teaspoon of sugar to porridge and make with full fat milk. I love a big bowl of pasta so will half that bread I wont really buy anymore but I wont lie if its in the house at the wkend I could have four slices of toast so that's why I try not have it there.

physio did not work, I need to walk to ease out the muscles so will step that up a notch.

from the diabetes website, they say low fat yogurts but I thought natural greek yogurt is better for you (that would be what I normally have).

I wouldn't have an additive personality but dreading cutting down booze I love nights out and I know we don't need booze to enjoy ourselves but I love a pint of beer

You can still have a pint or two but try to have something to eat before you do to reduce the alcohol hitting the bloodstream all at once. Drink plenty of water as well to keep yourself hydrated. And not much more than a pint or two. Diabetic hangovers are a b***h:(

I used like my few pints but only have a bottle or two now.

On porridge, it's the best thing in my diet. I do a lot of physical work and it keeps me going in the morning and stops me going for a few sweets while working. A big packet would be cheaper than the individual portions. Soak them in milk overnight and fire them in the microwave at home/work and you're sorted.

You can still eat whatever you want but in smaller quantities and reduce the processed stuff and increase the fruits/veggies.

kellyshell · 09-07-2015 8:27am

Thanks a million for all the tips and advice.

Was a really big shock and upsetting getting the news yesterday but after some research and coming on here I have calmed down and realised I don't have it that bad compared to some.

hopefully I can fix this before it gets worse and again appreciate all the reply's I have received.

Just need to try not miss the beer and wine to much

Henry Ford III · 09-07-2015 8:58am

I was diagnosed a type 2 diabetic in February. It was quite a shock at the time.

I changed my diet & lifestyle overnight, and I'm now 4 stone lighter. Went from taking 2 x Glucophage + 1 x Diamicron per day down to 1 x Glucophage per day. I'm hoping to get off meds completely. My blood sugars are stable and read 4.2 - 4.5 every day.

Food wise I've cut quantity, and increased quality. Haven't had a takeaway nor a pint of Guinness since diagnosis.

Walking is my exercise. I'm doing about 30 miles per week. Feeling good and I've plenty of energy.

kellyshell · 09-07-2015 9:01am

Thanks for the reply Henry Ford III

Congrats on the weight loss and dropping some of those meds, its great to hear its possible.

I am lucky they want me to try Lifestyle change first before I go near medication and I have promised myself that I will not end up on medication if I can help it.

4 stone in four months is amazing.............would your diet and exercise have been bad before you were diagnosed? (if that is an ok question to ask)

I will be starting my walking this evening!

Henry Ford III · 09-07-2015 9:11am

It would have been thoughtless for sure! Too much beer, too many chinese takeaways, and obviously lots of poor meal choices. Too much pure volume also.

Another thing I've learned is to read food labels. Some of the things we consume are horrendous! Concentrated orange juice is dreadful for example.

Good luck with the walking. I couldn't do it without some chilled out tunes in my ears. Invest in a good set of headphones. Start with 30 minute walks. Aim for everyday but a day off every now and then is ok too.

CramCycle · 09-07-2015 9:23am

Thats one thing that I have to give credit to my Diabetes for, at my worst, I eat better than my personality and lifestyle choices would have predisposed me too without it.

I would go as far as to say without Diabetes I would be in far worse health, doesn't ring true for everyone but I know a few people who are thankful for it as odd as that sounds.

kellyshell · 09-07-2015 9:42am

Doc suggested 30mins of exercise 5-6 days a wk to start me off.

I had a look at food labels last night (curiosity got me) and it is amazing what you would find syrup and sodium in.....

I wouldn't say I am thankful this happened but I understand what you are saying CramCycle. I have been trying to lose weight recently and have lost a stone but this is definitely the kick in the bum I needed.

I am on holiday in six wks and am aiming for 2 stone gone.

Again thanks a million for all the info

(I love smileys)

CramCycle · 09-07-2015 9:52am

kellyshell wrote: »

I had a look at food labels last night (curiosity got me) and it is amazing what you would find syrup and sodium in.....

I wouldn't be too concerned about the sodium but that is a discussion for another day, my opinion is the sugars, ending in -ose, and syrups to be cut down as much as you possibly can.

_Tombstone_ · 09-07-2015 10:10pm

Two companies have been fined a total of more than £500,000 following the death of a diabetic hospital patient from Barnsley who was injected with insulin syringes containing no insulin.

http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2015-07-09/companies-fined-after-death-of-diabetic-barnsley-man/

Buford T. Justice XIX · 20-07-2015 10:20am

Boy with type 1 diabetes prevented from bringing water to a screening of Antman.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/boy-with-type-1-diabetes-prevented-from-bringing-water-to-antman-screening-in-drogheda-cinema-gets-apology-31388045.html

Terrible thing to do with a newly diagnosed kid:(

Buford T. Justice XIX · 19-08-2015 1:38pm

I met with the Animas rep yesterday and she was very good tbf.

So I am after applying to get put on the pump sometime in the next 2 months or so.

I'm a bit apprehensive about it because it will be a total change from the comfortable system I was on with the last 13 or so years but I suppose it's the next step in control:)

graflynn · 19-08-2015 4:29pm

Hello everyone,

My name is Grainne Flynn and I am helping to organise Thrive-abetes; the thrive with type 1 diabetes conference for adults living with, and for parents of children with type 1 diabetes.

This Type 1 Diabetes conference will focus on the psychological impact of living with a chronic, lifelong illness. It aims to provide “Inspiration, Motivation and Information” to people living with type 1 diabetes.

The conference takes place on Saturday October 3rd in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. We have international motivational diabetes speakers presenting such as;

Joe Solowiejczyk, a certified Diabetes Nurse Specialist, a Family Therapist, author of the “Type 1 Diabetes Guide to the Universe”, and has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 50 years.

Kevin McMahon, co-author of "Sugar Surfing; How to manage type 1 diabetes in a modern world" with his long time friend Stephen W. Ponder, MD CDE, which was published in May of this year.

Kate Fakakerly and her daughter Isobel, who was diagnosed when she was two years old. Isobel is now 24. Kate is also Chair of the Families with Diabetes National Network UK, a network of all regional parents in England who represent the views of families with type 1 diabetes.

Helena Farrell, founder of Diabetes Insight, and specialises in diabetes education, support and nutrition. Helena is a registered General Nurse, has a diploma in Psychotherapy and has a MSc in Diabetes.

Dr. Kevin Moore, consultant endocrinologist in Tallaght Hospital and Naas General Hospital. In 2011, he became chairman of the Diabetes section of the Irish Endocrine Society, having been secretary of the same committee since 2008. Dr. Moore has worked tirelessly throughout his career to improve the lives of patients with diabetes.

Dr. Clare McVicker, head of advocacy at JDRF UK will update all of the delegates on the clinical trials of the closed loop artificial pancreas, beta cell encapsulation and other new developments in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

Register here for Thrive-abetes.

Tickets for Thrive-abetes cost €35 each, or €60 for two tickets (this includes the administration fee from Eventbrite.ie). Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all delegates.

I really hope that some of you can join us and make this a large Type 1 gathering. Thanks in advance for reading. Grainne

Duck Soup · 19-08-2015 5:39pm

Having been diagnosed a couple of months with Type 2 diabetes, my GP said rather than put me on drugs immediately, he wanted me to change my diet and see the results. So I've been to 3 dietitians, who were varying degrees of okay with diabetic diets. What I wanted however was meal plans.

I'm a single male and as such don't really spend time making up meals. However, I'll eat cardboard if it's on a diet plan as today's meal. In other words, give me a diet and I'll stick to it. Give me exact meals and their ingredients and I'll stick religiously to them. But what I can't get my head around is "Your evening meal is x or z or y or w, with a side portion of f or g or d or q." Options are not my friend. i want to know what to eat today exactly.

I've painstakingly explained to 3 dieticians that I want precise meal plans and that I'm willing to pay for the time involved in creating them. Three times I've walked out with pre-printed sheets with a load of either/ors and been charged €80-100 for the privilege. One sheet I was given even had copyright 2012 on its base.

I suppose what I'm asking, more in hope than expectation at this stage, is: is there a good diabetes diets specialist who can do up a weekly meal plan. it doesn't seem too much to ask, but 3 dieticians have been unwillingly to extend themselves that far. Do you know anyone who'd do the diabetic meal plans of which I speak?

_Tombstone_ · 19-08-2015 10:35pm

Duck Soup wrote: »

Having been diagnosed a couple of months with Type 2 diabetes, my GP said rather than put me on drugs immediately, he wanted me to change my diet and see the results. So I've been to 3 dietitians, who were varying degrees of okay with diabetic diets. What I wanted however was meal plans.

I'm a single male and as such don't really spend time making up meals. However, I'll eat cardboard if it's on a diet plan as today's meal. In other words, give me a diet and I'll stick to it. Give me exact meals and their ingredients and I'll stick religiously to them. But what I can't get my head around is "Your evening meal is x or z or y or w, with a side portion of f or g or d or q." Options are not my friend. i want to know what to eat today exactly.

I've painstakingly explained to 3 dieticians that I want precise meal plans and that I'm willing to pay for the time involved in creating them. Three times I've walked out with pre-printed sheets with a load of either/ors and been charged €80-100 for the privilege. One sheet I was given even had copyright 2012 on its base.

I suppose what I'm asking, more in hope than expectation at this stage, is: is there a good diabetes diets specialist who can do up a weekly meal plan. it doesn't seem too much to ask, but 3 dieticians have been unwillingly to extend themselves that far. Do you know anyone who'd do the diabetic meal plans of which I speak?

Newcastle Diet.

Off with ya.

graflynn · 20-08-2015 10:55am

Duck Soup wrote: »

Having been diagnosed a couple of months with Type 2 diabetes, my GP said rather than put me on drugs immediately, he wanted me to change my diet and see the results. So I've been to 3 dietitians, who were varying degrees of okay with diabetic diets. What I wanted however was meal plans.

I'm a single male and as such don't really spend time making up meals. However, I'll eat cardboard if it's on a diet plan as today's meal. In other words, give me a diet and I'll stick to it. Give me exact meals and their ingredients and I'll stick religiously to them. But what I can't get my head around is "Your evening meal is x or z or y or w, with a side portion of f or g or d or q." Options are not my friend. i want to know what to eat today exactly.

I've painstakingly explained to 3 dieticians that I want precise meal plans and that I'm willing to pay for the time involved in creating them. Three times I've walked out with pre-printed sheets with a load of either/ors and been charged €80-100 for the privilege. One sheet I was given even had copyright 2012 on its base.

I suppose what I'm asking, more in hope than expectation at this stage, is: is there a good diabetes diets specialist who can do up a weekly meal plan. it doesn't seem too much to ask, but 3 dieticians have been unwillingly to extend themselves that far. Do you know anyone who'd do the diabetic meal plans of which I speak?

Hello Duck Soup,

There are loads of websites out there that post recipes. You can eat anything and everybody is different when it comes to food (likes and dislikes). Have a look at http://www.diabetesforecast.org/ or the recipes on Diabetes Ireland
Diabetes UK
Diabetes.co.uk
That's just for starters (excuse the pun ;-S )

I really hope that helps!

Dick Dastardly · 23-08-2015 11:01pm

Just got my second hba1c since I went on the pump - coming in at 6.7 in old money - so that's c10 months sub 7.

Sensor capability makes all the difference I reckon.

gctest50 · 24-08-2015 4:36pm

extend your "honeymoon phase" cos it's so much fun

A team in the US discovered that the drug, Alefacept , which targets the immune system of psoriasis sufferers, appears to keep the insulin-producing cells of people with type 1 diabetes safe and healthy.

The same team of scientists had already reported positive results back in 2013, but now, 15 months after the last dose of the drug was given to participants, they are taking less insulin on a day-to-day basis.

They have also been found to have higher levels of the C-peptide protein in their blood than those given a placebo. This is a by-product of insulin protection. This suggests that those taking Alefacept are making more of their own insulin than those not taking the drug.

http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=24877

The_Conductor · 24-08-2015 5:41pm

Its an interesting article- however, it would be good if there was an explanation as to why it (Ameveve) was withdrawn from the market in the first place (in 2011 in the US and Newzealand- it was never licensed for use in Europe)- and how its use now has mitigated the side effects (from memory it was withdrawn altogether after severe adverse side effects were reported in some patients and further testing was mandated by the FDA). There was also off license testing pursued for other autoimmune conditions at the time- however, other biologics had wider response rates.

If this were to be licensed for the EU market- it would be a good step towards a more rational use of biologics as a management mechanism for keeping a whole string of autoimmune conditions at bay- including T1D. One factor which is against it though- is the cost- its quite ridiculously expensive- someone on the US site suggested it was in the region of $600 per dose (and you'd be taking a loading dose and then a weekly/forthnightly/monthly dose- akin to with the other biologics).

Is there any off-label testing of biologics that are licensed for use here (such as Humira) with T1D patients? Its the same concept- a biologically engineered tnf/t-cell inhibitor.

If anyone is interested in reading the article- its available free in full here

Preset No.3 · 30-08-2015 4:22am

Had been doing really well for ages and fell, no jumped head first off the wagon tonight and into some tubs sweets! Feel bad in one way because control has been great lately but just had a really crap week and sugar is my vice. Kind of ironic for a diabetic!

Buford T. Justice XIX · 30-08-2015 8:10am

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Had been doing really well for ages and fell, no jumped head first off the wagon tonight and into some tubs sweets! Feel bad in one way because control has been great lately but just had a really crap week and sugar is my vice. Kind of ironic for a diabetic!

Nothing like being told you can't do something to make you want to do it.

Dick Dastardly · 03-09-2015 9:40am

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Had been doing really well for ages and fell, no jumped head first off the wagon tonight and into some tubs sweets! Feel bad in one way because control has been great lately but just had a really crap week and sugar is my vice. Kind of ironic for a diabetic!

Are you type 1 or 2 and how did you "manage" it? A quick bolus, a run in the park or a sickly high feeling for a while?!

matterson · 09-09-2015 7:54pm

Hey, recently received a blood test result showing a fasting glucose of 5.6 (was 4.7 when last checked a couple of years ago). Exercise for a couple of hours per week, early 30s, not overweight, no history of diabetes in my family etc. Doctor didn't say much else other than that he was slightly concerned and just to have it looked at again next year. I'd prefer to get it checked before that though. Any point in having a glucose tolerance or AC1 test?

outnumbered82 · 09-09-2015 11:28pm

Had my eyes screened last week now have been called for an urgent eye appointment as an out patient in the hospital. My eye is a bit blurred but with my glasses it's ok. Should I be worried. I have always had good control never go real high or low been type one the last 15 years.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 10-09-2015 3:30pm

outnumbered82 wrote: »

Had my eyes screened last week now have been called for an urgent eye appointment as an out patient in the hospital. My eye is a bit blurred but with my glasses it's ok. Should I be worried. I have always had good control never go real high or low been type one the last 15 years.

You might have some growth of blood vessels in the back of your eye which a lot of diabetics get even with good control. It is hopefully just a precautionary check but there are good options available even if there is some damage there.

CramCycle · 11-09-2015 9:07am

matterson wrote: »

Hey, recently received a blood test result showing a fasting glucose of 5.6 (was 4.7 when last checked a couple of years ago). Exercise for a couple of hours per week, early 30s, not overweight, no history of diabetes in my family etc. Doctor didn't say much else other than that he was slightly concerned and just to have it looked at again next year. I'd prefer to get it checked before that though. Any point in having a glucose tolerance or AC1 test?

Its certainly not a level to be worried about and in real world terms, very little is different from this to your last one. An hba1c test could have been done with the bloods you sent off, so maybe query that first. Secondly, if you have a glucometer or have a friend with one, a fasting GTT is quite easy to do on your own if you wish to put your mind at ease. All you need is a bottle of lucozade, a watch and a glucometer. I wouldn't be concerned though, the difference between the two is the same difference you might get taking the blood from your right side vs your left side on some days.

outnumbered82 wrote: »

Had my eyes screened last week now have been called for an urgent eye appointment as an out patient in the hospital. My eye is a bit blurred but with my glasses it's ok. Should I be worried. I have always had good control never go real high or low been type one the last 15 years.

I wouldn't get too stressed, my eyes went like that for awhile and came back to normal, although my control was poor at the time. I was called in for an urgent check up last year as well, there was nothing there. I got panicked, and in the end for nothing. Not saying you have nothing but there is no benefit to getting stressed if your control is good, just wait for the doctors opinion. There is also the other possibility, that none of us like to admit, it might not be your diabetes at all. My most recent eye test, I noticed I struggled for the first time with my right eye. Nothing wrong in terms of the Diabetes, just age taking its toll. Don't need glasses yet but will probably in a few years.

Preset No.3 · 12-09-2015 5:20am

Dick Dastardly wrote: »

Are you type 1 or 2 and how did you "manage" it? A quick bolus, a run in the park or a sickly high feeling for a while?!

A quick dart of novorapid. Type 2 but always have a pen handy.

Since that "episode" control has been quite good. Now if everything else would come together that would be great.

stagg88 · 16-09-2015 9:02pm

Does anyone think we might be able to get continuous glucose monitor some time in the near future on the long term illness card. The dexcom G4 looks pretty cool. I have read a few reviews of people using it and other CGM devices and they seem to be pretty much life changing. Any one on here have any experience with a GCM and any one think we might ever be able to get one in Ireland

Eurovisionmad · 16-09-2015 9:49pm

stagg88 wrote: »

Does anyone think we might be able to get continuous glucose monitor some time in the near future on the long term illness card. The dexcom G4 looks pretty cool. I have read a few reviews of people using it and other CGM devices and they seem to be pretty much life changing. Any one on here have any experience with a GCM and any one think we might ever be able to get one in Ireland

I can't imagine it becoming the norm any time soon, although the general consensus from people who've had them is that they're life changing etc, but the clinical evidence that they create a large drop in HbA1c across a large sample group is too marginal for the HSE to every passing diabetic, will only really be in rare circumstance where a person has other complicating factors and the patient shows he/she would individually benefit from one.

CathyMoran · 17-09-2015 6:15am

I would love a cgm, I have brittle type 1 due to oesophageal cancer surgery 8 over 8 years ago - I have a lot of bad low blood sugars but no joy in getting one yet

Buford T. Justice XIX · 17-09-2015 8:03am

stagg88 wrote: »

Does anyone think we might be able to get continuous glucose monitor some time in the near future on the long term illness card. The dexcom G4 looks pretty cool. I have read a few reviews of people using it and other CGM devices and they seem to be pretty much life changing. Any one on here have any experience with a GCM and any one think we might ever be able to get one in Ireland

I just got approved for a pump and asked about a CGM and was told the best case scenario was buying it myself and getting partial funding for the sensors.

Iirc the annual cost is c. 3k but the cost is falling every year so maybe in a few years it might be possible.

[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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