Cooking for diabetic (help!)

mumto1_2

Morag, many dieticians still tell diabetics to eat all the carbs they want and then use insulin to adjust - that's bonkers!

oh, and he shouldn't be drinking OJ, it will spike his blood sugar levels - that's why it's used when someone goes too low in BS levels (hypo).

GO look on here: http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/forum/Blah.pl? - they are all diabetic on here and will give you and your OH great advice.

Low carb is the way to go, and you will find out by trial and error how much your OH can tolerate - some can eat more than others......

nelly2605

I hated carb counting so stopped.I have potatos(or something similiar) with 80% of my evening meals.

Firefly

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Carb-Counter-Carbohydrates-Everyday-Collins/dp/0007176015/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249464269&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0572029586/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

These are our bibles ... the second one is the best because it lists foods alphabetically but its out of stock.

Looking at glycaemic index information is helpful too because you don't want to be eating anything that raises the blood sugars too quickly.

DS was diagnosed 2yrs ago and hasn't eaten chips, biscuits, pizza or anything unhealthy since and he's only 15 so it can be done. It helps that he's an athlete so does lots of exercise.

morganlefay

Skintcatt, really don't panic. I'm a (fat) 60something type 2 who takes insulin and simvastatin for cholesterol. Losing a lot of weight recently made it possible for me to HALVE my insulin dose, so I know they are right about weight being really important in Type 2. BUT the good thing is that I get better medical care than I ever did when I was 'fit', and it is possible to live quite comfortably with diabetes tho it does mean a change in eating habits (I used to eat a LOT of cheese, and nibbled at crisps, pork pies, scotch eggs, bacon butties etc etc, all of which I have had to give up- no wonder I'm fat )But you do get used to it and I have now even stopped feeling sorry for myself (and still have the odd crisp or bit of cheese.) If only we had known when younger that these unpleasant health consequences were lyiing in wait we'd have doubtless done it differently - but I feel grateful to have a second chance at being healthier ! Oh and I don't like drinking lots of plain water and drink No-sugar Robinsons Orange and mango squash, which I love. It has - guess what - no sugar and is very nice. I drink bottles of it (my dietitian says that's OK) and it's a good way to get all that liquid down you.

slummymummyof3

Most people diagnosed with type 2 are given 3 months in which to try and control their blood sugars with diet and exercise before medication is considered (depending on blood sugar levels and the level of commitment/motivation of the individual.) It is obviously preferable to gain control with this method if possible, as all medication has side effects. However, uncontrolled blood sugar is of greater risk than the side effects of drugs such as Metformin.

You do need to possess self-control with the diet/exercise route and it clearly is not healthy to increase meds so that you can eat all the carbs you want. OH has been diet/exercise controlled for 2 years and this works well for us. The whole family eats low gi and we are all healthier as a result. You do need to be careful with carbs despite many dieticians saying to load your plate up. Richard Bernstein - diabetes solution is a book written by a type 1 diabetic dr in the States, a lot of the info in this book relates to type 2 as well as type 1. He has some fantastic info in the book (although some suggestions are a little extreme) about controlling diabetes.

mardatha

I phoned this morning and asked for his reading - she said "16 and low ferritin" . Does that mean anything to anybody ? How can I up his iron intake without pills ? He takes enough pills as it is .
Sorry pressed send too fast - meant to say TY all for great help. Not usually given to fussing or panicking, but my ME is playing up like hell and my brain/wits is wandering LOL- then he is going on and on . Bit of a mad day here !

mumto1_2

His BS levels should be less than 8 2 hours after a meal. Fasting BS levels 4 or less (test before breakfast for this one), but below 2 is bad as well. So 16 is high, but not as high as I've seen some have when first diagnosed.

Look on here for foods that help with iron levels: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/irondeficiency/?view=textonly#elem220979

Merrywidow

Thanks everyone. As a type 2 diabetic with high cholesterol you all gave me some very useful information and links. A doctor once told me "everything in moderation" - got to rush out and buy a bottle of Vodka!!

Pink.

I'm afraid that asking for or giving medical advice is not permitted on MSE so I'm going to close this thread and refer it to the forum team.


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