General Chat

Trying out a new fat free and 5.6 sugar yog from Weight Watchers. Quite nice, quite thick. Would like a little less sugar but ..................

Paula - has your GP suggested OH has annual eye tests? He should as tis another way of keeping tabs on diabetes, opticians has to be informed OH is nigh on diabetic as they add on some extra bits to the test.

Just had my blood test today for my annual diabetes MoT, see boss nurse on Tuesday next week to discuss results. At least my BP @ 110/58 was OK this morning.

Your OH sounds as tho he's doing OK. If you on a day out and hubby gets hungry suggest fol the Heart Foundations advice and no cake but just a fruit or plain scone with spread - or a single digestive biccy. I have to have a mid morning/afternoon snack every day or I start going downhill.

You are lucky with your GP. Some GPs aint got a clue about diabetes and their patients suffer because of it. Mate's GP put him on some tabs not long back, mate (Type 2) felt ill, checked the leaflet with the pills and found out he'd been prescribed twice the permitted limit!

Only good thing about diabetes is that if have to have op' in hospital diabetics get the early slots due the 'nil by mouth' 12 hour rule.


Space Museum at Leics yesterday, needed some exercise so climbed the 144 steps in the tower.

He is following the GI diet for three months then go back to Docs. I have already thought about plain scones, so will give them a try. Yes he is lucky with his GP a very sound straight talking chap, he was positive that if OH continued with this diet he should be fine. It is rather difficult for him to exerciseat the moment as he works full time, doing two shifts does not give him chance for a regular routine, we like walking at the weekend, and swimming when he can fit it in............... On the other hand I am the Queen of keep fit ;-)

Paula


that's exactly what I had to do ............


............. and I also couldn't manage all the exercise suggested (30 minutes of walking 5 x a week). But in my case it was because of the pain I am in at various times.




sylvia

I agree with you Sylvia we should only do what our body tells us to. As we get older its not about being competitive just about enjoying whatever exercises help to keep us fit. Some days I am like a steam train other days I am like a broken down truck.............. :-D :-D :-D

For anyone interested I took this recipe from a diabetic site and made it yesterday it is really very easy and very, very good :-

Apple Bread Pudding (Diabetic)

INGREDIENTS
2medium apples(300g)
2tablespoons brown sugar
1tablespoon water
2 1/2cups no fat milk(625ml)
1vanilla bean(halved lengthways)
4slicesfruit bread(thick sliced)
3eggs
1/2teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4teaspoong round nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 160 degree celsius (140 degrees for fan forced).
Grease deep 1.5 litre (6 cup ovenproof dish).
Peel, core and quarter apples, cut each quarter into 3mm slices.
Dissolve brown sugar in the water in medium frying pan over low heat, add apples; simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Combine milk and vanilla bean in medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
Remove from heat; stand, covered, 5 minutes.
Discard vanilla bean.
Meanwhile (while milk stands) cut bread slices into quarters.
Arrange bread and apple in alternate layers (finishing with bread) in dish.
Whisk eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl.
Gradually whisk hot milk mixture into egg mixture.
Pour egg mixture carefully over bread and apple.
Place dish in a large baking dish; add enough boiling water to baking dish to come halfway up side of pudding dish.
Bake uncovered about 1 hour or until set.
Serve with low fat ice cream or light cream, if desired

Paula, thought I would wait and see what other Diabetics had to say.
For years I was Type 2, just relying on avoiding sugar, which was easy for me, as I had not taken it for years, and generaly eating healthily.
Then, whilst in hospital for something else, I had a Hyper, when the blood sugars are too high. I was given Insulin, and also prescribed Metformin and Glizacide (sp).both in tablet form, and issued with a monitor to take and measure blood samples twice a day.
But, it is not just about eating the correct foods. I think Ronald touched on eyesight. I have my eyes tested every year by a specialist Diabetic Optician at a local hospital. I am sent a list of 'local' hospitals to where I live, ring up the local Health Authority, and state a place, date and time. This is not the same eye test, as taken at Spec Savers, for instance.
Also, feet. It is necessary for your feet to be attended by a Chiropidist, who will also, once a year, give a 'Circulation Test ' of the feet. This is quite painless, and is just a small instrument, such as a needle, jabbed into various areas of both feet and ankles to measure the circulation.
Now, here is a little warning. Diabetics of any type, should not walk without anything with a solid sole, on their feet. Bare feet and socks or stockings are banned. This is because, Diabetics sometimes get 'dead spots' on the soles of their feet, and if they trod on anything sharp, they may not feel it. This could lead to an infection, also dangeroues to Diabetics. So, always wear shoes or slippers.
Diabetis is not about DEPRIVING yourself of anything, or going HUNGREY. It is about things in moderation, and watching the sugars, both evident, and hidden.
Hope this helps.

Quick Diabetic Jelly.
Sachet of fruit flavoured tea, made up as instructed on the box.
Couple of Gelatine leaves made up as above.
No sugar, involved.

Julia in Derbyshire

Thank you Julia I really do appreciate your comments. My OH is doing well (much better than I expected him to) You are right about he “hidden” sugars and salt we are checking everything as we go along. I have tried to avoid any drastic changes in what we eat mainly because I already have a very healthy low fat, low sugar diet, not for any specific health reasons just my preferences. OH however does (or should I say did) have a very sweet tooth, two sugars in tea/coffee, biscuits, sweets, cake, CHOCOLATE !!!! etc. Also his portion control was way too much, but as I have said previously he loves good food. The first thing we looked at was to to reduce the portions size and we now follow the GI diet which is using your plate as a guide one quarter carbohydrates one quarter protein and half vegetables so far it seems to be working and OH says he has not been hungry. We both eat lots of fruit so he has taken to snacking on fruit rather than the sweeter stuff, no crisps nuts checking for added S&S. Everything is grilled his GP told us to use Rapeseed oil for cooking and making dressings. I know what you mean about not wearing shoes indoor, but as he never does this I think he will be fine, however I will keep this in mind. When we saw his GP, who was absolutely fantastic, and spent a long with us explaining basically what we needed to do, he emphasised that if OH was sensible with his diet he would be OK. He needs to try to increase his exercise, this is not going to be easy for him as he works full time and the shifts rotas are not really conducive to a gym or health club, however he swims when he gets the chance and we both love walking. I will mention to him even though he only had two new pair of glasses in August it maybe worth him seeing a specialist optician, but no doubt his GP will go into all these things when we see him in three months, he did say for us to go back if we had any concerns. People on here have been so kind helpful and supportive, I have been able to pass on to my OH the advice and their experiences all of which have been extremely helpful. Thank you Julia, I hope all is well with you

PS I like the sound of the jelly for myself too.

There are - or were, haven't looked lately - sugar free jelly in the shops

Yes I always buy sugar free.

Eye tests there are 2 types of tests for diabetics.

1. The 'normal' but enhanced test at an opticians every year.

2. The test (can't remember technical name)at a hospital where drops inserted into the eyes and then the back of the eyes foto'd about 20 mins later.Your GP may have already advised the NHS Trust of your OHs prob and annual call up would then be automatic.NB Must not drive for up to 6 hours after test as eyes wont be up to scratch

Both tests important.

The foot circulation test is, in my case, done by the Diabetes Nurse at my annual MoT. I do attend a Foot Clinic but they cut nails sort out any probs on soles etc but I do get them to check my ankle pulses as well. I do cut my own toe nails despite being told I should file them not cut. Worry of health staff is that me cutting them and somehow damaging a toe. Additionally I use a file (from Bodyshop) to file bottom of feet to remove hard skin. I also, as advised, apply cream daily (can buy in chemists) to soles of feet. NB tho NO cream in between toes can cause fungus.


10 STEPS FOR HEALTHY FEET
• Have an annual foot review
• Know your risk level
• If at higher risk - get referred for expert advice
• Check your feet every day for any signs of damage
• Be aware of any loss of sensation
• Get a family member or friend to test the feeling in your toes
• Look after your toenails
• Avoid corn removing plasters
• Always wear well-fitting shoes
• Maintain good glucose control
• Source: Diabetes UK Cymru





Watch out for excma, I had it but keep it at bay with some cream. Was sent to a GP at another practice who specialises in 'spots' so whilst there I was given a check for skin cancer and an 'iffy' spot removed.

I love bread pud Paula - have a different recipe from a Diabetes cook book will download it when can find out where CD is. But low fat icecream? How much sugar in that? Fruit bread? Must be fair amount sugar in that too.Dont 4get cream has fair whack of natural sugar in it. Not nit picking but tis way I have to look at things. ie My bread pud made with whole meal bread.

Found my recipe in my diabetes folder on PC.
Due copying and pasting onto this thread the layout has got a bit crooked.

RECIPE FOR BREAD PUDDING
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING

Great for using up stale bread and with only a little added sugar it is an ideal teatime treat. It is classed as OK for diabetics – tho’ in moderation (as with everything else) and for diabetics best made with whole meal bread.

Makes 12 Pieces

350g/12oz bread, cut or torn into cubes – I use an uncut 1lb loaf (Whole Meal)from a supermkts bakery and cut a thick crust of one end which leaves me the weight of bread I need. .

300ml/half pint milk I use full skimmed milk

150ml/quarter pint of water

175gr/6ozs sultanas
1 eating apple – peeled and chopped Not really necessary
2 tablespoons of golden caster sugar I’ve used ordinary sugar in the past but
only one tablespoon. Now using small amount “Splenda”
In lieu
2 tablespoons mixed ground spice
4 tablespoons of sunflower oil I use Almond oil in lieu
1 egg beaten

Method

1. Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and pour over the milk and water.
Allow the bread to soak up the liquid. This will take longer if bread is old.
Stir occasionally.
2. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
3. Stir the sultanas, apple, sugar and spice into the soaked bread and mix until
well combined. Beat in the oil and egg.
4. Press into a lightly oiled 23cm/9” square cake tine (ours is 8” square) and bake for 45 minutes. Note I grate some nutmeg on top prior cooking
5. Allow to cool slightly, prior cutting into 12 squares – I don’t cut into 12 squares
But cut pieces as and when required.


NOTE: Re the sugar mentioned. There's already sugar in the bread, natural sugar in the sultanas and natural sugar in the milk so can't really see the need for it

I am not sure about the sugar content Ronald I just took recipe from diabetic website so one would assume it was checked out............

Bit of a postscript re the bread pud. My daughter loves it, she ain't diabetic, has a sweet tooth but still thinks tis sweet enuff. Some of her workmates tried it and now have recipe

Was at a farmers mkt in Lichfield in May and they were selling bread pud on a stall. Didn't buy any as had already had a snack but got chatting up the ladies and they make their version without oil or suet so shall have to have a dabble

I thought you were referring to the sugar in the low fat ice cream. I have not eaten bread pudding since my Mother died in 1997........ but I might be tempted :-D

I ate a lot of bread pud as a kid. As after the war bread was in short supply and couldn't be wasted so stale bread was turned into pud but, of course, not too healthy due use of suet.

Some sandwich fillings below - put them on the Diabetes Group on FB as people were after summat different

Sandwich fillings from Diabetes Recipe Book

Book published 2001 but think fillings still applicable. Whole meal or multigrain bread with sunflower marge’ or low fat spread

Egg Mayonnaise and Chives

Hard boiled egg. Mash with enuff low fat mayonnaise to make a creamy filling. Add plenty of snipped fresh chives

Chicken, walnuts and watercress or rocket

Shred some cooked chkn and finely chop some walnuts. Mix with 15ml/1 tblespn low-fat mayonnaise and some fresh ground black pepper. Spoon on to the bread and top with watercress or rocket leaves

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato

Grill a couple of lean bacon rashers until crisp. Lay the bacon on the bread and top with crisp shredded lettuce and thinly slice tomato. Add 5ml/1tspn low fat mayonnaise if liked.

Bacon and Avocado

Cut a couple of lean bacon rashers into small pieces and dry fry them until crisp. Peel half an avocado and mash with a little lemon juice. Spread over the bread and top with the cooked bacon.

Cream Cheese, Toasted Sunflower Seeds and Lettuce

Toss 15ml/1 tblspn sunflower seeds in a dry frying pan to toast them. Spread some low fat cream cheese on the bread, press the sunflower seeds into it, cover with a layer of crisp shredded lettuce.

Cream Cheese With Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil

Chop some sun-dried tomato and fresh basil leaves and mix with low fat cream cheese. Top with crisp shredded lettuce.

Cottage Cheese, apple and Cashew Nuts

Grate a small eating apple and mix with the cottage cheese. Add a few unsalted cashew nuts.

Tuna, Mayonnaise and Cucumber

Mashed canned tuna with 15ml/1 tbnspn low-fat mayonnaise. Grate in some cucumber and season well with pepper.
Sardine and Tomato

Mash 3-4 canned sardines and spread on the bread. Top with thinly sliced tomato.

Salmon, Fromage Frais and Spring Onions

Mash some canned salmon with with 15ml/1 tbnspn low-fat fromage frais. Stir in some chopped spring onions

Is type 2 different from type 1?Grandson been diabetic since he was 4.Now almost 21 he has 3 to 4 injections a day.All comments on here relate to him.He has to manage as he has no insulin.But he dont always keep to it and eats basically what he wants and adjust his injection.No one would know he was a diabetic.He just loves all the things he should not have.I am borderline and i am in a panic lol.I dont even eat the crap he does.I have seen him in many comas and wrapped in tin foil.Veins all collapsed BUT all due to a infection.I had diabetes when pregnant and have 2 pregnant daughters both have got to have the glucose test.It runs in my family.Dont let it take over your life just eat healthy and excerise.Do not eat diabetic chocs etc as they will give you a upset stomach and cost you more money.My grandson has many checks although his eyesight is not 100% anymore or his kidney function but his feet are perfect lol Annie

Yes, Grannie. Type 1 is the more serious of the 2 types. Think I have an item on CD that will be of interest to you so keep looking in and I'll put info on another night.

I am sorry your g'son ignores the basic need to keep to a healthy diet. Seen it all before I'm afraid.

Young guy (25) n same ward as me when I had cancer op, He had a leg removed due diabetes and not trying to control it. Friends sister (59) couldn't be bothered, she finished up in ITC on life support due a major stroke. After couple of weeks they gave up switched off machine but she moved so they sorted her BUT she cannot use owt on her right hand side, has her speech back but is bedridden. 2 guys around here ignored their prob, one went blind, t'other had major heart attack and popped his clogs. Sad but there's an old saying "The good Lord helps those who help themselves" most appropriate for us diabetics. dont you think?

Diabetes doesn't rule my life as such but if I dont (for example) eat at usual times I start heading for hypo. IF I have summat I shouldn't have my sugars rocket! I always bear in mind that when my bloods go up or down then I am damaging my body - was threatened with amputation of right leg some years ago but they managed to get 3 stents into a gut artery - should have been 4 but he couldn't manage it and after nigh on 4 hours in theatre watching progress on screen I was knackered especially as had undergone same procedure and hours in theatre a month earlier but with no success.

Never mind, I'm alive, plenty ain't! lol

Oh Grannie how sad that your grandson has had to endure being diabetic from the age of 4. I dont suppose he knows any other way of life and sometimes he must just think "what the heck". Let us hope as he matures he will start to take more responsibility for his diet and can still manage to enjoy himself.

Ronald I will print off recipe and sandwich fillers, my OH takes a packed lunch box every day so it's good to get some new ideas..

Diabetes and your eye
Diabetes can affect your eye in a number of ways:
• The most serious eye condition associated with diabetes involves the network of blood vessels supplying the retina. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.
• The unusual changes in blood sugar levels resulting from diabetes can affect the lens inside the eye, especially when diabetes is uncontrolled. This can result in blurring of vision which comes and goes over the day, depending on your blood sugar levels.
• A longer term effect of diabetes is that the lens of your eye can go cloudy, This is called a cataract.
Not everyone who has diabetes develops an eye complication. Of those that do, many people have a very mild form of retinopathy which may never progress to a sight threatening condition.
Diabetic retinopathy
The most serious complication of diabetes for the eye is the development of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes affects the tiny blood vessels of the eye and if they become blocked or leak then the retina and possibly your vision will be affected. The extent of these changes determines what type of diabetic retinopathy you have. Forty per cent of people with type 1 diabetes and twenty per cent with type 2 diabetes will develop some sort of diabetic retinopathy.
Background diabetic retinopathy
This is the most common type of diabetic retinopathy and many people who have had diabetes for some time will have this early type. The blood vessels in the retina are only very mildly affected, they may bulge slightly (microaneurysm) and may leak blood (haemorrhages) or fluid (exudates). As long as the macula is not affected, vision is normal and you will not be aware that anything is wrong. Your retinal screening test will keep a close check on these early changes and ensure that any signs of progression to more serious stages of retinopathy are detected early.
Maculopathy
Maculopathy means that your macula is affected by retinopathy. If this happens, your central vision will be affected and you may find it difficult to see detail such as recognising people's faces in the distance or seeing detail such as small print. Most maculopathy can be treated with laser with the aim of preserving as much vision as possible. The amount of central vision that is lost varies from person to person. However, the vision that allows you to get around at home and outside (peripheral vision) is not affected.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
If diabetic retinopathy progresses, it can cause the larger blood vessels in the retina to become blocked. These blockages can result in areas of the retina becoming starved of oxygen. This is called ischaemia. If this happens the eye is stimulated into growing new vessels, a process called neo-vascularisation. This is the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy, and is nature's way of trying to repair the damage by growing a new blood supply to the oxygen starved area of your retina.
Unfortunately, these new blood vessels are weak, and grow in the wrong place - on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous gel. As a result, these blood vessels can bleed very easily which may result in large haemorrhages over the surface of the retina or into the vitreous gel. These types of haemorrhages can totally obscure the vision in the affected eye as light is blocked by the bleed. With time the blood can be reabsorbed and vision can improve.
Extensive haemorrhages can lead to scar tissue forming which pulls and distorts the retina. This type of advanced diabetic eye disease can result in the retina becoming detached with the risk of serious sight loss.
Only between 5 and 10 per cent of all diabetics develop proliferative retinopathy. It is more common in people with type 1 diabetes than type 2. Sixty per cent of type 1 diabetics show some signs of proliferative disease after having diabetes for 30 years.
Reducing risk
We have divided the risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy into those you are able to control and those you cannot. Good diabetic control significantly lowers your risk of retinopathy

The following action reduces your risk of developing retinopathy or helps to stop it from getting worse:
• controlling your blood sugar (glucose levels)
• tightly controlling your blood pressure
• controlling your cholesterol levels
• keeping fit, maintaining a healthy weight and giving up smoking are all part of good diabetes control. Nerve damage, kidney and cardiovascular disease are more likely in smokers with diabetes. Smoking increases your blood pressure and raises your blood sugar level which makes it harder to control your diabetes
• regular retinal screening (there is more information about this in the following section). The most effective thing you can do to prevent sight loss due to diabetic retinopathy is to attend your retinal screening appointments. Early detection and treatment prevents sight loss.
Risk factors that cannot be controlled:
• the length of time you have had diabetes. This is a major risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.
• your age affects the progression of diabetic retinopathy
• your ethnicity. If you or your family are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka you are more at risk of developing diabetes and the sight threatening conditions diabetes can cause.
If you have diabetes and plan to have a child, your GP will discuss with you how to manage the pregnancy. Retinal screening is carried out more often during pregnancy and for a while after you have had your baby. Similarly if you develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you will also have more regular retinal screening during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Annual diabetic eye screening
If you have diabetes this does not necessarily mean that your sight will be affected. If your diabetes is well controlled you are less likely to have problems, or they may be less serious. However, if there are complications that affect the eyes, this can sometimes result in serious loss of sight.
Most complications can be treated, but it is vital that they are diagnosed early. They can only be detected by a detailed examination of the eye carried out at a specialist screening centre. If you have diabetes your GP or hospital clinic should arrange for you to have annual diabetic eye screening. At this visit you will have eye drops put into your eyes which dilate the pupil and allow the specialist a good view of the retina. A picture is taken using a digital retinal camera and this is looked at in detail to see if there are any changes caused by diabetes.
As you may not be aware that there is anything wrong with your eyes until it is too late, having this regular test is essential. Research shows that if retinopathy is identified early, through diabeti eye screening, and treated appropriately, blindness can be prevented in 90 per cent of those at risk. If you have not had this type of test, ask your GP or diabetic clinic as soon as possible. You should also go for an annual eye test with the optometrist (optician) as the diabetic eye screening test does not replace the regular eye examination.
Some optometrists will take a photograph of the back of your eye as part of your regular eye examination. This photograph does not replace your retinal screening appointment. It is very important to attend both your retinal screening appointment and your regular eye test with the optician.
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy
Most sight-threatening problems caused by diabetic retinopathy can be managed by laser treatment if detected early enough. The aim of laser treatment is to prevent bleeding or to prevent the growth of new blood vessels. The laser can be used in two ways:
Localised Laser Treatment
When individual vessels or small groups of vessels are leaking, the laser can seal them. This stops the bleeding and helps reduce the swelling of the retina. This type of treatment is quick, sometimes taking only a few minutes. Localised laser treatment is used when early proliferative retinopathy or maculopathy has been detected. Vision is not usually affected by this type of treatment because only a very localised area of the retina is treated.