Help!

[rockyracoon]

My OH is being treated as a diabetic at the moment until more test are done in 4 weeks. Now, I know he shouldn't have sugar, which he really doesn't have much of anyway, it's more help with reading labels on food jars etc that I.
I find the whole thing exhausting. Where is states carbs, then underneath, made up of sugars, are these sugars OK? I know added sugar is to be avoided, but I think I'm getting in a pickle over natural occurring sugars. Are they to be avoided? Though I'm not sure how you'd do that. He also has an elevated cholesterol level (10). Are there any foods that he can eat that would conflict with the diabetes. I've googled til I'm brain dead and now I don't know what I'm doing at all.
The poor sod will end up starving.....

[murraymints]

all sugars are a problem..Carbs too.. Diabetic nurse can give you diet sheets and information...not a lot you can do 'till proper diagnosis and meds are sorted though..once that is in place his sugar levels can be controlled to an extent with meds... everything in moderation 'till then..drink plenty water...avoid Jaffa cakes and kit kats ! dad's weakness...

[murraymints]

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Recipes/?gclid=CjwKEAjwr_rIBRDJzq-Z-LC_2HgSJADoL57HW1pckejLtVa4qgGPZqQ-31pOqnJYowW_GHbjZ96sCxoCtw3w_wcB

[mallyh]

use wholemeal bread instead of white .

[rockyracoon]

Thanks, Minty. He's been given the meds and he can't see the nurse for 2 weeks. Doc just told him to lay off sugar and drink. Fortunately, he doesn't like sugar or add it to anything, it's the other sugars that bother me. Can he eat pasta or rice? What about potatoes? Is porridge good? I know it's good for reducing cholesterol, but is it ok with diabetes? Exhausting.com

[rockyracoon]

He's eating oat and barley bread ( for the cholesterol) will it be ok for diabetes.

[murraymints]

white rice and pasta can raise sugar levels quickly better to go for brown /whole meal versions....porridge is good..as long as no sugar on of course...it is a slow release carb

[Islay]

This might help babes xx

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/meal-planning.html

[murraymints]

http://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diet/superfoods-for-your-diabetes-diet/#02

[murraymints]

with time and experience you will be able to guage what he can and can't tolerate and just how much he can have things..it is not an exact science, once the meds have settled ..and there is a bit of trial and error to begin with fixing appropriate levels.....you will find it second nature..if his levels rise sharply the trick is water water water !... make a friend of the Diabetes nurse...and get in the habit of regular checking of bloods...does he have a meter and strips yet ?

[murraymints]

http://beating-diabetes.com/index.php/bread-for-diabetics/

[murraymints]

encourage any activity that will help circulation..foot care is important and eye check will probably be suggested by diabetes nurse...sounds daunting I know, but you will get into the swing of things once everything is in place...

[rockyracoon]

Thanks all. I'll check out the recipe websites. When I'm looking at labels, ie lentils, it says 16.9g of carbohydrate per 100g, of which 0.8g are sugars. Is this a good ratio to look out for?
Minty, no equipment as yet as doc is concerned at lack of symptoms, hence tentative diabetes diagnosis. He only went to docs as he was thirsty during the night, drinking a couple of litres of water. He swims 2k a day and his blood pressure is normal (he went straight to doc appointment after swim) she expected it to be higher. His liver test came back normal, she expected them not to. Also, three tests he had came back exactly double the normal levels, blood sugar, cholesterol and something else but I don't know what it is. He had the tests on the morning of the cyber attack....

[Islay]

Don't forget there are good carbs and bad carbs so mashed spuds bad mashed sweet potato good

[Sqad]

I assume that he is Type 2 diabetic.....don't get too hung up over what to eat and how many cals and what type of carbs....it is all about "common sense."
He can eat what he likes, when he likes, but all in moderation.
If he can avoid fruit juices then that will help.
Exercise is the most important factor here...walking or swimming on a daily basis will control his blood sugar levels, better than any diet.
Keep us informed eh?

[rockyracoon]

Thanks, Sqad. He swims 2 kilometres every day (except Sunday), that's why the doc is confused with his results.

[Sqad]

rocky....that is great....but i will reiterate........don't get "bogged down" with diets, even though he is a diabetic.
He has to live life with at least some pleasures........diabetic or not.
Let us know the results of his tests.

[rockyracoon]

Will do. He's on metaformin and statins for 4 weeks (nurse in 2 weeks). Hopefully, we'll get some more conclusive answers then.

[pastafreak]

There's a forum and lots of info here... http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/low-carb-diet-forum.18/
Many who adopt a low carb lifestyle can come off medication or at least drastically reduce it. Given the choice of cutting out bread or no longer needing medication, I know which I'd choose. There are lots of food alternatives...it's all about making permanent choices.
As for sugar...the body treats all sugar the same...added or naturally occurring.