Diabetes type 2?

[*LoveBugMama*]

I got diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 a few weeks ago. I am pretty devastated, and am feeling totally clueless and torn on what to do/eat. I go back to my doc for more information and help in 3 weeks. Until then he told me to measure my bloodsugar every day, and take the pills he gave me. 

But, when I google and search for info online, almost EVERY link I get talks about how low carb and/or high fat is the only thing that helps when you have diabetes type 2. People seem to eat meat and fat from meat in every meal. And it just feels wrong.
So, I am now trying to see if anyone here are diabetic? Type 2? If so, how do you eat? WHAT do you eat? What do you think about this "propaganda" about low carb/high fat/high in animal products?

Please, I don`t need pressure, lectures or guilt. I am really, really down about this , and I need support. If people can`t give that, then please don`t say anything. I am trying to understand this, and to do what is best for my body AND for my diabetes at the same time.

[askew]

I am so sorry. ((hugs))

I had gestational diabetes and I hated every minute of it, so even though what you are facing is clearly much more intense, I can empathize. When I had GD I had to eat lower carb and protein with every meal. I did it vegetarian with no problem. They had me testing my sugars 4 times a day. I learned that I had to have 1-2 servings of protein for every carb serving I ate, or my sugar would spike. I could eat all the vegetables I wanted. Rice was really bad for my sugar level. Whole grain bread was better. Quinoa was okay, corn was bad. I also learned that if I ate a big salad with every meal that had a lot of carbs, it would drop my sugar reading by at least 5 points. I think the salad slows down the digestion of the carbs. Berries were good fruits for me. I ate a lot of cottage cheese, yogurt and peanut butter. I was actually surprised how much fat I consumed and gained no weight. I also had to eat small meals throughout the day. One carb, one protein every 2-3 hours. I am sure the dietitian will go over all that with you. 

There are also supplements you can take to help. GTF chromium and cinnamon at the go to diabetes supplements. I took New Chapter Cinnamonforce before every large meal. My Uncle is a diabetic and swears by that cinnamon. 

Good luck. I know it will be a hard adjustment, but I will say- even though I hated it, I felt really good on the GD diet.

[Tilia]

Diabetes myths run rampant.  Such as we can't ever have sugar or carbs.  Not true.

Type II diabetics need to eat a balanced diet.  Including protein sources and carbohydrates for energy.  We need to limit certain "bad" fats to reduce our risk of heart attacks and strokes.  We are 6X more at risk than people without diabetes.

Did you get metformin?  It will help you use the insulin in your body more effectively.  Insulin is the key to open up your cells to accept the sugar, to use as energy.  When the cells won't unlock, the sugar gets built up in your blood, raising your blood sugar numbers, making you tired, etc.  At least that is the simplistic way that my endocrinologist explains it.

Get into a Type II class at your local hospital.  Your health care provider should be able to order you one, then it will be covered by insurance.  They will teach you everything you need to know, and how to eat.

Feel better!  It takes a while to learn, but diabetes is manageable.

[Tilia]

Forgot to add that I am insulin dependant Type I for 4 years, but I took the Type II class twice.  I visit my endocrinologist four times per year for my diabetes care, at the University of Iowa.

[*LoveBugMama*]

Ooooooh, I knew I could count on you guys! 

I`ll read your posts carefully tomorrow. Right now my head is spinning and I need FOOD!! 

Thank you both so, so much for taking the time to educate me a little.