Recently diagnosed type 2, and really confused.

Hi Gramm,

I'm not quite the same as you as I have type 1 diabetes, but you will generally find that products that are advertised as 'diet' or 'low fat' have way much more sugar than their full fat options. Sweet potatoes are better for you than standard potatoes because they are slow release carbs - the will make your sugars more level, rather than a normal potato making your blood sugars rush up really quickly. Why don't you look up the glycemic index? It explains what foods are better for you than others. You want to aim for low to medium foods on the GI (and if you really have to have high GI team it with something low GI to make it medium). You will be surprised, believe me! I never knew that normal cornflakes affect your blood sugars more quickly than standard table sugar!! I'd recommend going for lots of veg, low fat meat, and small amounts of low GI carbs for your meal. For salad dressings, look up recipes on the net - a little olive oil mixed with a few ingredients is nice. And don't be too restrictive on yourself as this can be harmful too - if you really need a treat then do have one, but make the right choice with it. I'm sure you'll find links if you look back where Jeannie has given some great ideas for desserts! Oh, and to stop hunger pangs things like seeds and nuts are great - don't have much affect on your sugars and can be quite filling (as long as you measure out first what you should eat as I for one can get carried away lol)

Hope this helps a little.

Claire x

Hi Gramm! Get used to being hungry. Just don't
always give in to it. Again, learn to read your
labels. Lower carbs and even less fructose are your
best choices. Most meats have few to no carbs,
but watch the fat content and a serving size (3 oz.)
is about the size of a deck of cards. wmnak is right
about staying clear of white stuff.(bread,sugar,rice)
Claire-Bear had some great suggestions,too. Nuts and
seeds are filling and good protein,but some are high
in fat. And don't forget...sugar-free doesn't mean
carb-free. Keep counting those carbs. I have sugar-
free jello with sugar-free Cool-Whip for dessert with
dinner quite often. They have these new snack pak
prunes where one pkg. is 15 carbs. Good snack,even
tho it's only 3 prunes. The pre-sliced apples are good
too,but count out your serving. I also found sugar-free,
carb-free caramel dip and marshmallow dip that's
ok on those apples. I like Splenda and cinnamon sprinkled
on those apples,too. Everybody's snack ideas are great.
We all could use new ideas on snacking,since the chips
and donuts are a real no-no now. Keep it coming every-
body. This is great!