Suppers For Diabetics.

[lynbrown]

I'm T2 and take tablets and insulin. I have hypos during the night. Can anyone suggest some suppers that would get me through the night? I try to have a good meal at 6pm, but cant eat too much due to nausea. TIA

[Buenchico]

Diabetes.co.uk suggests eating some carbohydrates before retiring:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/Diabetes-and-Carbohydrate-diets.html
(The NHS website has a link to that forum, so it should be trustworthy).

This is a trusted site in my opinion, so you might find something suitable listed in their selection of healthy high-carb foods:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-healthy-high-carb-foods
(NB: Note the warning that oats may lower blood sugar levels, which clearly isn't what you want if you're experiencing hypos). Perhaps an apple before bed might be a good idea though?

It would probably still be best to talk to your GP (or to someone at your diabetes clinic) before embarking on any course of action though.

Remember that Diabetes UK has a helpline on 0345 123 2399 and Diabetes.co.uk has a web forum where you can get advice from others with diabetes:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/
Perhaps a post in the 'Food, Nutrition and Recipes' section might get responses from people who've experienced similar problems to your own?

[barry1010]

Before reading Buenchico's answer I was going to suggest a bowl of porridge made with semi-skimmed milk. I have come to enjoy it as it is without salt or any form of sweetener. I am diabetic and luckily am not affected by carbs.
Many type 2 diabetics have benefitted greatly by eating a very low carb diet but it didn't help me at all.
Porridge and most other cereals are good to eat at bedtime because they are easily digested by most people.

[Sqad]

It would help to know what anti diabetic tablets you are taking, what dose and what type of Insulin and what dose, before we embark on the journey through the websites.
Type 2 diabetes is a very personal disorder with little human concern from the Internet.

[barry1010]

If you haven't tried a continuous glucose monitoring system before I strongly recommend that you do - I used one for only a month and it helped me to manage and understand my diabetes enormously.
I see that the one I used is now offering a 14 day free trial which is a bargain but it isn't cheap.
https://sample.freestyle.abbott/gb-en/freestylelibre.html

I really helped me see the foods I have to avoid and the foods I can eat. Sqad is correct - one diabetic's perfect diet can be terrible for another diabetic.

[Sqad]

Lynn would you also give us the latest result of your Hb1ac and when it was taken.

[pastafreak]

Not a diabetic myself, but I have a friend who is currently taking advantage of the trial of the continuous glucose monitor* mentioned in Barry's link. It's only been a week or so, but she's already discovered foods to which she reacts strongly. In her case she's quite carb sensitive. She gave a lot of thought into whether or not it was worth it to do...I think she's pleased she's doing it.
* for some reason, I thought her trial is for a month

[Sqad]

Barry/pastas idea of the continuous monitor is excellent and particularly for you Lynn.

[Vagus]

The freestyle libre monitor is now available on prescription in, I believe, most areas.
It’s been available for a few years now but only fairly recently been available on prescription. It’s the small round white patch thing that Theresa May had on her upper arm which was commented on, combined with a small device to read the patch when placed on it.
The readings can also be linked to the hospital diabetes clinic so they know what’s going on too.
Very useful.

[barry1010]

Vagus, my GP will only prescribe those for people who have Type 1 diabetes and even then not automatically. This is the criteria https://jdrf.org.uk/information-support/treatments-technologies/flash-glucose-sensing/can-i-get-libre-on-the-nhs/
You don't need a device to read the Freestyle gadget if you have a smartphone, an app does it very well.

A lot of people with Type 2 have problems getting the testing strips for meters on prescription which is bonkers because knowing your glucose levels is essential for proper management of the condition.

[pastafreak]

The NHS spends a fortune on diabetes, most on the complications of it. It's a shame more is not invested in helping patients manage their condition or reduce reliance on medication.

[Sqad]

For people who have well controlled Type2 diabetes and regular satisfactory Hb1ac, then the Libre is a bit of a luxury.
But for folks like Lynn who are having hypos and others that are interested in the relationship between food and blood sugar levels then it is a God send.
For Type1 diabetes it is essential.....in my opinion.

[barry1010]

Totally agree, Sqad.

[barry1010]

Agree with you too, pasta. I am extremely lucky as my GP's practice has the most fantastic nurses who have specialised in diabetes and really are very informative and supportive.

[Vagus]

My relative who has type 1 has indeed found it invaluable, and funnily enough it has shown that eating lamb pushes up his blood sugar!
I’m a well controlled type 2, almost on the point of not needing metformin, which would be great.

[bednobs]

How much is it when it on the free trial?

[pastafreak]

It's about £150 for a starter pack with 2 sensors that each last 2 weeks.

[barry1010]

£48.29 for the sensor that lasts two weeks, if you have a smart phone you don't need anything else.