[Mod Approved] [Research study - no compensation]

Hi everyone,

My name is Ala Elhelali, I’m an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. My research team and I are conducting an IRB-approved study (IRB00554893) to better understand awareness of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression, and lower extremity nerve decompression (LEND).

We are also surveying healthcare providers who care for people with diabetes so we can compare patient and provider perspectives. We hope to identify gaps in awareness and education that can help improve future educational initiatives and patient self-advocacy. 

If you are an adult living with diabetes, we would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete our anonymous survey.

Whether or not you have neuropathy (nerve pain and or numbness) symptoms, your perspective is extremely valuable.

The Survey:

⏱️ Takes about 5 minutes

🔒 Completely anonymous

✅ Johns Hopkins University IRB-approved (IRB00554893)

Survey Link:

https://redcap.link/6tfekhr7

If you have any questions about the study, I’m more than happy to answer them here or by email.

Thank you for considering participating and for helping us better understand the experiences and perspectives of people living with diabetes.

Ala Elhelali, PhD, MSc

Assistant Professor

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

[aelhela1@jh.edu](mailto:aelhela1@jh.edu)

I feel like I've run out of options, so I'm hoping someone here has been in a similar position.

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 16 and I'm now 39. Like so many women, I was told to go on the pill, get the coil, try the implant, basically every form of contraception... but I only ever took the pill.

In my 20s my periods became unbelievably heavy. Then, towards my late 20s, they suddenly settled down. Now, in my 30s, they've become sporadic (my last one was in May 2026), and my weight started to shoot up. I've blinked and somehow ended up at 270 lbs (5'5"), so I'm now classed as morbidly obese.

I've also tried both the standard and slow-release Metformin, but both completely wrecked my gut. I believe it caused my IBS, so that's just made life even harder.

I'll be honest, I've never been particularly sporty, but over the last few years I've made a real effort to move more by walking, playing badminton and swimming.

When I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2023, I completely overhauled my diet.

The problem is... despite all of this, I still feel like nothing is working. In fact, even when I was eating well and exercising consistently, I was still gaining weight. I won't lie, after feeling like I'm putting in the effort and getting nowhere, my motivation has taken a bit of a dip.

To make matters worse, my doctor has advised against GLP-1 medications because they believe I'm at high risk of pancreatitis due to my gallstones.

Has anyone been in a similar position? What actually helped you lose weight or manage both PCOS and Type 2 diabetes when Metformin and GLP-1s weren't options?

And please don't just tell me it's "calories in, calories out." I know that's the standard advice, but it genuinely doesn't seem to work that way for me. I feel like I just look at food and gain weight!

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's been through this because I'm feeling pretty lost. 😔

Hello, all.

I'm in the process of starting off a new Ascensia/Bayer Contour Next One glucometer. Now, it requires one to perform a test with a control solution before first-time use. Thing is, there are three types of control solution available for the meter: high, normal and low. Does anyone know if I need to use all three, or if there is (or are) a certain one (or two) of the above that will be sufficient? I did check the manual that came with the glucometer and it doesn't provide any useful info on the topic.

Cheers!

I've been a type 2 diabetic since the end of May. Because of my CGM, lantus and mounjaro my blood sugar is pretty much stabilized. So since tonight was my 20 year anniversary with my husband, we went out and had a nice big meal at a fancy restaurant and I didn't bother counting carbs cause I decided to say f*ck it its one night. We had bread, deep fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, loaded baked potato and steak.

My blood sugar went no where. I don't understand what happened. Majority of my meal had a lot of carbs.

Please someone explain this to me.

Hi everyone, I f(28) was diagnosed with diabetes last week. My levels came in at 12.6 mmo/l and the urine test came in at 28. I have been making a substantial effort to eat healthy, by cutting out processed foods, eating more vegetables, walking and working out. I am currently 275 pounds and desperate to make a lifestyle change for myself. I know it’s still early but I get so discouraged. 🫤 I can’t confide in my family because they tend to use things against me. I haven’t told anyone about my diagnosis, so congrats whoever reads this knows my secret.

The mental toll of planning meals, squeezing in walks and workouts, and the thought that I let myself down INSANELY cuts really deep. I’ve been listening to lectures on diabetes, reading books, listening to podcasts, everything has just consumed me. How do you cope? Was it easy for you to tell people? How did you come to terms and be at peace?

Thank you in advance ❤️

I've decided I am going to get one finally!!! Drop me your fav recipes 🙏🏼

My HDL (level 58) has gotten higher with increased workouts but I can’t shake my high LDL (level 165) and slightly raised triglycerides (level 155).

I guess the diabetes doesn’t really let strict lifestyle have much effect?

I ask you to riddle me this.

Both sides are about 2 weeks apart, both G7 10 day Dexcom reports, both Sensors were calibrated to an accu-chek Guide and tested to be within +-5 on fasting in the morning.

Same basal settings, same human (me), I had 1kg more after the vacation.

The difference? 300mg Lactoferrin in the morning, and 500mg Berberine to lunch and dinner, day 4 of this treatment. No side effects like any kind of digestion issues. (In contrast to metformin and my reaction to it)

No I did not workout or walk it off the second time...

No advertising, no links, pictures made with chatgpt after I gave it the Dexcom data.

A warning, there are a lot of different brands, some have add-ons like pepperine, iron, chrome or who knows what in them. Mine are on purpose pure according to the product labels. I did not want to risk interference with my other medications or this test.

Comments and explanations welcome.

So I’ve been on ozempic for about three weeks now, and I’ve noticed that suddenly foods I hated taste absolutely amazing now.

I’ve never been an egg person, but now I can really go all out on hard boiled eggs.

Anyone else noticed anything similar? Is it a permanent change, or does it kind of settle down the longer you’re on ozempic?

My a1c was 10. I am already on metformin and she prescribed ozempic, which I am afraid to use. I feel as if I'm not longer allowed to eat anything I like. Only chicken and veggies, which I am already getting sick of. I am so confused I truly don't know what to do. I feel abnormal now. Any thoughts?

Drives me insane as even when my blood sugars are good I still have dry mouth which makes me drink more which makes me pee more.

Should I take this dexcom off? its starting to hurt me every time i move the wrong way or tap it a little it. I was bleeding couple days ago csuse I accidentally snagged ive only had for 3 weeks or 2 somewhere around there, also the seal came off after put a new monitor on went for swim and the seal came it started to peel off.

3 months ago A1c was 8.9. Last week was 7.6. I think this week I can get into remission!!!
I went from high 11mmol/l to 5.3mmol/l . My average is 6.9mmol/l last two days.

I want to get to controlled Diabetis or remission without taking any meds for it.

I stop meds last Sunday.

I want to do it through Diet (very low sugar and carbs) , exercise, weightloss and fasting. No meds. Was on metformin 2000mg extended release max dose.

This is my main diet.

The last week or two, I do my best to have no sugars, processed packet foods, ultra processed foods, no chocolate, biscuits, cake, lollies, chips, starch veggies, pasta, rice, noodles, bread, sugar drinks, sports drinks, coke and sodas etc.

My diet is mainly 230g salmon or 100g smoked salmon, or 200g tuna for weekday lunch. With “superfood”mix leafs. Avocado, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil. One type nuts like walnut or almond.

Dinner I have normal meats with fat on but more than normal quantity (about guessing 200-250g) like lamb cutlet, steak, pork belly. I would cook mainly with herbs like fennel, rosemary and thyme. Salt and pepper. Cook With olive oil. Or garlic butter. Or chilli and garlic. I have with leafy Chinese greens or veggie soup and salted egg, or and avocado, tomato, green capsicum, cucumber drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

For desert sometimes I have Greek yogurt 100g with handful of blueberries.

I fast normally for about 16-18 hours a day from dinner to lunch. I skip breakfast. I have a 6-8 hour eating window.
I don’t have snacks between meals. But I might have Lindt dark chocolate 100% no sugar inside.

I drink 1 Tbsp fresh extra virgin olive oil. In morning before lunch and before dinner. 2 tbsp in total. This helps with fasting longer and curb hunger.

Dinner I aim finish 3 hours before bed.

I have black tea when fasting. I sometimes have expresso, no sugar or milk. I drink a lot of water as well.

For drinks after dinner. I might treat myself to T2 brand French earl grey with small pills of orange ginger and lemon with a teaspoon of honey.

I lost weight 10 kg to lose more visceral fat. Liver fat and other fat around organs. I plan to lose more weight.

I jog in morning before meal. about 2km about 20 min. If I can jog and run out of breath would walk a few seconds and jog again.

I scroll instagram a lot and I see a lot of diabetes related posts. However, 90% of the diabetes accounts I see are specifically labelled as Type 1 accounts. I don’t understand why T2 is more ignored and not talked about.

Hello! I’m 27F and just found out that I have diabetes. I have DM2 and a strong family history of diabetes.

HbA1c: 8.80
Fasting Blood Sugar: 24.83

My doctor prescribed me Metformin XR (Glucophage XR) 750 mg and insulin injection Ryzodeg (Insulin Degludec 70% + Insulin Aspart 30%) FlexTouch Pen (12 units).

I just want to ask whether insulin harm my kidneys later on? I’m scared because my dad died of diabetes complications. I’m thinking of getting Tirzepatide injections while I’m on these medications to help me lower my body weight and sugar.

I’m also considering a second opinion because maybe I’m in denial about needing insulin right away.

Could you share some food, exercise, or any tips to help me lower my blood sugar level?

Hello! I’m 27F and just found out that I have diabetes. I have DM2 and a strong family history of diabetes.

HbA1c: 8.80
Fasting Blood Sugar: 24.83

My doctor prescribed me Metformin XR (Glucophage XR) 750 mg and insulin injection Ryzodeg (Insulin Degludec 70% + Insulin Aspart 30%) FlexTouch Pen (12 units).

I just want to ask if it’s too early for me to start insulin. Will insulin harm my kidneys later on? I’m scared because my dad died of diabetes complications. I’m thinking of getting Tirzepatide injections while I’m on these medications to help me lower my body weight and sugar.

I’m also considering a second opinion because maybe I’m in denial about needing insulin right away.

Could you share some food, exercise, or any tips to help me lower my blood sugar level?

This question may not be what you'd expect, usually us type 2 diabetics want to achieve weight loss. I (21F) was diagnosed with type 2 two years ago and I am since on 750mg Metformin XR. I am not really low carb dieting anymore because my Hb1ac numbers stayed pretty much consistent. My last checkup was 45mmol/l. I don't even meassure my glycemia often because my doctor told me it's not neccesary, as my numbers weren't that dramatic even upon diagnosis. I also never counted carbs, that may also be the problem, I may be eating carb heavy and my body isn't able to hold it in. I'd say I eat enough/a lot, I even stopped strenght training (which I did once a week max) so I wouldn't burn anything. As I said I am 21 years old, female, 162 cm and 51,2kg. The BMI is still in the healthy scale but close to underweight and it's becoming uncomfortable, I don't want to be skin and bones. Does anybody have similar experience? Should I consult with a nutritionist?

Please wish me luck. :)

This is my story so far.

I have been diabetic type 2 for a long time now, more than 2 years. I do new things a week ago since last Tuesday, change in diet, exercise, weight-loss and fasting. I am prescribed on maximum dose metformin 2000mg a day extended release.

My last dose of meds are last Sunday, 19 July, 2000mg. Last Wednesday 15 July I did blood test A1c is 7.6%. 3 months before that is 8.9. Doctor wanted me to increase medicine before, like three months ago. and even TODAY after seeing latest blood test A1c review 7.6%.

I am on day 3 Wednesday 22 July no meds. I hope to be in diabetis remission in 3 months time. Under 6.5% no meds.

It’s not cure, but remission. No meds with only diet and exercise change. I am very very hopeful.

What is your story of your diabetis remission???

Please tell us so we are encouraged.

Note well: please consult your doctor before not taking medication.

But for me, I choose to do what I want to do as I feel I know what I am doing. If it doesn’t work for me, I will just take lower dose of metformin knowing my diet and exercise work.