This topic is about balancing life with an ileostomy and the onset of diabetes. The originator shares their journey, starting as a fit young adult who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1966. After years of managing the condition with high-dose steroids and having two children, they decided to undergo ileostomy surgery. Embracing life with an ostomy, they continued to enjoy activities like unrestricted eating and drinking, swimming, diving, hiking, camping, and playing rugby until the age of 47. Later, they were diagnosed with diabetes, which they suspect might be linked to the long-term steroid use. Now dependent on insulin, they find it challenging to adhere to dietary guidelines, especially with the diabetic thirst that conflicts with their love for drinks.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. It is possible to achieve diet-only remission of Type 2 diabetes by adopting a high-fiber, low-simple-carb diet. This means avoiding sugar, white bread, and refined cereals. One person successfully lost a significant amount of weight and put their diabetes into remission with this approach.

2. For those with an ostomy, dietary adjustments may be necessary. After extensive bowel resection, one person had to switch to a low-fiber diet due to diarrhea, which led to a slight increase in blood sugar levels. A future colostomy might allow for the reintroduction of salads and high-fiber foods. In the meantime, maintaining a high protein intake with foods like chicken and fish is recommended when vegetables are not well tolerated.

3. A hospital-derived plan for managing both an ileostomy and diabetes includes:
- Limiting total carbohydrates to about 70 grams per meal.
- Eating several small meals or snacks instead of large meals.
- Restricting fluid intake from 30 minutes before eating until 30 minutes after.
- Using the consistency of ileostomy output as a real-time indicator: very liquid output and thirst may suggest excess carbs being "flushed," while firmer output indicates a better balance.
- This approach has resulted in post-meal blood sugar levels around 130 mg/dL and effortless weight loss of 5 pounds in two weeks.

4. A general reminder is to take diabetes seriously. Consistent dietary management can lead to long-term benefits, even when living with an ostomy.