How to bring BG down without medication

[Petronica]

I have T2 diabetes. I've bought my own meter and strips as I'm not entitled to any help with this. I'm not on medication either. I test before and after meals. How do I bring my BG down when this is too high? I already have complications affecting my eyes so I'm trying to improve my BG control.

 

[douglas99]

Why aren't you on medication?

 

[Brunneria]

Without medication, I only know of exercise and avoiding foods that send your blood glucose up too high (carbs).

You will find masses of info on both on this forum, but if you are already experiencing diabetic complications then, like @douglas99 , I would like to know why you say you have no support, and no medication. You should certainly be having regular monitoring for your eyes.

Have the doctors run tests for diagnosis, and do you have an hba1c result? What readings are you getting with your test meter before and after food?

 

[Petronica]

I was diagnosed in March 2012. I was told I could control the condition with diet and exercise. I was referred to the dietician and saw her once and I also attended an education course on diabetes. I was very overweight but was not referred for weight management. I did lose quite a lot of weight initially by my own efforts but I didn't manage to keep it all off. I should have been seen 6 months after diagnosis for a Hba1c test but no one told me and I wasn't seen again for a year by which time my weight had gone up again. I think I should be on medication but when I discussed this with my GP and with the nurse who does annual diabetic reviews they both said my Hba1c is not high enough to warrant this. This is Practice policy but I think policy varies across practices, and if I lived elsewhere I might well be on medication. Everyone I've met who is recently diagnosed is on medication and I can't imagine that they are worse than me. My most recent Hba1c reading is 38 (or 5.6%). However, I do get elevated BG in the mornings and sometimes during the day as well, and I can't always link this to particular foods. Sometimes I feel at a complete loss about what is safe to eat. I know about low carb and try to stick to this. I do have my eyes checked annually which is how I know I have early diabetic damage. It's because of this that I'm not convinced about the value of Hba1c readings - mine are good but I've still developed complications and I think this is because my daily BG isn't always well controlled - hence the question about how to bring it down without medication. My highest daily readings have been between 9 and 10.

 

[AndBreathe]

I was diagnosed in March 2012. I was told I could control the condition with diet and exercise. I was referred to the dietician and saw her once and I also attended an education course on diabetes. I was very overweight but was not referred for weight management. I did lose quite a lot of weight initially by my own efforts but I didn't manage to keep it all off. I should have been seen 6 months after diagnosis for a Hba1c test but no one told me and I wasn't seen again for a year by which time my weight had gone up again. I think I should be on medication but when I discussed this with my GP and with the nurse who does annual diabetic reviews they both said my Hba1c is not high enough to warrant this. This is Practice policy but I think policy varies across practices, and if I lived elsewhere I might well be on medication. Everyone I've met who is recently diagnosed is on medication and I can't imagine that they are worse than me. My most recent Hba1c reading is 38 (or 5.6%). However, I do get elevated BG in the mornings and sometimes during the day as well, and I can't always link this to particular foods. Sometimes I feel at a complete loss about what is safe to eat. I know about low carb and try to stick to this. I do have my eyes checked annually which is how I know I have early diabetic damage. It's because of this that I'm not convinced about the value of Hba1c readings - mine are good but I've still developed complications and I think this is because my daily BG isn't always well controlled - hence the question about how to bring it down without medication. My highest daily readings have been between 9 and 10.

When did you last see a 9 or 10, and had you just eaten when you had that reading?

 

[Richard.l]

Hi you may find a realy large drink of water helps or a burst of cardio exercise, can`t say on meds never touched em and have little faith in doc`s they usually push meds like there going outa fashion. I do think self control is best in my opinion but thats me others may disagree but im in total control and into 2nd week of reversal test. I would advise you want meds push your doctor don`t get fobbed off. Good Look.

 

[jack412]

I was diagnosed in March 2012. I was told I could control the condition with diet and exercise. I was referred to the dietician and saw her once and I also attended an education course on diabetes. I was very overweight but was not referred for weight management. I did lose quite a lot of weight initially by my own efforts but I didn't manage to keep it all off. I should have been seen 6 months after diagnosis for a Hba1c test but no one told me and I wasn't seen again for a year by which time my weight had gone up again. I think I should be on medication but when I discussed this with my GP and with the nurse who does annual diabetic reviews they both said my Hba1c is not high enough to warrant this. This is Practice policy but I think policy varies across practices, and if I lived elsewhere I might well be on medication. Everyone I've met who is recently diagnosed is on medication and I can't imagine that they are worse than me. My most recent Hba1c reading is 38 (or 5.6%). However, I do get elevated BG in the mornings and sometimes during the day as well, and I can't always link this to particular foods. Sometimes I feel at a complete loss about what is safe to eat. I know about low carb and try to stick to this. I do have my eyes checked annually which is how I know I have early diabetic damage. It's because of this that I'm not convinced about the value of Hba1c readings - mine are good but I've still developed complications and I think this is because my daily BG isn't always well controlled - hence the question about how to bring it down without medication. My highest daily readings have been between 9 and 10.

no need to stress yourself 5.6% is very good, you just need a bit of tweaking.
the high of a morning is [google] insulin resistance or dawn phenomenon,
the high after a meal is too much carb, most here aim for under 8

as you know diets don't work, you need to find a way to eat for the rest of your life

lots of reading and ask lots of questions

http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf it’s a long page and a video

For me, the more carbs we eat the more carbs we want. they don’t give up easy.
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbliving/a/Food-Cravings.htm http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/firstweek.htm

LC dietitian
http://www.lowcarbdietitian.com/blog/carbohydrate-restriction-an-option-for-diabetes-management

blood testing
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045524.php

food counting
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/


Newcastle diet aims in 8+ weeks to mimic the rate of ~70% remission, for surgery T2
“It is now clear that Type 2 diabetes is caused by abnormal fat storage. Research on how this may be reversed is available. “click that link on this page http://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/
lecture
http://www.fend-lectures.org/index.php?menu=view&id=94


American diabetic association ( http://www.professional.diabetes.org/)
http://www.professional.diabetes.org/admin/UserFiles/0 - Sean/dc132042 FINAL.pdf
Evidence is inconclusive for an ideal amount of total fat intake for people with diabetes;
therefore, goals should be individualized; fat quality appears to be far more important than quantity.
In people with type 2 diabetes, a Mediterranean-style, MUFA-rich eating pattern may benefit
glycemic control and CVD risk factors and can therefore be recommended as an effective alternative to a lower