SockFiddler
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 623
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
I've had two blood tests and today my doctor said I am diabetic. I said I would like to try and control by diet alone, she didn't seem keen. But agreed to let me try for two months. I have an appointment with diabetic nurse in a weeks time.
My test results are as follows
plasma glucose level (fasting) was 10.7
(Non fasting was 14.4)
So my question is. Do you think it is wise to try and control with diet alone at this stage. Or should I be tackling this with diet and pills. (Diabetic pills/medicine)
Many thanks
Hi @Blossom1977 and welcome to the forum!
I had (accidentally) started to low-carb just ahead of my diagnosis - I'd identified the foods that were the unhealthiest for me (in terms of time of day, circumstances, what I ate them with) and cut them out. They just happened to be bread, potatoes, pasta, rice. I've never been one for cereal.
I joined this forum the day of my diagnosis, completely skeptical about LCHF dieting (still very much at the NHS table), but started reading around - especially all the forum signatures that chart people's progress in numbers. I was persuaded pretty fast that the way I'd actually chosen was effective (there are lots of other routes to take, even within a single chosen diet path) and by day 19, my fasting blood glucose was down below 6.
I also take Jardiance (empagliflozin) and am lucky enough to have the (curious and somewhat uncertain) support of both my GP and my diabetic nurse in my endeavour to eventually control with diet alone. Your doc seems like a harder sell, but she's still given her agreement.
What is "wise" is being as aware of how your body feels as possible. You probably won't recognise how poorly you are (I didn't), but when you start mending (whichever way you choose), you'll be utterly shocked when you look back. Listen to your body, let it heal, be patient.
I'd also say (again, you won't get much help from the NHS) to get a testing meter so that you can see exactly what the food you eat does to your levels. Our bodies are quirky - some people can eat things that other people have to avoid. Some people can't eat something in the morning, but it's fine in the evening.
You're at the start of a long journey. Give yourself the tools to travel safely, ask lots of questions and listen to what your body tells you. Though it doesn't seem like it now, this can be a very empowering experience.
Good luck to you!
Sock