Hello Everyone,
Although I've lurked here on and off for some time this is my first outing (perhaps I should rephrase this).
By way of an introduction I have drunk for England for the last 40 of my 70 years, favouring copious wines and liquid bread (aka Beer) as my beverages of choice.
Around 20 years ago an insurance medical detected sugar in my urine and I was subsequently diagnosed type 2 by my GP.
Now here's the rub. Over the years my HbA1c has stayed within reasonable limits and every time I am tested the practice nurse exclaims "Well done! You have it really well controlled". As much as I protest that I control nothing other than my drinking arm, the PN will not accept that I might have metabolic syndrome or carbohydrate intolerance and am essentially prediabetic, not diabetic.
This falls on deaf ears ("Diabetes is not reversible you know") and I am handed a photocopy of that crazy food pyramid that promotes carbs and vilifies fats.
This year I finally cracked and decided to settle it once and for all by actually doing something constructive to improve my blood results.
These are my HbA1c results for the last 6 tests with no meds, no special diet and drinking an average of 65 units per week, plus more on special occasions which seem to crop up quite frequently:
May 2014. 49 mmol/mol
Jan 2015. 47
Nov 2015. 45
Mar 2016. 48
Mar 2017. 41
Apr 2018. 45
So... on 24th April this year I (almost) cut out the booze and started a keto diet. At that point my BMI was 24.9 and my fasting blood glucose was 6.6 mmol/l.
As of this morning my BMI is 21.9 (9.6 kgs lighter) and my average FBG is 5.2. I am not claiming anything remarkable as this is easily eclipsed by the marvelous results achieved by other members, but I recall my experiences as a patient to make several observations:
1. The majority of health professionals refuse to accept that type 2 can be reversed.
2. They offer no constructive help other than flaunt the disasterous food pyramid which has probably contributed to the avoidable demise of many.
3. Metformin and statins are pushed at every opportunity with no consideration given to more natural approaches such as LCHF.
4. It would appear that once you hit the magic 48 mmol/mol you are a diabetic and ever more shall be so. Once they have you they don't want to let you go.
I apologise if this reflects a somewhat jaundiced view, but if someone had told me 20 years ago that a few months effort could potentially cure me I would not now be penning this diatribe to you fine folk.
As to my next move, I will continue the keto diet and in February 2019 hopefully have the pleasure of offering a metaphoric two finger salute to those who have disregarded my objections over the years.
Watch this space but don't hold your breath... at least not yet!
Although I've lurked here on and off for some time this is my first outing (perhaps I should rephrase this).
By way of an introduction I have drunk for England for the last 40 of my 70 years, favouring copious wines and liquid bread (aka Beer) as my beverages of choice.
Around 20 years ago an insurance medical detected sugar in my urine and I was subsequently diagnosed type 2 by my GP.
Now here's the rub. Over the years my HbA1c has stayed within reasonable limits and every time I am tested the practice nurse exclaims "Well done! You have it really well controlled". As much as I protest that I control nothing other than my drinking arm, the PN will not accept that I might have metabolic syndrome or carbohydrate intolerance and am essentially prediabetic, not diabetic.
This falls on deaf ears ("Diabetes is not reversible you know") and I am handed a photocopy of that crazy food pyramid that promotes carbs and vilifies fats.
This year I finally cracked and decided to settle it once and for all by actually doing something constructive to improve my blood results.
These are my HbA1c results for the last 6 tests with no meds, no special diet and drinking an average of 65 units per week, plus more on special occasions which seem to crop up quite frequently:
May 2014. 49 mmol/mol
Jan 2015. 47
Nov 2015. 45
Mar 2016. 48
Mar 2017. 41
Apr 2018. 45
So... on 24th April this year I (almost) cut out the booze and started a keto diet. At that point my BMI was 24.9 and my fasting blood glucose was 6.6 mmol/l.
As of this morning my BMI is 21.9 (9.6 kgs lighter) and my average FBG is 5.2. I am not claiming anything remarkable as this is easily eclipsed by the marvelous results achieved by other members, but I recall my experiences as a patient to make several observations:
1. The majority of health professionals refuse to accept that type 2 can be reversed.
2. They offer no constructive help other than flaunt the disasterous food pyramid which has probably contributed to the avoidable demise of many.
3. Metformin and statins are pushed at every opportunity with no consideration given to more natural approaches such as LCHF.
4. It would appear that once you hit the magic 48 mmol/mol you are a diabetic and ever more shall be so. Once they have you they don't want to let you go.
I apologise if this reflects a somewhat jaundiced view, but if someone had told me 20 years ago that a few months effort could potentially cure me I would not now be penning this diatribe to you fine folk.
As to my next move, I will continue the keto diet and in February 2019 hopefully have the pleasure of offering a metaphoric two finger salute to those who have disregarded my objections over the years.
Watch this space but don't hold your breath... at least not yet!
