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What was your fasting blood glucose? (with some chat)

Bubbsie said:
My only reservation here would be that I don't think they honestly know what to advise as the best way to deal with this condition. All the textbooks and experience suggests deterioration is inevitable but that is probably largely due to doing the opposite of what most here do/have done. Most of us would look askance at an HCP who said "frankly, I haven't got a scooby what is best" This may well be a case of honesty not being the best policy for the majority. This forum is not a representative sample of diabetics IMHO
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A couple of points Ian...I have friends who were diagnosed several years before me who had been told nothing & knew very little about their conditions...one diagnosed 5 years before me had no idea what an HbA1c test was...after my diagnosis I sat back & waited for the Metformin to work...then out of curiosity I read a little...then read a little more...did some research and came to the conclusion I had to manage this myself...my first diabetes review was a disaster...although I had met the target of reducing my HbA1c from 17.4 to 8.2 my GP insisted on increasing my meds to the maximum dosage...because my results still fell in the 'inadequate control' section of his pie chart...I wrote to him...outlined my concerns...I did not accept the increase & he admitted he knew little about T2 diabetes despite having hundreds on his list...so now when I have a review with him he learns a little more each time...at one appointment he showed me a screen shot for an impending course titled 'Update Your Diabetes Knowledge' he does recommend his T2 patients do some reading...some research...many are unaware of the impact the right sort of diet can have...the benefits of testing....how even a little activity can have a positive impact on their diabetes...to a certain extent they have to accept some responsibility individually however many believe doctor is right...accept what their HCP advises without question...it needs to change...and likely we have to help it change.
 
Bubbsie said:
I believe a major part of the rationale for us being told not to test is little more than a cost cutting exercise.
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Yes and with lots of T2's testing it is cause for a concern that doctors are going to get more and more demands for meters and strips and possible arguments with patients over this hence the anxiety I believe is felt by doctors regarding testing. Though I was being a little flippant with my previous post.
 
JohnEGreen said:
Yes and with lots of T2's testing it is cause for a concern that doctors are going to get more and more demands for meters and strips and possible arguments with patients over this hence the anxiety I believe is felt by doctors regarding testing. Though I was being a little flippant with my previous post.
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John they should see it as an investment...decent education courses rather than the pointless DESMOND course I attended...my GP offered me anti-depressants on two occasions...I refused them since I was not depressed...he didn't have to ask the CCG...he could refer me to whatever specialist necessary if I do not control my diabetes...he's twice suggested I take statins...again I refused since although my cholesterol at 7 is high my ratios are good...again he does not have to refer those to the CCG...for those that do take the medication (statins seem to be a policy decision for all diabetics) that rely on the archaic advice given by many HCPs/Educators to their detriment...it all costs John in more ways than one...far more than a repeat prescription for testing strips.
 
Bubbsie said:
John they should see it as an investment...decent education courses rather than the pointless DESMOND course I attended...my GP offered me anti-depressants on two occasions...I refused them since I was not depressed...he didn't have to ask the CCG...he could refer me to whatever specialist necessary if I do not control my diabetes...he's twice suggested I take statins...again I refused since although my cholesterol at 7 is high my ratios are good...again he does not have to refer those to the CCG...for those that do take the medication (statins seem to be a policy decision for all diabetics) that rely on the archaic advice given by many HCPs/Educators to their detriment...it all costs John in more ways than one...far more than a repeat prescription for testing strips.
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Absolutely agree it's so short sighted as T2 diabetes is fast becoming the scourge of the modern age they should do every thing in their power to combat it and that includes giving the tools and the support for us to do the job.
 
OrsonKartt said:
So I've been thinking about why my cholesterol is up after two years of low carbing and has never been an issue before , ........

The variables I can think of are:

1) I am more active . : I now walk on average 5 miles per day and cycle to the shops each day rather than take the car.

2) I eat far less carbs - I now dont count but best estimate its 20 -30 grams per day from nuts and above ground veg.

3) I dont drink beer

4) I eat more meat .... During different stages of my life I've been vegetarian and vegan for short periods

5) I eat more eggs ...lots of them 2 for breakfast and often more during the day

6) I rarely eat fruit ....ok I have the occasional berry..... ( over the last 2 years I've tested and all fruit spikes me )

Its unlikely that it could be 1) But maybe , just maybe theres something in my diet I'm now missing out on in micronutrients

So having read a whole bunch of info on anthocyanin supplementation I've decided to add 300mg daily to see if it helps. Also to cut down on eggs

If you'd like to see my reasoning read these:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25833778
https://www.wellnessresources.com/news/brain-protective-effects-of-proathocyanidins
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/145/4/742/4585720

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cholesterol/2018/6303810/

Now all I have to do is find a reliable way of being tested in 3/4 months time....
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Hi I went down the private route to get an interim fasting lipids panel test via Thriva they do offer a code for new customers of 50% off which brings cost down to 12 quid. You have to subscribe but can stop at any time ie just have the one test and cancel once you have the result. I found it a good way of checking I was heading in right direction. Hope this is useful I’m sure there are other private companies but this is one I used!
 
geefull said:
OK here we go :D

Latest Results from my DN visit earlier today.

HbA1c is 29 (4.8%) - up a little as expected because of weight stabilisation but I'm pretty happy, it was 27 last time :)

total cholesterol - 4.6 mmol/L
Triglycerides - 0.6
HDL - 1.4
Calculated LDL - 2.9
Non HDL cholesterol 3.2

Sodium/Potassium/Urea/Creatinine all within normal range.
Chloride was 109 showing high against the range 95-108 but, given the other results, the nurse says not worrying because probably a touch of dehydration after fasting.
eGFR >90 (normal)

All toes suitably ticklish ;)

weight 68.2Kg fully dressed.

BP 110/72

Nurse was very pleased and says she wished she had more like me :hilarious: apparently I'm an inspiration.:singing:

I hadn't seen this particular nurse before and we had a good conversation about me doing LCHF and the benefits, she asked intelligent questions and seemed fairly open to the idea.

I'm really pleased I've managed to keep my weight and BG fairly stable and managed to push my HDL up a bit. Couldn't have done it without LCHF and the support of you friendly people, so thank you all :)

That's 2 years of non diabetic HbA1c's, so in celebration I'll change my description to 'in remission'
Just a urine sample to provide now. Next test in 6 months.
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Well done @geefull you must be delighted and your DN sounds like a keeper too. Great that she asked questions and was open to idea helpful for others you truly are an inspirational story well done you good idea to change to in remission As you’ve been two years with non diabetic hbaca1s congratulations
 
ianpspurs said:
Bloody well done !!!!!!!!!!! Doctors are in a very well paid profession and it would appear they would prefer to spread rumours than speak honestly.....
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My only reservation here would be that I don't think they honestly know what to advise as the best way to deal with this condition. All the textbooks and experience suggests deterioration is inevitable but that is probably largely due to doing the opposite of what most here do/have done. Most of us would look askance at an HCP who said "frankly, I haven't got a scooby what is best" This may well be a case of honesty not being the best policy for the majority. This forum is not a representative sample of diabetics IMHO[/QUOTE]


It is more than OK to say I dont know the answer. Or this may be the answer but I /we/ the NHS cant afford it...what is not acceptable is a lot of hogwash
 
Bubbsie said:
Bloody well done !!!!!!!!!!! Doctors are in a very well paid profession and it would appear they would prefer to spread rumours than speak honestly.....
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My GP was happy to prescribe them Orson...he warned me the local CCG would intervene...were likely to stop him...we had a full discussion...then both agreed I should write to them...challenge their usual stance...so I did...I digested the minutes of my local CCG' s meeting on the T2 testing strips issue...their interpretation of the NICE guidelines on SMBG & T2's ( which was just plain wrong)...so on that basis & my results it would have been very difficult for them to say no...I challenged on a point of principle...those of us that want to test & make good use of that information should have some investment from our HCP's...many cannot afford the strips but want to test...it's makes sense socially & economically...if the CCG's will not listen to common sense & reason they should be challenged...I'd encourage more to do likewise.[/QUOTE]


I agree with you... You are a courageous person...I'm a scaredy cat...its the power thing that doctors have.... I'm getting it together but haven't been able to step above the traditional power balance, ie the reverence that my parents showed doctors....so I've just nodded along to their ******** and paid for my own strips....
 
Canvaspic said:
Yes, I looked at ketogains website, and their calculator is coming out at 25. When I did a 3 day fast I only got ketones on the 3rd day.
This week is mostly about getting my head aroud the ultra low carbs. I am also doing very long walks (10 to 12 miles) . All in the hope that next week a bit of a push will tip me into ketosis. That push may come with some calorie restriction and 18/6 fasting. Currently at 25 carbs today, BG is good but noting special.
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Hi @Canvaspic Ketones will come quicker when you have been on LCHF for a bit longer the lower the carb intake the quicker your body starts using fat for fuel and you will also become fat adapted. What did you have on your 3 day fast? :)
 
shelley262 said:
Hi I went down the private route to get an interim fasting lipids panel test via Thriva they do offer a code for new customers of 50% off which brings cost down to 12 quid. You have to subscribe but can stop at any time ie just have the one test and cancel once you have the result. I found it a good way of checking I was heading in right direction. Hope this is useful I’m sure there are other private companies but this is one I used!
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I'm up for that would you have a link for me? Or should I just google it...
 
geefull said:
OK here we go :D

Latest Results from my DN visit earlier today.

HbA1c is 29 (4.8%) - up a little as expected because of weight stabilisation but I'm pretty happy, it was 27 last time :)

total cholesterol - 4.6 mmol/L
Triglycerides - 0.6
HDL - 1.4
Calculated LDL - 2.9
Non HDL cholesterol 3.2

Sodium/Potassium/Urea/Creatinine all within normal range.
Chloride was 109 showing high against the range 95-108 but, given the other results, the nurse says not worrying because probably a touch of dehydration after fasting.
eGFR >90 (normal)

All toes suitably ticklish ;)

weight 68.2Kg fully dressed.

BP 110/72

Nurse was very pleased and says she wished she had more like me :hilarious: apparently I'm an inspiration.:singing:

I hadn't seen this particular nurse before and we had a good conversation about me doing LCHF and the benefits, she asked intelligent questions and seemed fairly open to the idea.

I'm really pleased I've managed to keep my weight and BG fairly stable and managed to push my HDL up a bit. Couldn't have done it without LCHF and the support of you friendly people, so thank you all :)

That's 2 years of non diabetic HbA1c's, so in celebration I'll change my description to 'in remission'
Just a urine sample to provide now. Next test in 6 months.
Click to expand...

Excellent news and all well deserved.
 
OrsonKartt said:
It is more than OK to say I dont know the answer. Or this may be the answer but I /we/ the NHS cant afford it...what is not acceptable is a lot of hogwash
Click to expand...
Other people's experience may vary and I hold no brief for Drs in general but I am absolutely certain none have ever knowingly given me a load of hogwash.
 
geefull said:
OK here we go :D

Latest Results from my DN visit earlier today.

HbA1c is 29 (4.8%) - up a little as expected because of weight stabilisation but I'm pretty happy, it was 27 last time :)

total cholesterol - 4.6 mmol/L
Triglycerides - 0.6
HDL - 1.4
Calculated LDL - 2.9
Non HDL cholesterol 3.2

Sodium/Potassium/Urea/Creatinine all within normal range.
Chloride was 109 showing high against the range 95-108 but, given the other results, the nurse says not worrying because probably a touch of dehydration after fasting.
eGFR >90 (normal)

All toes suitably ticklish ;)

weight 68.2Kg fully dressed.

BP 110/72

Nurse was very pleased and says she wished she had more like me :hilarious: apparently I'm an inspiration.:singing:

I hadn't seen this particular nurse before and we had a good conversation about me doing LCHF and the benefits, she asked intelligent questions and seemed fairly open to the idea.

I'm really pleased I've managed to keep my weight and BG fairly stable and managed to push my HDL up a bit. Couldn't have done it without LCHF and the support of you friendly people, so thank you all :)

That's 2 years of non diabetic HbA1c's, so in celebration I'll change my description to 'in remission'
Just a urine sample to provide now. Next test in 6 months.
Click to expand...

Fab x
 
ianpspurs said:
Other people's experience may vary and I hold no brief for Drs in general but I am absolutely certain none have ever knowingly given me a load of hogwash.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but on one or several occasions qualified medical practitioners have tried that approach with me when the are afraid to admit I don't know. I check and recheck if I didn't I would be dead. Blunt but true.
 
geefull said:
OK here we go :D

Latest Results from my DN visit earlier today.

HbA1c is 29 (4.8%) - up a little as expected because of weight stabilisation but I'm pretty happy, it was 27 last time :)

total cholesterol - 4.6 mmol/L
Triglycerides - 0.6
HDL - 1.4
Calculated LDL - 2.9
Non HDL cholesterol 3.2

Sodium/Potassium/Urea/Creatinine all within normal range.
Chloride was 109 showing high against the range 95-108 but, given the other results, the nurse says not worrying because probably a touch of dehydration after fasting.
eGFR >90 (normal)

All toes suitably ticklish ;)

weight 68.2Kg fully dressed.

BP 110/72

Nurse was very pleased and says she wished she had more like me :hilarious: apparently I'm an inspiration.:singing:

I hadn't seen this particular nurse before and we had a good conversation about me doing LCHF and the benefits, she asked intelligent questions and seemed fairly open to the idea.

I'm really pleased I've managed to keep my weight and BG fairly stable and managed to push my HDL up a bit. Couldn't have done it without LCHF and the support of you friendly people, so thank you all :)

That's 2 years of non diabetic HbA1c's, so in celebration I'll change my description to 'in remission'
Just a urine sample to provide now. Next test in 6 months.
Click to expand...
Congratulations geeful well done
 
ianpspurs said:
Other people's experience may vary and I hold no brief for Drs in general but I am absolutely certain none have ever knowingly given me a load of hogwash.
Click to expand...
Every time a doctor told you not to test you believed it? I don't think so, so what was that if it wasn't hogwash?



.
 
alf_Josiah said:
Sorry, but on one or several occasions qualified medical practitioners have tried that approach with me when the are afraid to admit I don't know. I check and recheck if I didn't I would be dead. Blunt but true.
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Sadly my respect for the doctoring industry is diminished too. disingenuous information is a far far cry from " firstly do no harm".
 
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