- Messages
- 10,668
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
I started this conversation sort of accidentally in another thread. So apologies for my poor etiquette.
I was diagnosed T2, 9 years ago. Three years ago I used Newcastle diet and within days blood glucose had returned to non-diabetic levels. I lost 42 kg on Newcastle diet, and Metformin was reduced to one tablet a day. My BG readings stayed within the non-diabetic range, so after about 18 months ago I was told to stop testing. I still have a lot of weight to lose, and as I had to have two major operations my GP wanted me to stay on Metformin until after the surgery. I have regained a few kg in the interim period, but not beating myself up about that, as I have been very ill, and I am now recovering and working on weight loss.
I had the second operation early this year, and I am only just starting to get back to being able to exercise. My HbA1c last month was 41, fasting glucose 4.8. This was slightly increased from the previous one which was HbA1c 36. Hardly surprising when you consider the 15 months or so fairly immobile, and hospital food being a lot of carb, (and yes, I confess to enjoying the chocolate and other goodies visitors brought).
So, I have been sort of confident that I have been a Professor Taylor et al Newcastle diet success in reversing diabetes. BUT, very very apprehensive in case I fall at the final hurdle, i.e. Metformin stopped. In view of what I have been reading on the forum (thanks guys) a possible reason I was told I no longer needed to test BG is due to financial restrictions rather than me being a super successful patient.
Having considered the need to test, and some good advice from forum members, I had a discussion with GP earlier. I had an appointment for something else, (i usually see the nurse for diabetes checks, and this is a new doctor) but at the end of the consultation I mentioned recent results and she said I should try to get HbA1c to the lower level again. 'Should I be testing BG', I asked. 'No, we only ask people on insulin to test', she replied. 'How will I be able to tell if I am getting BG lower then'? I asked. 'Just eat less sugar'. OK, I pick my battles, and rather than waste time, I hotfooted to the pharmacy, and bought a shiny new meter and a bucketload of test strips, and re-joined the ranks of finger stabbers. I am hoping it will only be for a short while, as I am hoping I have achieved post-diabetic status, but for the cost of a good night out I am going to get the evidence to show one way or another, diabetic or not diabetic.
I was diagnosed T2, 9 years ago. Three years ago I used Newcastle diet and within days blood glucose had returned to non-diabetic levels. I lost 42 kg on Newcastle diet, and Metformin was reduced to one tablet a day. My BG readings stayed within the non-diabetic range, so after about 18 months ago I was told to stop testing. I still have a lot of weight to lose, and as I had to have two major operations my GP wanted me to stay on Metformin until after the surgery. I have regained a few kg in the interim period, but not beating myself up about that, as I have been very ill, and I am now recovering and working on weight loss.
I had the second operation early this year, and I am only just starting to get back to being able to exercise. My HbA1c last month was 41, fasting glucose 4.8. This was slightly increased from the previous one which was HbA1c 36. Hardly surprising when you consider the 15 months or so fairly immobile, and hospital food being a lot of carb, (and yes, I confess to enjoying the chocolate and other goodies visitors brought).
So, I have been sort of confident that I have been a Professor Taylor et al Newcastle diet success in reversing diabetes. BUT, very very apprehensive in case I fall at the final hurdle, i.e. Metformin stopped. In view of what I have been reading on the forum (thanks guys) a possible reason I was told I no longer needed to test BG is due to financial restrictions rather than me being a super successful patient.
Having considered the need to test, and some good advice from forum members, I had a discussion with GP earlier. I had an appointment for something else, (i usually see the nurse for diabetes checks, and this is a new doctor) but at the end of the consultation I mentioned recent results and she said I should try to get HbA1c to the lower level again. 'Should I be testing BG', I asked. 'No, we only ask people on insulin to test', she replied. 'How will I be able to tell if I am getting BG lower then'? I asked. 'Just eat less sugar'. OK, I pick my battles, and rather than waste time, I hotfooted to the pharmacy, and bought a shiny new meter and a bucketload of test strips, and re-joined the ranks of finger stabbers. I am hoping it will only be for a short while, as I am hoping I have achieved post-diabetic status, but for the cost of a good night out I am going to get the evidence to show one way or another, diabetic or not diabetic.