So I had an 'in depth' visit today with my Dr and the D-Nurse in my practice, and I have to admit that I left feeling more than a little bit smug.
New stats (Dec 09 stats in brackets)
HBA1C: 6.1 (8.7)
Total Cholesterol 3.9 (6.4)
LDL: 1.6 (3.1)
BP: 110/70 (135/85)
Weight lost: 3st 6lbs
Both the Dr and the DN were, to say the least, very happy with the results, and were happily patting themselves on the back over the success of treatment, and I get on pretty well with them both so decided to be completely honest with them. I told them that these results came despite the fact that I have NEVER taken the Statin prescribed for me and I have decreased my Metformin by 50% (to 1000mg daily. Needless to say that they were not impressed at either of those things, and wanted to know how my levels (and weight) are dropping so dramatically. So I told them....I ignore the current medical advice regarding the diabetic diet and I have drastically reduced my intake of complex carbohydrates, and I now eat my meals from a smaller plate. Simple. Yes I still 'cheat with the occasional chinese takeaway / potatoes / etc., but I have simply changed the way I eat, and the way I look at food.
I waited for them to go ballistic, and instead my Dr has asked me to come away and write down for him exactly the way I have changed things. What I do eat and don't eat (on a day-to-day basis), what I drink, if I smoke ( I do, very occassionally), how I excercise (walking miles and cycling - a real bike not an exercise bike...totaly different experiences) and how often I test (I'm lucky to be prescribed 50 strips per month as a head start).
So I have 2 conclusions:
1 - I am thrilled that my care team are interested enough to have me explain in depth to them how I have taken charge of my own Diabetes and taken steps to contol it, and
2 - I have received some absolutely PRICELESS information / advice from this website and them members here (which I made clear to them too.)
Sorry to have gone on for so long, but thanks to everyone of you, and forgive my smugness for a good day!
New stats (Dec 09 stats in brackets)
HBA1C: 6.1 (8.7)
Total Cholesterol 3.9 (6.4)
LDL: 1.6 (3.1)
BP: 110/70 (135/85)
Weight lost: 3st 6lbs
Both the Dr and the DN were, to say the least, very happy with the results, and were happily patting themselves on the back over the success of treatment, and I get on pretty well with them both so decided to be completely honest with them. I told them that these results came despite the fact that I have NEVER taken the Statin prescribed for me and I have decreased my Metformin by 50% (to 1000mg daily. Needless to say that they were not impressed at either of those things, and wanted to know how my levels (and weight) are dropping so dramatically. So I told them....I ignore the current medical advice regarding the diabetic diet and I have drastically reduced my intake of complex carbohydrates, and I now eat my meals from a smaller plate. Simple. Yes I still 'cheat with the occasional chinese takeaway / potatoes / etc., but I have simply changed the way I eat, and the way I look at food.
I waited for them to go ballistic, and instead my Dr has asked me to come away and write down for him exactly the way I have changed things. What I do eat and don't eat (on a day-to-day basis), what I drink, if I smoke ( I do, very occassionally), how I excercise (walking miles and cycling - a real bike not an exercise bike...totaly different experiences) and how often I test (I'm lucky to be prescribed 50 strips per month as a head start).
So I have 2 conclusions:
1 - I am thrilled that my care team are interested enough to have me explain in depth to them how I have taken charge of my own Diabetes and taken steps to contol it, and
2 - I have received some absolutely PRICELESS information / advice from this website and them members here (which I made clear to them too.)
Sorry to have gone on for so long, but thanks to everyone of you, and forgive my smugness for a good day!
