What's Going On With Type 2?

Elisa17591

Member
Messages
9
Diagnosed almost a year ago. Switched to a low carb diet and started hitting the gym pretty hard. I've gained weight but lost body fat which I think is ok? My first A1C dropped drastically with diet and exercise after the months but after six it shot way up (no changes to diet or exercise). I'm on medication as of February but that doesn't seem to help either. Sugars spike while exercising and sleeping but drop while fasting during the day. Medication seems to not be helping anymore. Doctor can't explain and good only solution is more meds, which I'd like to avoid. Any experts with insight that would help?
 

Guzzler

Master
Messages
10,577
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Poor grammar, bullying and drunks.
Hello and welcome to the forum. Tagging @daisy1 for the info pack offered to all newcomers.

Sorry but I am completely flummoxed. Perhaps if you could give us a typical day's menu we may be able to spot something that could stand a bit of tweaking to see if that helps. Is there a possibility that you have LADA (Type 1.5 Diabetes)?

May I ask what medications you are taking, please?

Have a look around the forum and ask as many questions as you like.
 

bulkbiker

BANNED
Messages
19,576
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Diagnosed almost a year ago. Switched to a low carb diet and started hitting the gym pretty hard. I've gained weight but lost body fat which I think is ok? My first A1C dropped drastically with diet and exercise after the months but after six it shot way up (no changes to diet or exercise). I'm on medication as of February but that doesn't seem to help either. Sugars spike while exercising and sleeping but drop while fasting during the day. Medication seems to not be helping anymore. Doctor can't explain and good only solution is more meds, which I'd like to avoid. Any experts with insight that would help?
Can you give us some numbers as well HbA1c on diagnosis after 6 months after a year?
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Cruelty towards animals.
@Elisa17591

Hello Elisa and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and useful. Ask as many questions as you want and someone will be able to help.

BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.

  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why

  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello and welcome,

Yes, a little more information would help.

Are you testing your own blood glucose or just relying on your HbA1c? If so, what sort of numbers do you see before and after meals?
 

Phoenix55

Well-Known Member
Messages
577
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
IF the medication is not working and there is no reason for the sudden rise in numbers, maybe one too many 'celebrations', then it might be an idea to have a referral to the local specialist endocrinologist or diabetes specialist team at a hospital. We can not diagnose on here but if nothing else has changed then something is not quite right.
 

Elisa17591

Member
Messages
9
Hello and welcome to the forum. Tagging @daisy1 for the info pack offered to all newcomers.

Sorry but I am completely flummoxed. Perhaps if you could give us a typical day's menu we may be able to spot something that could stand a bit of tweaking to see if that helps. Is there a possibility that you have LADA (Type 1.5 Diabetes)?

May I ask what medications you are taking, please?

Have a look around the forum and ask as many questions as you like.
Doctor probably hasn't thought of LADA. Can you explain what that is?
A1C
3 months: 6.5%
6 months: 8.4%
10 months: 7.5%
Medication: gluceuretic farxiga 10 mg a day
Breakfast: coconut flour pancakes or almond flour muffins with some sort of protein
Lunch: salad and dark chocolate for dessert (usually 85% cacao)
Dinner: some sort of protein with veggies
Post workout: protein shake (low carb plant protein) with soy or cashew nut milk (low carb) and chia seeds.

Any clue on why sugars would spike post workout? It's pretty significant. Everything I've read says exercise brings them down.

Thanks again!
 

lindijanice

Well-Known Member
Messages
433
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hey @Elisa17591 welcome to the forum! I would suggest that you take a look at the ingredients in your protein powder - I experienced the same kind of rise when making protein shakes and it turned out that the powder I was using was pea based - high in carbs - and when I switched to a non-veg protein powder it was no better. It is surprising how carbs can slip into our diet and thus we have to read and read again the ingredients of products that are manufactured! I now make my own shakes with almond or coconut milk, cinnamon, some fresh ginger if I have it on hand, a few berries, almond butter, some fresh spinach or cooked broccoli, kale, whatever I have left from other meals! Sooooo much better and you can get plenty of protein with the nut butter and even throw in some good coconut oil! Cheers/L
 

Brunneria

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
21,889
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Looks to me like you would benefit tremendously from testing your blood glucose on a home meter before and 2 hrs after each of your meals and exercise sessions. If you do it regularly you will quickly spot where the rises are, and that will inform you whether your exercise or food intake is causing the rises - or whether it is something else, such as LADA (which is a form of type 1 diabetes that takes a while to develop, but will eventually need insulin).

I'm afraid that relying on 3 monthly HbA1cs isn't going to help you identify your daily fluctuations, or help to manage them.

Exercise can most definitely raise blood glucose. It all depends on the length and intensity of the workout, and varies quite a lot depending on fitness levels.
 

kokhongw

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,394
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Doctor probably hasn't thought of LADA. Can you explain what that is?
A1C
3 months: 6.5%
6 months: 8.4%
10 months: 7.5%
Medication: gluceuretic farxiga 10 mg a day
Breakfast: coconut flour pancakes or almond flour muffins with some sort of protein
Lunch: salad and dark chocolate for dessert (usually 85% cacao)
Dinner: some sort of protein with veggies
Post workout: protein shake (low carb plant protein) with soy or cashew nut milk (low carb) and chia seeds.

Any clue on why sugars would spike post workout? It's pretty significant. Everything I've read says exercise brings them down.

Thanks again!

Do you have lots of weight to lose? Your diet looks good. And SGLT2 inhibitors are good at removing excess glucose...might be helpful to get your insulin levels and GAD antibodies checked out to rule out LADA etc.
 

Elisa17591

Member
Messages
9
Do you have lots of weight to lose? Your diet looks good. And SGLT2 inhibitors are good at removing excess glucose...might be helpful to get your insulin levels and GAD antibodies checked out to rule out LADA etc.
I'm about average as far as weight goes. It's gone up a little but my body fat has gone down.
 

Elisa17591

Member
Messages
9
Looks to me like you would benefit tremendously from testing your blood glucose on a home meter before and 2 hrs after each of your meals and exercise sessions. If you do it regularly you will quickly spot where the rises are, and that will inform you whether your exercise or food intake is causing the rises - or whether it is something else, such as LADA (which is a form of type 1 diabetes that takes a while to develop, but will eventually need insulin).

I'm afraid that relying on 3 monthly HbA1cs isn't going to help you identify your daily fluctuations, or help to manage them.

Exercise can most definitely raise blood glucose. It all depends on the length and intensity of the workout, and varies quite a lot depending on fitness levels.
I'm testing 3-4 times a day. Fasting levels are high (between 180's and low 200's down to 120's by midday after eating back up to high 100's/low 200's after workout). I'm not overweight and am average (not slim) and I'm getting fitter
 

Elisa17591

Member
Messages
9
I
Looks to me like you would benefit tremendously from testing your blood glucose on a home meter before and 2 hrs after each of your meals and exercise sessions. If you do it regularly you will quickly spot where the rises are, and that will inform you whether your exercise or food intake is causing the rises - or whether it is something else, such as LADA (which is a form of type 1 diabetes that takes a while to develop, but will eventually need insulin).

I'm afraid that relying on 3 monthly HbA1cs isn't going to help you identify your daily fluctuations, or help to manage them.

Exercise can most definitely raise blood glucose. It all depends on the length and intensity of the workout, and varies quite a lot depending on fitness levels.
I test 3-4 times a day. High fasting levels, decent levels around midday, high levels after workout. My highs are between high 100's and low 200's. My midday levels are 120's. Workouts last 30 minutes to an hour and include both cardio and weight lifting
Looks to me like you would benefit tremendously from testing your blood glucose on a home meter before and 2 hrs after each of your meals and exercise sessions. If you do it regularly you will quickly spot where the rises are, and that will inform you whether your exercise or food intake is causing the rises - or whether it is something else, such as LADA (which is a form of type 1 diabetes that takes a while to develop, but will eventually need insulin).

I'm afraid that relying on 3 monthly HbA1cs isn't going to help you identify your daily fluctuations, or help to manage them.

Exercise can most definitely raise blood glucose. It all depends on the length and intensity of the workout, and varies quite a lot depending on fitness levels.
I'm testing 3-4 times a day. High glucose fasting and post workout (high 100's to low 200's) decent levels around midday. Workouts are 30-60 minutes and consist of cardio and weight lifting. I'm average build
 

Elisa17591

Member
Messages
9
Looks to me like you would benefit tremendously from testing your blood glucose on a home meter before and 2 hrs after each of your meals and exercise sessions. If you do it regularly you will quickly spot where the rises are, and that will inform you whether your exercise or food intake is causing the rises - or whether it is something else, such as LADA (which is a form of type 1 diabetes that takes a while to develop, but will eventually need insulin).

I'm afraid that relying on 3 monthly HbA1cs isn't going to help you identify your daily fluctuations, or help to manage them.

Exercise can most definitely raise blood glucose. It all depends on the length and intensity of the workout, and varies quite a lot depending on fitness levels.
Yes I'm testing 3-4 times a day: fasting, post meal at midday, and post workout. I'm pretty active - working out 3-5 times a week for 30-60 minutes at a time
 

SockFiddler

Well-Known Member
Messages
623
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Protein can also spike your BG levels, but it's a lower, longer-lasting spike than with carbs (see link at end. It's a bit blurby, but from a super-reliable source). This is something that is easy to forget when you're watching carbs and calories closely. But exercise also spikes our BG (as we release more glucose into our blood to cope with the increased demand in energy).

If you exercise daily and take on a lot of protein, you're going to be experience a lot of lower-longer spikes - which is what your HbA is reflecting (given that it's just an average reading over the last 8 - 12 weeks).

My (completely amateur) guess would be it's your protein intake. Other posters have offered good advice: keep a really close eye on your readings for a couple of weeks, and then consider switching some of that protein out for some good fats and see if that doesn't improve things.

I know - someone's telling a gym-head to eat more fats. Crazy times, eh? :)

Good luck!


https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb-high-fat-not-protein
 
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Brunneria

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
21,889
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Yes I'm testing 3-4 times a day: fasting, post meal at midday, and post workout. I'm pretty active - working out 3-5 times a week for 30-60 minutes at a time

If you are testing 3-4 times a day while eating the same things consistently every day, then I would suggest you can get much better information by using those same no of strips more efficiently.

You know your bg is roughly the same each day you eat and exercise consistently.

So stop testing every day and instead test twice as often but on alternate days.

On waking
Before breakfast
1 hr after breakfast
2 hrs after breakfast.
Before evening meal
1 hr after evening meal
2 hrs after
Bedtime

Then skip a day

Then testing waking
Before lunch
1 hr
2 hr
Before exercise
1 hr
2 hr
Bedtime

Then skip a day.
Then repeat.

And voila! A massive amount of useful info

Repeat this a few times and you will see clear patterns that you can consider to make your next plans.
You can also start experimenting.
If bg rises more than 2 mmol/l at 2 hrs after food, then tweak that meal. Less carbs, more protein. Less protein. More fibre or fat... test and see.
 
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SockFiddler

Well-Known Member
Messages
623
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
^ This. @Brunneria is a genius of practicality.




(LOL, Brunneria - "optimistic"? Let me re-write...)

^This. @Brunneria is hoping to be a genius of practicality.

Morning coffee giggles. Ta <3
 
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