Hey All,
I have been visiting the website and forum since this Summer with this being my first post.
My GP diagnosed me with suspected type 2 diabetes back in July 2021 following a blood test which indicated a HbA1c of 93.
It was a complete surprise as I am in my mid thirties, have no family history of any form of diabetes and my diet, while too high in carbohydrate, did not consist of regular confectionery or sugary drinks.
It hit me hard and I have been trying to educate myself ever since.
Initially I refused any form of medication; the GP wanted to start me on Metformin immediately. I am still not currently taking any medication (hence this post).
I switched to a strict Ketogenic diet straight away and purchased the Abbott Freestyle Libre sensors to monitor my blood sugar level.
Based on the sensor data, in the last 30 days my average blood sugar is 5.8 mmol/L. However, despite not eating or drinking anything (other than water) within four hours of going to bed, my average blood sugar in the first few hours of waking, and before eating (I have never ate breakfast) is 6.9 mmol/L.
I understand what is happening i.e. Dawn Phenomenon but I am still trying to get my head around what I can do about it. Further weight loss and incorporate intermittent fasting? Medication?
I decided to see what would happen to my blood sugar if I broke from the Ketogenic diet for a festive snack.
I had a festive mince pie knowing the amount of sugar in it. Immediately before biting into the pie my blood sugar was 5.9 mmol/L. Within 30 minutes my blood sugar was 7.8 mmol/L, within 60 minutes it was 10.1 mmol/L, within 90 minutes 8.1 mmol/L and within 120 minutes it was 6.3 mmol/L.
It has fluctuated, without further food or drink intake (except water) since rising to 7.3 mmol/L and then steadily dropping to 6.0 mmol/L currently.
I am doubting my initial decision to refuse medication and questioning whether to start the Metformin.
There is a large part of me questioning and blaming myself given no family history etc. so subconsciously I think there is a bit of “you must have done this to yourself so you need to address it without being a burden” etc. etc. I know it’s the wrong mindset but nevertheless it is my mindset.
Since the diagnosis, I haven’t been able to have a follow up with my GP (either in person or on the phone) despite trying to get an appointment on several occasions to arrange further blood tests, discuss my records and discuss options. It’s rather frustrating but that’s another matter.
Not expecting medical advice but I would appreciate the opinion of fellow type 2 people as to whether Metformin is something they would take in my position.
I am planning to incorporate intermittent fasting into my regime as a New Year resolution in the form of a 48 hour weekly fast and can’t be sure how this will effect my blood sugar.
KR
DJS05
I have been visiting the website and forum since this Summer with this being my first post.
My GP diagnosed me with suspected type 2 diabetes back in July 2021 following a blood test which indicated a HbA1c of 93.
It was a complete surprise as I am in my mid thirties, have no family history of any form of diabetes and my diet, while too high in carbohydrate, did not consist of regular confectionery or sugary drinks.
It hit me hard and I have been trying to educate myself ever since.
Initially I refused any form of medication; the GP wanted to start me on Metformin immediately. I am still not currently taking any medication (hence this post).
I switched to a strict Ketogenic diet straight away and purchased the Abbott Freestyle Libre sensors to monitor my blood sugar level.
Based on the sensor data, in the last 30 days my average blood sugar is 5.8 mmol/L. However, despite not eating or drinking anything (other than water) within four hours of going to bed, my average blood sugar in the first few hours of waking, and before eating (I have never ate breakfast) is 6.9 mmol/L.
I understand what is happening i.e. Dawn Phenomenon but I am still trying to get my head around what I can do about it. Further weight loss and incorporate intermittent fasting? Medication?
I decided to see what would happen to my blood sugar if I broke from the Ketogenic diet for a festive snack.
I had a festive mince pie knowing the amount of sugar in it. Immediately before biting into the pie my blood sugar was 5.9 mmol/L. Within 30 minutes my blood sugar was 7.8 mmol/L, within 60 minutes it was 10.1 mmol/L, within 90 minutes 8.1 mmol/L and within 120 minutes it was 6.3 mmol/L.
It has fluctuated, without further food or drink intake (except water) since rising to 7.3 mmol/L and then steadily dropping to 6.0 mmol/L currently.
I am doubting my initial decision to refuse medication and questioning whether to start the Metformin.
There is a large part of me questioning and blaming myself given no family history etc. so subconsciously I think there is a bit of “you must have done this to yourself so you need to address it without being a burden” etc. etc. I know it’s the wrong mindset but nevertheless it is my mindset.
Since the diagnosis, I haven’t been able to have a follow up with my GP (either in person or on the phone) despite trying to get an appointment on several occasions to arrange further blood tests, discuss my records and discuss options. It’s rather frustrating but that’s another matter.
Not expecting medical advice but I would appreciate the opinion of fellow type 2 people as to whether Metformin is something they would take in my position.
I am planning to incorporate intermittent fasting into my regime as a New Year resolution in the form of a 48 hour weekly fast and can’t be sure how this will effect my blood sugar.
KR
DJS05
