Well, it is a surprise to me. Most of the well controlled folks on this forum, be they T2's, T1's etc don't all rely on HbA1c. It's an average, not really giving the full picture. It just shows the trend, upwards or downwards, nothing more. An indicator. People on here test frequently and especially when trying new foods. I certainly don't want to miss the spikes, and in my case, the hypo levels which are damaging. We don't follow the NHS instructions with regards to testing. I have no problem with asking for and getting test strips, my GP/Endo/DSN all like to see my Bg well controlled. If I don't have the tools to do that, I am in the dark, no idea what my daily readings are after meals, fasting etc. I like to have the facts at hand, not assume things are OK because my HbA1c is good. It is surprising what you miss out on by not testing, so, I have to advocate it if you want a true picture of Bg control. Facts.
True, this is the non low carb forum, however it is read by ALL. Anybody can post here providing it is not contentious or inflammatory, we do not have demarcation lines any more. You should never assume anything, far better to have the facts to hand. I am not a low carber and I find that virtually any bread (one or two exceptions) is a danger to my BG levels, doesn't matter what it is.
There are many others like me, low and non low carbers alike, that's why we test. We are carbohydrate intolerant, the ingredient of most breads. As carbs convert directly to Glucose in the bloodstream then it is not usually a good idea to eat loads of them if you are looking for tight control. Some people are lucky and can tolerate the high carbs, some of us can't. We found that out by testing, just what I recommend to others. You don't have to....you have a choice. I prefer to be informed and know what is going on in my body.
I thought the last thing someone trying to eat healthily would use would be butter. But is there some diabetic benefit that I don't know about - please excuse my naivety, but I'm not quite a nutritional expert, yet
Why should you think that butter is banned from a healthy diet ? The advice from the British Heart Foundation is this: If you eat too much saturated fat, you could increase your blood cholesterol levels and raise your risk of coronary heart disease.
Very true....the advice is TOO MUCH.....not cut it out altogether, just cut down. If that is not what you wish to do then substitute butter for spreads, olive oil based preferably. I did, found them disgusting and was advised that for the amount of butter I was consuming it would have no effect on me, that from a Cardiologist. So, butter it is for me, my one indulgence, so much nicer when I do rarely have some. You can get too obsessive about some things, you are allowed the occasional treat. I am eating more healthily than I have ever done and I always use butter, better than any of these spreads which purport to give all sort of benefits and if you are worried about costs, they are usually more expensive. Not worth the effort in my opinion.
My TC level is a steady 3.2, so I am not concerned and neither are the British Heart Foundation or my Cardiologist. The benefit is taste....pure and simple.
Satisfaction guaranteed !! As I don't advocate that you use bucket's of the stuff and the last time I had a single slice of bread with butter was about two weeks ago, I don't think it's going to kill me....or you for that matter...... :wink: However, whatever you prefer, it is your choice. That's what we advocate round here.....choice. Give you the facts and you make your own mind up. It's not an instruction.
I do hope you find the time to contribute to our excellent informative forum, you should stick with it. We are all learning new things all the time, even after many years as a Diabetic. With what I have learned from this forum in the last 12 months I could probably write a book ? :twisted:
