Can I manage without insulin. ?

[PaulJ150265]

Diet changes are what I need. So Low carbs all the way now.

 

[PaulJ150265]

Assuming true T2DM and no misdiagnosis, it's impossible to call without first knowing whether you are still overproducing or have progressed to underproducing. If it's the former then it's highly probable that no amount of insulin in the world will improve your long term heath outcomes beyond a superficial and temporary drop in blood glucose. Unfortunately your doctor almost certainly doesn't know this and will disagree if challenged, so proceed with caution and never assume medical professionals know what they're talking about just because they wear a white coat or blue dress.

If you're underproducing then the picture is way more complex and it's likely that some exogenous dosing may help, but you'll still be type 2 and will still be insulin resistant, so the goal should always be to cut the diabetes out at the roots with dietary change.

EDIT: If you do end up using insulin, make sure you become a pro user and know the potentially fatal dangers of overdosing before later marching headlong into any dietary changes.

 

[PaulJ150265]

I have initially started with a low carb diet and only having pilsner beer. It’s a start and as I get used to the diet change I can adjust as required depending on success. Wake up call

 

[Oldvatr]

Hi, I used to be on a similar daily carbfest similar to yours, but i would drink half a bottle of whisky rather than beer. I too had high HbA1c results, and I was maxed out on several diabetes meds. It got to the 'referral for insulin training' stage for me too. Then I found Low Carb and this forum, and I have progressed in the opposite direction. I have been LC for 7 years now, and I have HbA1c's in the low 40's which is prediabetic. I am down to absolute minimum dose of just one oral med, and I do not need insulin. So it can be done.

I have reached a state where I am in control, and able to eat some treats. For instance I eat toast at least twice a day, and can eat some potatoes, without it upsetting my levels too much. I am carb aware now, but not obsessive, just careful. It is easy once you get to know what you can tolerate.

The advice about getting your own home test meter is one I will repeat since it makes LC dieting easier as it will identify those harmful meals that you can assign to the Naughty Step.

Good on you for recognising the possibility of avoiding insulin and this forum has a lot of useful advice on where and what. You can ask questions and seek clarification and there are no stoopid questions.

 

[david4503]

I now see my doctors are recommending me to go for an insulin clinic appointment. Of course I am sceptical and don’t want to go down that road. I know my main problem is my diet. .

They certainly did get you thinking about your control. That might be what they had in mind.