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Fructose Abuse Question

B

Bellx15

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone - my first post. And it is a bit different.

Last week I took a urine glucose test (positive) and then a fasting blood glucose test, and it came out at 16.3. This was the first indication I have ever had that I had a problem. Two years ago, and again three years ago, I got fasting BGL readings of around 5.5 - 6 mmol/L. Subsequently, I have tested my urine glucose and found that it takes about 18hrs fasting to clear.

Naturally, this has been a shock. However, I have more to tell....

For whatever reason (and please just accept that I feel stupid about it already) :oops: I started taking in copious quantities of fruit juice. It became a habit over the past six months to drink around 2 - 3 litres per day. I had no idea how bad this would be for me. Anyway, so much for the history. The bottom line is that I was on this bizarre 'diet' right up until the day before the blood test.

I am working on the assumption that the fruit juice has thrown my metabolism out, producing a high level of insulin resistance. Now that I am off the diet, my system is still off - not geared up to dealing with blood glucose, because of the insulin resistance. That's my theory, anyway. I'd appreciate informed feedback on that.

If that is what has happened, I can see that I need to get my body to readjust so that it once again responds to insulin as it should. To that end, it seems logical to me that by drastically reducing my glucose intake (in whatever form) I will be encouraging my system to relearn its normal recognition and utilisation of insulin. So according to that theory, exercise and low carbs would seem to be the thing to go for.

I know that this conclusion ties in with the received wisdom on controlling blood sugar levels, but am I right in my theory of how it could help me retrain my metabolism?

Thanks in advance!

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If you reduce your carb intake eventually your body will accept the lower intake and you will not crave carbs so much. Reducing carbs will also rest the beta cells in your pancreas as you will not require to produce so much insulin and this will help with insulin resistance and also help lose weight if you need to.
Roughly you will be over 12mmol/L before sugar will show in the urine, this is not a good level to be at as damage to the kidneys will occur because of the excess glucose.
 
Hi Bellx. Fruit juice is very high in carbs. This is because the fibre has been removed. If you want to drink fruit juice buy the stuff with the 'bits' in - it still has some fibre in it. Or do as I do, water it down, use it like squash. :)
 
I'm puzzled at your header
Why refer to Fructose?
Fructose is a sugar with a different structure from Glucose and it is metabolised differently. It can be converted, but usually isn't. It has little or no affect on insulin secretion or blood glucose.It has other harmful effects. Many fruits contain fructose, but many contain Glucose or sucrose, either of which will push up blood Glucose and trigger insulin production.
If you are concerned that your fruit juice consumption is the cause of the failure of your blood glucose control system, it's possible.
If you want to become more sensitive to insulin, you need to reduce your circulating glucose to "normal", which is about 4.7 and possibly incease your exercise and lose weight if you need to.
Hana
 
Hello Bellx15 and welcome to the forum. :)

I don’t think that there is much of a future in speculating on the causes and pathways when you have a condition with which you need to deal. I think you should concentrate on getting your BG levels right down and get your body in a better condition. Just make sure that when you have fruit it is in the original form rather than as a juice and it will be better for you! :roll:

I see that you are not on any medication to date but do you need to lose any weight at all? If you are not feeling ill that is such a bonus and it makes sense to ensure that you get a handle on your condition as soon as possible so that you keep well. 8) :)
 
Hi everyone - and sorry to have lost touch with the forum. I appreciate the replies.

I am not sure about the fructose/glucose issue, but in the end it really doesn't matter. Two years ago my BG was way too high and needed to come down. I managed that through diet and exercise, but again recently it turned out to be high. I tried metformin, but it was a nightmare - abdominal pains, etc, and overwhelming fatigue, so I stopped it a week ago. Now my BG is down significantly, and I am going to keep it down with lifestyle changes alone.
 
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