If it works for you......

I'm expecting a bit of disagreement here, especially after reading many of the threads so far. :wink:

Anyway, I was diagnosed as Type 2 in late August and since then I've made a determined effort to lose weight, keep fit, and generally adopt a fairly sensible diet.
I've managed to lose over 2 stone..down from just under 16 stone to 13.5 stone.
My blood pressure has fallen from something like 168/90 to near normal. Average Blood sugar levels have steadily improved too. 8.9 to 7.3 to 6.3(most recent).

The doctors and diabetic clinic are very pleased with my progress and efforts and advise me that I can control my condition by diet alone. I agree and expect an even greater improvement as I lose more weight.... I need to lose another stone to bring me down to 12.5 when I'll be fairly content even although I could get away with losing even more.

Anyway, they haven't encouraged me to "self test" and I'm inclined to agree that it isn't necessary for me at this stage. What I'm doing is obviously working for me. As long as I continue to improve and stay healthy, I feel that it's better not to worry too much about detail at this stage.
Of course, if things change and as I get older it may well be necessary to revise my views a little. Eventually, even as a relatively healthy person, I may not be able to exercise to the same extent as I do now. However, it's up to myself to monitor my weight etc and take any necessary action.

Now, I know that my outlook probably goes against much of the advice on the forum but I just feel that if what I'm doing works well for me then why not continue as I'm doing....as long as it's practical do so?

Also, I've read all the advice about Low Versus High Carbohydrate diets but feel that a "well balanced" diet is the best option for me. Of course, I have "cut down" but I still enjoy a fair amount of these and don't see the necessity of eliminating them from my diet altogether. Again, this seems to be working alright for me just and I don't see any problem with this approach.

Last but not least, I don't see anything wrong with having an occasional treat within reason. Of course, I'll still avoid the very obvious "No nos"

As I say, my circumstances may well change as the years go by. Until then, I think it's probably sufficient to continue with a sensible lifestyle and, of course, be aware for the future.

Or am I being too complacent?

Thanks for that, Robbo, and best wishes for the future too.

As I say, my circumstances might well change over the years and I'm sure much of the advice given here will be very valid.

I do realise there's no such thing as "borderline" diabetes but I feel very fortunate that I was diagnosed at an (apparently) early stage and have no other health problems (Apart from gout which I've had for about 25 years but is very well controlled). Obviously, I had a few typical symptoms which have now subsided since I've lost weight and started to take better care of myself.

The only risk I can envisage is that I might start to slip into some of my old bad habits and one argument for "self testing" and an even stricter diet might be that it would serve to concentrate the mind more.

However, there's not a day which goes by when I'm not aware of my condition and I carefully consider all my actions and I'm sure it's possible to fall by the wayside regardless of whatever kind of treatment regime one adopts. Thankfully, the initial shock and feeling of helplessness has now subsided and I can continue to enjoy life as normal while still remaining aware, of course.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I understand all the advice about daily testing and appreciate that I'm still in the very early stages. It might well be that I have to revise my ideas sooner than I think although I would still expect continued improvement in the short term , at least...especially as I intend to lose another stone or more.

Of course, I realise that eating certain foods (or not) will cause my blood sugar level to fluctuate but does this not also happen with non diabetics?

I realise too that it is the dramatic spikes and drops which cause the problem but everything I consume will be in moderation... certainly, compared to what I've done before. Also, I don't necessary agree with the official medical advice "Eat PLENTY carbohydrates". My definition of "plenty" obviously differs.
However, I don't reckon that having a couple of potatos, one or two slices of good bread, even an occasional pasta etc is likely to do me any great harm and I wouldn't have them all in the one day. Some days, I miss them out altogether. However, I believe that eliminating these completely could lead to other health problems eg ulcers, increased risk of cancer and so on. I also need a little extra energy if I go to the gym, swimming pool or whatever.

I'm actually very fortunate that I've always enjoyed all types of food including what is good for me especially green vegetables including broccoli and so on. Therefore, I've found it very easy to switch over and I've not really missed sweeties, chocolate, cakes, pastries(Though I'll have steak pie now and again) etc. Likewise, with alcohol... I'm probably drinking much less than is absolutely necessary and would probably be quite safe if I had more. However, I've got to the stage where I don't really miss it much either. I now have a couple drinks at the most, usually, and most days nothing at all.

As I've already said, things may well change as I get older(highly probable) but I'll be on my guard for any obvious deterioration both in my health and my lifestyle habits.

Well, "saving money" isn't always a bad thing. I've already done so myself by drinking less and eating smaller portions but I do understand what you're saying.

Of course, I'm still not happy with my lowest reading and would like it to come down even further. However, it's still early days and I would expect an even greater improvement if I carry on losing weight and don't overdo things at Christmas. Then, I'll review things again in January.

Yes "things" do change and that's why I will always be conscious of the various possibilities.