Keto has been incredible for my Hba1c!!!

First Post Introduction

So I've had Type 1 Diabetes for the past 6 years now. I was diagnosed during secondary school in Year 11, and missed half of my final year due to lethargy and severe depression. Once diagnosed, I was able to get back to school, and managed to get respectable grades.


Going Keto

For just over two weeks now, I've been eating a ketogenic diet. I just wanted to share my experiences, as it's had a hugely positive effect on my projected Hba1c.

For context, I use a Freestyle Libre with the Miao Miao 2, synced to a cloud Nightscout server with the xDrip Android app.

The following images show my levels before keto. The dawn phenomenon was a daily occurence, and my BG levels were all over the place.





These next few images show my readings AFTER starting keto.





To summarise, I've dropped 0.8% from my projected Hba1c reading (estimate for the week, but I am comfortable with doing this long-term, so these results should continue).

Perhaps most important is my insulin sensitivity. See below for a "before keto" and "after keto" comparison of my daily insulin dosages.



(This first image shows 145 units of Novorapid, with 141g of carbohydrate)



(I'm going to use my best day for this week to show current insulin dosages, Friday 28th August 2020)



I made a single correction dose that day to combat creeping blood sugars. A waking BG rise always happens, but I noticed it was much slower and more gradual on keto. Then, 30 grams of carbs in a single meal just before 8PM requiring 20 units of Novorapid.

26 units TOTAL.

This is what I ate on the 28th August 2020:




Summary
T1 Diabetes care is highly personal, so take my experiences with a grain of salt (you need more salt on keto as carbs draw water out of the bloodstream, haha pun!). This simply demonstrates how quickly keto can transform your blood sugar control, and I've personally felt much more energetic (and lost almost 5kg since starting, though that will partially be water weight).

Two final images for you to see:


(A whole days readings for Friday 28th August 2020, whilst on keto).



(Whole days readings for Friday 28th July 2020, before keto)


In summary - I'M OVER THE MOON!

Yes I'm still in the sub-three post purgatory!

I'll get this thread updated once that limit is gone. Thank you for the kind words too everyone!

Mrs T 123 said:

I can't see your images but a big well done to you - I am so happy for you!

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Thank you Mrs T!

Jaylee said:

Hi @BloodVyper,

Welcome to the forum..

I won't mention the images.

Another MM2 & Libre user. The DP? Is yours on waking or a 2 hours after & a busy regime prior to work with "nill by mouth?" (Maybe "brunch" for me no need for lunch ot wait till... "Lunch.")
Pending on what's done for a day's "trade?"

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I typically wake up around 9/10am. The dawn phenomenon occurs within 15-30 minutes of waking up, so I always do a 10 unit correction.

After that, I don't eat anything until around 6PM. I practice fasting throughout the day, and then give myself a 2 hour eating window aligned with the keto diet. Normally around 2000 calories for that entire meal.

I work from home by the way, so I have the luxury of being able to focus on my health at all times, rather than JUST when I can find time during an office shift.

I write for a living too! Albeit on computer technology stuff rather than anything creative.

If I wake up at 5mmol, 10 units will keep me at 5mmol 2-3 hours later. Definitely need to improve my insulin sensitivity!

Nice to meet you too! Hopefully we can get to know each other better!

Jaylee said:

Uncertain what insulin regime & type of you are prescribed? If on MDI?
Could be just a matter of a tweak with the basal..?
Regarding what you do with your fasting. But we do have a different journey with metabolism & lifestyle.. We all have indevidual practicalities with that side of things.
I personally just focus on the "hunt" then eat? Leaning toward proteins...
Oddly during my pre diagnosis on my 8th birthday just prior to a GP procrastinating. (Then fobbing my mum off.) I dodged the birthday cake intuitively opting for cold cuts on the table.. Lol, I was rushed round a kiddie ward & formaly diagnosed by a Nurse. Once stabilised, taught to inject into an orange, then disapointingly fed more carbs than anyone could get thier head round. Let alone the disappointment of an 8 year old.. Lol, "bless em" the focus was for me to quikly regain the weight???

Never feel a "freak" my friend.. Just expect a few "Q&As."

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I'm currently on Novorapid (1 unit for a 0.3mmol reduction) and Lantus at 10PM each night (20 units).

One memory I have before getting diagnosed was a craving for orange juice. I drank a litre of the stuff, and in hindsight that must've sped along the process!

Medina27 said:

I do Keto but only during the day. This cuts my injections down to just morning and evening

I eat whatever I like at dinner

Best of both world's

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I have the same. Correction bolus for the small morning rise I get, correct throughout the day if my BG's are creeping above 7 mmol. Then, one massive 2000 calorie meal around 6PM, keep it healthy with avocados, nuts, lean protein, veggies etc.

Good on you, it's a great diet for me (and hopefully for you too!).

Hi everyone,
I've fixed the images, so they should be visible for you now!