LCHF - fasting and Very high Blood Sugar levels

[Luce13]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with reversing T2D from the starting point of HbA1c of 88?

Rather than start insulin I have decided to try the LCHF route. I had reduced my meds to metformin only, however have found that is severely upsetting my stomach now I am fasting (varying 24, 30 ,48 hours) and keeping my daily carbs to <30g so have had to stop taking it.
My early morning sugar reading is now 20 - even after a 36hr fast - although I feel ok?

I just wondered if anyone had any experiences where they are now further on the journey and can give me some information on their journey - not advise just info.

I want to give this a 6 month trial as I only started in mid January and have read a lot of success stories but they didn't talk of how long the journey and whether they had this high a level in the morning and how long berfore it came down.

I totally understand that everyone is different but just a bit of info from anyone who has been through a similar journey would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Antje77]

I want to give this a 6 month trial as I only started in mid January

Please don't stay at these levels for 6 months. Many people who got their numbers down by diet only reduce their meds when they see their numbers going down, not the other way round. Readings over 20 are dangerous. Please go back to your doctor.
Have you been tested for T1?

 

[bulkbiker]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with reversing T2D from the starting point of HbA1c of 88?

Rather than start insulin I have decided to try the LCHF route. I had reduced my meds to metformin only, however have found that is severely upsetting my stomach now I am fasting (varying 24, 30 ,48 hours) and keeping my daily carbs to <30g so have had to stop taking it.
My early morning sugar reading is now 20 - even after a 36hr fast - although I feel ok?

I just wondered if anyone had any experiences where they are now further on the journey and can give me some information on their journey - not advise just info.

I want to give this a 6 month trial as I only started in mid January and have read a lot of success stories but they didn't talk of how long the journey and whether they had this high a level in the morning and how long berfore it came down.

I totally understand that everyone is different but just a bit of info from anyone who has been through a similar journey would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

What were your blood sugars when you started out with the low carb?
I had an HbA1c of 87 when diagnosed but after 2 months of low carbing it was down at 45 . If your bloods are running in the 20's after extended fasting then I'd go straight back to the docs or even the hospital and get properly checked out. Like @Antje77 above I'd be querying your diagnosis of T2.. Have you lost weight without really trying?

 

[Guzzler]

I agree with the above comments, barring a meter glitch, those readings are too high and investigation is necessary. Back to the GP with your details of diet, fastings and readings with a view to a couple of tests.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with reversing T2D from the starting point of HbA1c of 88?

Rather than start insulin I have decided to try the LCHF route. I had reduced my meds to metformin only, however have found that is severely upsetting my stomach now I am fasting (varying 24, 30 ,48 hours) and keeping my daily carbs to <30g so have had to stop taking it.
My early morning sugar reading is now 20 - even after a 36hr fast - although I feel ok?

I just wondered if anyone had any experiences where they are now further on the journey and can give me some information on their journey - not advise just info.

I want to give this a 6 month trial as I only started in mid January and have read a lot of success stories but they didn't talk of how long the journey and whether they had this high a level in the morning and how long berfore it came down.

I totally understand that everyone is different but just a bit of info from anyone who has been through a similar journey would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Echoing the others here... That's way too high for a fasting glucose, even if you were loading up on carbs, it shouldn't be that. Ask for a C-peptide and a GAD test, see whether you're not actually a T1 or other. Whatever you do, do NOT continue on this route for 6 months without taking action, because those levels are much, much higher than you want them to be.

 

[Luce13]

What were your blood sugars when you started out with the low carb?
I had an HbA1c of 87 when diagnosed but after 2 months of low carbing it was down at 45 . If your bloods are running in the 20's after extended fasting then I'd go straight back to the docs or even the hospital and get properly checked out. Like @Antje77 above I'd be querying your diagnosis of T2.. Have you lost weight without really trying?

Hi,

Unfortunately I had not been taking my blood levels for a long time which i think is why they were so out of control.

When I first started LCHF I was taking 1000mg Metformin as well as Gliclicde and had readings of between 13 and 17

No I have not lost weight. I am approx 70kg and have remained around that for at least a year.

My diabetic nurse has said she is unable to support anything other than the insulin route.

I did start insulin after Christmas , however I had an allergic reaction to it and after upping the overnight units to 20 it still did not bring the early morning readings down.

I am aware that the route I want to take is against medical guidlines and as such this then means I don't have anyone medical who can give me any information.

Caroline

 

[Freema]

Note that some type 2 diabetics do end up after long term High blood glucose with a pancreas that cant produce enough insuline , and for those there is no way they can do without adding insuline to achieve a healthy condition

 

[Diakat]

@Luce13 please make an appointment with your doctor. Running in the 20s is not sustainable it will damage your body. Please listen to the above posts.

 

[bulkbiker]

Hi,

Unfortunately I had not been taking my blood levels for a long time which i think is why they were so out of control.

When I first started LCHF I was taking 1000mg Metformin as well as Gliclicde and had readings of between 13 and 17

No I have not lost weight. I am approx 70kg and have remained around that for at least a year.

My diabetic nurse has said she is unable to support anything other than the insulin route.

I did start insulin after Christmas , however I had an allergic reaction to it and after upping the overnight units to 20 it still did not bring the early morning readings down.

I am aware that the route I want to take is against medical guidlines and as such this then means I don't have anyone medical who can give me any information.

Caroline

I'm querying your T2 diagnosis.. not whether you should follow medical guidelines..You really do need to get back to the Doctor and try and see an Endocrinologist before you get really ill. Bloods in the 20's are certainly not normal and if you are low carbing/fasting shouldn't really be possible.

 

[Luce13]

I'm querying your T2 diagnosis.. not whether you should follow medical guidelines..You really do need to get back to the Doctor and try and see an Endocrinologist before you get really ill. Bloods in the 20's are certainly not normal and if you are low carbing/fasting shouldn't really be possible.

Ok. I will certainly try.

Thank you.

 

[Luce13]

Echoing the others here... That's way too high for a fasting glucose, even if you were loading up on carbs, it shouldn't be that. Ask for a C-peptide and a GAD test, see whether you're not actually a T1 or other. Whatever you do, do NOT continue on this route for 6 months without taking action, because those levels are much, much higher than you want them to be.

Ok. I will certainly try.

Thank you.

Ok,

I have an appointment later today.

I will be asking for both an insulin resistance blood test and those associated with T1.

Is there a NAFLD blood test?

I am going to try to get all of these so at least I know where I am starting from.

Thanks all - I will keep you posted.

C x

 

[Luce13]

Note that some type 2 diabetics do end up after long term High blood glucose with a pancreas that cant produce enough insuline , and for those there is no way they can do without adding insuline to achieve a healthy condition

I am so confused as recent research cited on sites such as Diet Doctor and Jason Fung suggests that a pancreas can regain function after fasting periods.
I also understand that going on insulin increases weight and therefore the issues surrounding that.

I am definitely going to ask for tests as I must admit I do feel rather frustrated that I have no definite diagnosis other than HbA1c.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Ok,

I have an appointment later today.

I will be asking for both an insulin resistance blood test and those associated with T1.

Is there a NAFLD blood test?

I am going to try to get all of these so at least I know where I am starting from.

Thanks all - I will keep you posted.

C x

They can check liver function via bloodtest, and depending on how that turns out they may order an ultrasound as well. But far as I know, yeah, they can tell from the test.

Good luck! Will be keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[Luce13]

They can check liver function via bloodtest, and depending on how that turns out they may order an ultrasound as well. But far as I know, yeah, they can tell from the test.

Good luck! Will be keeping you in my thoughts.

Thank you. I really appreciate the help and everyone’s kind words

X

 

[DCUKMod]

@Luce13 - for some people low carving can help correct blood sugars, NAFLD, high lipids, reverse weight gain and reduce insulin resistance, but not everyone.

Sometimes our bodies aren't able to quite make the recovery we seek, and sometimes a T2 diagnosis is made, where it later becomes apparent the person in slower onset T1 or has another sort of diabetes.

As others have said, numbers running in double digits isn't good. Running in the 20s really isn't good, and shouldn't be tolerated or ignored.

There is nothing to be ashamed of in going onto insulin to get those numbers under control. If you do transpire to be T2, and having some form of physical crisis, it may be possible to come back off it again at some point.

If it transpires you are T1 or another variant, then it could be insulin is your inevitable treatment anyway.

You mention you had an allergy to insulin? What was that?

In terms of specific insulin choices, there are several types and variants out there, so it maybe what you tried really just wasn't the one for you. If your GP is unable to match you up with a medical regime that suits you, then he should be referring you onto a specialist team, I should think.

Now isn't the time to be tinkering around the edges with this. Please do seek medical support.

 

[Flora123]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with reversing T2D from the starting point of HbA1c of 88?

Rather than start insulin I have decided to try the LCHF route. I had reduced my meds to metformin only, however have found that is severely upsetting my stomach now I am fasting (varying 24, 30 ,48 hours) and keeping my daily carbs to <30g so have had to stop taking it.
My early morning sugar reading is now 20 - even after a 36hr fast - although I feel ok?

I just wondered if anyone had any experiences where they are now further on the journey and can give me some information on their journey - not advise just info.

I want to give this a 6 month trial as I only started in mid January and have read a lot of success stories but they didn't talk of how long the journey and whether they had this high a level in the morning and how long berfore it came down.

I totally understand that everyone is different but just a bit of info from anyone who has been through a similar journey would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

My Hba1c was 112 on diagnosis and fasting BG was 22 from memory. I had no symptoms and didn’t need to lose weight. By adopting LCHF my Hba1c was down to 36 in three months and been that way ever since. I was put on metformin but it didn’t agree with me and was taken off it due to my low levels. Definitely query your diagnosis. My doc did all the suggested tests but they still think I’m T2. I find IF helps a great deal in lowering my levels as well as drinking a lot of water, walking and avoid snacking. Best of luck. If you read around the forum you will find a huge amount of advice. All a bit trial and error as to what works for you.

 

[Luce13]

@Luce13 - for some people low carving can help correct blood sugars, NAFLD, high lipids, reverse weight gain and reduce insulin resistance, but not everyone.

Sometimes our bodies aren't able to quite make the recovery we seek, and sometimes a T2 diagnosis is made, where it later becomes apparent the person in slower onset T1 or has another sort of diabetes.

As others have said, numbers running in double digits isn't good. Running in the 20s really isn't good, and shouldn't be tolerated or ignored.

There is nothing to be ashamed of in going onto insulin to get those numbers under control. If you do transpire to be T2, and having some form of physical crisis, it may be possible to come back off it again at some point.

If it transpires you are T1 or another variant, then it could be insulin is your inevitable treatment anyway.

You mention you had an allergy to insulin? What was that?

In terms of specific insulin choices, there are several types and variants out there, so it maybe what you tried really just wasn't the one for you. If your GP is unable to match you up with a medical regime that suits you, then he should be referring you onto a specialist team, I should think.

Now isn't the time to be tinkering around the edges with this. Please do seek medical support.

Thank you for your reply.

I guess I realised this high lever was not good. The bloods do drop and are presently down to 14 whilst fasting today.

I had incredibly red itching patches at the site of infection.

I am off to my GP with requests for further investigations and if so a referral.

I am just so worried if I go into insulin when my body already has too much it will not help in the long term

I only hope my GP will do thorough tests so I can ascertain what is going on in my body.

Thanks

Caroline x

 

[Luce13]

My Hba1c was 112 on diagnosis and fasting BG was 22 from memory. I had no symptoms and didn’t need to lose weight. By adopting LCHF my Hba1c was down to 36 in three months and been that way ever since. I was put on metformin but it didn’t agree with me and was taken off it due to my low levels. Definitely query your diagnosis. My doc did all the suggested tests but they still think I’m T2. I find IF helps a great deal in lowering my levels as well as drinking a lot of water, walking and avoid snacking. Best of luck. If you read around the forum you will find a huge amount of advice. All a bit trial and error as to what works for you.

Thank you for your information.

I am off to the doctor to ask for further tests.

Caroline

 

[KK123]

Thank you for your reply.

I guess I realised this high lever was not good. The bloods do drop and are presently down to 14 whilst fasting today.

I had incredibly red itching patches at the site of infection.

I am off to my GP with requests for further investigations and if so a referral.

I am just so worried if I go into insulin when my body already has too much it will not help in the long term

I only hope my GP will do thorough tests so I can ascertain what is going on in my body.

Thanks

Caroline x

Hi there Luce, I do get your concerns but in my opinion you have your priorities wrong. Forget the 'long term' in relation to whether you put on weight or whether the use of insulin on top of any you are already producing might be problematic. You HAVE to get those glucose levels down now and if that is by using insulin then so be it. Quite often after a period of using insulin, they do take you off it (dependent on any tests etc). I fully understand why you want to know what type you are, some say it doesn't matter as long as you get some control but I was one of those that thought well if I'm going on insulin, I need to know that that is the only option, I went on it from the word go and whilst they were doing the tests over the next few months which did prove that I needed insulin. I suspect they have advised you to take insulin but you are 'going against medical advice' because you don't know for sure what type you are and want to see if diet works first, that's great for a properly diagnosed type 2 but not at such an early stage of diagnosis and sky high levels. This decision can be dangerous right now at your levels and could lead to something worse. I hope they do all the testing for you but personally I would be focusing on getting those levels down quickly simultaneously getting them to do the proper checks whilst I was doing so. x

 

[DCUKMod]

Thank you for your reply.

I guess I realised this high lever was not good. The bloods do drop and are presently down to 14 whilst fasting today.

I had incredibly red itching patches at the site of infection.

I am off to my GP with requests for further investigations and if so a referral.

I am just so worried if I go into insulin when my body already has too much it will not help in the long term

I only hope my GP will do thorough tests so I can ascertain what is going on in my body.

Thanks

Caroline x

How do. You know you have too much insulin already?

If you are a T2 who doesn't make lots of insulin (such people do exist), or if you are actually a slow onset T1. Or similar, you may not be making enough insulin at all.

Levels into double figures tend to cause damage; especially over time. What timescales would be a personal thing.

Going onto insulin isn't a one-way street for many T2s. For T1s it is though.

Please do have a good chat with your Doc. They are there to support you, not to railroad you, but honestly, those big numbers are doing you no favours.