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Low carb how long does it take ?

J

Jacks1213

Member
I've got my A1c on Wednesday , I've been doing low carb for 9 weeks , my A1c was 111 in December , I can only afford to test in the morning as to test each meal is too expensive .
My morning test was 16 in December , now it is down to 9.3 and 10.7 .

Does low carb keep lowering A1c if the diet is kept to ?

Thanks
 
Jacks1213 said:
I've got my A1c on Wednesday , I've been doing low carb for 9 weeks , my A1c was 111 in December , I can only afford to test in the morning as to test each meal is too expensive .
My morning test was 16 in December , now it is down to 9.3 and 10.7 .

Does low carb keep lowering A1c if the diet is kept to ?

Thanks
Click to expand...
It should, yes. You're still pretty high, and the HbA1c tests for the past three months, weighing more heavily on the recent weeks, but I do think you'll see a marked improvement in HbA1c. The morning numbers are the last to come down, and since they've dropped considerably, I do think you'll do a lot better than 111 at the next test. Maybe not non-diabetic just yet, but you're on your way, would be my guess.

That said: testing in the morning doesn't change fast, as those numbers come down slowly.... How about testing around meals for a day if you think the day would be telling, and just test in the mornings once a week or even once every fortnight? It's a better use of, indeed, expensive strips.
 
JoKalsbeek said:
It should, yes. You're still pretty high, and the HbA1c tests for the past three months, weighing more heavily on the recent weeks, but I do think you'll see a marked improvement in HbA1c. The morning numbers are the last to come down, and since they've dropped considerably, I do think you'll do a lot better than 111 at the next test. Maybe not non-diabetic just yet, but you're on your way, would be my guess.

That said: testing in the morning doesn't change fast, as those numbers come down slowly.... How about testing around meals for a day if you think the day would be telling, and just test in the mornings once a week or even once every fortnight? It's a better use of, indeed, expensive strips.
Click to expand...
Thank you . My GP wanted 2 months before A1c again its usuall y 3 months . I had uterine cancer removed last Jan , and I ate very badly I was treating myself to lots of sugary foods , and with the stress and anxiety i just let myself go. So I've really tried hard and walk an hour daily . I've lost about 7lbs again since low carb , but that doesn't mean it will lower the A1c as I'd lost the same in December and the A1c went up from 108 to 111. I know it has dropped because i feel so much better in myself .
 
Jacks1213 said:
Thank you . My GP wanted 2 months before A1c again its usuall y 3 months . I had uterine cancer removed last Jan , and I ate very badly I was treating myself to lots of sugary foods , and with the stress and anxiety i just let myself go. So I've really tried hard and walk an hour daily . I've lost about 7lbs again since low carb , but that doesn't mean it will lower the A1c as I'd lost the same in December and the A1c went up from 108 to 111. I know it has dropped because i feel so much better in myself .
Click to expand...
You've been dealing with a lot, and sometimes, there's some comfort-eating that goes along with that. I know I fell of the wagon when my mom was in hospice, and I just allowed myself some time to get back on, not kicking myself around too much for being human... Which doesn't mean it's easy to get back to it, been there, done that... I know starting self-care up again isn't easy. You're doing everything you can to get better, have a little faith in yourself and keep going. You're doing an excellent job. And if you need help with lowering carbs, there's a whole forum right here that might be able to help. As for the walking, it's long walks like the ones you're doing that have an excellent effect on blood sugars... So don't discount it just yet.
Hugs,
Jo
 
My original diagnosis a few years ago was with an hba1c of 101. I got it into the high 30s in 3 months. However, this degree of low carb wasn't sustainable for me and it crept up. So its possible to get a dramatic drop but not straightforward to stay that low with out far more will power than I have.
 
mouseee said:
My original diagnosis a few years ago was with an hba1c of 101. I got it into the high 30s in 3 months. However, this degree of low carb wasn't sustainable for me and it crept up. So its possible to get a dramatic drop but not straightforward to stay that low with out far more will power than I have.
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I agree with you on this , it isn't easy . I've noticed before low carb my finger blood test was 16 now its averaging 10.3 , I've had 8.7 also , but still too high . I can only do my best and my best is what I am doing . Thank you for your reply :)
 
Jacks1213 said:
I've got my A1c on Wednesday , I've been doing low carb for 9 weeks , my A1c was 111 in December , I can only afford to test in the morning as to test each meal is too expensive .
My morning test was 16 in December , now it is down to 9.3 and 10.7 .

Does low carb keep lowering A1c if the diet is kept to ?

Thanks
Click to expand...
It should - the idea is that you remove carbohydrate and therefore glucose from the diet, and to replace the glucose your body will use up what's around. This will include the excess in your blood and the glucose stored as fat and in your liver.

My experience was that eventually I reached a new level where eveything balances - my HbA1c has wobbled between 34 and 38 for four years now.

best of luck
 
A month ago my HBA1C was 93. I've been eating a reduced but not ultra low carb diet for the last couple of weeks and I'm already seeing 6's and 7's on my first test of the day. You can save a bit on strips by only testing before and after meals that contain significant carb content. Not much point testing after bacon and eggs or chicken salad!

Mat
 
Thank you for the replies , I appreciate them . I've just got back from the doctors had my blood test will know tomorrow of Friday , was disappointed as gained 1kilogram , hope this isn't going put the A1c up , although in December I lost 2kilos and the A1c went up lol.
So what am I doing wrong I wonder ?
Maybe the single cream ? I can't eat double it makes me ill , too much fat in it . I am quite hungry too that means I am not where I should be in this journey , I was offered metformin again . I just don't want it , I don't like medications .
 
Jacks1213 said:
I've got my A1c on Wednesday , I've been doing low carb for 9 weeks , my A1c was 111 in December , I can only afford to test in the morning as to test each meal is too expensive .
My morning test was 16 in December , now it is down to 9.3 and 10.7 .

Does low carb keep lowering A1c if the diet is kept to ?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi,
It’s a shame that you cannot afford to test because as everyone says it would provide so much information.
However we all know the harsh reality of the world at this time.

However I’d like to make a suggestion that would give you a fantastic amount of information for 14 days FOC.
You can get a Libre sensor from Abbott as a free trial. You would need a telephone that is on their list in order to download the app.

I used one ( I’m pre diabetic, now controlled) and used it to dial into a sustainable diet. It’s a powerful tool and it’s surprising what can be achieved in two weeks. Basically in that time I knew flour based foods were off menu but I found I could tolerate all kinds of beans!

I’m no expert at this and perhaps others might not agree with what I’ve said here but it might help you. I hope so anyway.

I’m attaching a link to Abbott , hope it’s allowed

www.freestyle.abbott

Sampling | Diabetes Care | Abbott

Claim your 15 day free sensor if you have diabetes and have not tried the FreeStyle Libre 2 plus sensor before
www.freestyle.abbott www.freestyle.abbott
 
Jacks1213 said:
Thank you for the replies , I appreciate them . I've just got back from the doctors had my blood test will know tomorrow of Friday , was disappointed as gained 1kilogram , hope this isn't going put the A1c up , although in December I lost 2kilos and the A1c went up lol.
So what am I doing wrong I wonder ?
Maybe the single cream ? I can't eat double it makes me ill , too much fat in it . I am quite hungry too that means I am not where I should be in this journey , I was offered metformin again . I just don't want it , I don't like medications .
Click to expand...

I thought I’d answer because I’m here and online , I’m sure some more knowledgeable people will be along soon.

Firstly calm down , see what the A1C comes back as and take it from there.
Stress is a terrible thing and the last thing you need !

I’m no expert but I’d say if you are hungry you should eat!
A stash of pre boiled eggs works for me.

You don’t actually say what you are eating with the cream? But have you tried Greek yogurt? I never liked this until I felt I “had” to eat it. Now I love it!

Another reason for hunger is if you have cut down on carbs you might need to eat more protein or fats.


Good luck
 
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Paul41 said:
I thought I’d answer because I’m here and online , I’m sure some more knowledgeable people will be along soon.

Firstly calm down , see what the A1C comes back as and take it from there.
Stress is a terrible thing and the last thing you need !

I’m no expert but I’d say if you are hungry you should eat!
A stash of pre boiled eggs works for me.

You don’t actually say what you are eating with the cream? But have you tried Greek yogurt? I never liked this until I felt I “had” to eat it. Now I love it!

Another reason for hunger is if you have cut down on carbs you might need to eat more protein or fats.


Good luck
Click to expand...
thank you I eat walnuts and a few blueberries , its the only fruit i like lol .I don't like any yogurt unfortunately . Love double cream , it just doesn't like me .
 
So i took my finger test just now and it is 8.5 , I am going to order some strips keep an eye on it . Won't test multiple times a day though .
I am happy with 8.5 as a few months back it was 16 and the highest was 31 .
 
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