LOW CARB SUCCESS STORIES

[Dr Snoddy]

I was diagnosed as Type 2 3 years ago at the age of 59. I had all the classic symptoms including crushing tiredness, constant thirst and urination etc but it was not until my eyesight was severe impaired that I went to the doctors. (In denial?) Blood tests showed an HbA1c of 104 and a fasting blood glucose of 16.4! I was put on 2000mg of Metformin, had virtually no advice from the GP and was given the customary NHS dietary advice e.g. pasta and sauce, curry and rice, by the DN. I was also given the usual tests for neuropathy, retinopathy and very extensive blood tests. I was also offered a DESMOND course which I attended even though I was not convinced of the approach. I read a lot and using much of the information provided on this site, started immediately on a low carb diet. As I was feeling very unwell reducing my food intake was not difficult. I lost 18 kg, got my HbA1c down to 47 within 3 months, halved my dosage of Metformin and got my HbA1c down to 36. I have maintained this level for 3 years. I still eat some carbs, maybe 50g per day, walk between 2 and 8 miles per day, maintain a stable weight at a BMI of 29 and am fitter, healthier and happier than I have been for years.
HOWEVER, some of this is in part due to retiring from teaching and to leading a far less stressful and demanding life. I also still have high cholesterol and have refused to take statins. Like some other people on this forum I have a general reluctance to take any form of medication. I am working towards being med. free if possible. I have also had a lot of nutritional training which has enabled me to devise a low carb, meat-free diet that suits me. Becoming diabetic has made me finally address my previous weight and dietary issues (Mostly!) and I have accepted that low carb is for life!

 

[TooManyCrisps]

I was diagnosed as Type 2 3 years ago at the age of 59. I had all the classic symptoms including crushing tiredness, constant thirst and urination etc but it was not until my eyesight was severe impaired that I went to the doctors. (In denial?) Blood tests showed an HbA1c of 104 and a fasting blood glucose of 16.4! I was put on 2000mg of Metformin, had virtually no advice from the GP and was given the customary NHS dietary advice e.g. pasta and sauce, curry and rice, by the DN. I was also given the usual tests for neuropathy, retinopathy and very extensive blood tests. I was also offered a DESMOND course which I attended even though I was not convinced of the approach. I read a lot and using much of the information provided on this site, started immediately on a low carb diet. As I was feeling very unwell reducing my food intake was not difficult. I lost 18 kg, got my HbA1c down to 47 within 3 months, halved my dosage of Metformin and got my HbA1c down to 36. I have maintained this level for 3 years. I still eat some carbs, maybe 50g per day, walk between 2 and 8 miles per day, maintain a stable weight at a BMI of 29 and am fitter, healthier and happier than I have been for years.
HOWEVER, some of this is in part due to retiring from teaching and to leading a far less stressful and demanding life. I also still have high cholesterol and have refused to take statins. Like some other people on this forum I have a general reluctance to take any form of medication. I am working towards being med. free if possible. I have also had a lot of nutritional training which has enabled me to devise a low carb, meat-free diet that suits me. Becoming diabetic has made me finally address my previous weight and dietary issues (Mostly!) and I have accepted that low carb is for life!

Well done for reducing your bs levels. I was diagnosed last year with an HBA1C of 97 but chose not to take meds. I got mine down to 49 within 3 months and down to 37 by the end of the year. Not sure if I can get any further!

I think you're right about retirement and lower stress levels. I work full time (I'm only 50) and I know when I'm stressed about work my levels shoot up. Plus my bs is always high in the morning and lots of people on here recommend going for a brisk walk after breakfast. Which is all very well except that I have to leave the house at 7.15am to commute to work so fitting in a walk, shower and change into work clothes would be a challenge!

I'm sure you'll come off meds soon. I don't know much about Metformin, does it have to be reduced gradually? I'm wondering if there's a reason you haven't been taken off already given your good HbA1c result. Good luck.

 

[Dr Snoddy]

Well done for reducing your bs levels. I was diagnosed last year with an HBA1C of 97 but chose not to take meds. I got mine down to 49 within 3 months and down to 37 by the end of the year. Not sure if I can get any further!

I think you're right about retirement and lower stress levels. I work full time (I'm only 50) and I know when I'm stressed about work my levels shoot up. Plus my bs is always high in the morning and lots of people on here recommend going for a brisk walk after breakfast. Which is all very well except that I have to leave the house at 7.15am to commute to work so fitting in a walk, shower and change into work clothes would be a challenge!

I'm sure you'll come off meds soon. I don't know much about Metformin, does it have to be reduced gradually? I'm wondering if there's a reason you haven't been taken off already given your good HbA1c result. Good luck.

 

[Dr Snoddy]

Thank you TooManyCrisps!

 

[sandwalk]

Hi Everybody! I thought I would give an update on my low-carb, weight-loss journey. I did post on this forum some months ago (can't remember exactly when!) when I reported that since Feb 2016 I have lost 4 stone! I have also gone from using Insulin to having no medication at all (Type 2). My current weight is 9st 11lbs - a 4 st 5lbs loss!

However, I have a problem in that if I go slightly above 800 calories a day, I start putting weight on again! Has anyone else experienced this? I have always thought that a woman had to eat 2000 calories over, say, 1200 calories a day, to put a pound on but I am not even eating 1000 - I am aged 68.

 

[PNJB]

68 Y old male here Sandwalk! Well done on your excellent success, Similar to you I stick to a 600 - 800 calories a day, to maintain my weight loss. I started LCHF in May 2016, and have made superb improvements in body and mind, Apart from my diet, I now walk with a wellness group 3 days a week, which would have been unthinkable a year ago aspneuropathy in the feet and oedema in the legsprecluded this. Now? No oedema, 45 lbs lost and health improves daily by continuing myallocated calories daily!

 

[sandwalk]

Hi PNJB, thankyou for your reply! I have claudication in both my legs (narrowed arteries) since having radiotherapy for cancer 10 years ago so I cannot walk very far. I am currently on the waiting list to have "balloons" inserted into the main artery in my groin in my left leg which I am told needs to be done urgently...hoping that this will improve my circulation! I do try to do a daily 15 min walk which is all I can manage at the moment. I have toyed with the idea of joining a gym to tone up all the flab which is left after my weight loss but I am wary because I had my right hip replaced last year and I don't know what sort of exercise I could manage. I think having a personal trainer might help but they are expensive!

So, for now, I will carry on as I have been since last February and just be glad that I am so much thinner and, more importantly, STILL ALIVE!!

 

[PNJB]

Like you Sandwalk, I had a hip replaced in Oct 2014 which with my oedema legs and feet made walking or exercising moot. Since the improvements to my health using LCHF, I have joined walking groups in my local area. They are sponsored by the local council and mine can be found at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks,) but I am betting you will have similar in your own local area They do 5 levels of walks 1st steps easiest to level 5 longer than 90 minutes) Hope this prompts you to explore possibilities that I have found successful

 

[wol1959]

Hi Fergus

What a great idea for a thread! I was diagnosed Type 2 in 2013: perfect BMI, no history of diabetes in the family. I asked for a test and was told it was a waste of time, but could come back whenever I felt the urge to pick up the results. I got a call the following day from the doctor: "I have a free space today at 3.40. Be there!" My sugars were 23.

A 3 year battle with my sugars followed. Despite giving up all sugars immediately, I couldn't get my HbA1c down. It got to 6.8 (once!) and then climbed again to 9. I was on Gliclazide (max dosage) and put on 10kg in a single month. I was on statins and feeling arthritic, and on Omeprazole for chronic indigestion. A specialist told me I was what he termed Type 1.5: the problem was not weight but the fact that my pancreas was damaged and didn't make enough insulin. I going to be put on insulin.

At that point I went to South Africa and came across the Banting diet - LCHF. It's ketogenic, but the key is the combination of low carb, no sugar, and high fat (ie NOT high protein). I went on it and within 3 months had a call from the doc to tell me to cut out gliclazide to avoid giving myself hypos.

After a year, my HbA1c is 6.1 and I've been taken off Metformin. I don't take statins any more and feel 20 years younger. I have the energy and stamina I had 20 years ago, too. I'm back t the same weight I was in my 30s (83kg) and my blood pressure is 120/80. I'm off the Omeprazole and have a lot of the feeling I'd lost back in my feet. And I LOVE what I eat! The goal is to get my HbA1c below 6.0 ...

 

[wol1959]

II am working towards being med. free if possible.

I'm absolutely with you on this! As someone who has spent all my life with a body that served me well and did what I asked of it, it was a massive shock to become someone on permanent medication. Twice I went away and miscalculated the number of Metformin and Gliclazide tablets I needed, and spent valuable holiday time and money in doctors' surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies! It reinforced the sense of being defined by my illness: "Hi, I'm Lawrence and I'm a diabetic!"

Like you, I'm refusing to take statins. I'm leaving my cholesterol to go up and down as it needs: if the alternative is to feel old and arthritic and lose all the benefits of the LCHF diet (weight loss, burgeoning energy, med-free), I know which way I'm going! And the research about cholesterol as a CAUSE of heart disease rather than symptom of carb-induced inflammation damage to the arteries is far more tenuous than we're led to believe.

So solidarity, respect and best wishes! Go for it!

 

[bulkbiker]

Someone liked my new profile pic so said I should post a before and after so
this is me at 23 Stone just before diagnosis... (i'm on the right haha)

 

[bulkbiker]

This one is from Saturday in Manchester at the PHC Conference with my hero Dr Jason Fung

 

[dbr10]

This one is from Saturday in Manchester at the PHC Conference with my hero Dr Jason FungView attachment 23180

Brilliant.

 

[Brunneria]

This one is from Saturday in Manchester at the PHC Conference with my hero Dr Jason FungView attachment 23180

Awesome transformation BB, truly impressive.

WELL DONE!!!

 

[bulkbiker]

Many thanks all..

 

[marathonmona]

This one is from Saturday in Manchester at the PHC Conference with my hero Dr Jason FungView attachment 23180

Holy ****!!!!!!!

What a transformation

 

[Pura Vida]

After 3 years of lchf diet I am gradually bringing my A1c down to 6.4 from 7.2 . I realize
That have some way to go but it's proof that it works.thanks to all who are contributing here

 

[cah813]

HI,
First time I have used a forum, so this may go to the worn place.

My lower carb journey.

On the 17 of Jan 2016 I felt rotten, my vision was blurry and I just felt weak. My son in law, it T1, and took my blood with his meter. It was 17. Both my parents are T2 and due to T2's complications, it basically killed my Dad at ages 69.
I go an emergency appointment at the doctors and blood was taken. My readings came back at HbA1c 75.
The nurse talked me through my options, and gave me advice on eating habits. Cut out fat, 50% carbs and so on. I was told I would have to get another test in a few months, that would decide the medication I needed.
I was 140Kg, 45 years old, thought I was fit but a bit fat. Cholesterol was normal.
I went home, and had to inform my motorbike insurance company that I was T2. The adviser I talked to was also T2 and he went through the medical slide that I would go down, and the end being on injections. He was not being down, just realistic with that he had been told.

Went into a bad place for a few days, but my work took me out of this as I has a busy spell of 12hr shifts, for 10 weeks.
Week 2 I found the Newcastle diet, though F@*k it! Started the 600 calories a day, and started losing 1.5Kg every 2 days (average). Son in law took my blood readings every couple of days, and within a couple of weeks readings were normal.
The diet itself, was hard, but not as hard as you would think once you get a few weeks under your belt. Within 2 weeks I was back at the gym doing workout with no feeling of weakness, could run a bit as well.

Long and short, I lost 35K in 7 weeks, and only stopped the diet, as I started to think it did not matter if I was losing muscle (thought I was going a bit mad). The overtime finished, and I went to get my blood readings taken, about a month after the diet stopped.

The nurse was not happy, asked what I had been eating. Low carb, high natural fat, high protein (red/ white meet and some shakes). So about 100g of protein, 20g of fat and 20g carb (veg).
She advised me that she had not seen anyone drop HbA1c from 75 to anything close to healthy and my coletrial would be through the roof.
'My readings would be back in a week, the doctors would be in touch with the medication, drop the diet and stop being so stupid.'

A week passed, no call form the doctors. Gave it a few days, as you are fine unless they tell you. Phonned, scared to ask.
My readings had dropped to HbA1c = 48, no need for medication.
Cholesterol (forget the readings) but the gist was, bad readings up but good readings doubled, so everything was better.

Next meeting with the nurse was even more weird, 6 months down the line. 'I know you are on this low carb thing, but its not healthy. You should stop and take medical advice. I only know of two other people who have done what you did'.

Next readings were even better HbA1c = 47.
This was with cheat days, blow out days. But to be fair I feel so much better as I don't get sugar crashes and so on. So most days I stick to the diet. in the split I gave above. I do weights 3 or 4 times a week, and run 3x5K's a week.
Don't think I have went ultra fit, it's just when you make the changes you notice your body wants to do these things. You don't want to eat the high carb stuff. Before if someone brought in cakes, I could have easily eaten two, now I may not even have the one. Not even sure I like the taste that much anymore.

Try low carb, what have you got to loose!

In my case 40Kg's and keeping it off over a year, 10 inches of my waist, drop in blood pressure and freak out my diabetic nurse who still maintains I am doing it all wrong!

I honestly think, like engines we all run better on different fuel. Carbs are not the fuel for me.

 

[Resurgam]

I was diagnosed with Hba1c of 91 in November 16
I was put on Metformin and Atorvastatin, but I went straight to low carb, having been low carbing for a very long time, but against all medical advice.
After five really miserable weeks I went out to the supermarket and bought things for Christmas, then couldn't remember where I parked the car. When I found it I opened the back and found I had already done the shopping - just forgot about it.
I stopped the tablets and went on doing Atkins. It was absolutely no effort so I was a bit concerned at the three month check - but my cholesterol was down and my Hba1c was 47.
I went on with the low carb eating, at the 6 month check my Hba1c was 41 - I have not seen anyone about my results yet, but am looking forward to it.

 

[ickihun]

I am at last losing @bulkbiker .
I feel it is completing my overall efforts, at last!

For me unless I lost weight I couldnt call my low carb efforts a success.
I've lost 2st since xmas now and still losing
Stopped statin advised by cardiologist.
Bgs are giving a hba1c as 53 again so medics are very happy, me too.
I'm looking forward to a less IR 2018

Low carb, low fat is working for me.