Type 2 New to the forum - quick question on shakes and going on a VLCD

They are alright for some people, but you should consult your doctor before starting to use them, particularly if you have had a bad reaction in the past, though protein shakes are a rather different line of attack to low calorie or low carb

Hi

Have you looked into LCHF as a possible way to go. Its a great way to eat. You are full of energy, never hungry and its a good way to lose weight and stabilise your BS.

Are you trying to lower blood glucose by diet or lose weight?
The two things are not necessarily interdependent, and if you have high blood glucose readings I would advise that you deal with that first and worry about weightloss - if you still need to - at some later date.
There does seem to be the idea around that diabetes is a punishment for getting fat, but there is little virtue in being a thin but uncontrolled diabetic.

Many of us here have developed a low carb lifestyle to lose weight, gain greater control of our glucose levels, and improve our overall health. The best part is that you get to eat real, whole foods and you're not hungry. Learn more here... https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/60-seconds and ask questions here... http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/low-carb-diet-forum.18/

If you want to use shakes to start, you might be interested in learning more about the Newcastle Diet, assuming of course that you also have diabetes. Learn more here on the Weight Loss and Diet Forum... http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/weight-loss-and-dieting.27/

Welcome to the forum!

GazAgainstFat said:

Hiya all,

I'm new here, hoping to meet some new friends and kind people along my journey back to being healthy and lean again!

My quick question is - are VLCD/shake-diets safe to go on? I haven't been able to find a conclusive answer on various fitness forums so I figured here would be the best place to ask.

I tried protein shakes about 5 years ago but they literally left my head spinning

Thanks all

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Welcome to the forum @GazAgainstFat. I tend to be a bit wary of prepared shakes. I would rather stick to natural healthy alternatives. They can be good for some but not others. It is always advisable to get a professional opinion.

A lot of those have weird ingred and artificial sweeteners. I'd make my own with avocado and veggies but that might not appeal.

I just eat real food. No fuss no muss no clean up no planning time.

Hi and welcome!

Some people do very well on the shakes, others find them less successful.
I think a lot depends on the number of carbs in them. Different brands have different carb content, from nearly 30g carbs to under 10g carbs per shake. Depending on your carb sensitivity, and current meds, this can make quite a difference!

Also, you may want to bear in mind the type of protein used. Some use milk/whey proteins, others use soya. I think I have even seen one that uses pea protein. Depending on food intolerances different people find they may only be able to tolerate some of them.

Hope that helps.

Welcome, @GazAgainstFat - you'll find a lot of support and some fab friends on here!

@Brunneria I've just spotted the blue text in your signature about the change to your carb tolerance - firstly, that's terrific, and secondly, it never fails to amaze me that so many factors can - and do - have an effect on so many things. All power to you!

The only thing I can add is that the shakes are not sustainable i.e you couldn't stay on them forever and while you may lose weight on them it would be easier to make the lifestyle changes now rather than later. I am not overweight but I am diabetic (type 2) so the changes to my diet were purely to get my numbers down. It was a bonus to lose a little weight along the way but the low carb diet had an immediate effect for me, a drop in HbA1c and I lost a stone in a month.

Snapsy said:

Welcome, @GazAgainstFat - you'll find a lot of support and some fab friends on here!

@Brunneria I've just spotted the blue text in your signature about the change to your carb tolerance - firstly, that's terrific, and secondly, it never fails to amaze me that so many factors can - and do - have an effect on so many things. All power to you!

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Thanks! It has been quite the revelation, I can tell you!

Hello. I dont know if this is the place to post this I am a techno nightmare. I have been a type 2 for about 7 yrs. I am on metformin 1000mg SR. I moved doctors just over 2 yrs ago ergo a new diabetic nurse. I will admit that she and I do not get on. My wife now comes to all my appointments. my last 2 HbA1c test were 44 and 40 ( ihave due to personal reasons been on a very strict diet ie 1800 cals a day. cut alcohol down to 2 untis a month. She seems hell bent on taking me off of the Met. I have told her that without my HbA1c would be higher (this after taking advice from this helpline and the diabetic nurse in the local city hospital. I have been taken off of the tablets on 4 previous occasions, and all tho i stuck to my diet at the time about 2100 cals perday my BG went up to daily reading of 10 + I had major surgery during one of these spells and due to infection ended up back in hospital for 19 days with a major infection. This same thing has happened to my father and 2 other family members. I have had heart problems as have all my relatives. I have told her all this and all i get "well its mine and the doctors decision not yours" I was so down in the dumps last time she had a go that i came off of the met. for 4 days I was ill and my wife was furious as I had not told anyone. After all this my Question is has anyone else had simillar and/or am I doing the right thing. Thanks for reading a long rant.

@justaguy Welcome to the forum!

I join you in your confusion. Why does your nurse want you to stop taking metformin with an A1c of 44 (6.2%) and 40 (5.8%)? Your A1c's could be better, but aren't horrible - (A1c's in the 31 to 40 range would be much better). Metformin doesn't cause dangerous hypo's.

The medications help, but they alone aren't enough. If you'd like some help with your diet, we'd be glad to help.

Are you able to walk, swim, or engage in other regular physical activity?

What's a typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you now? Also, what are your pre-meal and 2-hour post-meal glucose levels typically?

If you have questions, ask away.