Newbie here

Hello

I'm nervously awaiting the results from my blood tests. A few years ago, my tests returned an HbA1C of 6.1. I've been through a lot of personal stress which I believe can raise blood sugar and I'm the "wrong end" of my 50s. Obviously I'll have to wait to see what comes back but I would like to work on diet alone, rather than take meds.

Thank you @JoKalsbeek for your great advice. Hopefully I will know by Wednesday. Unfortunately, I can't do much about the stress factors (domestic) but at least I can make changes to my diet (yay!). Thankfully I'm not a soda "king" and don't eat much rubbish food, but I do like the odd chocolate or 2...or 3... as we do :

I'll have a look at your blog - thanks!

JoKalsbeek said:

I love the "Just stress less" advice, because as you're finding, it's not always up to us. And sometimes, all someone needs is to hear they're allowed to let something go for the sake of their own health. So I mentioned it, just in case. When it's not that easy though, then yes, you tackle what you can control. Which is indeed, diet. Potentially, meds too. And believe it or not, I had some chocolate today. (The Lindt 90% bar. It's very dark, so very few carbs, and lucky for me, on sale last week!). So it's not entirely off the menu, you just have to slowly get used to darker chocolates... And if you do change your diet, your palette changes, so odds are it won't be unreasonably bitter anymore before long.

I'll hope your results are a relief, and if they're not, you have this place to help.
Jo

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I used to have the Green & Blacks choc as the Lindt 90% was a bit yuk for me But you're right, it is an acquired taste and guess I'll just have to get used to it again, although in much smaller portions than the yummier ones out there. I skipped works chocolate pudding and custard dessert today but may have a hard time skipping apple crumble tomorrow

See what comes back Wednesday but guess it's gonna be a wake-up call in any case....

So got my results: 6.0mml/l plasma glucose which I guess translates to an HbA1c of 6 - i.e. the middle of the "pre-diabetic" range. Not bad given I was 6.1 a few years ago; I was fearing the worst

So, I'll have to get on board the lifestyle changes (I've looked at your blog @JoKalsbeek) and yes, much of this stuff I eat anyway. I'm not a soda/crisp/fast foodie "junkie"; I do eat a balanced lunch but will have to look at alternative dessert options. I have a small cereal with low-fat yoghurt, then my main meal at work cos I do 12 hours and out the house for 15-16 hours (with the daily drive/commute). I'll have to cut back on the choc bar with my morning coffee - I need the glucose as I have a high-pressure job so will need to look at alternatives.

Reducing stress (and adrenergic output) is going to be a big problem - this is probably one, if not the main reason why my blood glucose is so high...