Newly Diagnosed and Confused

[IBEX82]

I was told that I was a very bad diabetic with a Hba1c of 91, but was able to get down to normal numbers with a limit of 50 gm of carbs a day - I did lose weight, but my 'normal' metabolism happily puts on weight at the slightest excuse, and that is where I am now, after two years no longer registering as diabetic.
I am down to 40 gm of carbs a day now, and two meals a day, but my normal is not usual.

Wow you’ve done so well to be not even registering as diabetic two years in! I can only hope I’ll get there one day

 

[HSSS]

Just to drop in on the low carb v keto thing. I hit ketosis originally at around 40g carbs and sometimes up to 50g. The 20g is a level that should get everyone there, which is why it’s quoted so often but it’s not gospel, just a guide. Some of us get there at higher levels. So at 50g you may not be far from it anyway. Over time the longer you are low carb the easier it gets. Although the steroids may rise levels it sounds like you’re doing your part brilliantly and keeping it down the best possible. And it’s great to hear you’re loving the process too.

Weight might take a little while to follow. Blood sugars and tape measures are often the first to show the results. Don’t be disheartened if that happens, it’s a process and the bgl and cm’s show that it’s working and the lbs/kg will follow.

 

[IBEX82]

Just to drop in on the low carb v keto thing. I hit ketosis originally at around 40g carbs and sometimes up to 50g. The 20g is a level that should get everyone there, which is why it’s quoted so often but it’s not gospel, just a guide. Some of us get there at higher levels. So at 50g you may not be far from it anyway. Over time the longer you are low carb the easier it gets. Although the steroids may rise levels it sounds like you’re doing your part brilliantly and keeping it down the best possible. And it’s great to hear you’re loving the process too.

Weight might take a little while to follow. Blood sugars and tape measures are often the first to show the results. Don’t be disheartened if that happens, it’s a process and the bgl and cm’s show that it’s working and the lbs/kg will follow.

Thank you, that’s so interesting to know. I hope I can get there on a few more carbs and the BG seems to be indicating I’m going the right way.

I’m trying not to focus on the weight loss but it’s hard knowing I have so much to lose.

Evening post meal BG is hard to read as I have a dose of gliclazide pre meal so hard to tell if my meal was totally suitable.

 

[ianf0ster]

...…. Evening post meal BG is hard to read as I have a dose of gliclazide pre meal so hard to tell if my meal was totally suitable.

If your evening meal was the same as planned :- "Dinner is home made steak burgers, full fat cheddar, onions, full fat mayo and iceberg lettuce for buns"
Then it should certainly been more than just suitable, unless there was added carb loaded 'filler' to the steak in the burger!

 

[IBEX82]

If your evening meal was the same as planned :- "Dinner is home made steak burgers, full fat cheddar, onions, full fat mayo and iceberg lettuce for buns"
Then it should certainly been more than just suitable, unless there was added carb loaded 'filler' to the steak in the burger!

Oh no I made it myself from a really good steak cut... I have a grinder attachment for my kitchen aid pre dinner was 9.0, I had my gliclazide and then ate around 40 mins later... two hours post meal was 5.4 - so the glic has obviously lowered it

 

[ianf0ster]

Yes, the glic obviously did its work. I suppose whether intended by the medics, can be considered and antidote to the BG raising side-effect of the steroids.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Clotted cream by post... Something tells me it wouldn't make it, but it's a lovely offer, thanks. And dinner sounds fantastic! I know it's hard to not focus on the weight loss, but that will come. With some it happens in the first week, for some it takes a month before they start losing. But it does happen eventually, more often than not. Most important thing is the blood sugar control. If that's good, you've won an uphill battle.

Oh that’s fab! The little bakery sounds amazing and if you can do it in the limits of keeping your BGs under control and weight down - it’s obviously no big thing.

Do you think clotted cream is okay sent by post? I could definitely send you some

Dinner is home made steak burgers, full fat cheddar, onions, full fat mayo and iceberg lettuce for buns

 

[IBEX82]

Yes, the glic obviously did its work. I suppose whether intended by the medics, can be considered and antidote to the BG raising side-effect of the steroids.

Absolutely correct.. they split the dose of my glic to suppress the steroid effect which will keep raising it higher and higher as the day wears on so it is definitely working.

I suppose I can assume the meal was good too as if it had of been too carb heavy I’d have thought the BG would go up in spite of the glic?

 

[IBEX82]

Clotted cream by post... Something tells me it wouldn't make it, but it's a lovely offer, thanks. And dinner sounds fantastic! I know it's hard to not focus on the weight loss, but that will come. With some it happens in the first week, for some it takes a month before they start losing. But it does happen eventually, more often than not. Most important thing is the blood sugar control. If that's good, you've won an uphill battle.

I must keep this in mind when I start weighing myself. Reducing the BG is the goal, and keeping me from feeling awful due to the hyperglycaemia - anything else is a bonus at this point I guess

 

[HSSS]

I must keep this in mind when I start weighing myself. Reducing the BG is the goal, and keeping me from feeling awful due to the hyperglycaemia - anything else is a bonus at this point I guess

And remember that most people gain weight on steroids - so even a small gain is probably a win, a maintain more so and any loss at all a definite bonus.

 

[IBEX82]

And remember that most people gain weight on steroids - so even a small gain is probably a win, a maintain more so and any loss at all a definite bonus.

Very valid points! I shall not be to disheartened at the scales this week - thank you

 

[Caeseji]

Very valid points! I shall not be to disheartened at the scales this week - thank you

Always a marathon and not a sprint, I know you can do this and your positivity and curiosity are amazing. You’re already getting such a good handle on this which is seriously a boon

Also congratulations, making my hungry in the middle of my fasting period with your food choices, I would love some clotted cream with a dusting of cocoa on it, mmm....

 

[IBEX82]

Always a marathon and not a sprint, I know you can do this and your positivity and curiosity are amazing. You’re already getting such a good handle on this which is seriously a boon

Also congratulations, making my hungry in the middle of my fasting period with your food choices, I would love some clotted cream with a dusting of cocoa on it, mmm....

Thanks so much - that’s a huge compliment considering I’m so new to all this

Ahhhh sorry on the fast... if you were local I’d totally have you covered at the end of the fast.. I have tesco finest clotted cream and a bar of 85% green and blacks in the fridge - for emergency purposes of course

 

[Caeseji]

Thanks so much - that’s a huge compliment considering I’m so new to all this

Ahhhh sorry on the fast... if you were local I’d totally have you covered at the end of the fast.. I have tesco finest clotted cream and a bar of 85% green and blacks in the fridge - for emergency purposes of course

I just say it like I see it and I'm truly impressed by how much you've put into this now.

Now you're just teasing me with that but it's a lovely thing to say and a great emergency supply too

 

[IBEX82]

Oh dear... I’ve received an appointment for the diabetes nurse at my GP surgery to discuss a DESMOND course...

So hard as the hospital diabetes specialist nurse was happy for me to continue low carb as my dietician had suggested. I’m dreading it.. my numbers are so good now and I’m also assuming she’ll say I’m testing too much

Do I have to go?

 

[ianf0ster]

Oh dear... I’ve received an appointment for the diabetes nurse at my GP surgery to discuss a DESMOND course...

So hard as the hospital diabetes specialist nurse was happy for me to continue low carb as my dietician had suggested. I’m dreading it.. my numbers are so good now and I’m also assuming she’ll say I’m testing too much

Do I have to go?

You don't have to take a DESMOND course. My GP just arranged for them (the DESMOND people ) to send me details and a form to book a session/sessions. I just ignored the letter when I got it (having asked about experience in this forum).
The consensus was that some are DESMOND courses good, but for most it means sitting quietly for 6 1/2 hrs biting your lip so as not to get into an argument with the person leading it. One responder even said they were offered a piece of cake and biscuits at the breaks!

 

[IBEX82]

You don't have to take a DESMOND course. My GP just arranged for them (the DESMOND people ) to send me details and a form to book a session/sessions. I just ignored the letter when I got it (having asked about experience in this forum).
The consensus was that some are DESMOND courses good, but for most it means sitting quietly for 6 1/2 hrs biting your lip so as not to get into an argument with the person leading it. One responder even said they were offered a piece of cake and biscuits at the breaks!

This was my understanding too. I also don’t want to waste my time or theirs because with all of my other health problems I’ll be listening to the advice of the specialist nurses and doctors who are treating me at the hospital.

I also hope she doesn’t recommend metformin as my kidney consultant was against that due to the risk of lowering my kidney function when I’m on steroids to increase it.

I really hope I can make her understand I’m not trying to be awkward - just look after myself.

 

[ianf0ster]

…. I’ll be listening to the advice of the specialist nurses and doctors who are treating me at the hospital.

I also hope she doesn’t recommend metformin as my kidney consultant was against that due to the risk of lowering my kidney function when I’m on steroids to increase it.

I really hope I can make her understand I’m not trying to be awkward - just look after myself.

Just tell them what you have said here. You are trying to look after yourself by listening to the advice of the best specialists available to you.
If you don't say it in a nasty way, then how could they object to that!

 

[IBEX82]

Just tell them what you have said here. You are trying to look after yourself by listening to the advice of the best specialists available to you.
If you don't say it in a nasty way, then how could they object to that!

You’re right! I just think some nurses have issues when you’re disagreeing politely but I’ll try my best.. or nod and smile then forget the appointment when I walk out

 

[HSSS]

I agree. I’d politely say both the hospital specialists (diabetic nurse and dietician) have already advised you and covered the same ground and things are going well following their advice. As such you’d rather not take up valuable resources repeating the same education.