I thought I'd give a brief update but without too much analysis because it makes my brain hurt!!
Firstly, the break from work appears to have done it's job and I haven't felt as anxious.
I didn't test for 5 weeks but did test whilst on holiday in Turkey from 8th august until 25th. Although the 33-40 degree heat range affected me physically it didn't seem to affect my BG. By physically I mean fluid in lower legs and ankles and perspiration. My friends laugh at me because I take cold showers and I don't get under the bed covers!
The first week I stayed with meat eaters. Managed to keep to my usual 50g carbs max. Average meter reading 5.7. No exercise taken.
The second week I stayed with occasional meat eaters. Had one meal where meat was included. Carb intake went up to max 90g. What interested me was my BG didn't rise significantly and my average reading didn't rise. This may be due to the fact I had my usual walk each evening or during the day on odd occasions. Unfortunately only two meals a day and I struggled with that. I'm not very good at asking for things. Any way I survived but had quite a few 4.8 readings which is a little low for me personally.
For the last 2 nights I was back with the meat eaters so I got my strength back.
Overall I never felt the inclination to overindulge. I adore watermelon but limited myself to two cubes once a day. I didn't want to appear a total control freak so I had the equivalent of a quarter slice of bread each day. If rice was served, I had a dessert spoon quantity. Turkish pasta ... Again a dessert spoonful. Lots of beans, okra, olives, salad, cheese and home made yoghurt made from sheep's milk.
I lost 3lbs during my holiday. I usually do because I'm polite and don't stuff my face in public lol!
The good meter readings, despite increased carb consumption has made me realise I may now be able to tolerate more carbs.
Another factor:
I have lost 36% of my original body weight this time last year. Some of that loss being due, I think, to in diagnosed diabetes. I think the benefits of the weight loss may be kicking in. BMI now 28.5 but I still have some way to go.
This evening my daughter decided to go to McDonald's. This isn't a lace I would normally frequent but I decided to conduct a little experiment, eating something I haven't touched in a year. .. French fries!! Potato!! I had a small serving with mozzarella in breadcrumbs (ate all the mozzarella but only the coating of one. The total carbs for the meal was 45g carbs, almost a total daily amount in my usual daily diet.
Readings:
Before. 5
After 1 hr. 5.8
After 2 hrs. 5.7
After 3 hrs. 5.8
After 3.5 hrs. 5.1
I must stress that I will not be eating this type of food again. It doesn't appeal to me at all any more. I also don't wish to go back to carb fests. Just an interesting experiment for me. Once I reach my target weight I will need to jiggle around with carbs and menus so if I am able to tolerate a few more carbs that may help.
Of course the new term begins next Thursday ... I'm already worrying about the new curriculum arrangements and working with a different colleague ( we don't have the same working methods :-(. )
So ... There it is. I'm happy but in no way complacent.