Pre-diabetes reversal despite the dietician

[puntajohn]

I have every sympathy with srg100 I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic /Borderline diabetic last April I was really upset and decided to grab the bull by the horns. I immediately went online and read many articles on this forum and others regarding diets etc. I also went to a few seminars where dietitians would not hear of the Low card diet.
I came to the conclusion that the NHS, good as it is, takes a long time to acknowledge that they may have got it all wrong. In the meantime we are still fed the same old advice; Low fat to loose weight.
As I had struggled to keep my weight down with Low fat in the past I went for the low carb, in about eight weeks weeks I had lost 13lb and in three months I had dropped my Hba1c from 49 down to 42 much to my relief and even more to the surprise of my doctor and the diabetes nurse. I had some problems with leg and foot pain which may have been caused by my overkill and as I am now very slightly relaxing the carbs I am very aware that it is a slippery slope. I am almost 75 so count myself lucky anyway but would not want to be a burden to my family if I can avoid it. I am still overweight at 185 lbs and 5ft 9 and am struggling to loose the next 10 to 14 lbs which would be nearer where I should be. Next line of attack is portion sizes and a good read of the Carbs and cals book.
I still avoid Bread, pasta, potatoes and only eat rice very occasionally. Cakes biscuits sugar sweets are never considered and I have cut the beer down to about two pints a week sometimes three.

 

[callyandy]

I have every sympathy with srg100 I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic /Borderline diabetic last April I was really upset and decided to grab the bull by the horns. I immediately went online and read many articles on this forum and others regarding diets etc. I also went to a few seminars where dietitians would not hear of the Low card diet.
I came to the conclusion that the NHS, good as it is, takes a long time to acknowledge that they may have got it all wrong. In the meantime we are still fed the same old advice; Low fat to loose weight.
As I had struggled to keep my weight down with Low fat in the past I went for the low carb, in about eight weeks weeks I had lost 13lb and in three months I had dropped my Hba1c from 49 down to 42 much to my relief and even more to the surprise of my doctor and the diabetes nurse. I had some problems with leg and foot pain which may have been caused by my overkill and as I am now very slightly relaxing the carbs I am very aware that it is a slippery slope. I am almost 75 so count myself lucky anyway but would not want to be a burden to my family if I can avoid it. I am still overweight at 185 lbs and 5ft 9 and am struggling to loose the next 10 to 14 lbs which would be nearer where I should be. Next line of attack is portion sizes and a good read of the Carbs and cals book.
I still avoid Bread, pasta, potatoes and only eat rice very occasionally. Cakes biscuits sugar sweets are never considered and I have cut the beer down to about two pints a week sometimes three.

Well done. Absolutely fabulous success. I hear the last pounds are the hardest to shift, but don't force it. It will happen.

 

[callyandy]

Thanks for that.
I've had a look at Carbs and Calcs but I don't think it has the foods I usually eat. Maybe I'll have another look.

I know Dr Unwin is on Twitter but I don't do social media so seeing him here is great!

Hi, and may I add my congratulations at your strong stance with the NHS team. As you've read, this is the place to be, from my very short experience (30 September 2016) I've learnt so much. My big problem was portion control. I cut out all obvious carbs, bread pots etc, but looked at the amount I was eating. The higher fat content in my diet has made it easier to feel full for longer, and I also conciously eat slower.But, you might ry a carb/calorie counter too. I was recommended https//cronometer/com , it's american and won't have all the foods you eat, but you can add/customise things you eat. There are loads of alternatives out there which might suit you better.

The positive changes so far will stand you in good stead for the future, I think the key to these life changes we have "chosen" to make is that we should enjoy the food we eat. It's not just fuel, but a very important part of our lives.

Good luck for the future, Keep posting.

 

[dbr10]

Please excuse me while I rant a bit!! Need to get this off my chest...

I was very disappointed, especially as my GP thought it would be helpful.

Anyway that's my story. Hope it wasn't too long!!

Thanks for listening )

You've done very well to reduce your HbA1c. Ignore the incorrect diet advice and carry on as you are. I often think some HCPs are trying to kill us.

 

[kokhongw]

I could try stopping eating earlier in the evening -

That would be an excellent idea.

 

[srg100]

Thanks to everyone who replied to me. And for all your support.

BTW Anyone know if there's any way I can get an alert when there's a new posting on a thread?

 

[dbr10]

Thanks to everyone who replied to me. And for all your support.

BTW Anyone know if there's any way I can get an alert when there's a new posting on a thread?

I think it's the + sign at the top

 

[Energize]

BTW Anyone know if there's any way I can get an alert when there's a new posting on a thread?

For me, it says 'Watch Thread' top right on this page. Click and you'll be notified. Click again if you want to stop being notified
Well done @srg100

 

[srg100]

I think it's the + sign at the top

Thanks

 

[srg100]

For me, it says 'Watch Thread' top right on this page. Click and you'll be notified. Click again if you want to stop being notified
Well done @srg100

Thanks - I thought it would send an email - I see that I have to check in with my account to check if there are any.
Thanks for your support too

 

[ikoz]

hi, ask your diabetic nurse about DESMOND , it's an all day session which will answer all your questions and gives guidance on diet

 

[ikoz]

this is my third post so the link should be allowed www.desmond-project.org.uk

 

[callyandy]

For me, diet and exercise each and every day and most importantly quick weight loss is what got it under control. I lost 40kg(88 pounds) very quickly. I soon noticed that just 15 minutes of cardio would lower blood glucose for the rest of the day.

Over the months I noticed morning readings and after breakfast were slowing coming down(afternoon and evening were always lower than breakfast... I guess I was very insulin resistant in the mornings), and 12 months later and eating a bigger higher carb breakfast with bread etc, it's now around 4.8 to 5.0 after breakfast. Fasting now always between 4.0-4.9.

It takes sacrifice and a high degree of dedication(I even got an Apple Watch to track my activity to motivate me to not be lazy), but it can be reversed. I'm now more relaxed with my diet, but being at higher risk, it's important not to gain weight and to continue to check blood glucose for any change, as it would be foolish to just forget about it, as next time may not be so lucky.

What a fab message. You've shown that we need to take responsibility for ourselves and make lifestyle adjustments to ensure our future health . We need more of Joe Public to see the positive results of this attitude. Unfortunately, there are a lot out there who expect good health to be delivered to them on a plate (please excuse the pun)

 

[srg100]

this is my third post so the link should be allowed www.desmond-project.org.uk

Thanks. I'll look into this.

 

[daisyduck]

hi, ask your diabetic nurse about DESMOND , it's an all day session which will answer all your questions and gives guidance on diet

I went on the DESMOND course and they promoted the Eatwell plate. This was 2 years ago so hopefully they may have changed their info ?

 

[Hedonista]

I recently saw a consultant for a chest problem (had pneumonia) and when I told her I'd been diagnosed with pre-diabetes a couple of years ago and eliminated sugar and drastically reduced carbs she gave me a big grin and said 'you've done all the right things!', so I guess it's filtering through one way or another.

 

[srg100]

I recently saw a consultant for a chest problem (had pneumonia) and when I told her I'd been diagnosed with pre-diabetes a couple of years ago and eliminated sugar and drastically reduced carbs she gave me a big grin and said 'you've done all the right things!', so I guess it's filtering through one way or another.

Good to hear!!