Prediabetes Pred

[New to this and scared]

Hi,

Just wanting some advice especially off of any ladies who have been in a similar position.

I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies. It was really difficult to control and I was on metformin and insulin (4 injections a day and over 70 units a day). I was regularly having hypos three times a day and having to eat practically all the time.

My HBA1C has never been in the normal range since my second baby was born. It now seems to be hovering at the 47 mark. I have been told that due to the way my gestational diabetes behaved and due to my physique (BMI is 21) there is a concern it is adult onset type 1.

I am trying to do a low carb diet but struggling. I do find myself thinking well if it's type 1 what is the point and why not enjoy having pancreatic function while I still can. But then I think it could still be type 2 in which case it will help to be low carb. I also wonder if It is wise to put too much demand on my insulin producing cells either way.

I have recently done a random blood glucose test that came back as 8.6. I had eaten a Graze flapjack an hour before hand so I can't help but want to dismiss this one. The plan now is to redo this test in 2-4 weeks. What does this mean? Would it not make more sense to do a fasting test?

 

[mouseee]

Do you mean redo the random bg test? There is a test for which type you are which I think is fasting. If you have a meter testing before and after a good would seem a good way to see how you react to carbs in the meantime. I will spike hugely after a slice of toast however husband who isn't diabetic can eat a whole pizza and still be 6.5.

I am not type 1 or had gestational d. Although I was tested for it and now I wonder if I might have had it when my daughter was born. However I understand your concern and your worries!

I think I'd be inclined to go LC until you have it confirmed which type you have (if you have). It should help your bg stabilise with or without pancreas working. It is hard but your hbac1 although high isn't diabetic yet. (Although I don't know previous numbers obvs) in my opinion it's worth the effort to keep that number where it is.

I'm sure others will be along with more useful information soon!

 

[EllieM]

If you're trying to differentiate between T1 and T2 then I would have thought that a c-peptide test would be the way to go, which measures how much insulin you are producing.... Usually it's high for T2 and low for T1, though there's a chance it won't be conclusive.

Do you have a blood testing meter? I'd suggest getting one and finding out what's happening to your levels. If you're T2 you'll find out what spikes your sugars, and if you're T1 then you'll need one once you progress to insulin...

Good luck. It's obviously not wonderful to be diabetic, but whichever type you are it can be managed and shouldn't stop you enjoying your life.

 

[New to this and scared]

They are thinking of doing another random blood glucose test. They won't do Cpep or anything like that until I'm diagnosed surely? Currently I am pre diabetic so wouldn't of thought it would give a conclusive result. I just feel a little in limbo and finding it difficult to change my diet etc. I have two small children and a husband who is severely challenged in the culinary department lol.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

They are thinking of doing another random blood glucose test. They won't do Cpep or anything like that until I'm diagnosed surely? Currently I am pre diabetic so wouldn't of thought it would give a conclusive result. I just feel a little in limbo and finding it difficult to change my diet etc. I have two small children and a husband who is severely challenged in the culinary department lol.

Not all T2's are obese. Ten percent never had any weight issues to begin with. I understand the way you're thinking, but honestly.... If you can do something to prevent becoming a diabetic, why wouldn't you? Odds are it IS T2, considering the GD. If it's not, you'll find out later, but if it is T2 you're approaching, you can head it off and just, you know.... Not become diabetic....? I know what I'd do if I still had the option. I was never told I was prediabetic (which I am still livid about, as it was in my file), but if I'd known, I also could've figured out carbs were my problem... I never would've gotten as bad as I got, pre-diagnosis. You have a chance here. I know, two small children and a husband who are still eating carbs can make things a little more complicated. But to me, my husband (we don't have kids) is my main motivation to get this thing licked. I'm not going to make him an early widower if I can help it, and he's already my carer, and I see no need to make his life harder/busier than it already is. It's for him that I do this, as I admittedly still care little to nothing for myself. If your family're having spuds, have some extra meat and veggies instead yourself. My husband's not eating low carb, and we still have meals together. It can be done. If you want to.

 

[New to this and scared]

Not all T2's are obese. Ten percent never had any weight issues to begin with. I understand the way you're thinking, but honestly.... If you can do something to prevent becoming a diabetic, why wouldn't you? Odds are it IS T2, considering the GD. If it's not, you'll find out later, but if it is T2 you're approaching, you can head it off and just, you know.... Not become diabetic....? I know what I'd do if I still had the option. I was never told I was prediabetic (which I am still livid about, as it was in my file), but if I'd known, I also could've figured out carbs were my problem... I never would've gotten as bad as I got, pre-diagnosis. You have a chance here. I know, two small children and a husband who are still eating carbs can make things a little more complicated. But to me, my husband (we don't have kids) is my main motivation to get this thing licked. I'm not going to make him an early widower if I can help it, and he's already my carer, and I see no need to make his life harder/busier than it already is. It's for him that I do this, as I admittedly still care little to nothing for myself. If your family're having spuds, have some extra meat and veggies instead yourself. My husband's not eating low carb, and we still have meals together. It can be done. If you want to.

Thanks for that I'm actually tempted to print your response and stick it on the fridge/biscuit tin/my locker at work. That was just the kick up the **** I needed.

Any other tips on low carbing? I'm particularly interested in breakfast ideas. All the websites I have read suggest eggs. I like eggs but rarely can I stomach them in the morning. I tend to go bland and carby for my brekkie.

 

[bulkbiker]

Thanks for that I'm actually tempted to print your response and stick it on the fridge/biscuit tin/my locker at work. That was just the kick up the **** I needed.

Any other tips on low carbing? I'm particularly interested in breakfast ideas. All the websites I have read suggest eggs. I like eggs but rarely can I stomach them in the morning. I tend to go bland and carby for my brekkie.

Ever thought of not having a morning meal at all?
MAybe just a fatty drink like coffee with cream?
Extending your overnight fast can help with blood sugar control and by not triggering an insulin response helps to reduce insulin resistance too. A win-win situation.

 

[New to this and scared]

Ever thought of not having a morning meal at all?
MAybe just a fatty drink like coffee with cream?
Extending your overnight fast can help with blood sugar control and by not triggering an insulin response helps to reduce insulin resistance too. A win-win situation.

Not sure I could cope with that. I normally feel sick with hunger by 9am and thats with breakfast at 6am. Is it a normal size coffee or a bucket? Lol

 

[EllieM]

Not sure I could cope with that. I normally feel sick with hunger by 9am and thats with breakfast at 6am. Is it a normal size coffee or a bucket? Lol

How about berries (you can defrost frozen ones in a microwave) and unsweetened full fat/Greek yogurt. Filling, delicious and only about 10 carbs (depending on quantities),

 

[bulkbiker]

Not sure I could cope with that. I normally feel sick with hunger by 9am and thats with breakfast at 6am. Is it a normal size coffee or a bucket? Lol

I usually have 2 * 400ml mugs with 10 ml of cream in each. If you are feeling sick with hunger then you aren't getting enough satiating fats in for breakfast.. what are you having usually?

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Thanks for that I'm actually tempted to print your response and stick it on the fridge/biscuit tin/my locker at work. That was just the kick up the **** I needed.

Any other tips on low carbing? I'm particularly interested in breakfast ideas. All the websites I have read suggest eggs. I like eggs but rarely can I stomach them in the morning. I tend to go bland and carby for my brekkie.

I didn't think eggs for breakfast would work for me either. But then, I guess I still don't have them for breakfast, I just have a large mug of tea, and have the eggs for lunch, unless I go for a salad then. You could try bulletproof coffee, (coffee with butter and coconut/mct oil), or with cream to fill you up good and proper... If eggs don't agree with you in the a.m., there's a load of options left. As has been suggested already, full fat greek yoghurt with berries could work, or you could add in some coconut shavings, maybe some nuts? You could throw together keto mug bread (one egg, half a teaspoon of baking powder, 15 grams of melted butter, 22 grams of almond flour, mix well in a mug and nuke in the microwave for a minute. Empty the mug, slice, maybe toast if you like that). Maybe have that with a slice of cheese and/or ham or... ?(I've tried making the bread with various things added into the batter, like garlic and italian herbs, cinnamon and erythritol, seasonal spices, cocoa powder and drops of extra dark chocolate, grated goat's cheese... The possibilities are endless.). It actually works as a pizza base too, when you toss the batter in a fryingpan. But that's way off the breakfast mark, I suppose. And there's a LOT more egg-free options here: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes/breakfasts/egg-free

Hope this helps.
Jo

 

[New to this and scared]

I usually have 2 * 400ml mugs with 10 ml of cream in each. If you are feeling sick with hunger then you aren't getting enough satiating fats in for breakfast.. what are you having usually?

I am new to this low carb diet. I would ordinarily have muesli or porridge. I know from when I had gestational diabetes that these were poor choices for blood sugars. I have tried low carb porridge which was OK I guess but very bland and an unusual texture. I have the ingredients for a low carb granola which I think I will make tommorrow. At the moment I'm having berries and full fat natural yoghurt which I don't find fills me up very long. My mornings are very busy, often involving an hours brisk walk with a dog and pushing a double buggy. I need a quick option that doesn't leave me with the hunger wobbles by 9am. Just out of interest, how active are you?

 

[New to this and scared]

I didn't think eggs for breakfast would work for me either. But then, I guess I still don't have them for breakfast, I just have a large mug of tea, and have the eggs for lunch, unless I go for a salad then. You could try bulletproof coffee, (coffee with butter and coconut/mct oil), or with cream to fill you up good and proper... If eggs don't agree with you in the a.m., there's a load of options left. As has been suggested already, full fat greek yoghurt with berries could work, or you could add in some coconut shavings, maybe some nuts? You could throw together keto mug bread (one egg, half a teaspoon of baking powder, 15 grams of melted butter, 22 grams of almond flour, mix well in a mug and nuke in the microwave for a minute. Empty the mug, slice, maybe toast if you like that). Maybe have that with a slice of cheese and/or ham or... ?(I've tried making the bread with various things added into the batter, like garlic and italian herbs, cinnamon and erythritol, seasonal spices, cocoa powder and drops of extra dark chocolate, grated goat's cheese... The possibilities are endless.). It actually works as a pizza base too, when you toss the batter in a fryingpan. But that's way off the breakfast mark, I suppose. And there's a LOT more egg-free options here: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes/breakfasts/egg-free

Hope this helps.
Jo

Thankyou I will try the microwave bread. I'm trying to adapt one meal at a time. At the moment it's breakfast, I think dinner will be most straightforward and lunch the trickiest.

 

[bulkbiker]

I am new to this low carb diet. I would ordinarily have muesli or porridge. I know from when I had gestational diabetes that these were poor choices for blood sugars. I have tried low carb porridge which was OK I guess but very bland and an unusual texture. I have the ingredients for a low carb granola which I think I will make tommorrow. At the moment I'm having berries and full fat natural yoghurt which I don't find fills me up very long. My mornings are very busy, often involving an hours brisk walk with a dog and pushing a double buggy. I need a quick option that doesn't leave me with the hunger wobbles by 9am. Just out of interest, how active are you?

Currently not especially but there was a time when I'd go to the gym fasted and exercise or swim 1km after only my coffee.
Eggs and bacon will always be the best start to the day if you feel the need to eat and can be wizzed up pretty quick in a microwave if you have one..?

 

[New to this and scared]

Currently not especially but there was a time when I'd go to the gym fasted and exercise or swim 1km after only my coffee.
Eggs and bacon will always be the best start to the day if you feel the need to eat and can be wizzed up pretty quick in a microwave if you have one..?

What about quorn sausages? I know they have more carbs than meat sausages but I worked out that two would contain about 11 carbs. Is that still to high? I was thinking high protein level would offset a little???

 

[bulkbiker]

What about quorn sausages? I know they have more carbs than meat sausages but I worked out that two would contain about 11 carbs. Is that still to high? I was thinking high protein level would offset a little???

Why quorn and not proper meat sausages?

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Thankyou I will try the microwave bread. I'm trying to adapt one meal at a time. At the moment it's breakfast, I think dinner will be most straightforward and lunch the trickiest.

If the bread works for you, that'd be fine for lunch too. You'll get the hang of this, no worries.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Thankyou I will try the microwave bread. I'm trying to adapt one meal at a time. At the moment it's breakfast, I think dinner will be most straightforward and lunch the trickiest.

And just in case, as you mentioned preferring Quorn to meat sausages: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/vegetarian-diet-forum.71/ might help. Low carbing is a little more tricky when you're a vegeratian or vegan, but there are those who do it for medical, ethical or religious reasons, and you'll find them there.