Really, really confused....Type2.

[GeorginaL]

Hi everyone,

I'm still fairly new to this site so apologies if this is in the wrong place.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 4 years ago and put straight onto metformin. However, because there was an awful lot of other stuff going on in my life I basically ignored it. Due to university I was moving around lot so haven't really had regular blood tests/ checks.
Anyway, about 2 months ago I decided to get serious about this, so I bought a meter and strips and have been cutting down on the carbs. I was kind of surprised how easily my levels came into the non diabetic range, they came down to non diabetic levels within a day or two. So, like I said I've been trying, and I've lost a stone and a bit, but I haven't been perfect. The confusing thing is that the occasional blowout doesn't seem to be affecting my sugars at all. For example, last Saturday I had a KFC as a treat, four mini filliets and a large chips, I tested my blood sugar after every hour for four hours, no reading above 6. Again, yesterday I ate a ridiculous amount of chocolate buttons, no reading about 6.5. I also seem to be able to tolerate chips/ bread? On the other hand, I know my fasting sugars are higher than they should be, between 5 and 6.5, so I really have no idea what's going on? Is it possible to have mild diabetes? Or is the metformin just working extra hard?

 

[urbanracer]

Hi @GeorginaL

Well done on getting your levels down!

You write that "there was an awful lot of other stuff going on in my life" , does this mean that you were under a lot of stress at the time of your diagnosis? What are your a1c results?

I am surprised that the KFC only had a minimal effect, maybe you are pre-diabetic and you've given your pancreas a bit of a rest by cutting down on the carbs, thus allowing it to cope with the odd blowout? Will be interested to read what others say in response to this.

Your fasting sugars look pretty good, you're only a liitle bit above the NICE recommended level for a non-diabetic.

 

[copey399]

Hi @GeorginaL

Well done on getting your levels down!

You write that "there was an awful lot of other stuff going on in my life" , does this mean that you were under a lot of stress at the time of your diagnosis? What are your a1c results?

I am surprised that the KFC only had a minimal effect, maybe you are pre-diabetic and you've given your pancreas a bit of a rest by cutting down on the carbs, thus allowing it to cope with the odd blowout? Will be interested to read what others say in response to this.

Your fasting sugars look pretty good, you're only a liitle bit above the NICE recommended level for a non-diabetic.
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I'm confused now because you say Georgina's levels are only a little above the NICE recommendations but surely 6 is within non diabetic range i.e. under 7? I know it's probably me not understanding but I do need to understand because I was thinking my levels being in the 6s will show me as being within range when I have my next (and first since doing low carb) test next week.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I'm confused now because you say Georgina's levels are only a little above the NICE recommendations but surely 6 is within non diabetic range i.e. under 7? I know it's probably me not understanding but I do need to understand because I was thinking my levels being in the 6s will show me as being within range when I have my next (and first since doing low carb) test next week.

I think Urbanracer must be referring to her fasting levels between 5 and 6.5. The non-diabetic range is under 5.9.

 

[urbanracer]

I'm confused now because you say Georgina's levels are only a little above the NICE recommendations but surely 6 is within non diabetic range i.e. under 7? I know it's probably me not understanding but I do need to understand because I was thinking my levels being in the 6s will show me as being within range when I have my next (and first since doing low carb) test next week.

I think Urbanracer must be referring to her fasting levels between 5 and 6.5. The non-diabetic range is under 5.9.

Yes, thanks @Bluetit1802 , @GeorginaL stated that her fasting levels were higher than they should be @copey399 . They are only a little above the non-diabetic range and easily within the range if considering meter reading errors.

 

[copey399]

I'm still not getting it, sorry When I go for my next blood test it's non-fasting. My averages on my meter are:

7 days 6.7
14 days 6.4
30 days 6.3
90 days 7.4 (these included some before I started LC/HF.)

I know they're only as good as what I've recorded but I test morning on getting up, 2 hours after meals (or as close as convenience permits) and always before bed. I take it that even though it's under 7 now (as per that chart) it's still not good enough then. I'm still in the diabetic range

Sorry @GeorginaL Don't want to Hijack your thread but I'm as confused as you ..lol

Edit: Oh the penny has finally dropped about the non-diabetic being 5.9. Duh - I can be so thick sometimes (blush)

 

[Daibell]

Hi. The good thing about the low-carb diet with Metformin is that you lose weight and any insulin resistance comes down. Once down the insulin resistance only goes up again over time if you eat too much again. As a result you can now have the occasional binge and your insulin will handle it.