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Reduction in HBA1C on sliming world diet

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brambles

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11
Location
Scotland
As a T2 I have lost 19.5lbs on slimming world diet in 13 weeks so 1.5 lbs a week steady progress.

I was having hypos and went to my GP who said that I no longer need glimepiride to lower my levels as my weight loss was doing this . My HBA1C in June this year was 7.4, it has just been re done 3 months later (which relates to same period of my weight loss) and I now have an HBA1c of 6.4

I am delighted to be making progress; I was diagnosed in June 2010, I have only a few lbs to go to give me a BMI of 22.5 (currently BMI 24.0). Still on metformin at present.

I am fortunate to have a GP who allows me to have strips and I have found through regular testing whilst on this diet that I can eat any amount of fruit (incl bananas) and any amount of potatoes, white rice or white pasta with no effect on my readings.

As thrilled as I (and my GP) are I was wondering if any experienced diabetic can explain how a higher than previous carb diet can reduce my HBA1C?

Any explanations would be appreciated to help me understand better
 
The answer, as usual, starts with 'it's complicated'...

High BGs are cause by (either/or) a combination of not enough insulin being produced *or* an inability to use it properly.

There is a school of thought that rapid weight loss shortly after diagnosis to achieve a normal BMI (Well Done!!!) may allow the pancreas to recover a bit - but a bit controversial, so a bit more insulin will help, irrespective of diet.

The greater contributor, in your case, is more likely to be a big improvement in the way your body actually makes use of insulin, due to reduction in the amount of fat in your body, and also an increase in effective muscle mass if you've been doing sustained exercise.

So, while an increase in carbs would (for almost all people) count towards higher BG and A1c, the improved 'performance' of your body is obviously enough to not only counter that, but also reduce both readings.

Most people (and I number among them) would suggest that a lower carb regime after you hit your final weight will be a help in long term BG management.

In the meantime, good luck and keep up the good work!

Mark
 
Excellent news on the weight loss and improved Hba1c! :)

Nigel
 
Thank you so much for the advice-I have not been doing any additional exercise during the 3 months of weight loss. I do walk on average 3 miles a day with my dogs, but I have always done that.

This is the first time I have posted a question on this site, (although I always read the comments), and am delighted that people can share their knowledge like this with us newbies.
Thanks for the encouragement too, it really spurs me on.

Susan
 
brambles said:
Thanks for the encouragement too, it really spurs me on.

Susan
Click to expand...

Thanks for your story it inspires others to know they can also achieve positive things like you have. I'm not there yet but my BMI is no longer obese, so seeing your story lets me know what treats I can consider when I get there!
 
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