Still confused and getting more so!

Margaretindevon said:

Hi All,
Please could I beg a little more help? I have been busy reading a lot of books, reading a lot on forums, and reading a lot on the internet and to be quite honest I don't know what is fact and what is fiction.

Firstly can someone tell me exactly what BG levels I should be aiming for to be as normal as possible with this disease? My cousin who is also type 2 says his range to aim for is between 5 and 10? Also is it the case that it should never, ever, be over 7? If so, what about non-diabetics who test higher than 7 after a meal? Why is it Ok for them and not for diabetics? If over 7 kills off diabetics beta cells then does it not do so for non-diabetics?

Range should be under 7 ,Margaret.Yes nondiabetics can go up as well,it's how fast they come back to normal that is important.

Next, can someone clear up for me the time to test after meals? I have seen recommended 1 hour, 11/2 hours, and 2 hours? I can be quite a bit lower at 2 hours than 11/2 hours. So if two hours is what I should be doing it at then my numbers are appreciably better than I thought!

Test 2 hours after meals

If you are eating a low carb diet, do you have to count calories as well? Surely, if energy intake, in whatever form, exceeds energy output, then you are going to gain weight? I worry about the total calorie count of some of the low carb recipes I have seen.

Lowering carb intake is important to lower your blood sugars.Do you need to lose weight?

Has anyone anything to say about the low carb cereals and bread mixes available? I have Fergus' recipe for a low carb bread, which I intend to try, but wondered about the other things advertised on such sites as Avidlite? I am not an enthusiastic cook, and like my food simple. Having raised four kids I always said if the day ever dawned where I could issue them with a pill in the morning and say that was it for the day I should be in seventh heaven. So simple, quick and easy is the way for me. I am not a lover of salad, hate tomatoes and will eat fish at any time! The thoughts of being able to have a low carb "summat" at bedtime, other than cheese makes me drool. Also, what is the benefits of all the different flours I have seen in the recipes? When I looked on the packets at our local health food shop they all seemed pretty high in carbs to me, so I can't see the point in substituting one for another?

How long after starting on a low/restricted carb diet would it be before one should see some results? I seem to be all over the place at the moment. Is it a matter of two or three weeks or more like six months? I appreciate exercise comes into the equation, but I AM 71 next month and not in my 30's! There is a limit as to how far my joints like walking, I am sorry but 10,000 steps and mountaineering is not on!
Sorry about all the questions. I just don't seem to be able to get a grip on all this at all.
Margaret

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Margaretindevon said:

Hi All,
Please could I beg a little more help? I have been busy reading a lot of books, reading a lot on forums, and reading a lot on the internet and to be quite honest I don't know what is fact and what is fiction.

Firstly can someone tell me exactly what BG levels I should be aiming for to be as normal as possible with this disease? My cousin who is also type 2 says his range to aim for is between 5 and 10? Also is it the case that it should never, ever, be over 7? If so, what about non-diabetics who test higher than 7 after a meal? Why is it Ok for them and not for diabetics? If over 7 kills off diabetics beta cells then does it not do so for non-diabetics?

Overnight fasting - 5-6, 2 hours after food - below 7. You will probably go up to 10 1 hour after food. With proper control, the bs will drop quickly , as it does for non-diabs whose normal level is 4-5.

Next, can someone clear up for me the time to test after meals? I have seen recommended 1 hour, 11/2 hours, and 2 hours? I can be quite a bit lower at 2 hours than 11/2 hours. So if two hours is what I should be doing it at then my numbers are appreciably better than I thought!

Occasionally 1 hour after to see the spike from particular foods, but 2 hours tells how your body/medication is coping.

If you are eating a low carb diet, do you have to count calories as well? Surely, if energy intake, in whatever form, exceeds energy output, then you are going to gain weight? I worry about the total calorie count of some of the low carb recipes I have seen.

I don't count calories, nor carbs. I just reduced carbs by about 2/3, & cut out a cereal supper. I fill up with extra veg (not potatoes) nuts & cheese.

Has anyone anything to say about the low carb cereals and bread mixes available? I have Fergus' recipe for a low carb bread, which I intend to try, but wondered about the other things advertised on such sites as Avidlite? I am not an enthusiastic cook, and like my food simple. Having raised four kids I always said if the day ever dawned where I could issue them with a pill in the morning and say that was it for the day I should be in seventh heaven. So simple, quick and easy is the way for me. I am not a lover of salad, hate tomatoes and will eat fish at any time! The thoughts of being able to have a low carb "summat" at bedtime, other than cheese makes me drool. Also, what is the benefits of all the different flours I have seen in the recipes? When I looked on the packets at our local health food shop they all seemed pretty high in carbs to me, so I can't see the point in substituting one for another?

The dietitians will tell you to go low GI, but that means the carbs will stay in your system longer & produce the same amount of glucose with a reduced 1 hour spike. Soya & lentil flour will be lower carb. I've seen ground almonds used as flour, though haven't tried the recipes. I've got a lot of flour to use up on other people, bought before reduced carb.

How long after starting on a low/restricted carb diet would it be before one should see some results? I seem to be all over the place at the moment. Is it a matter of two or three weeks or more like six months? I appreciate exercise comes into the equation, but I AM 71 next month and not in my 30's! There is a limit as to how far my joints like walking, I am sorry but 10,000 steps and mountaineering is not on!

Overnight bs should show in days, weight loss in weeks (I lost a stone in 3 months.) I am 70 next year, & earlier this year I thought my active life was over as my mobility was greatly reduced by muscle pain. Two months of reduced carb & my activity was restored & 3 months I'm back to normal. I go with my wife to a heart rehab gym session at the hospital twice a week, & play tennis at club standard.

Sorry about all the questions. I just don't seem to be able to get a grip on all this at all.
Margaret

One final question - Why are there always more questions than answers, Grandad :?:

Ian

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Margaretindevon said:

There's a law about that............I think it begins with S..!!
Margaret

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