Struggling to get hba1c under 56 mmol

[Millie74]

Hi @Millie74 if you prefer to eat cold breakfast (I do) you ight like a small amount of cold meat and cheese which is quick to grab and keeps you feeling full. I have one slice HiLo toast (Sainsburys, buy one loaf and freeze individual slices for the week) cooled with thick good quality butter. Have a look at Rollitos in the 3 for £7 deli range at M&S. they are another useful, delish and quick thing to eat. Finally I agree getting a meter is essential. There is a thing called an Accuchek Fastclix to use instead of the finger pricker that comes with the meter. You load it with a cartridge of 6 and can adjust the the comfort pressure of each one. You can reuse each one several times. One cartridge lasts me several months.
To me tackling Diabetes without a meter is like crossing a busy road with a blindfold on. Good luck with everything.

Thank you so much. Am realising I need to order a metre. Keep hoping I can do without. I had greek yoghurt and 10 raspberries for breakfast and steak salad for lunch. But as you have all said, I don’t know what bs reading they have given me post meal. Thanks for the advice on metre too. I can see your point about it’s like tackling it blind folded. What cheese do you have with the meat? Do you get your best readings on this at breakfast? Are any of the Spanish hams, chorizo, salamis ok?

 

[Bluetit1802]

Thank you so much. Am realising I need to order a metre. Keep hoping I can do without. I had greek yoghurt and 10 raspberries for breakfast and steak salad for lunch. But as you have all said, I don’t know what bs reading they have given me post meal. Thanks for the advice on metre too. I can see your point about it’s like tackling it blind folded. What cheese do you have with the meat? Do you get your best readings on this at breakfast? Are any of the Spanish hams, chorizo, salamis ok?

Everyone reacts differently to foods. A meter will rtell you in seconds if the Spanish hams, chorizo and salami are OK for YOU. I found that even raspberries in Greek Yogurt for breakfast would not do for me. I also found that a couple of small potatoes are fine but a slice of normal bread is a no-no. I can also manage a few other foods that others on heere cannot handle. Carrots and peas spring to mind. A meter will become your best friend.

 

[VashtiB]

I think the best way to think of your meter is that it will give you a lot more freedom. The frequent testing doesn't last long but it does give you the opportunity to try new foods. Something that I can't eat for example you may be able to.

I'm doing under 20 grams of carbs at the moment because I want to get my blood sugars down as quickly as possibloe- also because I'm an all or nothing person. I actually find the calculations easier then the many diets I have followed. Many meats, cheeses etc have zero or close to zero carbs so you don't need to weigh them every time and can have more if you are hungry.

My plan is to try to increase the carbs after my levels have been down and steady for at least 6 months- I couldn't do that without a meter.

As I said the frequent testing doesn't last forever.

Good luck.

 

[Millie74]

I think the best way to think of your meter is that it will give you a lot more freedom. The frequent testing doesn't last long but it does give you the opportunity to try new foods. Something that I can't eat for example you may be able to.

I'm doing under 20 grams of carbs at the moment because I want to get my blood sugars down as quickly as possibloe- also because I'm an all or nothing person. I actually find the calculations easier then the many diets I have followed. Many meats, cheeses etc have zero or close to zero carbs so you don't need to weigh them every time and can have more if you are hungry.

My plan is to try to increase the carbs after my levels have been down and steady for at least 6 months- I couldn't do that without a meter.

As I said the frequent testing doesn't last forever.

Good luck.

Thank you. I will order one. I am trying to do as close to 40g carbs as I can. I have realised that it is simpler to have meat and salad or veg to keep it down. I had 2 eggs and half an avocado today. I hope that it isn’t the case as the nurse said that I am not producing enough insulin, so need more drugs. I can still see ways to improve diet. What is your hba1c like. Will you be eating 3 meals a day still. What do you eat? Are you on any meds? Sorry about all the questions. Useful to share experiences.

 

[bulkbiker]

as the nurse said that I am not producing enough insulin

Did they do any tests to show what your insulin production is? Or were they guessing.

 

[Millie74]

Did they do any tests to show what your insulin production is? Or were they guessing.

No tests. Just guessing. Diabetic nurse told me that there is no test to find out whether you are either insulin resistant or not producing enough insulin. So a complete guess.

I have just had 2 eggs and half an avocado for breakfast. I am having chicken salad for lunch! Having a tiny portion prawn curry for tea. Going to try even harder with lower carb and hope for the best. I appreciate all the advice here. Wish I had joined in Jan now. I was having cereal for breakfast and wholemeal pitta sometimes at lunch. That must have been too much. If I can improve by diet I will. Plus started running in addition to everything else. I’m only 9st 12. But will aim for 9st.

Diabetic nurse tried to call me when I was teaching Dance. Hopefully she’ll call back later. I don’t know what she’ll say about me taking myself off the SGLT2. I felt awful on it and my anxiety was high. I tolerate a high dose of metformin well.

 

[bulkbiker]

No tests. Just guessing. Diabetic nurse told me that there is no test to find out whether you are either insulin resistant or not producing enough insulin. So a complete guess.

Which is complete rubbish of course but hey why should we expect a nurse specialising in diabetes to actually know anything... Sometimes it makes me want to cry...

Having a tiny portion prawn curry for tea

No need to reduce food portions just the carb content..
Add a load of extra prawns but no rice..

 

[Brunneria]

No tests. Just guessing. Diabetic nurse told me that there is no test to find out whether you are either insulin resistant or not producing enough insulin. So a complete guess.

I have just had 2 eggs and half an avocado for breakfast. I am having chicken salad for lunch! Having a tiny portion prawn curry for tea. Going to try even harder with lower carb and hope for the best. I appreciate all the advice here. Wish I had joined in Jan now. I was having cereal for breakfast and wholemeal pitta sometimes at lunch. That must have been too much. If I can improve by diet I will. Plus started running in addition to everything else. I’m only 9st 12. But will aim for 9st.

Diabetic nurse tried to call me when I was teaching Dance. Hopefully she’ll call back later. I don’t know what she’ll say about me taking myself off the SGLT2. I felt awful on it and my anxiety was high. I tolerate a high dose of metformin well.

Insulin resistance can be calculated from two separate tests - current blood sugar and current insulin levels.
The calculation is the HOMA-R which you can look up online.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostatic_model_assessment
Unfortunately, the current insulin test (usually taken first thing in the morning) is not available on the NHS. In fact it appears that most NHS staff do not even know the test exists.

I have paid privately for fasting insulin (not v expensive) and was able to do my own HOMA-R calc.
Your nurse probably doesn’t know this is possible.

The limitation of the calculation is that blood glucose and insulin resistance both vary significantly during the day (in those with dysfunctional bg control) so all you ever get is a ‘snapshot’, but it can still be very useful and informative.

There is often a general assumption on this forum that T2=insulin resistant.
This isn’t always the case, but it is true for the majority.

 

[Millie74]

Which is complete rubbish of course but hey why should we expect a nurse specialising in diabetes to actually know anything... Sometimes it makes me want to cry...

I know. I do ask a lot of questions that can’t be answered. I never have pasta, rice, potatoes now with meals since my diagnosis. I thought portion control might help. I only had one serving spoon of home made chilli con carne last night and my stomach rumbling kept me awake. Anyway, hoping she is wrong with her guess. Really determined to improve hba1c with diet.



No need to reduce food portions just the carb content..
Add a load of extra prawns but no rice..

 

[bulkbiker]

Carry on asking the questions..there will always be someone here with a response.
Don't starve yourself though as it's not sustainable.

 

[Millie74]

Insulin resistance can be calculated from two separate tests - current blood sugar and current insulin levels.
The calculation is the HOMA-R which you can look up online.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostatic_model_assessment
Unfortunately, the current insulin test (usually taken first thing in the morning) is not available on the NHS. In fact it appears that most NHS staff do not even know the test exists.

I have paid privately for fasting insulin (not v expensive) and was able to do my own HOMA-R calc.
Your nurse probably doesn’t know this is possible.

The limitation of the calculation is that blood glucose and insulin resistance both vary significantly during the day (in those with dysfunctional bg control) so all you ever get is a ‘snapshot’, but it can still be very useful and informative.

There is often a general assumption on this forum that T2=insulin resistant.
This isn’t always the case, but it is true for the majority.

Very interesting. Was told no such test available. I’ll wait to see what November hba1c is. Then decide what to do next. I just pray it goes down again. Thanks for your help. New to this.

 

[Millie74]

Carry on asking the questions..there will always be someone here with a response.
Don't starve yourself though as it's not sustainable.

Thank you. Everyone has been very supportive. It’s good to get some experienced advice.

 

[VashtiB]

HI- I'm glad you are going to get a meter. I usually only eat two meals during the week- I haven't ye found a breakfast I like that I can eat at work. I start early. During the weekend I have bacon and eggs- no toast. I sometimes add spinach, mushrooms You can also have omelettes, or any egg based thing- try googling Keto quiche, frittata etc.

I a smoked salmon salad for lunch, Dinner varies- crispy skin salmon fillet, steak I use cauliflower rice, cauliflower and broccoli mash (yummy with cheese).

I sometimes have a Keto baked egg custard which is also good.

 

[Millie74]

HI- I'm glad you are going to get a meter. I usually only eat two meals during the week- I haven't ye found a breakfast I like that I can eat at work. I start early. During the weekend I have bacon and eggs- no toast. I sometimes add spinach, mushrooms You can also have omelettes, or any egg based thing- try googling Keto quiche, frittata etc.

I a smoked salmon salad for lunch, Dinner varies- crispy skin salmon fillet, steak I use cauliflower rice, cauliflower and broccoli mash (yummy with cheese).

I sometimes have a Keto baked egg custard which is also good.

I have just done a Keto/ low carb shopping order. Thanks for the ideas. I also watched the Dr Jung film on Diet Doctor link. What he says makes sense. He also recommends intermittent fasting. Do you do this. Today I am just going to have omelette at 11am and chicken salad for dinner. I’m not sure what to do about metformin. Think best to take 1000mg at 11am and obviously 1000mg at dinner today. I’ll try anything if it works. Only thing with fasting is probably not getting all fibre and nutrition you need as limited intake. Like coffee and cream idea in morning. But do you think it will raise blood sugar?

 

[VashtiB]

No coffee and cream will not raise your blood sugar- it's fine.

If you worry about fibre (as I do) add some spinach leaves to your omelette or eat them with your omelette.

I effectively do the intermittent fasting by doing the 16/8 that is fasting for 16 hours. I think I was aways told' breakfast is the most important meal of the day' but actually maybe not. I would miss my even ing meal much more than. breakfast.

I don't do it everyday as on weekends I sometimes meet up with people for brunch. I find bacon and eggs work without toast.

If you worry about nutrition I suggest that when you get your first blood test review from the doctor ask for tests for other things like magnesium and b12. then if those tests show a lack of those you can deal with it. My daughter is a vegan and has to do those tests every year to make sure her nation is adequate.

 

[Millie74]

No coffee and cream will not raise your blood sugar- it's fine.

If you worry about fibre (as I do) add some spinach leaves to your omelette or eat them with your omelette.

I effectively do the intermittent fasting by doing the 16/8 that is fasting for 16 hours. I think I was aways told' breakfast is the most important meal of the day' but actually maybe not. I would miss my even ing meal much more than. breakfast.

I don't do it everyday as on weekends I sometimes meet up with people for brunch. I find bacon and eggs work without toast.

If you worry about nutrition I suggest that when you get your first blood test review from the doctor ask for tests for other things like magnesium and b12. then if those tests show a lack of those you can deal with it. My daughter is a vegan and has to do those tests every year to make sure her nation is adequate.

I have just added spinach to the omelette. Thank you. Constipation is becoming an issue with lower carbs. I did the fasting yesterday. Lunch and dinner. Was tough. Was hungry. I think avocado are good in fibre value, but high cal. I’d love to get to 9st and lose another 12 pounds. Hoping the 5:2 fasting may help. I am waiting to take metformin at lunch/ brunch time. Do you think that’s ok? Then again with dinner. On normal days would take in morning with breakfast.

So with coffee and cream (which I love). Will it raise your cholesterol? My cholesterol ok at mo. No medication for that.

Are you on metformin? Hope I can lower to 48 at least on my own without additional drugs. The side effects list on all of them look dreadful. The SGLT2 definitely wasn’t for me.

I will ask re B12 test. Could I take a multi vitamin?

Thanks for all you responses.

 

[bulkbiker]

not getting all fibre

Want to blow your mind..? watch this

 

[bulkbiker]

. Constipation is becoming an issue with lower carbs

Is it constipation (painful) or simply "going" less which is often a feature of the "less **** in less **** out" nature of eating properly? Many people are used to "going" daily or more than once per day. Once you cut carbs down appreciably there is literally less to come out so you may not need to go so often.

Edited by moderator

 

[Millie74]

Is it constipation (painful) or simply "going" less which is often a feature of the "less **** in less **** out" nature of eating properly? Many people are used to "going" daily or more than once per day. Once you cut carbs down appreciably there is literally less to come out so you may not need to go so often

Wow interesting link. Thanks for sharing. It’s quite controversial as it goes against current advice, even on the x- pert diabetes course of aiming for 30g of fibre a day, which is in reality impossible.

I have only ever been for a number 2 every 3rd day for years. It’s just it was the third day yesterday and didn’t go and I put it down to a lack of fibre and lower carb/ food intake. Then I thought oh no, I need the all bran again. Which as this lecture expressed was a 1980s view. I’ve been eating it since the 80s.

I just had in my head that even less than every 3rd day could be a problem. But maybe I shouldn’t worry.

I am picking up a meter Tuesday. Can see what’s what then. I am guessing that if I even tried bran/ porridge would be high and it doesn’t fit into keto plan. So will persevere with greek yoghurt and eggs, unless gets to point I feel ill with constipation. This film makes me rethink. Very interesting. Entertaining and engaging lecture too. Thanks for sharing.

Edited by moderator for clarity and to separate the posters content from the quoted content.

 

[mojo37]

I have just added spinach to the omelette. Thank you. Constipation is becoming an issue with lower carbs. I did the fasting yesterday. Lunch and dinner. Was tough. Was hungry. I think avocado are good in fibre value, but high cal. I’d love to get to 9st and lose another 12 pounds. Hoping the 5:2 fasting may help. I am waiting to take metformin at lunch/ brunch time. Do you think that’s ok? Then again with dinner. On normal days would take in morning with breakfast.

So with coffee and cream (which I love). Will it raise your cholesterol? My cholesterol ok at mo. No medication for that.

Are you on metformin? Hope I can lower to 48 at least on my own without additional drugs. The side effects list on all of them look dreadful. The SGLT2 definitely wasn’t for me.

I will ask re B12 test. Could I take a multi vitamin?

Thanks for all you responses.

Try adding garlic to meals and ginger both help with bowels ( not that it is an issue for me ) add some exercise into your routine if possible ( just walking should help ) also avocados are very good for general health and relatively low in carbs.

 

[bulkbiker]

I did an all beef January at the start of the year.. didn't go for 10 days.. got slightly worried.. took some magnesium citrate. Completely normal production the morning after but hardly any waste at all...