T2 or NAFLD? ...or, a funny thing happened on the way to the surgery

[Melgar]

@Chris24Main thanks for all the info, I really appreciate your ideas and thoughts, it gives me lots to think about. If my liver is misbehaving then I should be on Metformin. I have lots of unused boxes of it here, but I always fear the hypos, even though they say it will not cause hypos.
I want my C-peptides re-tested. I’ve found a private lab that will do it. So I’m going to cough up the dollars when I can get that together. It will be interesting to see how much I’m producing.

Several people have suggested Gall bladder to me. I suspect it too, as long as it’s not my pancreas. Though I would have thought I would have had traces of bilirubin in my pee if it was my Gallbladder, but I didn’t. Maybe I'm wrong on that. I do have trouble digesting fats. I buy full fat everything, which is no mean feat here as everything is 2% or zero fat. You have to hunt for full fat products. My fat of choice is Olive oil as my body doesn’t seem to object to it like meat and dairy fats. I do produce low levels of ketones, that seems to be a normal.

 

[Wilbach]

Yeah - this is one that we certainly all know about - but basically the nitrites are made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, like all carbs and fats... and the concern is that they turn into nitrosamines under the high temps expected in frying...

But - where else do you find nitrosamines ... well, all over the place, including in Metformin.

Nitrosamines are "reasonably expected to be carcinogenic in humans" - which as various people point out, when you see "probably" - you can also justifiably say "probably not"...

then, applying the "have we been doing this long" rule... well, yes, humans have been curing various meats this way for hundreds of years - thousands probably.

So - as much as I've been aware of this myself and bought "nitride free" bacon - (which is another, it's really the same, but with "natural nitrides") I think I prefer nitride to Botulism... and I suspect it has more to do with the general fear of red meat than anything real. But what do I know....

Sadly the old way of curing meats was to use salt, nitrites are relatively new. Salt in the old fashioned way takes a lot longer to cure, all revolves around the cheapest way to do things. There is a farm in Ireland that cures in the old fashioned way makes them the proper way! I buy from them.

 

[Melgar]

@Wilbach I would be pushing for a C-Peptide test, but if the UK is anything like Canada you may as well be asking for love and peace in this world. C-peptide and autoantibody tests are only done if your HbAc1 is over 9% here. I do hear of people getting their C-peptides done, especially when regular blood sugar controlling drugs are not working, but it all depends on your Dr. I’m going private for mine. So like me your very low carb diet isn’t bringing down your blood sugars. I personally think that C-peptides should be tested as part of the blood panel for all diabetics, but they don’t want to spend the money. They would rather guess and theorize rather than use facts from tests.

Do excuse me if you have already said this, but how long have you been diabetic?

 

[Wilbach]

@Wilbach I would be pushing for a C-Peptide test, but if the UK is anything like Canada you may as well be asking for love and peace in this world. C-peptide and autoantibody tests are only done if your HbAc1 is over 9% here. I do hear of people getting their C-peptides done, especially when regular blood sugar controlling drugs are not working, but it all depends on your Dr. I’m going private for mine. So like me your very low carb diet isn’t bringing down your blood sugars. I personally think that C-peptides should be tested as part of the blood panel for all diabetics, but they don’t want to spend the money. They would rather guess and theorize rather than use facts from tests.

Do excuse me if you have already said this, but how long have you been diabetic?

Too long, prediabetic, 20+ years, doctor then, oh it will proceed to diabetes does not matter what you do! Rubbish! 9+ years diabetic, never seen a specialist, no health team! Just doctors who have been hopeless, am I allowed to say that here? They have certainly not acted in my best interests, a progressive disease which will get worse, they insist. You can understand why I sometimes use expletives I should not use here, I do apologise and make sure I do not

 

[Melgar]

You are not alone @Wilbach .There are many members here frustrated with the care and advice they receive. It’s like they don’t care if you have T2 , off you go, change your diet, do more exercise blah blah oh and here is some Metformin. See you in a year! What happens when none of that works? They stare at you, because they have no answers. That’s why we have forums like this. Many on here know far more than the GPs and other HCPs.

 

[Wilbach]

You are not alone @Wilbach .There are many members here frustrated with the care and advice they receive. It’s like they don’t care if you have T2 , off you go, change your diet, do more exercise blah blah oh and here is some Metformin. See you in a year! What happens when none of that works? They stare at you, because they have no answers. That’s why we have forums like this. Many on here know far more than the GPs and other HCPs.

Thank God or who you believe in for this forum even though I have been here a very short time, a stunning resource, thank you to everyone.
William

 

[Wilbach]

View attachment 70335
Screen shot of my glucose levels just after eating above, will see in an hour or so![

i

 

[Bcgirl]

@Wilbach I would be pushing for a C-Peptide test, but if the UK is anything like Canada you may as well be asking for love and peace in this world. C-peptide and autoantibody tests are only done if your HbAc1 is over 9% here. I do hear of people getting their C-peptides done, especially when regular blood sugar controlling drugs are not working, but it all depends on your Dr. I’m going private for mine. So like me your very low carb diet isn’t bringing down your blood sugars. I personally think that C-peptides should be tested as part of the blood panel for all diabetics, but they don’t want to spend the money. They would rather guess and theorize rather than use facts from tests.

Do excuse me if you have already said this, but how long have you been diabetic?

It’s so interesting Melgar that you don’t seem to be able to access these tests (I’m pretty sure we both live in BC)while I have no issues, even with an A1C of 6.2 at this time. My doc did mention that the government is cracking down on testing many things (I pay for my own thyroid tests) but she happily gave me the requisition. sadly my amazing doctor is retiring…..this may be the last of my tests. When there is a test I need to pay for she just writes that on the requisition and payment is made at lifelabs. I don’t know why you’d have to go to a private lab….
No results back yet, except for fasting glucose, which was 6.4

 

[Antje77]

I do @Antje77

What you described sounds very similar to what I experienced off and on with gallstone attacks for years, and eventually a nicely inflamed gall bladder with a hight fever which led to a diagnosis.
Pesky organ was removed some 15 years ago, never had any problems again, no issues with eating whatever I like either. In and out on the same day and working on a sailing ship again 4 days after (which definitely isn't recommended, and I was specifically hired for holding the steering wheel only while the skipper was instructing his deckhand, but it went quite well anyway.)
You might want to see if you can get an ultrasound done.

 

[Bcgirl]

What you described sounds very similar to what I experienced off and on with gallstone attacks for years, and eventually a nicely inflamed gall bladder with a hight fever which led to a diagnosis.
Pesky organ was removed some 15 years ago, never had any problems again, no issues with eating whatever I like either. In and out on the same day and working on a sailing ship again 4 days after (which definitely isn't recommended, and I was specifically hired for holding the steering wheel only while the skipper was instructing his deckhand, but it went quite well anyway.)
You might want to see if you can get an ultrasound done.

I agree….Melgar it sounds like gall bladder issues for sure. I recall when I had the pancreatitis and they were trying to figure the cause (not alcohol) they suspected gallstones (it wasn’t, when I had my operation they gave the gall bladder a little squeeze… no stones). If the stones get stuck in the tubing it will adversely affect your pancreas…please get this checked out!

 

[Bcgirl]

i

Hi! Sounds like you are fighting the fight! Excellent. I had to go very, very (read carnivore) low carb to get any decent glucose readings, and I still test as prediabetic with no carbs….so frustrating! How many carbs are you eating a day?

 

[Melgar]

It’s so interesting Melgar that you don’t seem to be able to access these tests (I’m pretty sure we both live in BC)while I have no issues, even with an A1C of 6.2 at this time. My doc did mention that the government is cracking down on testing many things (I pay for my own thyroid tests) but she happily gave me the requisition. sadly my amazing doctor is retiring…..this may be the last of my tests. When there is a test I need to pay for she just writes that on the requisition and payment is made at lifelabs. I don’t know why you’d have to go to a private lab….
No results back yet, except for fasting glucose, which was 6.4

You are right @Bcgirl I live in BC, the Lower Mainland. Thanks for the info, good to know. My other Dr refused, like it was coming out of her own pocket. She’s retired now. My new Dr is much softer and nicer. I didn’t know Life Labs do private tests. I’d sourced a lab in Alberta, but if I can get it done at Life Labs I’ll definitely go there. I will ask my Dr. I’ll have to make an appointment anyways because of these episodes. It’s catching them when they happen. I’m hoping it is Gall Stones and not my pancreas. They come out of the blue, no warning.

Sorry your Dr is retiring. It’s a nightmare trying to get a new one. I hope you are able to get one soon.

 

[Melgar]

What you described sounds very similar to what I experienced off and on with gallstone attacks for years, and eventually a nicely inflamed gall bladder with a hight fever which led to a diagnosis.
Pesky organ was removed some 15 years ago, never had any problems again, no issues with eating whatever I like either. In and out on the same day and working on a sailing ship again 4 days after (which definitely isn't recommended, and I was specifically hired for holding the steering wheel only while the skipper was instructing his deckhand, but it went quite well anyway.)
You might want to see if you can get an ultrasound done.

It seems gall bladder issue are very common @Antje77 . I wonder if it’s why I have problems tolerating fats . It’s very painful, like all consuming pain. I have had three attacks so far. This last one was the worst and my blood sugars went way up. Probably from the pain. Pesky organ seems a good name for it.

 

[Bcgirl]

You are right @Bcgirl I live in BC, the Lower Mainland. Thanks for the info, good to know. My other Dr refused, like it was coming out of her own pocket. She’s retired now. My new Dr is much softer and nicer. I didn’t know Life Labs do private tests. I’d sourced a lab in Alberta, but if I can get it done at Life Labs I’ll definitely go there. I will ask my Dr. I’ll have to make an appointment anyways because of these episodes. It’s catching them when they happen. I’m hoping it is Gall Stones and not my pancreas. They come out of the blue, no warning.

Sorry your Dr is retiring. It’s a nightmare trying to get a new one. I hope you are able to get one soon.

I wish you good luck….hoping you can maybe get an ultrasound or something….

 

[Antje77]

It seems gall bladder issue are very common @Antje77 . I wonder if it’s why I have problems tolerating fats . It’s very painful, like all consuming pain. I have had three attacks so far. This last one was the worst and my blood sugars went way up. Probably from the pain. Pesky organ seems a good name for it.

At least gallstones are very easy to diagnose or rule out.

 

[Melgar]

At least gallstones are very easy to diagnose or rule out.

Fingers crossed that is what it is

 

[Wilbach]

You are not alone @Wilbach .There are many members here frustrated with the care and advice they receive. It’s like they don’t care if you have T2 , off you go, change your diet, do more exercise blah blah oh and here is some Metformin. See you in a year! What happens when none of that works? They stare at you, because they have no answers. That’s why we have forums like this. Many on here know far more than the GPs and other HCPs.

Thanks so much Melgar!

 

[Wilbach]

@Wilbach - any conclusions from the screens you are posting?

I really find it difficult to rationalise what is happening. Sudden peak not gradual as I roll over and get out of bed. Exercise cutting trees down, spikes both times to over 11. Consistently high during fasting 10+ in mild + ketosis but that is from urine not blood. I am taking no drugs or supplements at the moment.View attachment 70359View attachment 70360View attachment 70361

 

[Chris24Main]

Sadly the old way of curing meats was to use salt, nitrites are relatively new. Salt in the old fashioned way takes a lot longer to cure, all revolves around the cheapest way to do things. There is a farm in Ireland that cures in the old fashioned way makes them the proper way! I buy from them.

So - that sounds right, but Sodium Nitride is just another salt, known as Saltpetre, and there are records of it being used as a way of preserving fish and meat going back to Mesopotamia.
I suspect, even, that in the proper old fashioned times, it would have been difficult to process and refine "salt" into Sodium Chloride. Salt made from drying sea water would almost certainly have contained Sodium Nitride.

 

[Wilbach]

So - that sounds right, but Sodium Nitride is just another salt, known as Saltpetre, and there are records of it being used as a way of preserving fish and meat going back to Mesopotamia.
I suspect, even, that in the proper old fashioned times, it would have been difficult to process and refine "salt" into Sodium Chloride. Salt made from drying sea water would almost certainly have contained Sodium Nitride.

Not sure about nitrite maybe should be nitrate?

Potassium nitrate - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Some sites mention nitrite but I always thought of it as nitrate.
Could be either or historically perhaps.