T2D: control of BG

gbs42 said:

I see frequent reference to control of BG and I assume this means keeping BG somewhere below the 9mmol/l level. With that assumed objective I have been isolating specific foods and meauring 2.5 hrs after eating. My question is: what is an acceptable level of uptick in BG levels? Porridge, my preferred breakfast food before long cycle rides, seems to increase BG by 3 points from typically 6 to 9/9.5 mmol/l. This seems high to me and I am considering switching to something else in the morning. Alternatively, should I accept the higher level knowing that the bike ride will burn 2000+calories and that will correct any oversupply of BG. Any thoughts?

Click to expand...

Firstly you should not assume that the bike ride will compensate a glucose high. Recent government initiative that is considering adding food labelling that indicates what exercise is needed to burn off the excess has highlighted that in reality much more exercise is needed than one would imagine. Test it and verify it first before you rely on an assumption.

Secondly, I have an occasional microwave porridge as a treat, but it has higher carbs than I normally allow myself. One suggestion is to make it with water rather than milk, and add salt instead of sugar (this is traditionallly how the Scots take it). Check the contents for carbs, as not all porridges are the same., I have moved away from porridge in favour of a multiseeded bread that has less of an effect on my bgl when I tested it. Recently i have had to reduce to 1 slice a day since I am going Low Carb diet, and 2 slices was not working for me. One slice still helps to keep me regular, and stops the midday liver dump I was getting when I used to skip breakfast.

gbs42 said:

Alternatively, should I accept the higher level knowing that the bike ride will burn 2000+calories and that will correct any oversupply of BG. Any thoughts?

Click to expand...

That's a good question, because although a bike ride may burn 2000 calories and you obviously need to "stoke up" before you set off, how it will cut your BG, is in my opinion, a personal thing and will be different for everyone.
In an ideal world we'd all have access to some type of CGM, the Freestyle Libre for example, and you could easily see how your BG was dropping as you cycled, assuming exercise affects BG that quickly.

gbs42 said:

My question is: what is an acceptable level of uptick in BG levels?

Click to expand...

Probably best to refer you to the guidelines on this very website.