The Diabetes epidemic

[Andy12345]

I do wonder about mine. She's very active and loves most food. She would eat 24-7 if she could! Obviously I'm pretty strict but she doesn't slim down. Her sister is fine figure wise although has a higher bmi than most - but she's muscly and has meat on her which I think is perfect.




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Diagnosed prediabetic Easter 2014. Just left to get on with it, no guidance or help from GP. Every day I'm learning something new.

my girls have always eaten the same yet my 13 yr old is perfectly slim

 

[Pollylocks]

i know nothing about the newcastle diet really apart from not fancying doing it, what worries me is the fact they hail it as a cure, they stated it on this tv "show" like it was, thats like saying i used to have vertigo but I'm cured, all i have to do is stay away from high places, or i cured my peanut allergy, if i don't eat nuts, would the newcastle diet "cure" people that are not overweight and fit as a fiddle but have t2 db because of genetics reasons alone and not due to poor lifestyle choices? (that is a question) and if you did the newcastle diet got "cured" then went on the eat a bag of sugar a day, you i assume would be uncured

...the way they spoke about the Newcastle diet was as if it was a cure for diabetes, but the more I read about it, its not...if we revert to eating normally after finishing the course we're back where we started, ie diabetic...so what's the point. of it.? None as far as I can see ...what we do is about controlling the diabetes we already have...no permanent cure..

 

[zand]

I don't agree that the diet industry is the cause of obesity, no one forces people to eat and weight gain is caused by over-consumption, in other words if you take in more calories than you burn then you'll gain weight, but that said said there are medical reasons too why people gain weight so it's not all what it seems.

No, no -one forces people to eat and gain weight, but I was young and silly when I listened to the media and I didn't diet because I was fat. I started dieting when I was only around 8 1/2 to 9 stones as a response to magazine articles about losing weight to look good in a bikini ready for the summer holidays. Why did I feel I needed to? Well I was a pretty average size 10/12 and a typical English 'pear' shape, which I didn't like, I hated my hips and thighs as I never looked like the women in the magazines. I thought that losing half a stone would make me look good and give me more confidence. Yes, I now know there was no way I was ever going to get slimmer, that was just my shape. Even targeted exercises would not have changed my shape a lot. I also know now that even if I had succeeded in losing the weight I wouldn't have had more confidence: the problem was within me, not with my weight.

So, I didn't diet because I was fat; I got fat because I dieted to get my weight below what was natural for me. ( My target weight was still within a 'normal' BMI range though). This slowed my metabolism and yes after several failed attempts at dieting I ate too much and then got fatter. Carbs made me hungrier and I ate more. I have rarely eaten more than I needed to stop myself from being hungry. I mastered the art of leaving food on the plate when I was no longer hungry years ago.. No one forced me to diet, but hey I was in my 20's and wanted to look better on the beach, was that so wrong? Now I am 'apple' shaped, I would dearly love to be a 'pear' again.

 

[Robinredbreast]

No, no -one forces people to eat and gain weight, but I was young and silly when I listened to the media and I didn't diet because I was fat. I started dieting when I was only around 8 1/2 to 9 stones as a response to magazine articles about losing weight to look good in a bikini ready for the summer holidays. Why did I feel I needed to? Well I was a pretty average size 10/12 and a typical English 'pear' shape, which I didn't like, I hated my hips and thighs as I never looked like the women in the magazines. I thought that losing half a stone would make me look good and give me more confidence. Yes, I now know there was no way I was ever going to get slimmer, that was just my shape. Even targeted exercises would not have changed my shape a lot. I also know now that even if I had succeeded in losing the weight I wouldn't have had more confidence: the problem was within me, not with my weight.

So, I didn't diet because I was fat; I got fat because I dieted to get my weight below what was natural for me. ( My target weight was still within a 'normal' BMI range though). This slowed my metabolism and yes after several failed attempts at dieting I ate too much and then got fatter. Carbs made me hungrier and I ate more. I have rarely eaten more than I needed to stop myself from being hungry. I mastered the art of leaving food on the plate when I was no longer hungry years ago.. No one forced me to diet, but hey I was in my 20's and wanted to look better on the beach, was that so wrong? Now I am 'apple' shaped, I would dearly love to be a 'pear' again.

Hi, I'm just under 9 stone and my shape is probably between hour glass and pear. I'm happy with what I've got at age 56 and the only thing I would like to change is to gain a couple more inches in height. Plus, if people don't like the way we look, hey, then that's their problem

 

[zand]

Hi, I'm just under 9 stone and my shape is probably between hour glass and pear. I'm happy with what I've got at age 56 and the only thing I would like to change is to gain a couple more inches in height. Plus, if people don't like the way we look, hey, then that's their problem

Yes well I have several stones to lose yet, but I hope to be there again one day!

 

[Robinredbreast]

Yes well I have several stones to lose yet, but I hope to be there again one day!

'What lies behind us and what lies before us, is nothing compared to what lies within us' Good luck and all the best

 

[zand]

'What lies behind us and what lies before us, is nothing compared to what lies within us' Good luck and all the best

Thank you. I will get there because the support from everyone on this forum is fantastic and it makes all the difference.

 

[aqualung]

my youngest was a tiny baby then when he started school put on weight and was really overweight. I took him to the GP who referred to the hospital and was told that some children are fat. it turned out that he has a genetic condition and now takes thyroxine and growth hormone. he has thinned out alot but is still heavy, His brother also has the same condition and is skinny. Youngest does loads of exercise eldest doesn't. This all goes to show how different they are and makes me wonder how and why children put weight on.
I have never dieted even though I needed to lose weight.. prediabetics has given me the kick up the bum I needed and I have never lost this much weight in one go apart from when I had an overactive thyroid (which then corrected itself but my eating didn't)

 

[Debmcgee]

A bit of an aside, but are your kids eating the same meals as you are now Deb?

Not quite but I'm introducing small changes to reduce their refined carbs. The long term plan is to get their eating more like mine.


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Diagnosed prediabetic Easter 2014. Just left to get on with it, no guidance or help from GP. Every day I'm learning something new.

 

[noblehead]

No, no -one forces people to eat and gain weight, but I was young and silly when I listened to the media and I didn't diet because I was fat. I started dieting when I was only around 8 1/2 to 9 stones as a response to magazine articles about losing weight to look good in a bikini ready for the summer holidays. Why did I feel I needed to? Well I was a pretty average size 10/12 and a typical English 'pear' shape, which I didn't like, I hated my hips and thighs as I never looked like the women in the magazines. I thought that losing half a stone would make me look good and give me more confidence. Yes, I now know there was no way I was ever going to get slimmer, that was just my shape. Even targeted exercises would not have changed my shape a lot. I also know now that even if I had succeeded in losing the weight I wouldn't have had more confidence: the problem was within me, not with my weight.

So, I didn't diet because I was fat; I got fat because I dieted to get my weight below what was natural for me. ( My target weight was still within a 'normal' BMI range though). This slowed my metabolism and yes after several failed attempts at dieting I ate too much and then got fatter. Carbs made me hungrier and I ate more. I have rarely eaten more than I needed to stop myself from being hungry. I mastered the art of leaving food on the plate when I was no longer hungry years ago.. No one forced me to diet, but hey I was in my 20's and wanted to look better on the beach, was that so wrong? Now I am 'apple' shaped, I would dearly love to be a 'pear' again.

The media do have a lot to answer for when it comes to how a lady should look Zand.....that is for sure!!!!

 

[zand]

The media do have a lot to answer for when it comes to how a lady should look Zand.....that is for sure!!!!

I'll shut up and go away now. Thanks for listening to my whinging.

 

[Jamrox]

Have you seen the 4 questions for diabetics thread? If you answer honestly the research might make a difference in the future.

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[Pipp]

...the way they spoke about the Newcastle diet was as if it was a cure for diabetes, but the more I read about it, its not...if we revert to eating normally after finishing the course we're back where we started, ie diabetic...so what's the point. of it.? None as far as I can see ...what we do is about controlling the diabetes we already have...no permanent cure..

In defence of Newcastle diet, I did it almost 3 years ago and even though I lost a lot of weight, I am still obese. However, my objective then was to get blood glucose levels into non-diabetic state. Within days they were, and have stayed that way since.

I don't feel 'cured' as I know the b g could become raised again if I don't eat a diet to suit my needs.
If eating 'normally' includes eating the foods that I ate before then I would expect b g to rise again. Unfortunately the advice usually given on diagnosis to eat plenty of healthy carbs seems to contribute to the problem of raised b g. In my case.

If, on diagnosis, I had been told of the possibility of reversing diabetes by the Newcastle diet I would have leapt at the chance. I don't get the reason why anyone would be reluctant. It takes eight weeks of your life. People have a lot worse treatments for conditions in the hope of a cure, or remission e.g. Some chemotherapy for cancers.

During the time I was on Newcastle diet the fact that I did not have to spend time on planning shopping and preparing food gave me the time to focus on what had gone wrong in my diet to make me so much overweight, and how I could make changes to my diet after Newcastle.

Anyone seeing Newcastle just as a quick solution to the problem of their T2 diagnosis is deluded. Just like with any other diet regime, if you return to previous eating patterns then you will return to your previous state.

There is no single fix for T2. A lot of the 'solutions' are chosen by the NHS for financial reasons. Bariatric surgery was being offered frequently where I live. I am guessing that someone is seeing Newcastle as a cheaper way. The main point I want to make is that there should be well balanced independent information available in order for individuals to make an informed choice. Although I am happy with my choice of the Newcastle diet, I accept it is not for everyone. I certainly would not try to insist my way is best for all, or dismiss anyone elses choice just because it is different to mine.

 

[Pollylocks]

...

In defence of Newcastle diet, I did it almost 3 years ago and even though I lost a lot of weight, I am still obese. However, my objective then was to get blood glucose levels into non-diabetic state. Within days they were, and have stayed that way since.

I don't feel 'cured' as I know the b g could become raised again if I don't eat a diet to suit my needs.
If eating 'normally' includes eating the foods that I ate before then I would expect b g to rise again. Unfortunately the advice usually given on diagnosis to eat plenty of healthy carbs seems to contribute to the problem of raised b g. In my case.

If, on diagnosis, I had been told of the possibility of reversing diabetes by the Newcastle diet I would have leapt at the chance. I don't get the reason why anyone would be reluctant. It takes eight weeks of your life. People have a lot worse treatments for conditions in the hope of a cure, or remission e.g. Some chemotherapy for cancers.

During the time I was on Newcastle diet the fact that I did not have to spend time on planning shopping and preparing food gave me the time to focus on what had gone wrong in my diet to make me so much overweight, and how I could make changes to my diet after Newcastle.

Anyone seeing Newcastle just as a quick solution to the problem of their T2 diagnosis is deluded. Just like with any other diet regime, if you return to previous eating patterns then you will return to your previous state.

There is no single fix for T2. A lot of the 'solutions' are chosen by the NHS for financial reasons. Bariatric surgery was being offered frequently where I live. I am guessing that someone is seeing Newcastle as a cheaper way. The main point I want to make is that there should be well balanced independent information available in order for individuals to make an informed choice. Although I am happy with my choice of the Newcastle diet, I accept it is not for everyone. I certainly would not try to insist my way is best for all, or dismiss anyone elses choice just because it is different to mine.

...the reason I said I couldn't see the point Pipp was because its spoken of by professionals as a 'cure' and said to 'reverse diabetes' .... I have seen from you and others on here that it can take diabetics back to non diabetic levels but sometimes eating sensibly can without such drastic measures, maybe I was just lucky I don't know...my hb1ac was 16 at diagnosis and I was given Metformin until I got it under control, then diet only for 13 years, then prescribed metformin SR as my hb1ac went up to 7.1.

...as said, its more when professionals talk about the Newcastle Diet being a 'cure' and 'reversing diabetes' that rankles with me. It suggests that you will no longer be diabetic when you'e finished the course, I think its misleading for people who are newly diagnosed. I was in no way deriding anyone who decides to go on it, it just isn't for me, we all have our different ways of seeing what will work for us...

 

[Andy12345]

i definately have no problems with people doing the newcastle diet, if it works for you it works for me, i dont like it being called a cure is all

 

[AndBreathe]

To be honest, if I had had a go at the ND, and found myself with non-diabetic levels, and able to maintain that for years, without any great strain, I wouldn't care if my HCP called it a cure. they could call it Doris for all I'd care.

By other means, I have achieved non-diabetic HbA1cs, which I will work hard to maintain. I don't call it a cure, I just call it my, currently happy, situation.

I would hate to think I would close myself off from a potentially life changing treatment, which only takes a few weeks to test out, just because the terminology offended me.

 

[Andy12345]

i am happy for people to consider themselves cured lol and yes i dont care what that they call it, ill try and explain what i mean, i took exception to the program saying you can cure diabetes with the newcastle diet, it made it sound quick and easy, nothing actually against the newcastle diet or people curing themselves, im very much of the opinion that if people believe they can do something, they can, if you cure, control whatever, thats great, it was more to do with the context ND was used in the program, not the diet or its merits, ive never tried it so i cant comment on how good or bad it is

 

[Pipp]

...


...the reason I said I couldn't see the point Pipp was because its spoken of by professionals as a 'cure' and said to 'reverse diabetes' .... I have seen from you and others on here that it can take diabetics back to non diabetic levels but sometimes eating sensibly can without such drastic measures, maybe I was just lucky I don't know...my hb1ac was 16 at diagnosis and I was given Metformin until I got it under control, then diet only for 13 years, then prescribed metformin SR as my hb1ac went up to 7.1.

...as said, its more when professionals talk about the Newcastle Diet being a 'cure' and 'reversing diabetes' that rankles with me. It suggests that you will no longer be diabetic when you'e finished the course, I think its misleading for people who are newly diagnosed. I was in no way deriding anyone who decides to go on it, it just isn't for me, we all have our different ways of seeing what will work for us...

I do understand your perspective Pollylocks.
There still needs to be a long term evaluation study of effectiveness of Newcastle diet, as the evidence is based on only a small number of participants. The study is ongoing.
However, for anyone newly diagnosed T2, it should be offered as a way of regaining control if the person wants to. It needs to be offered with advice that lifestyle changes including diet and exercise are essential at the end of the eight weeks.
I am not sure how one should define 'cure'. I am cautiously optimistic. My blood glucose has not once in almost three years been in the diabetic or pre-diabetic range. I will always see myself as diabetic though. Perhaps currently post-diabetic? I have the spectre of raised b g hanging over me as I get older if I don't get rid of my still huge amount of abdominal fat, and keep exercising and eating like a diabetic. Having been diagnosed T2 9 years ago, and despite having followed the guidelines (high carb, low fat, exercise etc) and being prescribed Metformin in increasing quantities, my weight and blood glucose not falling much, within days on Newcastle diet my b g was normal. I don't think the fact that it is the 'shock' to the liver and pancreas through calorie restriction is the key factor is emphasised enough.

I can only speak from my own experience. Without Newcastle diet, I would probably be still morbidly obese, and on increased medication for diabetes, (I am not on any medication now), or dead! I consider myself very fortunate in that I have avoided diabetic complications so far. I am glad I persuaded my GP to allow me to follow the Newcastle diet. It was a new method, not approved following the small study at the time, but I felt I did not have time to wait for it to become 'mainstream'.

Put simply, Newcastle diet can be a solution for some T2, it is not a magic cure, no diet can be, but it has potential to be a valuable method in controlling T2 if participants are also willing and able to make appropriate diet and lifestyle changes.

 

[Pipp]

i definately have no problems with people doing the newcastle diet, if it works for you it works for me, i dont like it being called a cure is all

I have to agree the programme oversimplified the issue.
Typical sensational reporting which will provide another stick for popular media to beat us with.

 

[Pipp]

To be honest, if I had had a go at the ND, and found myself with non-diabetic levels, and able to maintain that for years, without any great strain, I wouldn't care if my HCP called it a cure. they could call it Doris for all I'd care.

By other means, I have achieved non-diabetic HbA1cs, which I will work hard to maintain. I don't call it a cure, I just call it my, currently happy, situation.

I would hate to think I would close myself off from a potentially life changing treatment, which only takes a few weeks to test out, just because the terminology offended me.

Hurrah, that is what I have been banging on about, but you, AndBreathe do it much more succinctly.
A very post Newcastle diet, currently, happily, Dorised since August 2011, Pipp