Hi newbie here looking for some reassurance. I’m 51 with a BMI of 41 and a horrendous sugar habit. I had gestational diabetes 12 years ago and was diagnosed as pre-diabetic just before lockdown and stupidly didn’t do anything about it. I was recently admitted to hospital following a severe asthma attack and had bloods which confirmed hba1c of 62. I’ve also had quite severe blurred vision for over a week. I’m sorting my diet by reducing carbs, upping protein etc and have been testing regularly pre and post meals but readings are averaging 16 with the odd spike up to 23. I’m following up with my GP on Wednesday for more tests but won’t get to see the doctor for at least another week. I am trying hard not to panic in the meantime but younger sister died following complications from diabetes 3 years ago so it’s hard not to go there. I guess the thing that’s worrying me most is my eyesight and whether it will return to normal. I’m drinking 4-5 litres of water a day and normally walk a fair bit with the dog but am struggling with this at the moment due to asthma/chest infection. Not sure whether meds could impact blood sugar too but I’m desperate to try and get it down so I can see properly again. I would be very grateful for any words of wisdom or advice.
Trying not to freak out
- Thread starter ZoeMobley
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Welcome to the forums.
Some medications are known to affect blood glucose. This is fairly common when using steroids for example so it would depend what the doctors have given you?
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Hello @ZoeMobley and welcome.
First may I say how sorry I am that you have lost your sister to diabetes complications. That followed by a pandemic, and all the angst that has caused people, so it is hardly surprising you are feeling in a panic.
Do you have a confirmation of type of diabetes yet?
What meds have been prescribed? Some could cause fluctuations in blood glucose especially if you have drastically reduced carbs suddenly.
I also have asthma, and a too high BMI, so understand your struggles. Steroid meds do cause me to have higher blood glucose levels.
The eyesight and blurry vision problems were resolved once my blood glucose returned to normal.
If your BG levels remain so high, or are fluctuating greatly between those averages, it would be wise to seek doctor’s advice earlier than your appointment.
First may I say how sorry I am that you have lost your sister to diabetes complications. That followed by a pandemic, and all the angst that has caused people, so it is hardly surprising you are feeling in a panic.
Do you have a confirmation of type of diabetes yet?
What meds have been prescribed? Some could cause fluctuations in blood glucose especially if you have drastically reduced carbs suddenly.
I also have asthma, and a too high BMI, so understand your struggles. Steroid meds do cause me to have higher blood glucose levels.
The eyesight and blurry vision problems were resolved once my blood glucose returned to normal.
If your BG levels remain so high, or are fluctuating greatly between those averages, it would be wise to seek doctor’s advice earlier than your appointment.
Resurgam
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Welcome to the forum.
I suggest that you moderate the amount of water you are drinking - over a gallon a day is too much.
What are you eating is going to be far more significant if you are a type 2.
I suggest that you moderate the amount of water you are drinking - over a gallon a day is too much.
What are you eating is going to be far more significant if you are a type 2.
Pipp thank you so much for replying so quickly and your kind words I really appreciate the support. The hospital weren’t great on advice and just told me to follow up with my GP. I’ve just assumed it’s T2. I’m on Prednisone and antibiotics currently but when I spoke to the doctor on a triage phone appointment and told him about my readings he didn’t seem overly concerned which was a concern in itself! I’m not sure whether to go to the optician as I only went 6 months ago or just wait to see the doctor.
Lakeslover
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Hi and welcome. Both the chest infection and the prednisolone are likely to temporarily raise your blood sugar which may be why your go isn’t too concerned, but definitely keep an eye on it and seek advice again if it goes any higher.
the good news is that an HbA1c of 62 can be lowered. If you look at my signature you will see mine was in the 70s a year ago when I decided to try low carb. My last test was 44….I’m aiming to get to 40 if I can. I do gentle exercise swimming two or three times a week and walking sometimes, but the bulk of the difference has been caused by changing my diet and restricting carbs. You will hear many other similar stories on here.
the good news is that an HbA1c of 62 can be lowered. If you look at my signature you will see mine was in the 70s a year ago when I decided to try low carb. My last test was 44….I’m aiming to get to 40 if I can. I do gentle exercise swimming two or three times a week and walking sometimes, but the bulk of the difference has been caused by changing my diet and restricting carbs. You will hear many other similar stories on here.
Hi @ZoeMobley and congrats on giving low carb way of eating a try.
Did anybody tell you to take electrolytes to counter what is known as Atkins or Keto Flu? Some people get these in the form of bone broth, other like me take straight supplements (sodium, potassium and magnesium).
So yes, if you take too little salt on low carb you can suffer headaches and cramps! I take mine in the form of what is generically called 'Lo Salt@ available own brand from major supermarkets. It is a mixture of 2/3rd potassium chloride and 1/3rs Sodium chloride (i.e. table salt).
I take the magnesium in the form of Magnesium Glycinate (rather than the normal Magnesium Citrate) because I tend to suffer from loose bowels rather than constipation.
My stupid GP tried to tell me that as far as both salt and LDL cholesterol were concerned, the lower the better (despite both being necessary for life itself). When I told him this about salt he then said 'well we all get more than enough in our take-away meals'.
So I had to say that I didn't eat take-aways because we nearly always cook from scratch and add no salt when cooking.
So far as medications, what you are currently on will probably be raising your Blood Glucose to a certain extent. Steroids and Statins are usually the worst, but infections and the anti-biotics for those can also raise it as can stress and lack of sleep.
It's for this reason I always suggest paying little attention to background Blood Glucose levels (which can be strongly influenced by our livers) and just concentrate on what you can actually control which is what you eat, how much and when.
So test just before and then 2hrs after each meal and aim to get the BG spike from every meal to 2.0 mmols at most.
If you can manage that and if you are simply a Type 2, then the rest will come down naturally as you reduce (or come off) medication and as your liver gets used to lower BG in your body and so stops trying to make it higher.
Wow! Thanks so much Ian for taking the time to put together such an informative reply. I actually did a VLCD many years ago and had completely forgotten all the stuff you’ve just explained so now at least those symptoms are making sense! I’ll look into the supplements but I’ve just grabbed an emergency drink of hot Bovril which should help thanks for the advice and reassurance on the BG levels too. I think you’re right to suggest that I focus on what I’m eating because that’s the only thing I can actually control at the moment, rather than stressing about the reading. I’ll keep doing them to show my GP when I see him as I guess this will help when deciding what medication I might need. Really appreciate your input
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thanks so much for your reply. I’ve spent nearly all day reading through the stuff on here and there’s some amazing inspirational stories. Congratulations on your own success
Mrs HJG
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Hi, I am all new to this too so can only offer some consolation regarding your eyesight - mine was going a bit 'wrong' for a couple of weeks before I was diagnosed (HbA1C 129.5!!), I thought it was my glasses, but now I know it was the high BG. However once I started on medication to lower my BG, and went lower carb, my eyesight got worse and worse and for about 3 weeks I couldn't see any detail in anything; started off just unable to read little text on my phone to having to use a 3x magnifying glass just to see the TV! It was scary and my diabetes nurse and doctor didn't warn me or seemed to care much.
I did go to the opticians, I was just about able to see the other side of the room when using the strong reading part of my varifocals, but they said that although my prescription had obviously changed, but I would not order new glasses for at least 12 weeks because chances were I would go back to 'normal' but then. It took about another 3 weeks to get pretty much back to normal so I could read, watch TV and drive again, but it felt like forever.
From what I found on here, (when I could eventually see enough
), I learnt it's quite common, so the panic receded a little, but until I was able to start picking things out in the distance and could read by squinting, I was convinced it was never coning back.
So have faith - please be warned it might get a lot worse before it gets better, but if you can see clearly with a magnifying glass, I reckon you will be OK. Fingers crossed for you x
I did go to the opticians, I was just about able to see the other side of the room when using the strong reading part of my varifocals, but they said that although my prescription had obviously changed, but I would not order new glasses for at least 12 weeks because chances were I would go back to 'normal' but then. It took about another 3 weeks to get pretty much back to normal so I could read, watch TV and drive again, but it felt like forever.
From what I found on here, (when I could eventually see enough
), I learnt it's quite common, so the panic receded a little, but until I was able to start picking things out in the distance and could read by squinting, I was convinced it was never coning back.So have faith - please be warned it might get a lot worse before it gets better, but if you can see clearly with a magnifying glass, I reckon you will be OK. Fingers crossed for you x
Thanks for sharing your experience that must have been absolutely terrifying for you but I really appreciate your honesty. I’d rather know worse case scenario. I wear varifocals too and last had an eye test and new glasses 6 months ago. At the moment I can still see close up but the tv is a bit of a blur and I’m not risking driving but at least you’ve given me some hope it’ll be ok eventually!Hi, I am all new to this too so can only offer some consolation regarding your eyesight - mine was going a bit 'wrong' for a couple of weeks before I was diagnosed (HbA1C 129.5!!), I thought it was my glasses, but now I know it was the high BG. However once I started on medication to lower my BG, and went lower carb, my eyesight got worse and worse and for about 3 weeks I couldn't see any detail in anything; started off just unable to read little text on my phone to having to use a 3x magnifying glass just to see the TV! It was scary and my diabetes nurse and doctor didn't warn me or seemed to care much.
I did go to the opticians, I was just about able to see the other side of the room when using the strong reading part of my varifocals, but they said that although my prescription had obviously changed, but I would not order new glasses for at least 12 weeks because chances were I would go back to 'normal' but then. It took about another 3 weeks to get pretty much back to normal so I could read, watch TV and drive again, but it felt like forever.
From what I found on here, (when I could eventually see enough
So have faith - please be warned it might get a lot worse before it gets better, but if you can see clearly with a magnifying glass, I reckon you will be OK. Fingers crossed for you x
- Messages
- 11,258
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
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- Tablets (oral)
I would agree with @Mrs HJG . The blurred vision will probably resolve when blood glucose levels are controlled better. Whether this is achieved by diet, or medication, though would make sure GP and optician are made aware of your difficulty.
I always find that steroid meds, such as prednisilone, cause increase in BG that can take several weeks to resolve, even after the course of meds is finished. Additionally, infection and antibiotics are likely to contribute to the high BG readings. Your HbA1c is not as high as some have on diagnosis, and it is possible to improve that relatively easily. The priority at the moment should be to get the infection and asthma under control. In the meantime, consider curbing that sugar addiction, as high sugar foods will slow recovery. Infections like the sugary blood.
Please keep posting to let us know how you are doing.
Good luck with the GP appointment.
I always find that steroid meds, such as prednisilone, cause increase in BG that can take several weeks to resolve, even after the course of meds is finished. Additionally, infection and antibiotics are likely to contribute to the high BG readings. Your HbA1c is not as high as some have on diagnosis, and it is possible to improve that relatively easily. The priority at the moment should be to get the infection and asthma under control. In the meantime, consider curbing that sugar addiction, as high sugar foods will slow recovery. Infections like the sugary blood.
Please keep posting to let us know how you are doing.
Good luck with the GP appointment.
jjraak
Expert
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- Type 2
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- Tablets (oral)
Hi @ZoeMobley
Welcome to the club no one wants to join
So sorry to hear about your sister
Your DX must Have brought back on such a personal level how serious diabetes could be.
I had none of that, yet was still shaken once reading up after my DX , so i sympathise with any anxiety.
And as a fellow asthmatic, I can fully understand the scare any attack can bring, particularly one severe enough to bring you into hospital..
Then the added chest infection..oh dear , You really have been out through the wringer.
Many good & useful replies
But let's see what's what first
62...mmhh I was at 58 at start, and 9 months later was lucky enough to hit 40 HBA1c, so there is plenty of hope
For a lot of us, a rise in BG can be an early sign that a cold or illness is on way
So that chest infection alone plus Meds will likely rise your BG levels, as others state.
As for BG levels, I found my levels dropped 1 mmol each month on average
For example in October I started at 10 most days, regardless of my new diet, yet by the end my average score each week was dropping closer to 9, and so on into each month .so nothing immediate, but a steady drop over time as the diet kicked in deeper until 6's and the elusive 5's were much more common.
It's taken us many years to fill up so much space inside ourselves with the glucose we are no longer able to tolerate as easily as we once did or as others non diabetic do with ease.
So a little while decanting ourselves of the unwanted sugars inside us, seems a rather short delay, In the scheme if things, if it helps us to better health
I think @ianf0ster , sums up most of it best
Deal with what you can make a difference on
Your diet, your BG levels will lower over time once you lower the carbs.
On a side note, All that excess glucose seems to exacerbate inflammation in the body for many .
We put it down to other things, getting older, etc and just accept it, but perhaps LC could help
Some benefit with their arthritis easing,
I found that my asthma became much more manageable and that constant 'coughing' I got most mornings pretty much disappeared
(Be worth keeping an eye on it, to see if yours follow suit )
You mention cramps, many post on here over the year, a similar tale.
I was one of them (low carb can equal much lower salt intake ) and I found a magnesium spray (external) worked well for immediate relief, until my magnesium supplements kicked in.
Your best step was finding here
A forum full of first hand advice, from those who have sat exactly where you sit now,
And we were all as frightened, confused & anxious as you are.
You couldn't be in a better place to learn from others own stories what worked for them & ways that might work for you.
Best wishes moving forward .
Don't be afraid to ask question.
I asked loads, most probably seemed dumb to those more aware, but I got nothing but helpful, caring responses back.
We all have a different route
But our goals are the same ..
Good luck on your journey x
Welcome to the club no one wants to join
So sorry to hear about your sister
Your DX must Have brought back on such a personal level how serious diabetes could be.
I had none of that, yet was still shaken once reading up after my DX , so i sympathise with any anxiety.
And as a fellow asthmatic, I can fully understand the scare any attack can bring, particularly one severe enough to bring you into hospital..
Then the added chest infection..oh dear , You really have been out through the wringer.
Many good & useful replies
But let's see what's what first
62...mmhh I was at 58 at start, and 9 months later was lucky enough to hit 40 HBA1c, so there is plenty of hope
For a lot of us, a rise in BG can be an early sign that a cold or illness is on way
So that chest infection alone plus Meds will likely rise your BG levels, as others state.
As for BG levels, I found my levels dropped 1 mmol each month on average
For example in October I started at 10 most days, regardless of my new diet, yet by the end my average score each week was dropping closer to 9, and so on into each month .so nothing immediate, but a steady drop over time as the diet kicked in deeper until 6's and the elusive 5's were much more common.
It's taken us many years to fill up so much space inside ourselves with the glucose we are no longer able to tolerate as easily as we once did or as others non diabetic do with ease.
So a little while decanting ourselves of the unwanted sugars inside us, seems a rather short delay, In the scheme if things, if it helps us to better health
I think @ianf0ster , sums up most of it best
Deal with what you can make a difference on
Your diet, your BG levels will lower over time once you lower the carbs.
On a side note, All that excess glucose seems to exacerbate inflammation in the body for many .
We put it down to other things, getting older, etc and just accept it, but perhaps LC could help
Some benefit with their arthritis easing,
I found that my asthma became much more manageable and that constant 'coughing' I got most mornings pretty much disappeared
(Be worth keeping an eye on it, to see if yours follow suit )
You mention cramps, many post on here over the year, a similar tale.
I was one of them (low carb can equal much lower salt intake ) and I found a magnesium spray (external) worked well for immediate relief, until my magnesium supplements kicked in.
Your best step was finding here
A forum full of first hand advice, from those who have sat exactly where you sit now,
And we were all as frightened, confused & anxious as you are.
You couldn't be in a better place to learn from others own stories what worked for them & ways that might work for you.
Best wishes moving forward .
Don't be afraid to ask question.
I asked loads, most probably seemed dumb to those more aware, but I got nothing but helpful, caring responses back.
We all have a different route
But our goals are the same ..
Good luck on your journey x
- Messages
- 2,376
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Hello and welcome,
I would just like to add to @jjraak that as a fellow asthma sufferer it vastly improved after I went low carb so there is hope ahead. I am also older than you with a similar BMI- higher when diagnosed and have been able to keep my blood sugar levels in the normal range since 3 months after going low carb.
I would just like to add to @jjraak that as a fellow asthma sufferer it vastly improved after I went low carb so there is hope ahead. I am also older than you with a similar BMI- higher when diagnosed and have been able to keep my blood sugar levels in the normal range since 3 months after going low carb.
Hi Zoe! There’s a very very good chance that it’s the steroids and the chest infection that are making your BG readings so high. An HbA1C of 62 would suggest that your average BG for the last 3 months has been more like 10. Now that is of course too high, and so improving your diet is a great step and once you’re over your infection, and stopped the steroids, hopefully your bloods will start showing a great improvement. If they don’t, then that’s the time to talk to your GP, I understand why he isn’t worried at the moment.
NickiSanta
Member
- Messages
- 17
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Hi Zoe,
There are some really informative replies here so I will try to keep mine short being brand new both to diabetes and this forum.
I also had a bad sugar habit but seem to have lost my addiction to sugar over the course of just a few weeks. I have found some great recipes to satisfy the sweet tooth online. Brownies, Victoria sponge, Scottish shortbread. You name it there seems to be all bases covered. Sweeteners used to be an issue for me as I got bitter aftertastes. Now I'm either used to it or I'm using different types of sweeteners as it's no longer an issue. If you're anything like me you will be happy to find that low carb doesn't mean restricted eating, or restricting fat. In fact I eat a lot of cream
I can now taste the sugar in the various natural sugars in fruit and dairy
There is a great documentary busting the theories around low fat high carb dieting and how carbs affect your body, including cholesterol. It's called Fat Head the Movie and it's free on Vimeo. This is the 2nd time I've mentioned it on the 6 or so posts I've made so, for me, it explains a lot! Sorry to mods if this is not allowed.
I wanted to keep it short but haven't really succeeded. Others with more experience may want to correct me. Good luck!
Nicola
There are some really informative replies here so I will try to keep mine short being brand new both to diabetes and this forum.
I also had a bad sugar habit but seem to have lost my addiction to sugar over the course of just a few weeks. I have found some great recipes to satisfy the sweet tooth online. Brownies, Victoria sponge, Scottish shortbread. You name it there seems to be all bases covered. Sweeteners used to be an issue for me as I got bitter aftertastes. Now I'm either used to it or I'm using different types of sweeteners as it's no longer an issue. If you're anything like me you will be happy to find that low carb doesn't mean restricted eating, or restricting fat. In fact I eat a lot of cream
I can now taste the sugar in the various natural sugars in fruit and dairy
There is a great documentary busting the theories around low fat high carb dieting and how carbs affect your body, including cholesterol. It's called Fat Head the Movie and it's free on Vimeo. This is the 2nd time I've mentioned it on the 6 or so posts I've made so, for me, it explains a lot! Sorry to mods if this is not allowed.
I wanted to keep it short but haven't really succeeded. Others with more experience may want to correct me. Good luck!
Nicola
Thanks Nicola I’ll definitely check out the movie. I’m now 5 days without constantly shoving chocolate, biscuits and crisps in my face and already feel better for it and food is definitely tasting different. My daily treat is now a coffee with cream 
just need to be careful not to replace the sugar addiction with a cheese one!
just need to be careful not to replace the sugar addiction with a cheese one!What a lovely reply thank you
I’ve gone though a whole range of emotions but at the moment I’m just so angry with myself although I know I need to let that go to move forward. I’ve done so much reading over the last few days and am definitely sold on the low carb option. Even doing it for the last 4-5 days has made such a difference to how I’m feeling even if it isn’t showing in my readings yet, although I was 9.9 before bed last night so took that as a win considering it was 21 the night before! Im lucky that my asthma has always been well controlled (until now) but I think the trip to hospital coupled with the diagnosis really has given me a wake up call. I’m starting to feel a bit better so hope to get out waking with the dog again later this week but it’s posts like yours that really give me hope and and some optimism for the future so thank you so much for taking the time to reply
