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Which is worse?.............short, very high spike, or a long, moderately high spike?

Jasperville

Jasperville

Well-Known Member
Hi folks,

Does anyone have any solid info on this? I'm trying to follow Jenny Ruhl's advice in diabetes 101, that any spike above 7.7 can cause some damage. I've been low carb for 6 months now. lost 2 stone, Hba1c down from 10.5 to 6.3. I aim for 50 grams carbs a day, but tend to slip 2 or 3 times a week. I am on a shed-load of supplements, and find that they tend to "spread the load". ie if I have a bad day, taking the supplements and also resistant starch might mean that my BG goes up to about 10, but in total stays above 7.7 for 4 or 5 hours. without the supplements, I might go up to 13 or 14, but only above 7.7 for 2 hours.

I have gastroparesis/delayed stomach emptying, so my peak is usually at 2 hours, return to baseline at 4-6 hours, even with low carb meals.

I have been working on an "area under the curve" theory, and for these 2 scenarios, this is fairly equal, but which is more damaging?

Intuition tells me it is probably better to be at 9-10 for 4 hours than 13-14 for 1 or 2 hours, but is anyone aware of any solid research in this area?

With the best will in the world, I won't be able to stay under 7.7 all the time (not enough will-power)........I'm happy with my overall progress so far, but it would help to know if the supplements, by spreading the load, are helping by flattening the spike. The main effect is from bitter melon, Berberine and white mulberry.

The drug Acarbose does a similar job I think..............anyone on this?

Thanks
 
Hi jasperville, please see Dr Richard Bernstein's book Diabetes Solution 4 th edition( available from amazon) here he explains the facts and figures .


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As a T2 reactive hypoglycaemic (and I know that most of you aren't), I can categorically say that MY body reacts FAR WORSE to rapid ups and downs than to long wide hummocks.

If you get my drift.
 
Even my DN told me that small hump back bridges are better than sharp mountains.

Personally I try to keep my levels with as little variance from my median as possible. My theory is it is better to be as flat as possible for as long as possible, even if that means being slightly higher throughout the day. I would rather be in the 6s all day than vary between 4 and 7 throughout the day.
 
Want to first say WOW at your accomplishments so far! Coming from A1C so high to a reasonable number! You should feel very proud. I congratulate you!

But I want to say it's not about will power.. it's hormonal. It's not your fault. It could still be your diet. Of those 50g of carbs you eat a day are any of them refined carbs, roots or fruits other than berries? Also intermittent fasting might help too.

Suggested reads: Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes, The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung, The Art & Science of Low Carbohydrate Living by PHinney/Volek.
 
I definately prefer flat even if a little high but that is higher than I like. Some of us have to reduce our carbs to less than 50 as well as watch our protein amounts to see lower numbers. Keep plugging away. You've made some great accomplishments. Rome wasn't built in a day....
 
Personally I would happily stay around 7.7 for a couple of hours as opposed to spiking above 10. There are many things that can affect your blood sugars that you can't do anything about such as stress, hormones, sickness etc so I wouldn't be too worried about the occasional bad reading. I don't know the source this is from, but my doctor believes that being in the 7's is quite harmless, whereas frequent spikes >10 should be avoided as much as possible.
 
Thanks for all the responses guys and gals. If I keep thinking about long wide hummocks, it might take my mind off microchips and chocolate for a while.
 
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