Which monitor?

lovinglife said:

I’m T2 and don’t use and have never used a CGM. They are very expensive to fund yourself. Yes they are a nice thing to have but not necessary. you say you have a meter so that’s great

The best way to use your meter to its full advantage is test right before first bite and then 2 hrs after first bite, this will give you the best information of how your body dealt with that meal, so you are looking for a rise of no more than 2. If it’s less than 2 or almost back to where you started then your meal was fine. If it’s a little bit more than 2 than your carbs probably need reduced a little bit in that meal, if it’s a good bit more then you need to reduce the carbs a lot or even don’t have them.

Many T2s here manage their diabetes with a low carb or keto lifestyle, so they don’t eat any grains, bread, flour, pasta, rice, baked goods, potatoes and below ground veg except celeriac and swede. As you are pre diabetic you may not have to cut these things out altogether just reducing them may be enough, that’s what your meter will tell you

You probably won’t get strips from your GP either for your meter so most of us T2 and pre diabetes have to fund those ourselves and strips can vary in price so I’m going to tag one of our lovely forum members @Rachox who has some great information on various meters and where to buy etc.

Have a good read round the forum, take your time to learn and any questions forum members are a friendly bunch with loads of experience and info so ask away

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Spenccer said:

Not a direct answer to the Monitor question I know but.......

I've recently been given the same news. I do between 5 and 12 hours training on the bike each week plus around 2 hours running and the odd strength session.

I'm 57, 5ft6 and was 78Kg at the beginning of 2023, FTP around 220w

Previous to being told about my pre-diabetes I was using gels for short intense efforts as well as energy bars and gels for longer rides. I tried one of the expensive monitors for a few weeks (can't remember which one), just long enough to make me realise that the feelings I was getting half way through an intense training session were nothing to do with perceived low sugar levels, they were just me getting tired,

Armed with that knowledge I gradually cut carbs down a lot. It's absolutely possible to bring your carb intake right down and continue exercising hard, just do it gradually. I started cutting sugar out of tea and coffee then, during a rest week switched to fruit for most of my other sugar and gradually weaned myself off of that too. Cut out the fruit smoothies as well.

The only time I have a big carby breakfast now is before a ride thats going to be over 2.5 hours. I do most of my easy runs fasted and the occasional short (sub 60 minute) ride, apart from a cup of tea and a glass of Soy Milk (to make sure I don't generate a protein deficit). Dinner carbs are wholemeal rice mostly and sometimes none at all (beans/salad)

For longer rides with intense efforts I make my own oat-bars adding dried fruit, bananas and honey which I control to keep the sweetness as low as I can. If I'm feeling tired before a short (sub 60 minute) HIIT session I'll grab an apple or something

For low-intensity efforts (such as touring with my Wife or z1/2 rides) I stick to protein based foods as much as possible (poached eggs at the cafe for example)

Snacks during the day or mostly humus/celery etc, lunch is a salad with Turkey or the odd bit of cheese. Add a bit of Tobasco or Worcestershire sauce for extra taste

I've also tried to incorporate a bit of 16/8 fasting every now and then.

Wether it's made the difference to my blood glucose levels or not yet I don't know (waiting for a re-test) but I have without a doubt drastically reduced the amount of carbs I take in

My FTP hasn't changed at all but I've dropped over 10Kg in 9 months and feel stronger than I have in years.

Good luck!

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