Reverse Your Diabetes - Dr David Cavan

[HOBIE]

I'm glad this topic came up as one nurse has told me that if I get my numbers into the 42 - 47 range I will be free of diabetes altogether and another nurse told me you will never be rid of it you will be a diabetic who is always trying to maintain those low numbers. Bit confusing . Any ideas anyone on this.

Not everyone is the same but if you are 22stone your pancreas & other organs get surrounded with fat restricting there performance, I would love to be given the chance to be able to do something about this. Keep trying & good luck Visionvalue 🙂

 

[rider44]

Hi @rider44 , welcome to the forum 🙂

'Reversing' Type 2 diabetes is not the same as curing it. It may be possible to improve your blood sugar control through a combination of diet and activity adjustments for some people, but this does not mean they are cured, they are simply managing it successfully. They will still have diabetes, and a return to bad habits or diet will result in the return of symptoms. Nevertheless, even though it is not a cure, it is ALWAYS worth making the efforts, since you will always reduce your risks of complications and improve your health. Whether you will be able to reduce or stop your medication will depend very much on the individual, as it may be that, physically, a person is no longer capable of controlling their blood sugars without the assistance of some medication.

Hi, Northerner

Thanks for your clarification. I have found the forum is very useful to talk to people and learn from people
on related issues. For me I would like to learn as much as possible on how to REVERSE diabetes, otherwise
as time goes by I would need to take more and more medication, which is no good at all.

I am physically fit, like to reduce my medication or eliminate, if possible. Currently my HbA1c around
6 - 8. Wonder any one can share your experiences
on how DIET can help to REVERSE diabetes and REDUCE medication?

Do you follow
1. Fasting;
2. LCHFat;
3. ...

thanks for sharing

 

[HOBIE]

Keep at it Rider ! To keep fit is good for anybody 🙂

 

[zuludog]

You might have seen my thread 'Inspiration please' in the food section, where I had become a bit jaded or tired of eating properly. By coincidence, I was given a newspaper article about the reverse diabetes diet which seemed quite reasonable. On the strength of that and reviews in this thread I bought a copy.

But I hadn't realised there are two books with similar titles. I have 'Reverse Your Diabetes Diet' , but there is another book entitled 'Reverse Your Diabetes', both by Dr Cavan
The relatively short outline in the 'diet' book is straightforward & clear, and seems to make sense, so I will be ordering the other book as well

I think I know a bit about nutrition & diabetes, but till I read the book I hadn't fully realised the significance of all carbohydrates (CHO), not just sugar. I know something of the biochemistry of carbohydrates, that they are broken down into sugars, and what he says makes sense, but I hadn't properly understood the effect of carbohydrates on diabetes till it was spelled out for me in such clear terms

So, I have already started to reduce considerably the amount of CHO that I eat, and this afternoon I will be going shopping for a load of fruit & veg, and other ingredients for his recipes

Perhaps I have found my inspiration?

 

[Northerner]

So, I have already started to reduce considerably the amount of CHO that I eat, and this afternoon I will be going shopping for a load of fruit & veg, and other ingredients for his recipes

Perhaps I have found my inspiration?

I hope so @zuludog ! Let us know how you get on 🙂 I think this is one of the reasons why people have such problems getting their levels under control - so often they are told to just 'eat a healthy diet, cut down on the sugars' - not explaining that ALL carbs convert to glucose, but at different rates, and often dependent on a person's own biology (particularly, it seems, the gut biota).

 

[zuludog]

Well, I didn't get to the shops, it was absolutely pouring down, but I made a vegetable salad from odds & ends I already had in stock; no GHO like bread or pasta, but I did have chickpeas. So shopping's the plan for tomorrow morning, as early as possible
I've also ordered the 'theory' book

I weighed myself about an hour ago, naked (don't let me put you off your tea!), and I'm 94,1 kg, which gives me a BMI of 29.8, just on the border of overweight & obese. I don't know what is the ideal for me, but it's obviously less than that. I'll settle for 85 kg, and see what happens after that, but for the moment the target is to get below 90 kg

 

[Northerner]

Well, I didn't get to the shops, it was absolutely pouring down, but I made a vegetable salad from odds & ends I already had in stock; no GHO like bread or pasta, but I did have chickpeas. So shopping's the plan for tomorrow morning, as early as possible
I've also ordered the 'theory' book

I weighed myself about an hour ago, naked (don't let me put you off your tea!), and I'm 94,1 kg, which gives me a BMI of 29.8, just on the border of overweight & obese. I don't know what is the ideal for me, but it's obviously less than that. I'll settle for 85 kg, and see what happens after that, but for the moment the target is to get below 90 kg

Good luck! You should add your progress to the 2016 Total Weight Loss thread, might help a bit with the motivation 🙂

 

[zuludog]

Well, my 'theory book' arrived today. I've had a scan through it and it all seems fairly good & reasonable
So now to read it properly, and apply it

 

[HOBIE]

Keep going Zuludog & good luck. Keep us up to date 🙂

 

[Chris Hobson]

This has been an interesting thread because my approach, which seems to work for me, is very different. I have cut out most stuff that contains refined sugar but I now eat quite a lot of fruit. Complex carbs, on the other hand, I consume by the bucket load. I offset this by doing a considerable amount of exercise*. I do a finger prick test just once or twice a week now, the result is generally around 5 or 6. I was on Linagliptin tablets but I was taken off those after my last but one check up and have now been on diet and exercise only for about nine months. Because of the amount of exercise that I do, I think that reducing my carb intake would cause me problems with low blood glucose levels.

*I swim a minimum of 6km, cycle around 230km and run about 20km plus a couple of hours in a weights gym every week.

 

[AndBreathe]

This has been an interesting thread because my approach, which seems to work for me, is very different. I have cut out most stuff that contains refined sugar but I now eat quite a lot of fruit. Complex carbs, on the other hand, I consume by the bucket load. I offset this by doing a considerable amount of exercise*. I do a finger prick test just once or twice a week now, the result is generally around 5 or 6. I was on Linagliptin tablets but I was taken off those after my last but one check up and have now been on diet and exercise only for about nine months. Because of the amount of exercise that I do, I think that reducing my carb intake would cause me problems with low blood glucose levels.

*I swim a minimum of 6km, cycle around 230km and run about 20km plus a couple of hours in a weights gym every week.

Chris - Reducing your carbs might or might not cause you problems with low blood glucose levels, but we are all different in that regard (as with all aspects of this condition!).

My life is currently split between the UK where I'm pretty active, but nowhere close to your levels. Overseas, I am much, much more active and on the go all the time, in heat and humidity. I open water swim every day, use my bike every day and single handed or short handed sail a fairly sizeable boat very regularly. If we're passage making there's plenty of sitting around, but in closer waters that can be quite active, with plenty hauling on ropes and so on. If anything I eat fewer carbs overseas than I do here, primarily due to the variety of available foods at any given time.

On that regime, my numbers run absolutely fine, and my HbA1cs (in my signature) reflect that assertion. My conclusion is my body has recovered sufficiently well that it now looks after me very well and it has regained it's ability to both self regulate, but also burn both fat and carbs for fuel; switching back and forth as required.

If you were keen to know what would happen, give it a whirl. If it doesn't interest you, then carry on as you are. Sometimes our bodies can achieve amazing things we never realistically thought it could.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[HOBIE]

Good luck to both of you ! T2 is a bit different to T1. T2 your pancreas might work 80% or 20% who knows ? Sounds like a good book to read 😎

 

[Maz2]

I have read both his books and am cooking some of his recipes. My hba1c started off at 42 in April this year when I was told by GP there was a problem. Hba1c a couple of weeks ago was 43 so disappointed in that but have heard from being on here that it is not really too bad. I only found out there was a problem through some medical research I was taking part in.

I am not going to give up. I have read on here people with full blown diabetes have got really good readings through changing their diets so surely I can make some improvement too eventually. Lets hope so.

I am still having some carbs, I have to admit I still enjoy porridge for breakfast although I have cut that to once or twice a week now and have yoghurt some days and eggs other days. I have cut bread to a couple of times a week. I have cut my fruit intake from 6-7 a day (GP said too many) down to 2-3 max. I have lost 1 1/2 stone in weight even though there was nothing wrong with it in the first place. I did not deliberately set out to do it, it has happened because I have cut the carbs down. I am now underweight though (lifestyle nurse told me at surgery last week - have to see GP at end of week). If I can't get these readings down not sure where to go from here as cannot lose any more weight. Will still keep to lower carb diet though whatever happens.

When I say porridge I don't mean instant, I mean rolled oats I get from the health shop. I use water and some almond milk (unsweetened).

 

[AndBreathe]

@Maz2 , my results from reducing my carbs are in my signature, so some can achieve excellent results and some less good, for many, many reasons.

At the outset, I certainly couldn't have tolerate the amount of carbs your post suggests you were eating, and I've pretty much stayed with the diet I moderated to, as I don't find it any hardship at all. I can eat more carbs now my numbers are well down and I've got skinny.

I now have a low weight - I had love handles, but absolutely no more. I found it took me some time to balance out my diet and weight and I still keep a close eye on that, as much to ensure it stays up as keeping it down!

Do you self-test your bloods? If you do, I would be curious to know how it reacts to both your fruit and the bread you are eating. So many folks find those to be pretty tricky, at least at the outset.

Secondly, where does your current weight place you on the BMI scale? Responses to both those queries would shape my further responses.

 

[HOBIE]

I have read both his books and am cooking some of his recipes. My hba1c started off at 42 in April this year when I was told by GP there was a problem. Hba1c a couple of weeks ago was 43 so disappointed in that but have heard from being on here that it is not really too bad. I only found out there was a problem through some medical research I was taking part in.

I am not going to give up. I have read on here people with full blown diabetes have got really good readings through changing their diets so surely I can make some improvement too eventually. Lets hope so.

I am still having some carbs, I have to admit I still enjoy porridge for breakfast although I have cut that to once or twice a week now and have yoghurt some days and eggs other days. I have cut bread to a couple of times a week. I have cut my fruit intake from 6-7 a day (GP said too many) down to 2-3 max. I have lost 1 1/2 stone in weight even though there was nothing wrong with it in the first place. I did not deliberately set out to do it, it has happened because I have cut the carbs down. I am now underweight though (lifestyle nurse told me at surgery last week - have to see GP at end of week). If I can't get these readings down not sure where to go from here as cannot lose any more weight. Will still keep to lower carb diet though whatever happens.

When I say porridge I don't mean instant, I mean rolled oats I get from the health shop. I use water and some almond milk (unsweetened).

I like my porridge too, slow release of carbs & avoids spikes 😎 Keep at it Maz2 🙂

 

[Maz2]

@Maz2 , my results from reducing my carbs are in my signature, so some can achieve excellent results and some less good, for many, many reasons.

At the outset, I certainly couldn't have tolerate the amount of carbs your post suggests you were eating, and I've pretty much stayed with the diet I moderated to, as I don't find it any hardship at all. I can eat more carbs now my numbers are well down and I've got skinny.

I now have a low weight - I had love handles, but absolutely no more. I found it took me some time to balance out my diet and weight and I still keep a close eye on that, as much to ensure it stays up as keeping it down!

Do you self-test your bloods? If you do, I would be curious to know how it reacts to both your fruit and the bread you are eating. So many folks find those to be pretty tricky, at least at the outset.

Secondly, where does your current weight place you on the BMI scale? Responses to both those queries would shape my further responses.

I am very interested in your comments about the bread and fruit. I do not self-test at present. I have bought a machine and will have to start to get used to keep stabbing my finger. I think this is going to be the only way to find out which carbs are causing trouble.

My BMI at present is 17.96 which is about 3 lbs underweight. I think it would be better for me to keep at the lower end of the BMI. I believe my weight is allowed to go from about 8 stone 7 lbs to around 11 stone. However, the weight tends to go around my middle. For example, when I was 10 stone 2 lbs a few years ago I was taking part in some medical research and my body fat was 36% which is quite high. Now it is 22.9%.

It is interesting what you say about "eating more carbs now." I am at present reading a book by Dr Mark Hyman called "Eat Fat, Get Thin" and he advocates coming off practically all the dairy products, grains, bread etc for about 3 weeks and then reintroducing them.

I will keep going with this whilst trying to put the 3 lbs back on as I hope even if I cannot return to normal, I can at least delay things.

 

[AndBreathe]

I am very interested in your comments about the bread and fruit. I do not self-test at present. I have bought a machine and will have to start to get used to keep stabbing my finger. I think this is going to be the only way to find out which carbs are causing trouble.

My BMI at present is 17.96 which is about 3 lbs underweight. I think it would be better for me to keep at the lower end of the BMI. I believe my weight is allowed to go from about 8 stone 7 lbs to around 11 stone. However, the weight tends to go around my middle. For example, when I was 10 stone 2 lbs a few years ago I was taking part in some medical research and my body fat was 36% which is quite high. Now it is 22.9%.

It is interesting what you say about "eating more carbs now." I am at present reading a book by Dr Mark Hyman called "Eat Fat, Get Thin" and he advocates coming off practically all the dairy products, grains, bread etc for about 3 weeks and then reintroducing them.

I will keep going with this whilst trying to put the 3 lbs back on as I hope even if I cannot return to normal, I can at least delay things.

The floor for a healthy BMI is 47.5, and I sort of dance around that, with action required by me when I dip. My body fat is under 20, but I have excellent muscle mass, without any bulk. I'm now a very wiry old bird. I think my ideal would be c50kg, with anything added going to my arms, but let's face it the arms bit is never going to happen, is it? Such is the rule of Murphy.

Adding weight is very tricky, and these days I have more options, but in your shoes, I'd up the protein a bit. By that I mean, if you'd normally have, say, a chicken portion, make sure it's a decent sized one, or if you're looking at bacon, have an extra rasher. Then for the fat, things like a cheese sauce on your veg can be absolutely fabulous - especially if you make your sauce without adding any flour. If I have cream in, I'll use that, whilst warming it, I just throw in enough cheese to achieve the texture and quantity I want.

On top tip I would give you is when gaining weight, do a bit of extra moving around if you can. I don't necessarily suggest you become a gym bunny (I'm not), but just park further from the supermarket entrance or whatever, or walk on local errands, rather than jump in the car. That'll maybe help you ensure you're gaining some muscle if you can. I appreciate moving around/exercising uses energy, but it's a balancing act.

Touching on your interest in my "more carbs now" comment, like many others, as I trimmed up, my insulin resistance significantly improved. I can't think the last time I saw a 7 on my meter, including the Libre, which tracks and graphs 24/7, so no hiding!

I can't stress enough that I am incredibly fortunate to end up in the place I currently am with my diabetes, and health overall. Not everyone's body can recover quite so well, but I'd urge you to do as you are and try your very hardest. Hopefully you can get back under that magic number (42). I can't say strongly enough, at this stage, testing is critical for you. The reassurance it gives you (as well as some inevitable frustration and disappointments!) is wonderful.

Whilst being underweight isn't good, as you're testing and experimenting, many people lose weight, because the do things like reduce their carbs, and replace them with, usually, vegetables, so many lose weight. I might suggest that your first couple of weeks target would be to maintain your weight, with any gain a ginagerous bonus. Just take it steady, this is the long game.

 

[Northerner]

ginagerous

I have never encountered this word before in 57 years! 😱 Had to look it up! 🙂

 

[Maz2]

The floor for a healthy BMI is 47.5, and I sort of dance around that, with action required by me when I dip. My body fat is under 20, but I have excellent muscle mass, without any bulk. I'm now a very wiry old bird. I think my ideal would be c50kg, with anything added going to my arms, but let's face it the arms bit is never going to happen, is it? Such is the rule of Murphy.

Adding weight is very tricky, and these days I have more options, but in your shoes, I'd up the protein a bit. By that I mean, if you'd normally have, say, a chicken portion, make sure it's a decent sized one, or if you're looking at bacon, have an extra rasher. Then for the fat, things like a cheese sauce on your veg can be absolutely fabulous - especially if you make your sauce without adding any flour. If I have cream in, I'll use that, whilst warming it, I just throw in enough cheese to achieve the texture and quantity I want.

On top tip I would give you is when gaining weight, do a bit of extra moving around if you can. I don't necessarily suggest you become a gym bunny (I'm not), but just park further from the supermarket entrance or whatever, or walk on local errands, rather than jump in the car. That'll maybe help you ensure you're gaining some muscle if you can. I appreciate moving around/exercising uses energy, but it's a balancing act.

Touching on your interest in my "more carbs now" comment, like many others, as I trimmed up, my insulin resistance significantly improved. I can't think the last time I saw a 7 on my meter, including the Libre, which tracks and graphs 24/7, so no hiding!

I can't stress enough that I am incredibly fortunate to end up in the place I currently am with my diabetes, and health overall. Not everyone's body can recover quite so well, but I'd urge you to do as you are and try your very hardest. Hopefully you can get back under that magic number (42). I can't say strongly enough, at this stage, testing is critical for you. The reassurance it gives you (as well as some inevitable frustration and disappointments!) is wonderful.

Whilst being underweight isn't good, as you're testing and experimenting, many people lose weight, because the do things like reduce their carbs, and replace them with, usually, vegetables, so many lose weight. I might suggest that your first couple of weeks target would be to maintain your weight, with any gain a ginagerous bonus. Just take it steady, this is the long game.

Thank you for your very helpful comments. I think I am just going to have to start testing. I suppose it will prove expensive in the long run. I bought an AccuCheck which means you have to replace the lancets regularly as there are only six needles in each one. However, it will be money well spent if I can sort this out or at least delay things for as long as possible

 

[AndBreathe]

Thank you for your very helpful comments. I think I am just going to have to start testing. I suppose it will prove expensive in the long run. I bought an AccuCheck which means you have to replace the lancets regularly as there are only six needles in each one. However, it will be money well spent if I can sort this out or at least delay things for as long as possible

Maz2, the Accu Chek is loved by many, but it's expensive to run. I believe the strips are over £20 for 50, and initially we may not think we'll get through many, but in the early days we certainly do!

I use the SD Codefree meter. I've used it for over 2 years and it's absolutely fine. It'd to so twee was the Accu Check, but the strips for it are under £8 a pot, and if you buy 5 or 10 at a time, from the UK distributor, the cost comes down to under £6 for 50. In effect, a fraction of the Accu Chek costs.

The link for the meter is here: http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/ , and the strips, here: http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/ , and the lancets here: http://homehealth-uk.com/all-produc...e-sterile-lancets-for-blood-testtesting-kits/

Should you buy the 5 or 10 pots at a time, the discount codes are:

5 pots - 264086
19 pots - 975833

You add the discount codes at the online checkout.

Good luck with it all. It's a bit of a puzzle, but you'll be fine. 🙂