HBA1C and glucose levels and low carb diets

[angela HANCOCK]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed about ten years ago with type 2 diabetes. I have maintained my levels at around 4.5-4,6 (old money readings!) until recently. I have not had to take any medication until last year when I was prescribed fenofibrate. Since last March my readings had gone up to 53(new money) and when I went last month they were at 63. I have now been prescribed metformin too. I was advised by the diabetes nurse to cut out carbs, everything, bread,pasta, potatoes etc. I only have pasta or rice about once a month and a two slice bread sandwich at lunch about four times a week, same with potatoes. I have looked at low carb diets and am finding it difficult to come to terms with it because of the strong use of protein foods, dairy and such. I cannot eat eggs, cheese, milk because they cause me to have migraines. I have lost about 5 pounds in three weeks but struggle to find good alternatives. Does anyone else have the same problems or am I just not trying hard enough. Will it be enough to be very careful with obviously cutting down the carbs without cutting them out altogether? My other query is that having been advised that blood testing is not necessary for type 2, how on earth can I know if my levels are going up further or going down, hopefully.? Do anyone type 2 diabetics actually test themselves? Will be very grateful for any help with this. Angie

 

[Ljc]

Hi @angela HANCOCK , welcome to the forum . I think it’s so wrong for people who want to test to see how the various carbohydrates affect them to be told no it’s not necessary, to me it’s like driving in the dark without headlights and imo just as dangerous.
The majority of us with T2 on here do test but sadly unless on medications that can cause hypo’s ( Metformin doesn’t normally cause them) they usually have to self fund the test strips.
The cheapest one we know of to self fund the ongoing cost of the testing strips around £8 less VAT for 50. is the SD Codefree meter available from Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Codefree-Glucose-Monitor-Monitoring-Testing/dp/B0068JAJFS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1506485682&sr=1-1&keywords=sd+codefree+meter+mmol/l&linkCode=sl1&tag=xfm-21&linkId=f39210144fdc26c27738e45b6d95700

Or directly from Homehealth
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/
We use the mmol measurement in the UK
You are entitled to claim VAT relief @nd will need to buy more test strips and lancets as they only supply to oe in Starter packs.

It’s impossible to cut out carbohydrates totally, even the humble lettuce leaf has a few , It’s often a matter of portion size as well as what carbohydrate it is. But what and how much we’ll that’s where self testing comes in.
Ie I have some form of potato most days , 4 small new potatoes or 6/8 oven chips never mashed potato and occasionally 4 small halves of roast potatoes done in goose fat . Many here make cauli mash or sweet potato
I don’t eat white bread anymore, wholemeal bread suits my body, many here have Burgen linseed and Soya bread as it’s lower in carbs and they are not as fast acting or another high protein bread.
I will have some rice but only a tiny amount 1 or 2 dessert spoons and have more of the main part of the meal ie the chilli con carne. Some here make cauli or broccoli rice. Their are lots of good substitutes we can try.
Have a look at this thread to see what we’re eating
what-did-you-eat-yesterday.
We have some great innovative cooks who put their recipes. here.

 

[Zillah]

Hi Angela, I tested a lot for the first few months (after getting the brilliant advice on here) I'm lucky as my GP provides some of my lancets and strips but not enough so I self fund the rest. I now have an idea what my body reacts to and doesn't so test less, otherwise how you going to know!! Good Luck X

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed about ten years ago with type 2 diabetes. I have maintained my levels at around 4.5-4,6 (old money readings!) until recently. I have not had to take any medication until last year when I was prescribed fenofibrate. Since last March my readings had gone up to 53(new money) and when I went last month they were at 63. I have now been prescribed metformin too. I was advised by the diabetes nurse to cut out carbs, everything, bread,pasta, potatoes etc. I only have pasta or rice about once a month and a two slice bread sandwich at lunch about four times a week, same with potatoes. I have looked at low carb diets and am finding it difficult to come to terms with it because of the strong use of protein foods, dairy and such. I cannot eat eggs, cheese, milk because they cause me to have migraines. I have lost about 5 pounds in three weeks but struggle to find good alternatives. Does anyone else have the same problems or am I just not trying hard enough. Will it be enough to be very careful with obviously cutting down the carbs without cutting them out altogether? My other query is that having been advised that blood testing is not necessary for type 2, how on earth can I know if my levels are going up further or going down, hopefully.? Do anyone type 2 diabetics actually test themselves? Will be very grateful for any help with this. Angie

Good luck with your appointment angela...I agree with everything @Ljc & @Zillah have said...if you have any specific questions post them here...I'm sure one of us will be able to offer you some further advice. & guidance or just give you the benefit of our experience.

 

[Ljc]

Hi, me again .
If you decide to test, to make the best use of the info testing gives and if you want/need to cut down on costs have a read of these blogs on here
test-review-adjust
and
teting-on-budget
Both by Alan S

 

[Mark Parrott]

Hi Angela. Firstly, I must congratulate your DSN for recommending cutting carbs. Most don't give any dietary advice & when they do, it's usually very bad advice. When cutting carbs, our bodies change their fuel source to fat. During this change, some people can suffer with what's known as 'carb flu' but this subsides once the body has adjusted. Also, because you have cut carbs, you need to replace it with healthy fat & protein to stop you feeling hungry all the time. Don't worry about all the scare stories of fat clogging up the arteries & raising cholesterol, it doesn't happen on a low carb diet. Sorry that cheese gives you headaches. Apparently, this is not uncommon. I suppose you could try non dairy alternatives (soya or unsweetened almond milk for example). I have been low carb since diagnosis over 2 years ago & eat bacon, cheese, butter, cream etc & have lost 4 stone & improved my cholesterol ratios to near perfect. It's the ratios that are important, not the total number, which means nothing.

 

[CathyB]

Hi Angela, I do test using the code free meter, not every day now as things are pretty well balanced but if I try something new I test before and then 2 hours after to see how I’ve reacted, also if I feel a little ‘off’ I will test for reassurance. It gives me peace of mind and helps me to feel I am in control of my diabetes rather than it controlling me 😉 My GP and diabetic nurse both don’t see why I want to test 🙄

 

[angela HANCOCK]

Thank you so much, all of you. Certainly given me lots to think about. I think I will purchase a monitor, just so I can get an idea of what is happening with my sugar levels. My cholesterol level is down to about 4.8 now and I don't have a problem with high blood pressure. I am losing weight slowly, now down to 9 1/2 stone from just under 10, over the past three weeks. I will take a look at this site for menus, receipes, to give me an idea of what to eat. Have bags of cauliflower rice and quinoa in freezer to try out too. It is reassuring to be amongst others with similar problems and appreciate your feedback. Will give you updates in a couple of weeks to see how things are going. Best wishes to you all

 

[Grannylorraine]

Hi Angela

Welcome. As the others have said testing is key, I can eat a small amount of potatoes, rice and the low carb breads without affecting my levels, but portion control is key for me with these foods, Pasta and normal bread is a complete no for me, I can also eat a 30g portion of porridge, anything more and it spikes me. I also use the code free monitor. At first I tested all the time, but now I only test when I am trying something new.

 

[Spireite72]

Hi @angela HANCOCK Welcome to the forum I test but I have to as I was put on insulin straight away on diagnosis.

 

[Pet70]

Testing is what has set me free from the meds!! Test until you can look at a piece of food a pretty much guess what it will do to your blood. That's taken me about a year. One crazy thing I have learned, is that if I want to give myself a real hard spike, I just need to eat one piece of white bread!!

 

[Amigo]

Testing is what has set me free from the meds!! Test until you can look at a piece of food a pretty much guess what it will do to your blood. That's taken me about a year. One crazy thing I have learned, is that if I want to give myself a real hard spike, I just need to eat one piece of white bread!!

Feel your pain with the white bread Pet70. And a baguette will spike me harder than fish and chips. The stuff is liquid glucose dressed up in a loaf! 😱

 

[Pet70]

Feel your pain with the white bread Pet70. And a baguette will spike me harder than fish and chips. The stuff is liquid glucose dressed up in a loaf! 😱

The only thing I really miss about white bread is two pieces of bacon and some red sauce in the middle of two buttered slices of it! Otherwise it can all go to hell. The best bread I have found to eat is German Volkhorn bread - full of seeds and very satisfying to munch on covered in runny eggs for breakfast. Guaranteed not to spike if I move a little after eating some 🙂

 

[AdeleTurner72]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed about ten years ago with type 2 diabetes. I have maintained my levels at around 4.5-4,6 (old money readings!) until recently. I have not had to take any medication until last year when I was prescribed fenofibrate. Since last March my readings had gone up to 53(new money) and when I went last month they were at 63. I have now been prescribed metformin too. I was advised by the diabetes nurse to cut out carbs, everything, bread,pasta, potatoes etc. I only have pasta or rice about once a month and a two slice bread sandwich at lunch about four times a week, same with potatoes. I have looked at low carb diets and am finding it difficult to come to terms with it because of the strong use of protein foods, dairy and such. I cannot eat eggs, cheese, milk because they cause me to have migraines. I have lost about 5 pounds in three weeks but struggle to find good alternatives. Does anyone else have the same problems or am I just not trying hard enough. Will it be enough to be very careful with obviously cutting down the carbs without cutting them out altogether? My other query is that having been advised that blood testing is not necessary for type 2, how on earth can I know if my levels are going up further or going down, hopefully.? Do anyone type 2 diabetics actually test themselves? Will be very grateful for any help with this. Angie

Welcome Angela.
I'll second everything already said here about cutting down on ALL carbs and self testing for the best blood glucose control.

When we reduce calorie intake from carbs, we need to replace those calories from another source, otherwise we get very hungry (and grumpy!). Most people increase their intake of healthy fats to achieve this.
If cheese and dairy is a no-no for you, what about adding things like avocado, nuts or olive oil to your meals to replace some of your carbs and keep you fuller for longer?

One final note from me. I have suffered from migraines for 20 years. Cheese and dairy were my main triggers, along with red wine. Since my diagnosis, and switch to low carb eating, I have only had 3 migraines in 6 months and they were all in the first few weeks when my blood glucose was still quite high. I can now eat cheese and drink red wine with pleasure!
Hope that helps. Good luck xxx

 

[JMyrtle]

Can I add olives and radishes to the snacking list as well