Hello everyone!

[Deleted member 21371]

Thank you for your kind reply and advice. My HbA1C was 60, and I’ve been told that I need to lose 4 stone. Started on Dapagliflozin, but talk that it will be supplemented with Metformin (which I’m worried about because of what I’ve read about it). Seems so much to take in but hopefully I’ll get into a routine. I’d love to reduce the levels to the point that I was no longer diabetic, but realistically my score is probably too high to make that likely.

Weight loss reversed my diabetes.
A similar amount to you.
I did a low fat diet, then finished off with the 800 calories shake based Newcastle Diet.
By "reversed" I do mean I can eat all things now, so it is possible!

 

[Sussexmax]

Welcome to the forum @Sussexmax

Try not to get swept up in the sense of blame and diabetes-shaming that is so widespread in the press and media (and sometimes, sadly, even among healthcare professionals )

You can’t change what went before, but you seem determined to tackle your diagnosis head-on, and that’s something to be proud of 🙂

Thank you for your post, and I think your comments are exactly right… the media and also many others subscribe to a view that type 2 is the person’s ’fault’, and that is where the shame and embarrassment comes from. A sense of letting yourself down. I’m trying to overcome that feeling, and am really grateful for the encouraging comments from yourself and others.

 

[Sussexmax]

I was diagnosed with an HbA1c of 87 .
Metformin made me very ill so I cut down drastically on carbohydrates threw the pills in the bin and was in remission within 3 months following a ketogenic diet.
It can be done I've lost and maintained a loss of almost 40 kilos. HbA1c's now usually sub 30.

Glad to hear you’ve done so well, especially without the Metformin. Hopefully I can get there even if it takes me a bit longer!

 

[bulkbiker]

Glad to hear you’ve done so well, especially without the Metformin. Hopefully I can get there even if it takes me a bit longer!

It kept me tied to the loo for 3 weeks to the extent I could hardly leave the house!

Whereabouts in Sussex are you based, we are too! Just north of Worthing.

 

[Sussexmax]

Weight loss reversed my diabetes.
A similar amount to you.
I did a low fat diet, then finished off with the 800 calories shake based Newcastle Diet.
By "reversed" I do mean I can eat all things now, so it is possible!

That’s brilliant! I’m trying to cut out carbs as much as possible and keeping a very close eye on fats and sugar. I’m not sure shake diets would help me, as I’ve always failed with those type of things before. When you say you can eat everything now, do you mean literally ‘everything’?

 

[Sussexmax]

It kept me tied to the loo for 3 weeks to the extent I could hardly leave the house!

Whereabouts in Sussex are you based, we are too! Just north of Worthing.

That’s what I’m dreading if I have to take it!

The opposite side side of the county in East Sussex, although I moved away a long time ago. Still very proud of my Sussex roots though!!

 

[Deleted member 21371]

That’s brilliant! I’m trying to cut out carbs as much as possible and keeping a very close eye on fats and sugar. I’m not sure shake diets would help me, as I’ve always failed with those type of things before. When you say you can eat everything now, do you mean literally ‘everything’?

Well, so long at I keep at a respectable weight, yes.
If I overeat to the obese stage again I could have issues, I would guess.
And not just with diabetes.

 

[bulkbiker]

I’m trying to cut out carbs as much as possible and keeping a very close eye on fats and sugar.

Sugar and carbs were the main culprits in my case so I cut them out almost completely.. fats that come along with single ingredient foods like meat/fish/dairy shouldn't cause a problem.
Most of my weight loss came after my T2 was in remission.

 

[Jenny65]

Thank you for your kind reply and advice. My HbA1C was 60, and I’ve been told that I need to lose 4 stone. Started on Dapagliflozin, but talk that it will be supplemented with Metformin (which I’m worried about because of what I’ve read about it). Seems so much to take in but hopefully I’ll get into a routine. I’d love to reduce the levels to the point that I was no longer diabetic, but realistically my score is probably too high to make that likely.

Hi Max

Welcome to the forum, I started with a HBa1c of 80 and felt the shame like you, my doctor told me not to blame myself as it is unclear if the diabetes makes you gain weight or the weight gain causes the diabetes. A lot of people gain weight and dont have diabetes so they are no different to us, so dont be hard on yourself. The good news is you are doing something about it and you will be amazed how some simple changes to your diet can get you back in control and hopefully remission.

I stick to 130g carbs a day and 1200 calories, and a walk each day and its now reduced significantly and all the symptoms have gone, I am also from Sussex so may be near where you live if your user name is where you are from 🙂

 

[Sperato]

Thank you for your kind reply and advice. My HbA1C was 60, and I’ve been told that I need to lose 4 stone. Started on Dapagliflozin, but talk that it will be supplemented with Metformin (which I’m worried about because of what I’ve read about it). Seems so much to take in but hopefully I’ll get into a routine. I’d love to reduce the levels to the point that I was no longer diabetic, but realistically my score is probably too high to make that likely.

My HbA1C is 114 (just diagnosed) so don't feel so bad!

 

[Sussexmax]

Sugar and carbs were the main culprits in my case so I cut them out almost completely.. fats that come along with single ingredient foods like meat/fish/dairy shouldn't cause a problem.
Most of my weight loss came after my T2 was in remission.

Interesting that you’ve had more weight loss after beating the diabetes. Really good!

 

[Sussexmax]

My HbA1C is 114 (just diagnosed) so don't feel so bad!

I was worried about my score, but from what I’ve read here and in other places neither yours nor mine are the highest! Hope all goes well for you.

 

[Sussexmax]

Hi Max

Welcome to the forum, I started with a HBa1c of 80 and felt the shame like you, my doctor told me not to blame myself as it is unclear if the diabetes makes you gain weight or the weight gain causes the diabetes. A lot of people gain weight and dont have diabetes so they are no different to us, so dont be hard on yourself. The good news is you are doing something about it and you will be amazed how some simple changes to your diet can get you back in control and hopefully remission.

I stick to 130g carbs a day and 1200 calories, and a walk each day and its now reduced significantly and all the symptoms have gone, I am also from Sussex so may be near where you live if your user name is where you are from 🙂

Thank you for your positive message, it is a daunting path at the start- with so much to understand and so many new rules to follow! And I agree with you about the feeling of shame and embarrassment for not taking more care that might have prevented or at least delayed the diabetes diagnosis.

It sounds as if you’ve taken some fantastic steps in the right direction, and it’s really encouraging for me to hear what others have done. It’s now for me to follow that path!! I’m already starting to feel as if I’ve got more energy and want to walk more than before.

I was from the eastern end of the county, but moved away many years ago. Still love the area and proud of my Sussex roots