im pre diabetic can i post?

[char40]

Hi

had some blood tests done due to thinning hair and been told im vit b12 deficient, low in iron and pre diabetic. I was 44 which is high apparently? been given very little information from dr and no follow up. What can/should I be doing to lower this number? I am 37, healthy bmi. i wear braces which can make eating hard at times. Just feel quite unclear about what i should/shouldn't be eating. Any help appreciated thank you.

 

[grovesy]

Welcome!

 

[Amigo]

Hi Char, of course you are most welcome with pre-diabetes. If we can help you to keep it at bay, we will. The cut off point is usually 48 on the Hba1c test so it's good that your doctor has flagged this up to allow you to address it. I'd advise following the kind of diet and exercise plan diabetics use which is reduced carbs such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, cakes, biscuits. Try to go for a walk after meals if possible which shouldn't be an issue if you're healthy. Be careful with fruit because it can raise levels and fruit juice certainly does.
Getting your iron levels and B12 should address some of your issues but try to eat food higher in iron where possible. How long will you need to wear braces if this is making eating difficult?

I'm sure you can get your levels down with some simple changes. Does your GP intend to monitor your Hba1c levels regularly?

 

[Copepod]

Welcome to the forum, Char40.
Are the braces on your teeth temporary? How long are your wearing them? Presumably you have been advised to reduce sugar intake, swill mouth with water after eating / drinking sugary things and brush teeth carefully for dental health reasons?
What do you mean by "44"? It's impossible to interpret properly without knowing units and what was measured. It's probably HbA1c in mmol/mol, which gives an impression of average blood glucose levels over past few months, with heavier rating on more recent weeks.

 

[char40]

yes i think must be the hba1c test. I was given a lot of information over a phone call, havent seen anyone, no follow up other than being tested again in 6 months. braces are on for another 20 months. It just makes eating difficult once they have been tightened for about a week afterwards. But had them done last week so all the things i should be having like veg have been hard to eat!

Is there a link anywhere about what i should and shouldn't be eating? Have had so much confusing and conflicting advice.

 

[Northerner]

yes i think must be the hba1c test. I was given a lot of information over a phone call, havent seen anyone, no follow up other than being tested again in 6 months. braces are on for another 20 months. It just makes eating difficult once they have been tightened for about a week afterwards. But had them done last week so all the things i should be having like veg have been hard to eat!

Is there a link anywhere about what i should and shouldn't be eating? Have had so much confusing and conflicting advice.

Hi Char40, welcome to the forum 🙂 I'd recommend having a look at the GL (Glycaemic Load) diet. It's not a weight loss diet, but an approach to selecting and combining foods so that they have a slow, steady impact on blood glucose levels. The GL Diet for Dummies is a very good introduction 🙂

As others have mentioned, 'eating healthily' for both people with diabetes, and everyone really, involves moderating carbohydrate intake generally, not just sugar (which is just a form of carbohydrate). It's more than possible that if you just adjust your diet a little you will be able to see a good improvement in your blood sugar levels by the time the next test comes around. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have - no question is 'silly', so if you are not sure about something, just ask and we will be happy to help 🙂