New and about to start low calorie liquid diet

[Eddy Edson]

Thanks @travellor , food for thought - pardon the pun! With a recent HbA1c of 26 it's too low so something needs to change in my diet but I still need to lose weight. I thought reversal wasn't an option, only remission, but it's clearly worked for you.

Reversal has worked for me, also, and also via weight loss. I still choose not to eat a lot of grain-based things and so normally just "moderate" carb levels of around 130g per day, but that's because most grain-based things really aren't that nutritious compared to my standard seeds & nuts I turned into a bit of a nutrition-nazi as part of getting my diet sorted. If I do eat a bigger carb load, it really doesn't take me out of a "normal" BG range.

 

[AndBreathe]

Hi @travellor , really interested in what you're saying here. I genuinely thought that you could possibly "reverse/put into remission" diabetes with low carb OR low calorie? Thinking that the main aim was to reduce weight and blood sugar levels. Is there a difference between the 2 approaches with regards to the end outcome?

Christy, I think it is worth stating that no approach has any guarantee of efficacy - whether low cal, low carb, low fat, or whatever. The annoying thing about the human body is every one is unique, and each one will have it's own way of coping, or not with any given set of circumstances.

That for me is the reason self-testing (fingerprick) testing is so critical, else any given individual is somewhat in the dark about the impacts of any changes they make.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Thanks @travellor , food for thought - pardon the pun! With a recent HbA1c of 26 it's too low so something needs to change in my diet but I still need to lose weight. I thought reversal wasn't an option, only remission, but it's clearly worked for you.

Sorry, I wasn't saying it was too low in my previous response. I meant that none of any diabetic responses could really help on that sort of reading, that would be something to ask your health team about.

 

[ColinUK]

Colin, have you considered that the spike from the French bread has hit it's peak and is well on it's way down by the time you test at the 2 hour point but may have spiked significantly higher than the wholemeal bread at the 1 hour mark. The very fine white French flour will likely break down much quicker than the wholemeal, which will likely release over a longer period, so the French bread may just appear to be better at the 2 hour point but there is perhaps a major spike happening at 1 hour with it that you are unaware of.... that would be my concern.

Thought that and I’ve tested at half hourly intervals once with a “real” baguette and it was an increase but really gradual.
Not that I’m eating baguettes or bread in anything other than exceptional circumstances anyway these days.

Considering I’d be able to get through two baguettes or a pain de campagne over a day beforehand.....

 

[Christy]

Sorry, I wasn't saying it was too low in my previous response. I meant that none of any diabetic responses could really help on that sort of reading, that would be something to ask your health team about.

It is too low lol but I understood what you meant, thanks. I don't have a health team as such other than the gp who told me the HbA1c was so low it wasn't on the scale and that I was in remission from any side effects from diabetes. Other than saying it was too low I wasn't offered any advice so I'm continuing to watch what I eat but introducing some carbs too in small portions to see how I get on.

 

[Drummer]

I think you are being too blunt here and too focused on ultra low carb. Whilst both Wholemeal and white are carbs and so impact blood sugar, you can’t say there is no advantage in Wholemeal. There is advantage in eating wholemeal over white when eating carbs, as Wholemeal contains more fibre which is good for fullness and digestion.

As I have a meter to test my blood glucose levels I can say, categorically, for the control of blood glucose levels there is no benefit from eating foods with more fibre. I have proved that to my own satisfaction so I am inclined to be blunt about it when I see someone hoping to get benefit from changing to brown carbs. It could mean that they are causing spikes, and I can't see how that could be beneficial.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I think we all need to remember, there is a lot more to food than simply using it to control blood glucose.
There are always great benefits from eating healthier foods.

 

[AndBreathe]

It is too low lol but I understood what you meant, thanks. I don't have a health team as such other than the gp who told me the HbA1c was so low it wasn't on the scale and that I was in remission from any side effects from diabetes. Other than saying it was too low I wasn't offered any advice so I'm continuing to watch what I eat but introducing some carbs too in small portions to see how I get on.

Christy, can I ask who told you your HbA1c was too low?

My OH, who is 74 (today - happy birthday to him.) doesn't live with diabetes, but his A1cs, eating a very normal diet are always in the mid-20s. His just seems pretty efficient to me.

 

[Christy]

Christy, can I ask who told you your HbA1c was too low?

My OH, who is 74 (today - happy birthday to him.) doesn't live with diabetes, but his A1cs, eating a very normal diet are always in the mid-20s. His just seems pretty efficient to me.

Hi @AndBreathe . My GP when I phoned for my result. She said, "be careful, you don't want to go the other way" whatever that meant. I was too shocked to ask any more. That's really reassuring to know because I've tried to find out what a result like that means without success. I've only got Dr Google to ask. I feel totally fine (although I felt fine at HbA1c 49 & 3.5 stone heavier). It's been a real kick up the proverbial which isn't a bad thing. Welcome any comments/suggestions.

Happy birthday to your OH!

 

[AndBreathe]

Hi @AndBreathe . My GP when I phoned for my result. She said, "be careful, you don't want to go the other way" whatever that meant. I was too shocked to ask any more. That's really reassuring to know because I've tried to find out what a result like that means without success. I've only got Dr Google to ask. I feel totally fine (although I felt fine at HbA1c 49 & 3.5 stone heavier). It's been a real kick up the proverbial which isn't a bad thing. Welcome any comments/suggestions.

Happy birthday to your OH!

Honestly, if you aren't taking meds, and have no other comorbidities, I doubt HbA1c of mid 20 would be harmful to you.

If you were taking meds - particularly anything that could be driving your blood sugars south, there could be concern you could be having too many hypos.

Clearly, it's your choice what you do, relating to your HbA1c, but if you feel well and comfortable with your current way of eating, in your shoes, I'd just keep going.

Anyway, we'd best not deflect this thread, on a different topic, any more.

Well done you, and OH says,........... "I don't like being old, but thank you".

 

[Drummer]

I think we all need to remember, there is a lot more to food than simply using it to control blood glucose.
There are always great benefits from eating healthier foods.

The foods I was prescribed and which took me to 264lb were always described as 'healthy' - then the tablets prescribed for the diabetes were supposed to do me good too.
I am far better off without either.
My diet controls my diabetes, gives me energy and I feel a lot younger, I am in a far better place mentally, I can still learn new things even at 70, and I am remembering things which I lost due to the tablets four years ago - that really is weird, I must say. I went back to work and found that I was getting stronger the more I did.
I think what we all need to remember is that we are the ones in these bodies and no one else should dictate how we maintain ourselves.
Yes, I am pretty emphatic about eating low carb, but if you test your response to carbs you should come to understand your own limits with them.
It is very old advice, it was carved into the pronaos of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the first maxim is know thyself, the second, nothing to excess, and the third, surety brings ruin. I was quite amused to discover that my personal philosophy was nothing of the kind.

 

[Christy]

Honestly, if you aren't taking meds, and have no other comorbidities, I doubt HbA1c of mid 20 would be harmful to you.

If you were taking meds - particularly anything that could be driving your blood sugars south, there could be concern you could be having too many hypos.

Clearly, it's your choice what you do, relating to your HbA1c, but if you feel well and comfortable with your current way of eating, in your shoes, I'd just keep going.

Anyway, we'd best not deflect this thread, on a different topic, any more.

Well done you, and OH says,........... "I don't like being old, but thank you".

Hi @AndBreathe , no meds, no co-morbities. Thanks for your advice. And although your OH may not like being a year older tell them it's better than the alternative 😉 life's to be enjoyed!

 

[Deleted member 21371]

The foods I was prescribed and which took me to 264lb were always described as 'healthy' - then the tablets prescribed for the diabetes were supposed to do me good too.
I am far better off without either.
My diet controls my diabetes, gives me energy and I feel a lot younger, I am in a far better place mentally, I can still learn new things even at 70, and I am remembering things which I lost due to the tablets four years ago - that really is weird, I must say. I went back to work and found that I was getting stronger the more I did.
I think what we all need to remember is that we are the ones in these bodies and no one else should dictate how we maintain ourselves.
Yes, I am pretty emphatic about eating low carb, but if you test your response to carbs you should come to understand your own limits with them.
It is very old advice, it was carved into the pronaos of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the first maxim is know thyself, the second, nothing to excess, and the third, surety brings ruin. I was quite amused to discover that my personal philosophy was nothing of the kind.

That's it in a nutshell.
"My diet controls my diabetes"
This thread isn't about having to have a diet for life to control diabetes.

This thread is about a prescribed course of treatment that has a proven record of reversing diabetes, and getting back to a normal diet that the rest of the world still considers healthy.
It works very well for me, and indeed, very well for the normal population.

Your limits certainly aren't mine, so as you say, it may work well, and it's a choice you need to make for yourself, but let's let the op do it their own way as well, without dictating how bad any carb is for anyone else?

 

[Drummer]

Test, check, adjust - head for normality.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Looking forward to hearing how you get in with the Newcastle approach @Lordy48

As you can see from the thread, we find different approaches work (or don‘t work) and suit (or don’t suit!) different individuals, so it’s a matter of finding approaches that you think will work for you, but then keeping an open mind to try other options if things don’t pan out as you hoped.

Keep us posted with how things play out for you, and all the best for your new plan 🙂

 

[Lordy48]

An update! Bit overdue...
So I have started the programme, it’s called Counter Weight - they have a website. There are 11 shake and soup options and they are surprisingly tasty which I didn’t expect and they even have a veg and crouton soup which gives a little something to crunch and chew. I get to choose 8 flavours each month, supplied in boxes of 14 by my dietician. I’ve also been given fibogel which I take daily as the plan can cause constipation, a blood glucose monitor and blood pressure monitor for taking readings to monitor. I’ve to drink 2.5L a day of water, sugar free diluted drinks or sugar free fizzy drinks. I started the programme 5 days ago and the first few days were quite rough - I felt very tired and lethargic, had cold sweats and not much energy and a little bit of nausea, all of which are normal side effects. However that’s passed and today I feel great. I’ve noticed a huge difference on my skin with all the extra hydration, I had very dry skin and lips before and that’s gone. My blood glucose has dropped from being between 12-20 to 6-11. I cheated and weighed myself today (suppose to wait till Tuesday) and I’ve lost 3.8kg so far, which is about 8lb. I started at 165kg so it’s a drop in the ocean but a positive start. I won’t lie though it is tough - I miss food. I live and help care for my Gran and have to still cook meals for her and she’s very fond of cakes! So it’s lots of will power needed plus it makes you aware of just how much food is everywhere - tv, social media, shops. But the positives so far are out weighing the cravings so I’m hoping I can keep at it for the next 11 weeks.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Sounds like you are making a great start.
It gets a load easier after a few days, when the old habits drop away.

 

[rebrascora]

So it’s lots of will power needed plus it makes you aware of just how much food is everywhere - tv, social media, shops.

That was something which really shocked me when I started low carbing. The amount of TV adverts and shop outlets which are constantly tempting you to eat this stuff is mind blowing and more shocking that we have become blind to it until we actually start resisting the temptation and then you see that it is everywhere.... almost constant pressure to indulge. It is no wonder that obesity is such a growing problem.
Good luck. It will eventually get easier. The other thing which blows my mind is that I just don't crave those high carb foods anymore and I was a sugar addict, chocoholic and all round carb monster pre diagnosis. Now I am just a cheese and pork scratchings monster!! 😱 ... at least they don't impact my BG levels though!

 

[Lordy48]

Sounds like you are making a great start.
It gets a load easier after a few days, when the old habits drop away.

Thanks, it’s definitely about breaking bad habits.

That was something which really shocked me when I started low carbing. The amount of TV adverts and shop outlets which are constantly tempting you to eat this stuff is mind blowing and more shocking that we have become blind to it until we actually start resisting the temptation and then you see that it is everywhere.... almost constant pressure to indulge. It is no wonder that obesity is such a growing problem.
Good luck. It will eventually get easier. The other thing which blows my mind is that I just don't crave those high carb foods anymore and I was a sugar addict, chocoholic and all round carb monster pre diagnosis. Now I am just a cheese and pork scratchings monster!! 😱 ... at least they don't impact my BG levels though!

It’s crazy isn’t it! So many adverts, even on kids tv. Then I went to the shops and driving there I saw adverts everywhere. You can’t escape it. Thanks, I’m hoping I get this way too and learn to love veg over bread I would murder pork scratchings right now

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Glad you are beginning to find things easier after a tough start @Lordy48

Hope the programme is beneficial for you 🙂