Newbie saying hello and with an HbA1c questions

[ColinUK]

I've found it quite easy to give up refined sugar, which surprised me, but keep making mistakes with natural sugars. I was eating berries without realising blueberries were high. And other snacks. I just snacked on some cashews and then looked them up - should have looked before I ate them, doh - and found they are 22. It'll take practice, that's for sure. But there's lots to love on it.

Cashews are the odd ones out when it comes to nuts I understand. It’s partly why they’re so noshable!

 

[Anitram]

I've found it quite easy to give up refined sugar, which surprised me, but keep making mistakes with natural sugars. I was eating berries without realising blueberries were high. And other snacks. I just snacked on some cashews and then looked them up - should have looked before I ate them, doh - and found they are 22. It'll take practice, that's for sure. But there's lots to love on it.

Cashews are fine, although they are higher carb than other nuts so portion size is the key. I generally measure out 30g for a snack, which is 6g carb.

Likewise blueberries, which at 14g carb per 100g have almost double the carbs of strawberries for example.

Martin

 

[grovesy]

I find all nuts morish, but no longer eat as they affect my IBS.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Largesse1!

As you will have already seen things are different for each person, and you have to find out what works for you, but the wealth of advice on here from those managing their D on a day-to-day basis should give you a pool of info to draw on. It sounds as if you are well on the way to an improved HbA1c but because it takes data from over the past three months the changes you have made will not appear in their full for a while. As others have said that test is just a number. You know that what you are doing is already having an impact on your levels.

I cannot comment on the ketones diet as I have never tried it. I simply set myself a target for for the number of carbs to eat at each meal, and then aim for that. My focus is on reducing the after meal spikes so I am juggling timings of insulin doses and taking account of fat content etc. We are all juggling our own factors.

 

[Largesse1!]

A couple of days or even a week is not going to make much difference to a HBA1C.

Good to know, thanks

 

[Largesse1!]

Hi Largesse1! ,
First I didn't notice anybody warning you about going Keto while taking Gliclazide.
You need to monitor your Blood Glucose regularly and to avoid it going too low! Because people on Glic , or on Insulin and some other drugs can suffer from hypos. This is where you BG gets so low that you may faint or even lose consciousness. So it is important to have a quick source of glucose with you ready to take if that happens.

Type 1 diabetics have to deal with this their whole lives.

Secondly, diet 9or more specifically how few carbs you eat) has a much bigger effect on your BG levels than any medication (apart from Insulin). Exercise is a poor third.

Thank you. I've not gone lower than 4.4 but I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[Largesse1!]

Cashews are the odd ones out when it comes to nuts I understand. It’s partly why they’re so noshable!

Yes, that should always be the clue!

 

[Largesse1!]

Welcome to the forum @Largesse1!

As you will have already seen things are different for each person, and you have to find out what works for you, but the wealth of advice on here from those managing their D on a day-to-day basis should give you a pool of info to draw on. It sounds as if you are well on the way to an improved HbA1c but because it takes data from over the past three months the changes you have made will not appear in their full for a while. As others have said that test is just a number. You know that what you are doing is already having an impact on your levels.

I cannot comment on the ketones diet as I have never tried it. I simply set myself a target for for the number of carbs to eat at each meal, and then aim for that. My focus is on reducing the after meal spikes so I am juggling timings of insulin doses and taking account of fat content etc. We are all juggling our own factors.

Thank you. Everyone is being so helpful. I really appreciate it.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Largesse1!

Glad you have found us. Diabetes is potentially a serious condition, but it is also one which can often be well managed with a few changes and adaptations - and it sounds like you have made a great start.

Don’t stress unduly about trying to instantly ‘fix’ your elevated HbA1c, the BG numbers you have shared look excellent, and it can be easier on the body for the A1c to return towards the normal range over a longer period as it gives the nerves and fine blood vessels time to adapt

 

[Largesse1!]

Welcome to the forum @Largesse1!

Glad you have found us. Diabetes is potentially a serious condition, but it is also one which can often be well managed with a few changes and adaptations - and it sounds like you have made a great start.

Don’t stress unduly about trying to instantly ‘fix’ your elevated HbA1c, the BG numbers you have shared look excellent, and it can be easier on the body for the A1c to return towards the normal range over a longer period as it gives the nerves and fine blood vessels time to adapt

Thanks. That sounds like very sensible advice.