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- Thread starter Neil2021
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Type 2 diabetics have a problem with high blood glucose for which the body produces (usually) large amounts of insulin , which is the hormone that 'pushes' glucose out of the blood stream into muscles and fat cells.
Many Type 2 diabetics (and some Type 1's as well) find that cutting back on carbohydrates makes a big difference (all of them - not just sugars since starches also turn into glucose when they hit your saliva).
A Low Carb 'way of eating' can take many different forms from Keto (which is ultra low carb) through Very Low Calorie (hence also low in carbs) , to high(er) Protein or high(er) Fat.
All digestible carbohydrates turn into glucose very readily, even those so-called healthy ones like Oats, whole grains or fruit. However Fats don't raise blood glucose at all, and protein raises it much less and much slower than carbs do.
Many Type 2 diabetics (and some Type 1's as well) find that cutting back on carbohydrates makes a big difference (all of them - not just sugars since starches also turn into glucose when they hit your saliva).
A Low Carb 'way of eating' can take many different forms from Keto (which is ultra low carb) through Very Low Calorie (hence also low in carbs) , to high(er) Protein or high(er) Fat.
All digestible carbohydrates turn into glucose very readily, even those so-called healthy ones like Oats, whole grains or fruit. However Fats don't raise blood glucose at all, and protein raises it much less and much slower than carbs do.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
It’s usually the test used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes. It gives a figure like 56, 78, 101 or similar. Occasionally, the result will be given in the old units, so you’d get 7.3% or similar.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I asked out of interest because whether you’re just over the line into diabetes or well into the diabetic zone will inform your approach. If you’re just over the line, you might only need to make a few tweaks to improve things.
Here’s some basic information about the test:
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hba1c
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Here’s some basic information about the test:
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hba1c
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Thank you for the information.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Ah, that sounds like your HbA1C - the 54 and 96. That’s a reasonably large jump. Can you pinpoint any reason eg weight gain over lockdown or a change in diet or routine?
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I’m Type 1 not Type 2 but there are lots of helpful Type 2s here. There’s also a lot of information in the forum and on the website. Here are some links that new members have found helpful:
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/board...for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/#post-938458
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https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/board...for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406/#post-938458
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Probably all of the above I had a blood test a couple of months ago which all came back ok so I'm assuming that was where they got the 54 number from.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
So looking on the positive side, you have some places to start. Even losing a few pounds can help. With exercise, you don’t have to have mega sessions at the gym - just adding more steps to your day will help. You could also keep a food diary for a few days, and that will help you identify things you could change. Lots of small changes can have a big result.
I was hoping that the diabetes nurse was going to give me some advice but all I got was cut down on carbs and if it tastes nice don't eat it I was hoping for more information.
Inka
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- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Well, I agree with the first bit of that, but not the second! As a Type 2, you’ll need to watch your carbs but that certainly doesn’t mean not eating things that taste nice. You can still eat tasty food if you choose sensibly. Healthy doesn’t have to mean tasteless or boring.
As I suggested above, if you can keep a food diary of what you eat now, then you’ll see how you can reduce your carbs. It could be as simple as reducing portions of carbs or making swaps eg having cauliflower ‘rice’ instead of normal rice.
If you want to write down an average day’s food here. youll get more specific suggestions. You could also look at the Diabetes U.K. Meal Plans if you need some ideas:
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/meal-plans
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Leadinglights
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It is a pity that you were not advised that 54 was in the diabetic zone being over the diagnostic level of 48, however that is now water under the bridge and it is important that now you know some action on your part can reduce those levels to below 48mmol/mol.
A suggestion that people find useful is to keep a food dairy of everything you eat and drink to see just how much carbohydrates you are having and then you can see where you can reduce them.
It is all carbs not just sugar, cakes and biscuits that are the problem but things like cereals, bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and starchy veg and some fruits but there are plenty of foods that you can have so meat, fish, dairy, eggs and lots of different veg and fruit like berries are all good.
Have a look at the thread What did you eat Yesterday for ideas of the sort of meals people with Type 2 have. Some people choose to adopt a very low or low carb regime but it is better to do things gradually to avoid any vision issues.
Protein and fats are not a problem for many people so they choose the full fat versions of dairy as they are lower carb.
Have a read around the forum and the learning zone and ask any questions that arise.
I will do the food diary and look through the information thank you.
Hi there! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Has your GP put you on medication or mentioned it? It's doable to bring you BGs down via diet and exercise only but you may need to fight for that if that is what you want to do.
And, secondly, has anyone suggested spot glucose testing at home to you? It really is an invaluable tool to help you work out your version of diabetes.
And, secondly, has anyone suggested spot glucose testing at home to you? It really is an invaluable tool to help you work out your version of diabetes.
Hi, the nurse has put me 1 statin a day and something else that I can't remember until I get my prescription.
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