Possibly going full Type 2

[Ricky25]

Hi all,

A couple of years ago I was advised by my GP that I was showing indications of pre-diabetes due to a highish HbA1c. I was moving house at time which was stressful and then doing a self build took up much time and lots of challenges to overcome. I suppose I was also in a bit of self denial and couldn’t quite work out why I was pre-diabetic.

I ate pretty well, no salt if possible and lots of fresh fruit and veg. OK still ate red meat and some of the other processed stuff that I probably shouldn’t have been. I will admit to dinking too much at times of high stress during the progress of the project. It didn’t go smoothly and I don’t think I would do it again.

Fast forward and having moved into the house and changed GPs I thought I had better follow up on the reminders I was getting to have a follow up blood test. The result came through pretty quickly and was 49mmol/mol so I now have to have a follow up test in 2-4 weeks. It’s been a bit of a wake up call. I do have indications of peripheral neuropathy which I have to probably put down to hypertension, the onset of diabetes and also heavy drinking. I went teetotal a while back as I realised it was getting out of control.

Anyway I am where I am and look forward to getting advice and support. Big thing it would be interesting to know is if the HbA1c can be brought down before the next blood test. I’m watching what I eat and hope to see a lower result next time. Thanks for reading.

 

[mashedupmatt]

Hi @Ricky25 and welcome to the forum - an HbA1c of 49 is only just into diabetes territory so some minor tweaks to diet etc. can get it down - as a Type 1 myself I'm not really qualified to give any tailored advice but I'm sure someone will pop along soon to help - glad you have found us

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi all,

A couple of years ago I was advised by my GP that I was showing indications of pre-diabetes due to a highish HbA1c. I was moving house at time which was stressful and then doing a self build took up much time and lots of challenges to overcome. I suppose I was also in a bit of self denial and couldn’t quite work out why I was pre-diabetic.

I ate pretty well, no salt if possible and lots of fresh fruit and veg. OK still ate red meat and some of the other processed stuff that I probably shouldn’t have been. I will admit to dinking too much at times of high stress during the progress of the project. It didn’t go smoothly and I don’t think I would do it again.

Fast forward and having moved into the house and changed GPs I thought I had better follow up on the reminders I was getting to have a follow up blood test. The result came through pretty quickly and was 49mmol/mol so I now have to have a follow up test in 2-4 weeks. It’s been a bit of a wake up call. I do have indications of peripheral neuropathy which I have to probably put down to hypertension, the onset of diabetes and also heavy drinking. I went teetotal a while back as I realised it was getting out of control.

Anyway I am where I am and look forward to getting advice and support. Big thing it would be interesting to know is if the HbA1c can be brought down before the next blood test. I’m watching what I eat and hope to see a lower result next time. Thanks for reading.

Welcome to the forum, you will find lots of useful information about how you can reduce your blood glucose, but maybe a bit optimistic that you can make much difference in 2-4 weeks as the HbA1C test is looking at an average over the previous 3 months but it is weighted towards the last few weeks. However changes you make need to be sustainable so it needs an enjoyable regime. It is better to reduce blood glucose gradually to avoid issues with your eyes and nerves which you mention as being already a problem.
It is carbohydrates that you need to reduce as it is those which convert to glucose rather than protein or fats or salt so meals based on meat, fish, cheese, eggs, dairy, vegetables and fruits like berries still give you plenty of options, it is potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals , tropical fruits that are the high carb foods and need to be had in reduced portions and cakes, biscuits, pastry, sugary drinks including fruit juice which are best avoided. Beer and cider are high carb but wine and spirits with diet mixers are not too bad.
Have a look at this link which is based on a suggested good starting point to reduce carbs as no more than 130g carb not just sugar per day.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.com

People find it helpful to keep a food diary with an estimate of the carbs in everything you eat and drink as that helps to see where savings can be made.