Pre-diabetes

[Lindaseagull]

Hi, I have joined today. I have had pre-diabetes for 10 years. Had recent blood test and Hbac was 49 which the nurse said was high but was OK. Everything else was fine. Went for diabetic eye test and for the first time there were small changes in the blood vessels in my eye which were due to diabetic changes. The nurse said I could possibly improve this through diet. I did go off my diet over Christmas but this is a worry. I have been reading about this and apparently you can get eye change when you are pre-diabetic which I hadn't realised. I already have some other issues with my left eye which are being monitored so I am very worried. Anyone else had this problem. Thanks.

 

[Leadinglights]

Welcome to the forum
You have just gone over the threshold into the diabetic zone so your diet is going to be important in bringing it back to a more normal level and that will help with any effect on your eyes.
Many people get the dreaded letter saying there is some background retinopathy but the next time it can be a more positive result saying nothing detected.
I assume as you are at the low end then no medication has been prescribed as it is very possible with dietary changes.
Many find a low carb approach successful so you may find this link helpful with some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Some people find a low calorie or shakes- based regime can give them a kick start but whatever way you choose has to be enjoyable other wise it will not be sustainable.
I found a low carb approach easy and it is now my new normal.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Lindaseagull

Well done for keeping your diabetes at bay for 10 years!

It sounds like you may have just sneaked over the line into diabetes territory, but your GP surgery may want you to get another check to confirm.

Is it the ‘background changes’ letter that you’ve received?

Those are often written in very scary terms, but often the changes are spotted very early, and often if blood glucose management improves they can resolve over time. I’ve had a couple of ‘background changes’ letters over the years, but am currently ‘all clear’.

Good to know they are keeping a close eye on you with your eyes.

Have you got a plan for changes to your menu? Are you intending to aim for blood glucose management or weight loss as your main focus?

 

[Lindaseagull]

Welcome to the forum
You have just gone over the threshold into the diabetic zone so your diet is going to be important in bringing it back to a more normal level and that will help with any effect on your eyes.
Many people get the dreaded letter saying there is some background retinopathy but the next time it can be a more positive result saying nothing detected.
I assume as you are at the low end then no medication has been prescribed as it is very possible with dietary changes.
Many find a low carb approach successful so you may find this link helpful with some ideas for modifying your diet. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Some people find a low calorie or shakes- based regime can give them a kick start but whatever way you choose has to be enjoyable other wise it will not be sustainable.
I found a low carb approach easy and it is now my new normal.

Thank you for positive reply. I have successfully lowered my blood sugar rate before by adopting a strict no carb diet. It's a bit boring and I am afraid I didn't follow it over Christmas and New Year. Unfortunately, I had a gastric problem last summer due to unknown H Pylori and I could only eat carbs and bland food. That was resolved and then came Christmas etc. Excuses I know. Hoping I can lose some more weight and lower my blood sugar again although I think it is getting harder as I get older.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you for positive reply. I have successfully lowered my blood sugar rate before by adopting a strict no carb diet. It's a bit boring and I am afraid I didn't follow it over Christmas and New Year. Unfortunately, I had a gastric problem last summer due to unknown H Pylori and I could only eat carbs and bland food. That was resolved and then came Christmas etc. Excuses I know. Hoping I can lose some more weight and lower my blood sugar again although I think it is getting harder as I get older.

It is surprising how many gastric issues can be H. pylori and antibiotic treatment can be revolutionary. I am surprised that carbs helped as bacteria love glucose.
I think no carbs is very hard and really impossible and looking at a low carb approach but making the carbs you have worth it for flavour and enjoyment an much more sustainable. Have a look at this link for some ideas that may get you back on track. It certainly is not boring. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
I found following the principals in the link very easy and it is my new normal, I have approx 70g total carbs per day.

 

[Lindaseagull]

Couldn't tolerant anything acidic or red meat. Finally getting an endoscopy plus antibiotic treatment after several futile months on PPI's cured the gastritis. I have looked at the link and will find it useful. Thanks.