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trying to reduce IBS-like symptoms

A

AbalancE

Member
I was diagnosed with prediabetes about 7 years ago, but considered stable. HbA1C between 43-47. I believe that being careful with my diet has helped prevent it going higher. Over the last year, I have been getting IBS-like symptoms and tried FODMAP diet a couple of times, but no closer to identifying a diet that reduces syptoms and that will help keep HbA1C stable longer term. I am tired of eliminating things from my diet and don't think I can figure this one out on my own. (Some tests have been done by GP to rule out more sinister causes, though I am apparently too old for calprotectin test to rule out IBD). My requests to be referred to a dietician get put off. Let's check your HbA1C again. It feels like this has to go over the red line before I can get some guidance.
 
Are you getting any help/guidance on treating the symptoms?
I find buscopan excellent.
It's exhausting isn't it?
Are you by any chance on Linaglyptin? That's known for having spasms as a side effect.
 
Just in the last year? Have you had a coeliac screen? If so, have you tried the FODMAP diet strictly with the app? And if so, or if you can’t do that, then have you tried cutting out the usual suspects, ie dairy, gluten, etc? (Don’t cut out gluten before a coeliac screen). Finally, have you tried keeping a food/symptoms diary @AbalancE ?
 
AbalancE said:
I was diagnosed with prediabetes about 7 years ago, but considered stable. HbA1C between 43-47. I believe that being careful with my diet has helped prevent it going higher. Over the last year, I have been getting IBS-like symptoms and tried FODMAP diet a couple of times, but no closer to identifying a diet that reduces syptoms and that will help keep HbA1C stable longer term. I am tired of eliminating things from my diet and don't think I can figure this one out on my own. (Some tests have been done by GP to rule out more sinister causes, though I am apparently too old for calprotectin test to rule out IBD). My requests to be referred to a dietician get put off. Let's check your HbA1C again. It feels like this has to go over the red line before I can get some guidance.
Click to expand...
Too old for the calprotectin test doesn't sound right as my other half who is 78 has them regularly to monitor his Crohn's.
Many find low carb reduces IBS symptoms but I guess there no single answer that suits everyone.
 
Low carb definitely improved my digestive tract/bowel workings.
 
I’ve had horrific IBS since I was about 22 and in ALL of that time, the only time I’ve ever been able to consider myself in ‘remission’ has been since using ‘Rheal - Gut Feel’ every morning in 500ml of water and since going low carb on December 27th 2024.

Also 12lbs down now so that’s a bonus 🙂
 
I find a low carb diet with plenty of well-cooked veg and fresh fruit is vey helpful, low in red meat too.
 
AbalancE said:
I was diagnosed with prediabetes about 7 years ago, but considered stable. HbA1C between 43-47. I believe that being careful with my diet has helped prevent it going higher. Over the last year, I have been getting IBS-like symptoms and tried FODMAP diet a couple of times, but no closer to identifying a diet that reduces syptoms and that will help keep HbA1C stable longer term. I am tired of eliminating things from my diet and don't think I can figure this one out on my own. (Some tests have been done by GP to rule out more sinister causes, though I am apparently too old for calprotectin test to rule out IBD). My requests to be referred to a dietician get put off. Let's check your HbA1C again. It feels like this has to go over the red line before I can get some guidance.
Click to expand...

Your GP should refer you over to see a Gastroenterologist, they can investigate further to find cause of your bowel issues.
 
Pollyanna said:
Are you getting any help/guidance on treating the symptoms?
I find buscopan excellent.
It's exhausting isn't it?
Are you by any chance on Linaglyptin? That's known for having spasms as a side effect.
Click to expand...
Thank you for responding.
I am not on any medication.
That said, last time I went to GP he prescribed mebeverine (antispasmodic) which I tried. Not the solution for me.
Simply writing the post and seeing questions and ideas is helping..
 
JITR said:
Have you tried eliminating wheat and products containing wheat?
Click to expand...
The FODMAP diet suggests minimising wheat, not for the gluten, but for the fructans. So I have tried a low wheat diet for 3-4 weeks at a time.
I don't believe I am coeliac.
Whilst trying the low wheat diet, also low lactose and other things, but didn't feel a consistent improvement.
Thank you for your question/suggestion.
 
Inka said:
Just in the last year? Have you had a coeliac screen? If so, have you tried the FODMAP diet strictly with the app? And if so, or if you can’t do that, then have you tried cutting out the usual suspects, ie dairy, gluten, etc? (Don’t cut out gluten before a coeliac screen). Finally, have you tried keeping a food/symptoms diary @AbalancE ?
Click to expand...
I have not tried FODMAP with the app. Interesting. Thank you. Yes I have kep detailed diaries for 3-4 weeks at a time. I have not been able to see a pattern.
 
Leadinglights said:
Too old for the calprotectin test doesn't sound right as my other half who is 78 has them regularly to monitor his Crohn's.
Many find low carb reduces IBS symptoms but I guess there no single answer that suits everyone.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I know it is used for people with an existing diagnosis, but they do not seem keen to use it for initial diagnosis for someone aged 66. Low carb is becoming a theme in responses on here and that makes sense for me long term anyway.
 
Quill said:
I’ve had horrific IBS since I was about 22 and in ALL of that time, the only time I’ve ever been able to consider myself in ‘remission’ has been since using ‘Rheal - Gut Feel’ every morning in 500ml of water and since going low carb on December 27th 2024.

Also 12lbs down now so that’s a bonus 🙂
Click to expand...
Thank you for both ideas. Low carb is becoming a theme. Hoping things continue to go well for you.
 
Silent Sands said:
I find a low carb diet with plenty of well-cooked veg and fresh fruit is vey helpful, low in red meat too.
Click to expand...
Thank you. We rarely have red meat. I love veg.
Do you think cooked veg suits you better than raw?
By well-cooked veg did you mean carefully, minimally cooked to retain vitamins etc.
 
AbalancE said:
Thank you. We rarely have red meat. I love veg.
Do you think cooked veg suits you better than raw?
By well-cooked veg did you mean carefully, minimally cooked to retain vitamins
Click to expand...
Minimal is better. For myself, well-cooked as I have a lack of teeth!
 
AbalancE said:
The FODMAP diet suggests minimising wheat, not for the gluten, but for the fructans. So I have tried a low wheat diet for 3-4 weeks at a time.
I don't believe I am coeliac.
Whilst trying the low wheat diet, also low lactose and other things, but didn't feel a consistent improvement.
Thank you for your question/suggestion.
Click to expand...

For coeliacs, a low wheat or low gluten diet is not enough. It has to be ZERO, and a sustained zero gluten diet for some weeks before any differences are discernible, in many cases.

My coeliac panels are always "Inconclusive" which isn't overly surprising, bearing in mind I have eaten a low carb, grain-free diet for several years. When my Endo strongly suggested I go gluten-free, I was skeptical, bearing in mind I had no apparent gastro symptoms, but after a few weeks, I realised I felt better.
 
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