Would you be able to lose 15% body weight in order to manage, or even reverse T2 diabetes?

[Mrs Mimoo]

It has been documented that in patients with BMI >25 (overweight and obese), a 15% loss of body weight can reverse T2 diabetes or prevent onset of diabetes in pre-diabetics. The difficulty is, losing this weight and maintaining it in the long-term is a huge challenge!

As part of my masters degree I am researching the types of challenges and motivations people experience in losing this degree of weight, and any specific support or resources they might require from healthcare professionals to achieve this.

I'd be really grateful if you could take 5 minutes to complete this survey. The results may help to inform the support received by T2 diabetics in primary care services.

https://herts.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKSz4ZL57rBvByK

Thanks in advance!

This has been approved by @everydayupsanddowns

Did survey. It reminds me that I lost more than 10% of my bodyweight and went to remission. Hba1C went from 55 to 37 in 100 days..... i would say that the Newcastle diet of Prof Roy Taylor saved me. but now i have put 4kg back on and am really dieting again. I know what to do.

my HbA1c remained at 38 despite weight gain so i know both it and low carb are essential. Now need to lose the 4kg....

 

[DaPa]

Done 🙂

 

[PINKJAZZIE]

Hi wow finding tis all pretty overwhelming ... came out of major surgery got a cast infection had oral steroids...was so tired...then miracle my eyesight improved...no glasses, I googled and it came up diabetes. went and I was at 107? Could it be the steroids and meds ? I was 18 stone and had dropped a stone... I was in shock with the news.

I have done Carb and Sugar three for 3 weeks ...I am a vegetarian, Re-test came through now 100....
First prescription of metformin and I am scared not taken it yet...I am not pill taker. I am following the Newcastle diet and Michael Mosely.

I fast after 7pm to 11/12 the next day apparently it shocks your system, but when I start the pills worried I might pass out,
But I am trying to keep sugar out of my system. What are the odds I can reverse it ?

Not sure how I measure my Carbs I read all the packets and what quantity I can have per meal or day.
Aim to lose another 5 stone and really hoping I will lose the blurred vision again... I had a month of being to see so clearly.
But maybe the steroids triggered that !

Can I fast part of the day on Metformin ?

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi wow finding tis all pretty overwhelming ... came out of major surgery got a cast infection had oral steroids...was so tired...then miracle my eyesight improved...no glasses, I googled and it came up diabetes. went and I was at 107? Could it be the steroids and meds ? I was 18 stone and had dropped a stone... I was in shock with the news.

I have done Carb and Sugar three for 3 weeks ...I am a vegetarian, Re-test came through now 100....
First prescription of metformin and I am scared not taken it yet...I am not pill taker. I am following the Newcastle diet and Michael Mosely.

I fast after 7pm to 11/12 the next day apparently it shocks your system, but when I start the pills worried I might pass out,
But I am trying to keep sugar out of my system. What are the odds I can reverse it ?

Not sure how I measure my Carbs I read all the packets and what quantity I can have per meal or day.
Aim to lose another 5 stone and really hoping I will lose the blurred vision again... I had a month of being to see so clearly.
But maybe the steroids triggered that !

Can I fast part of the day on Metformin ?

Metformin will only give a helping had to dietary changes as it enables the body to use the insulin it produces more effectively and reduces the glucose released by the liver rather than acting directly on the food you eat.
If you are still taking steroids then they do have a reputation for increasing blood glucose. Being vegetarian does make it a bit harder as foods which are very low or zero carbs are meat and fish which of course you don't eat and many veggie meals are pasta or rice based which are high carb foods.
Looking at packet and labels or searching the internet for Carbs of food X will allow you to compare the options and make better choices. It is suggested that restricting carb intake to no more than 130g per day which includes drinks and snacks is a good starting point.
Fasting can help some people but for others it just means that their liver releases glucose into their system so is not too helpful.
Getting a home testing blood glucose monitor is helpful in enabling you to find what meals you can tolerate by testing before you eat and after 2 hours aiming at no more than a 2-3mmol/l increase and as numbers come down then no more than 8-8.5mmol/l. This helps when people have dietary restrictions for any reason as it shows what they can safely eat as well as what is not so wise.
The blurred vision is likely because your glucose levels are high, that is often what can lead to a diagnosis.
You may find this link helpful for ideas if you are interested in following a low carb approach. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[Eponine]

Done, would love to read the responses, bet they are fascinating and very different.

 

[Fozabog]

Been on a no carb etc diet for months now. Lost five kg initially but have since put most of it back on. Practically starving myself but it makes no difference.
Blood sugar still bouncing around. Meta formin seems useless!

 

[Eponine]

Been on a no carb etc diet for months now. Lost five kg initially but have since put most of it back on. Practically starving myself but it makes no difference.
Blood sugar still bouncing around. Meta formin seems useless!

It must depend on how much you needed to loose in the 1st place. I started on 130 carbs a day and lost 2.5st since the end of January, but I still have 3st to go and I will still be classed as overweight. I think sometimes your body will just settle back to a weight it's happy with and it is use to being. Not been put on any medication so can't comment on it.

 

[helli]

Being vegetarian does make it a bit harder as foods which are very low or zero carbs are meat and fish which of course you don't eat

I have seen this repeated a number of times about challenges of eating low carb on a vegetarian diet. Dairy and eggs, tofu and seitan, plus nuts are low/no carb which non vegetarians seem to forget.
If you are used to eating a vegetarian diet with a knowledge of non-meat protein your meals do not have to be any more carb heavy than if you eat meat
Plus there are many low carb meat alternatives. These are processed foods so some may want to keep these to a minimum.

 

[Leadinglights]

I have seen this repeated a number of times about challenges of eating low carb on a vegetarian diet. Dairy and eggs, tofu and seitan, plus nuts are low/no carb which non vegetarians seem to forget.
If you are used to eating a vegetarian diet with a knowledge of non-meat protein your meals do not have to be any more carb heavy than if you eat meat
Plus there are many low carb meat alternatives. These are processed foods so some may want to keep these to a minimum.

I just said it was a bit harder but it is very doable, eating out is probably more difficult.
Interestingly my daughter commented yesterday that the make of veggie sausages they liked have changed their recipe to be vegan and they are not nearly so nice.

 

[helli]

Interestingly my daughter commented yesterday that the make of veggie sausages they liked have changed their recipe to be vegan and they are not nearly so nice.

Were they the Cauldron ones?
If so, I don't think your daughter is alone. I didn't like the change and noticed the "original recipe" in the supermarket the other day.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Hi wow finding tis all pretty overwhelming ... came out of major surgery got a cast infection had oral steroids...was so tired...then miracle my eyesight improved...no glasses, I googled and it came up diabetes. went and I was at 107? Could it be the steroids and meds ? I was 18 stone and had dropped a stone... I was in shock with the news.

I have done Carb and Sugar three for 3 weeks ...I am a vegetarian, Re-test came through now 100....
First prescription of metformin and I am scared not taken it yet...I am not pill taker. I am following the Newcastle diet and Michael Mosely.

I fast after 7pm to 11/12 the next day apparently it shocks your system, but when I start the pills worried I might pass out,
But I am trying to keep sugar out of my system. What are the odds I can reverse it ?

Not sure how I measure my Carbs I read all the packets and what quantity I can have per meal or day.
Aim to lose another 5 stone and really hoping I will lose the blurred vision again... I had a month of being to see so clearly.
But maybe the steroids triggered that !

Can I fast part of the day on Metformin ?

I held off on the the metformin but took the modified release version in the end as it has protective cardiovascular benefits and i'm 54 with a heart issue. I would stick at low carb; Do avoid beige food (pasta pastry, bread, potato, sugars tropical fruits). Please tell us what proteins can you have? Cheese? are you an egg eater as they are amazing. If you are a no meat but ok with dairy and egg vegetarian then you are sorted. I live on greek yoghurt, cream, meat/fish/dairy and shed loads of green leafy vegetables. Vegy: Beyond burgers and Beyond mince are really good, and beyond sausages were actually ok and I'm a Meat-itarian. There's a great company called Carbzone who make low carb wraps, pasta and bread and I eat them alot now. Cauldron Tofu and cauldron mince are also v good. Carbzone: You can also make pizza with the wraps as the base!

 

[Leadinglights]

Were they the Cauldron ones?
If so, I don't think your daughter is alone. I didn't like the change and noticed the "original recipe" in the supermarket the other day.

Yes they were, I will tell her to look out for 'original' recipe. Thanks for the tip.

 

[PINKJAZZIE]

Fantastic feedback thank you ! Off to see Diabetes nurse first time... Not finding the low carb diet too difficult but have no idea where my levels are...got to invest in a glucometer but so much choice ? Got another 6 stone to go and stuck last 2 stone loss at present... but that's not so bad in 2 months. I am on about the lowest carbs I can go and eating nothing sweet! Listened to the Newcastle diet authors audio book and it made a lot of sense. Really sad about my eyes my vision is all over the place my glasses variofocal are too strong in one place too weak in another... Optician says wait until I stabilise but how long ? Will to reverse again I had absolute clarity a month ago at the peak of my levels... it was lovely.
For now it feels like looking through vaseline and it gives me headache. HAs anyone out there reversed actual diabetes?

 

[Leadinglights]

Fantastic feedback thank you ! Off to see Diabetes nurse first time... Not finding the low carb diet too difficult but have no idea where my levels are...got to invest in a glucometer but so much choice ? Got another 6 stone to go and stuck last 2 stone loss at present... but that's not so bad in 2 months. I am on about the lowest carbs I can go and eating nothing sweet! Listened to the Newcastle diet authors audio book and it made a lot of sense. Really sad about my eyes my vision is all over the place my glasses variofocal are too strong in one place too weak in another... Optician says wait until I stabilise but how long ? Will to reverse again I had absolute clarity a month ago at the peak of my levels... it was lovely.
For now it feels like looking through vaseline and it gives me headache. HAs anyone out there reversed actual diabetes?

There are different views on reversal/ remission terminology but generally remission is normal HbA1C (below 42mmol/mol) or below the diagnostic threshold for a diagnosis depending on what you read, for 2 consecutive tests without medication.
There are several people here who fall into that category.
As for as the eyes are concerted your optician was good in not rushing into prescribing new glasses. It is extremely annoying, I know the feeling, I felt as if my eyes were in different heads as the focus for near vision was all over the place, distance was fine. As your blood glucose comes down then your eyes should improve as the eye environment returns to the more normal salty and the shape of the eye returns to normal. Mine took several months, not much comfort I'm afraid but for many it is quicker than than.

 

[PINKJAZZIE]

Eyes beginning to improve lost 2.5 stone 5 to go...started Metformin terrible constipation !!! No idea how long I have been diabetic could be two years but I hope not !!! was at 107 down to 100 after 3 weeks of dieting b now on week 8so hopefully by next 3 month blood test I will be lower. Very frightened about the damage I might have done and bit depressed!!! No idea how long it takes before you get damage... Been eating twice a day at 12 & 7 and fasting between... thinking of doing a couple of days on shakes. Really want to beat this! Been cutting Carbs and looking at calories, but can't figure out how many carbs a day or a meal ? Vegetarian so a bit of a challenge ! Dropped everything what based have the occasional jacket potato. Missing ice cream !!! Discover celery walnut apple and some very strong grated cheese and a bit of mayo is incredibly filling !!! Scrambled egg on Giant mushrooms with grilled tomato wonderful !!!
Made a curry and batch froze it using a ready made mix of spices may have a go at casserole...very lazy cook !!!
Does anyone know any healthy instant sauces ?

 

[SB2015]

Nice recipes there @PINKJAZZIE . Thanks
Welcome to the forum.

Well done on getting to grips with this and making such an effective start. There is no point worrying about what has happened already, although I know that is easier said than done. Looking ahead and finding a plan for what you can do and maintain is more useful as you are already finding.

Can you say what the issue is around working out the carbs you are eating? Even if you are not sure how many carbs you are eat7g, just having reduced your portion sizes will have an impact.

 

[Leadinglights]

Eyes beginning to improve lost 2.5 stone 5 to go...started Metformin terrible constipation !!! No idea how long I have been diabetic could be two years but I hope not !!! was at 107 down to 100 after 3 weeks of dieting b now on week 8so hopefully by next 3 month blood test I will be lower. Very frightened about the damage I might have done and bit depressed!!! No idea how long it takes before you get damage... Been eating twice a day at 12 & 7 and fasting between... thinking of doing a couple of days on shakes. Really want to beat this! Been cutting Carbs and looking at calories, but can't figure out how many carbs a day or a meal ? Vegetarian so a bit of a challenge ! Dropped everything what based have the occasional jacket potato. Missing ice cream !!! Discover celery walnut apple and some very strong grated cheese and a bit of mayo is incredibly filling !!! Scrambled egg on Giant mushrooms with grilled tomato wonderful !!!
Made a curry and batch froze it using a ready made mix of spices may have a go at casserole...very lazy cook !!!
Does anyone know any healthy instant sauces ?

That is a great start you have made, you seem to have gone against the tide with the effect of the metformin people usually get the exact opposite. Maybe up your fluid intake and try fibogel if it is a real issue.
Cutting down on carbs is important but trying to watch calories at the same time is tricky and although some people do many do either low carb or low calorie.
The suggested about of carbs is no more than 130g per day including drinks and any snacks but what is important is not to overload your body by having more carbs in any one meal than you can tolerate. That is where testing with a home monitor can be very valuable as you can test before you eat and after 2 hours and aim at an increase of no more than 2-3mmol/l or when levels come down no more than 8-8.5mmol/l. I think when you have limited low carb food options that is all the more important, meat and fish being pretty well zero carbs.
Beware of ready prepared sauces as they can have more carbs than 'pastes' or dry spice mixes. But the Pataks range are not too bad.
There are substitutes for things like potatoes, butternut squash, celeriac, swede are all good, edamame bean or black bean pasta is lower carb and people use cauliflower rice as a good option in stirfrys and with curries.
A favourite curry of mine is cauliflower, squash and chickpea with either paneer or boiled eggs. Omelettes with lots of vegies and cheese as filling.
You can made quick 'creamy' sauces for low carb pasta using Philadelphia which is very easy.
There may be some ideas in this link you can adapt for your veggie menu. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/product/freshwell-low-carb-manual/
You may also find this link useful for some low carb recipes. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/low-carb-vegetarian-recipes

 

[Dishevelled]

If I lost 15% of my body weight I'd have a BMI of 17.9. I'm going to try and lose a bit but not that much.

 

[PINKJAZZIE]

Nice recipes there @PINKJAZZIE . Thanks
Welcome to the forum.

Well done on getting to grips with this and making such an effective start. There is no point worrying about what has happened already, although I know that is easier said than done. Looking ahead and finding a plan for what you can do and maintain is more useful as you are already finding.

Can you say what the issue is around working out the carbs you are eating? Even if you are not sure how many carbs you are eat7g, just having reduced your portion sizes will have an impact.

Thankyou that's a very positive response... I have to say I am happier and more energetic than I have been in years... bit of a rubbish year - discovered post op I had cancer go over that, got a bad chest infection ended up on steroids then found out about the diabetes... surprised it was not picked up earlier had masses of blood tests in hospital whilst having surgery.... I don't totally understand if there is max carb intake in a meal sitting or if it can be spread over a day...maybe no carbs at breakfast a bigger dose at dinner... If I have salad and a jacket potato is that ok...no bread, pasta, biscuits ?
Lunch is often an apple and two slices of cheese a few nuts...fasting 7pm-12 am... wondering now on metformin if I will know when my own body kick in and how would I know it ?...In total I hope to lose 8 stone...god knows what I will do with all the skin ???? Just batch cooked and frozen a lot of vegetarian meals....

 

[PINKJAZZIE]

That is a great start you have made, you seem to have gone against the tide with the effect of the metformin people usually get the exact opposite. Maybe up your fluid intake and try fibogel if it is a real issue.
Cutting down on carbs is important but trying to watch calories at the same time is tricky and although some people do many do either low carb or low calorie.
The suggested about of carbs is no more than 130g per day including drinks and any snacks but what is important is not to overload your body by having more carbs in any one meal than you can tolerate. That is where testing with a home monitor can be very valuable as you can test before you eat and after 2 hours and aim at an increase of no more than 2-3mmol/l or when levels come down no more than 8-8.5mmol/l. I think when you have limited low carb food options that is all the more important, meat and fish being pretty well zero carbs.
Beware of ready prepared sauces as they can have more carbs than 'pastes' or dry spice mixes. But the Pataks range are not too bad.
There are substitutes for things like potatoes, butternut squash, celeriac, swede are all good, edamame bean or black bean pasta is lower carb and people use cauliflower rice as a good option in stirfrys and with curries.
A favourite curry of mine is cauliflower, squash and chickpea with either paneer or boiled eggs. Omelettes with lots of vegies and cheese as filling.
You can made quick 'creamy' sauces for low carb pasta using Philadelphia which is very easy.
There may be some ideas in this link you can adapt for your veggie menu. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/product/freshwell-low-carb-manual/
You may also find this link useful for some low carb recipes. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/low-carb-vegetarian-recipes

really helpful thank you !