Pre-Diabetes 😳

[Loopy]

Are there any pre-diabetics here? I’m curious as I just had my bloodwork done and my fasting A1c was 5.9 😳.  It’s been 5.6 or 5.7. My doctor is not going to be happy and I have an appointment this Wednesday.

 

Anyway I’m back to seriously poking my fingers after I eat something in the allotted timeframe. Basically I’m doing this to either accept or reject different foods.

 

I had quite a surprise tonight. I made homemade Mac & Cheese. I make it with Brown Rice Elbow macaroni and Mozzarella cheese. I thought the numbers would be off the charts. 2 hours from the first bite I checked. It was only 96. 😳

 

I have been doing a before fed check as well so we’ll see what it does. 

 

 

[New World Explorer]

I know someone who was pre-diabetic. 

He is no longer. Revered condition by ;

1. Exercising ..walking

2. No sweets or greatly reduced. (good diet) 

3. Drinking cider vinegar, chlorophyll and lemon with warm water. 

 

3 months later pre-diabetic condition disappeared 

 

[daydream]

I'm also prediabetic. Also cholesterol levels are on the high side. I've been in this condition for more than a decade. Burying my head in the sand.

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.html

 

A1C Test

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The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes.

I haven't had my bloodwork done for some time. Quite a hassle now going to the government hospital. All of them are covid centres. Have to leave the house at 6 am to beat the traffic jam. If I'm late the queue numbers will all have been taken up. Going tomorrow. 

Need a oxgoad to get me moving. Maybe another poke next week if I can't get up early tomorrow. 

 

 

Quote

Ploughing with oxen:  an early-16th-century manuscript held at the British Museum. The ploughman on the right appears to carry a goad. The ox on the left appears to react to it. Note the spike or prod at the end of this goad

I will have to go to the Commonwealth Hill (just a knoll actually) nearby and walk up the incline. Otherwise those cholesterol stats ain't going to go down. I can feel the effects of the climb just after 1 try. But inertia just puts me off going. I even have my neighbour aged 70+ who would accompany me. But now the covid cases rising, that might not be a good idea. My friend thinks it ok not to wear mask outdoors. Ok I will go on Saturday morning. I'm not a morning person so maybe I will push it to the evening. It has been raining nearly every evening now. I'll probably do none of the above until my blood results scares me out of my wits. 

 

I like eating sorghum because it is high in protein. Once I managed to get a packet from South Africa for 50 cents. 

Chia seeds is absolutely delicious but have to pre soak overnight. I have bad habit of gorging on sweet fruits like papaya, rock melon, watermelon, persimmon, pineapple, NZ apples, markisa, starfruit etc. Once at the night market near the city centre, 1 middle aged Indian gentleman chided me for choosing ripe yellow star fruits. He said it was imperative that I eat the sour green ones. 😧 Indians I am told are quite prone to diabetes.

One habit of mine is not drinking any tea or coffee in case it interferes with my sleep. I also don't order drinks when I eat out. I bring my own plain water. The waitress in Warrnambool, Victoria must have thought me odd for not ordering drinks with my fish n' chips!!! ☹️

 

 

Edited April 20, 2021 by Mclove

[JkentBZ]

I come from a long line of Diabetics.  I was pre-diabetic.  The US doctor wanted to put me on medication.  I couldn't get the medication here in Belize.  So after much research my wife and I changed our diet.  We have now been on a Keto diet for 3 years.  I have lost nearly 90lbs (40kg).  When I was back in the states in 2020 I had a full blood workup, doctor said no longer pre-diabetic.  All results well into normal range.

Doc asked what I was doing, told him Keto and mild exercise (Regular Pioneering).  He said "Our HMO doesn't recommend that diet style but keep doing whatever you're doing"

[Wren]

Oh boy, I'm in this pre-diabetes zone too. I need to get my act together!

 

[Katty]

I read that 88 million Americans adults have prediabetes, so that  a huge percentage of Americans.
I've been seriously watching my sugar and starch intake to try to not be in that number.
It's recommended that men not consume more that about 45grams of added sugar per day and women not consume more than 20grams of added sugar, on average per day.  However, most Americans consume over 100grams of sugar per day. This, I'm sure, is in addition to starchy foods like potato chips and starchy breads.
I believe the leading cause of diabetes in insulin resistance. It's not so much that people eat so much added sugar, in itself, but that people generally eat in such a way that spikes blood sugar, and every time you spike your blood sugar, your pancreas must produce insulin to help burn the excess, but after that happens so often, your body starts to ignore the effects of insulin and your blood sugar doesn't go down. Going on a temporary Keto/Atkins diet and intermittent fasting have been shown to help reduce those blood sugar spikes, but of course, I wouldn't recommend any course of action unless someone consulted their physician first, and it was something that they could handle.

[Katty]

Also when it comes to added sugar, there are so many things that contribute to it. I know I've often experienced thinking I was eating pretty healthy, but upon further analysis realizing I was consuming a lot more added sugar than I thought I was.
The biggest contributors are pretty obvious, things such as cola, chocolates, little cakes, pastries, cereals,etc. 
Some less obvious contributors to added sugar however include:
Salad dressing, bread, many peanut butters, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, tortillas, pre-made meals, and the like. It adds up at the end of the day.
Then there's foods we often add sugar to, and think "oh it's just a teaspoon or two here and there," like coffee, oatmeal, and unsweetened cereals. It all adds up though. I found replacing sugar in coffee and oatmeal with sugar free sweeteners has made a somewhat significant difference with sugar intake.

 

Edited April 20, 2021 by Katty

[hatcheckgirl]

I suffered from gestational diabetes, which increases the chances (50-50) of getting diabetes type 2 later in life.  I was prediabetic for about 15 years after the birth of my last baby, but then I was diagnosed with diabetes five years ago.  Lately, I've lost my motivation and things are starting to slip, higher fasting levels, weight gain, and rising cholesterol.  I've booked in to see a dietician and regain my equilibrium.  Proper diet (no late night snacks, my downfall), portion size, and moderate and regular exercise will help me control it again.  Just need to push harder and find some self-control!!! 😄

[Loopy]

10 minutes ago, hatcheckgirl said:

I suffered from gestational diabetes, which increases the chances (50-50) of getting diabetes type 2 later in life.  I was prediabetic for about 15 years after the birth of my last baby, but then I was diagnosed with diabetes five years ago.  Lately, I've lost my motivation and things are starting to slip, higher fasting levels, weight gain, and rising cholesterol.  I've booked in to see a dietician and regain my equilibrium.  Proper diet (no late night snacks, my downfall), portion size, and moderate and regular exercise will help me control it again.  Just need to push harder and find some self-control!!! 😄

O thank you Lucy for your post. ♥️ Portion size is my downfall as well. 
 

In the past, I enjoyed taking my dog(s) for walks but now with knee issues and another health issue I have to limit the time and distance of walks. I hate that.

 

I have been off regular soda for over 2 years now and have absolutely no plans of going back.

 

O cholesterol and trigs have been awfully hard to lower. As I mentioned earlier this time they dropped but not nearly as much as they need to.

 

I may have to go back on Keto as my numbers actually were in the green. 

Edited April 20, 2021 by Loopy

[booboo]

I would like to share a little of what I learned from a Diabetes management course (offered by The American Diabetes  Association. This class was a game changer for me in managing my type 2 diabetes, although I’ve been failing as of lately):  While in the Pre Diabetes stage please take action. It can be reversed. Sadly, The American medical industry does not seem to offer the proper support to help their patients while in that stage.  Proper diet isn’t just about  Sugar it’s about limiting the bad type of carbs along with a balanced diet, weight management and (ugh) exercise.  Eat 3 meals per day and 3 low carb snacks.

 

Suggested level of carbs per meal 

Women. 40-45carbs           Snacks. 15-20

Men  45-60carbs             Snacks 15carbs

(don’t forget to deduct the fiber from the carb count)

 

Whole grain items are the better choice, whole wheat, steel cut oats

Become a label reader.  Watch out for added sugar in processed foods, ie. breads, soups, prepared sauces, broths, yogurts, margarine, frozen foods, etc.  

Good idea to invest in a carb counter app or book.

Keep a food journal

And don’t forget to drink water to help flush sugar from the system.

 

 

here is a good reference article from ADA.

 https://www.mydrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/diabetesfoodpyramid.pdf

 

Also this is a breakdown of carb types

There are three main types of carbohydrates:

• Sugars. They are also called simple carbohydrates because they are in the most basic form. ... 
• Starches. They are complex carbohydrates, which are made of lots of simple sugars strung together. ... 
• Fiber. It is also a complex carbohydrate.

My personal opinion, if you are able is to see a Diabetic Specialist. (Check with your health care provider regarding coverage)

 

Best wishes my dear siblings.  

Love

Your sister

D

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 20, 2021 by booboo

[booboo]

47 minutes ago, hatcheckgirl said:

things are starting to slip, higher fasting levels, weight gain

Sister Lucy, It’s not always easy and truth be told, I’ve slipped this past month. 

[daydream]

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/artificial-sweeteners/faq-20058038

Quote

 

Some studies have found that substituting sugar-sweetened food and beverages with those that have been artificially sweetened may not be as beneficial as once thought. This may be especially true when artificial sweeteners are consumed in large amounts. But more research is needed.

Also, be cautious with sugar alcohols — including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. Sugar alcohols can increase your blood sugar level. And for some people, sugar alcohols may cause diarrhea.

 

I take stevia but I found out it should not be taken on a long term basis. 

 

Experts Agree: Sugar Might Be as Addictive as Cocaine

Edited April 20, 2021 by Mclove

[Loopy]

I guess I can forget the Blood 🩸 type diet if I’m gonna try going back on the Keto lifestyle. 
 

For my blood type Coconut and BACON 😳 are no no’s. 

[daydream]

 

I had this for breakfast. But it has coconut. 

[Myew]

My dad was pre-diabetic. He's since lost over 50 pounds and still going, mainly just through intermittent fasting and limiting carbohydrates. He says he's not even hungry when fasting, so he's still burning off the reserves. As usual I will plug Jason Fung's excellent videos/books.
 

 

[daydream]

Went to the government clinic this morning my fasting blood sugar (finger prick test) was a whopping 8.2 mmol /L(150 mg/dL). I can only go on 6 May to do a glucose tolerance test as well as a complete bloodwork.

My SIL's brother in law was a diabetic for many years but he didn't take any medication. He controlled his diet, took Noni and other herbs. Exercise too, I think He was a doctor in Australia and has since passed away.

I actually a small eater but because food is cheap here, I tend to go on eating way beyond satiation point. When I was working I would normally never finish any food set before me. I would put 1/2 of the portion aside and finish the rest later.

But lately, I've been a bit lax about watching my food portions. I'm like my father  (He passed at age 82) He too would not finish his bowl of noodles or rice bowl set when my older brother took him out for a meal.  We tend to eat like a bird and then having to eat a few times a day. My father had high blood pressure in his old age but not diabetes. My blood pressure has always been on the low side.

Now, that the reality has set in, time for me to take stock of my health and start taking care of this old body that has being abused for so long. So sad. Hope I learnt my lesson. 

[vern]

guess there's more then one reason blood sugar goes high.

 

metabolic issues:  liver is having a hardtime with different things;  one being fructose.  I don't think its bad for us in that its part of the sugars in fruit Jehovah made for us to eat;  but something is making it hard on the liver to process.   Fructose is one of the sugars the liver has to deal with directly to break it down;  but other sugars can be processed without the liver so doesn't seem to cause as much problems.  so researching the hidden diet intakes of fructose and reducing could be helpful.

 

different fasting technics can be useful;  gives the body time to process and cleanse. help the cells to cleanse away whatever is blocking the sugar from responding to insuline.

 

there could be autoimmune attacks on the pancrease reducing its ability to make insuline.

 

 

 

look into liver health.  Its one of the blood sugar regulaters;  if you have a fatty liver from to much sugar(from all sources) it will be the same damage as to much alcohol intake does.  forgot the proper name for it...

 

I was pre diabetis when i was 37 and changed my diet to a water based vegetable tofu soup and lost 80 pounds and went vegan for 7 years and it reduced my synptoms.  but i ate to much fruit and got diabetic.  so i guess the fructose and liver issues is part of things.

 

 

but diabetes definatley can be managed well with a better diet and exercise for sure....  need muscle increasing exercise to be more useful.

 

other thing tat can be useful is making sure you don't have a mineral difficiancy....   forgot what i read but their could be a mineral issue in the cells not being able to intake sugar correctly.  and it takes time to reverse the cells conditions...  has to do with eating to much food thats acid based and not alchelyne PH based; usually produce not over cooked with fruit helps with this.  sun D3:  bio processed calcium.

 

 

[daydream]

Thanks Br. Richard for the helpful info. 

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2021 by Mclove

[daydream]

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if you have a fatty liver from to much sugar(from all sources) it will be the same damage as to much alcohol intake does. 

Sugar and fat

 

When you consume a meal containing sugar (carbohydrates) it is broken down into smaller glucose (sugar) molecules for use in the body. The hormone insulin is released from the pancreas in response to the spike in blood glucose. A portion of the glucose will be used as an immediate energy source, and the extra is stored as glycogen in the body for later energy use. When glycogen stores are full and there is excess glucose in the blood, insulin will convert it into fat cells for storage in the body. That’s right- sugar turns to fat! One of the areas the fat is stored is in the liver. Liver cells are slowly replaced by fat cells, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Your liver can literally become fatty by eating too much sugar.

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2021 by Mclove

[daydream]

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need muscle increasing exercise to be more useful.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/what-just-one-weight-lifting-session-can-do-for-diabetes/ar-BB18tNRV

 

"In our study, a single set of lightweight leg exercises was able to improve blood vessel function," says Jonathan Little, PhD, senior author of the study and Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. "The arteries were better able to dilate after exercise."

 

 

[daydream]

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making sure you don't have a mineral deficiency

The key vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiencies associated with Type 2 diabetes include the following:

 

Vitamin A — carotenes are not Vitamin A!

Vitamin B12 — not available within plants

Vitamin C — need for collagen production, avoid ascorbic acid

Vitamin D — make sure it’s Vitamin D3

Vitamin E — alpha-tocopherol is only a part of Vitamin E

Vitamin K2 — take with Vitamin D to redirect calcium!

CoQ10 — needed for mitochondria energy, mostly synthetic

Glutathione — unable to get into cells, use authentic liposomal

Omega-3 EFAs — supplements may be oxidized!

R-Lipoic Acid (R-LA) — may be unstable

Amino Acids (proline, glycine) — not synthesized as we age, not found in most conventional protein foods

Collagen — overlooked, especially for leaky gut, healing

Chromium — reduces insulin resistance!

Iodine — misused! — don’t take if not deficient!

Magnesium — overlooked, a major problem for most Type 2s

Potassium — key issue for people with high blood pressure

Selenium — avoid synthetic versions

Zinc — key for immune support

 

Most of you are probably taking supplements to address most of these, but, most supplements really don’t help because they’re either “natural” or synthetic. In fact, supplements can make your health problems worse!

Instead, food sources are the best option for most of these nutrients, especially Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, amino acids, collagen, gelatin, CoQ10 and ALA.

https://www.deathtodiabetes.com/blog/vitamin-mineral-nutrient-deficiencies/

[daydream]

https://www.livingphit.com/acidity-and-diabetes-how-alkalizing-the-body-may-help-to-prevent-manage-or-reverse-diabetes/

ACIDITY AND DIABETES: HOW ALKALIZING THE BODY MAY HELP TO PREVENT, MANAGE, OR REVERSE DIABETES

The ideal type of diet that you should consume should consist of a diet that includes foods that are 60 – 70% alkaline, and foods that are 30 – 40% acidic.

 

Some of the most acidic foods which should be either avoided or taken in only small quantities include the following:

Meat    Fish     Poultry (except chicken breast)

Dairy Foods     Processed Foods    White Sugar   White Flour   Yeast Products

 

The ideal foods that you should include with every meal and which every diabetic should include in their diet that have a strong alkalizing effect on the body include:

 

Lots of dark leafy green vegetables    Soy based foods

Some types of nuts and legumes     Olive oil

Spices and seasonings

Proteins such as salmon or chicken breast which have lower acidity

 

For those of you who don’t have diabetes we would have also included fruits in the above category because, even though fruits are acidic in their normal state, they actually metabolize into an alkaline product.

However, many of these fruits also contain high sugar levels which can cause harm to a diabetic.

[daydream]

https://www.sunpharma.com.my/bone_formation.html

 

 

 

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Bio-D3 is important for bone health and muscle function. Most studies show that lack of vitamin D increases the risk of osteoporosis and the likelihood of hip and other non spinal fractures.

I think Vitamin D is a low priority for me. Maybe ask doctor to do a mineral/vitamin deficiency test first. In this tropical country with lots of sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency may not be so common.

Now with Covid cases spiking again in this country, the government doctors are having their hands full, battling the pandemic.

Edited May 1, 2021 by Mclove

[Loopy]

For those that have to test their 🩸 glucose have you heard of lancets called Pip?  The reason why I’m asking is because I’m using them right now and I love them. No pain like regular lancets. 
 

I’m using these purple ones now but I’m going to try the orange ones next as the needles are a tad bigger and should better apply the blood so I don’t have to squeeze my finger. 😳

[Loopy]

I’m really into reading nutrition labels now.
 

Can seriously tell how the food industry is all for making us sick and reliant on the pharmaceutical companies to help us deal with the damage. 
 

Even foods that are supposedly good for you either make their own sugar (some fruits for example)  high in carbs, or bad for cholesterol. Or all of the above. 

 

In today’s world, yah just can’t win.