John Bender
Footballguy
Down to 93 Fasting BS this morning. this seems too crazy for just 2 weeks time. Next 3 days if my average stays the same, I start dropping the insulin already.
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Pre-Diabetes. Just got diagnosed. (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Usual21
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Nugget
Footballguy
The 1000mg, is it two 500mg pills? Maybe you could spread them out to make it easier. I take a total of 4 500mg pills a day - two in the morning and two near dinner - I am not the best at remembering pills.
Mr.Pack
Footballguy
John Bender
Footballguy
Maybe I need to do the same. I take all 1500 mg with evening meal followed by insulin shortly thereafter. My stomach is tore the F up.
culdeus
Footballguy
Why? Insulin is fast acting. That's sort of the point. 93 fasting is normal and fasting means your insulin has nearly certainly left your system (What kind is it BTW?).
John Bender
Footballguy
Will check when I get home. I'm not sure it's crazy. I just have zero experience w this and was asking more or less. I didn't expect a drop so quickly is all.
culdeus
Footballguy
No worries. Blood sugar can swing very wildly. For your situation the main thing to avoid is ensuring you do not overdose the insulin, and that you understand what dose of insulin to take with what meals. It is important because an OD of Insulin is a very serious situation. I'm still not clear on exactly what drug they put you on, which for a T2 can be just about anything.
John Bender
Footballguy
I know it begins with an L and I'm doing 20 mg a day. I'll be down to 17 mg a day if this level holds for the next 2 days
It's Lantus @culdeus
Oddly enough, in spite of the diet, my weight loss as slowed a bit which is a relief. If you remember my first post here, I initially went to the Dr due to the rapid weight loss symptom. In a normal week, eating as lightly as I have, I'd drop 8-10 lbs. This week just 1.5 lbs. So I'm very relieved at that.
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John Bender
Footballguy
No prob man. I appreciate it. I take it with evening meal, which is usually my biggest meal as well. Started on 20 mg a day and was asked to increase it by 3 ml if my 3 day average was over 120 (3 day average of fasting BS), if below 100 I can decrease it by 3 mg. The goal is to have me off of insulin completely in 3-6 months and I seem to be well on my way if I keep it up.
culdeus
Footballguy
Ok, Lantus is insulin, but not in the same manner you would get from something like humalog. It is long acting and meant to simulate the action you get in an insulin pump between 20-24 hours. The main consideration as far as taking it is ensuring that you have coverage overnight as that is typically when blood sugars can fluctuate the most outside of the post meal time.
It's supposed to be a peak-less background insulin. In fact, since the typical range of action of this is 20-24 hours you could be theoretically out of range if you are taking it before your biggest meal, though this is a smaller concern.
In general Lantus is typically dosed two ways, right before bed, or split 50/50 every 12 hours at 9am/9pm. The way you do it before a large meal in the evening might be the single only way you ever hear people say to not do it, which is sort of funny you chose to start like that, but still not anything to freak out about since you aren't a diagnosed Type 1 and probably make some insulin on your own.
https://www.lantus.com/hcp/about-lantus/action-profiles
There are some 48-72 hour long acting that are going to hit the market in the next few years to treat Type 2, primarily. Some might be patch worn. Not totally clear. I wouldn't freak out about being on lantus, it's pretty benign all things considered.
Before raising/lowering your dose, contact your dr. and test 2hrs after each meal for a few days if not more frequently.
John Bender
Footballguy
Thanks culd - you're a good man.
On a good news front, we are way down to 84 for fasting BS as of this morning.
On a good news front, we are way down to 84 for fasting BS as of this morning.
John Bender
Footballguy
Quick update:
Kicking this things ### so far. Fasting BS readings are now in the 70s almost every morning. They spiked back up to 100+ for a few days there but I found adding a walk after dinner helped a lot, so now I walk 35 minutes after dinner.
I've lost a ton of weight as well in a healthy manner going low carb. I'm going to 17 units of insulin per day, and hoping when I see the Dr in 2 weeks we can drop the Metformin way down because the diarrhea has not stopped.
I don't drive myself crazy with food logs and counting every single carbohydrate, I prep my own food so I know it's low carb/no sugar and eat it. Keeping a log will make me get crazy about the dieting and I need a lifestyle change, not a diet. My dietician agreed with this for me. If I'm starving and I want to eat an entire cucumber as a snack, I just do it instead of going nuts calculating the carbs and weight of it - because, it's a ####### cucumber, not a chocolate bar. Nothing bad is going to come of crushing cucumbers as a snack.
Soups have been a god send. I love soup, I'm simply just making them without pasta or rice or any non-veg carbs at all. Yesterday I made italian wedding with Zoodles. Also, low carb wraps have helped the transition - I put a little pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni on one and then warm it like a Quesadilla when I'm really feening for "bad" food. Other "cheating" foods I've found that help in moderation: Atkins Granola Bars, CarbSmart Fudgesicles (3 grams of net carbs per serving), and the flavored Blue Diamond Almonds (Salt and Vinegar/Habanero BBQ are great). I try to limit these types of snacks to only a few times a week since they contain a lot of unnatural ingredients, but they help in a pinch.
I guess that's it. thanks to all the help early on. I get my A1C retested in 10 days so I'm hoping for the best.
Kicking this things ### so far. Fasting BS readings are now in the 70s almost every morning. They spiked back up to 100+ for a few days there but I found adding a walk after dinner helped a lot, so now I walk 35 minutes after dinner.
I've lost a ton of weight as well in a healthy manner going low carb. I'm going to 17 units of insulin per day, and hoping when I see the Dr in 2 weeks we can drop the Metformin way down because the diarrhea has not stopped.
I don't drive myself crazy with food logs and counting every single carbohydrate, I prep my own food so I know it's low carb/no sugar and eat it. Keeping a log will make me get crazy about the dieting and I need a lifestyle change, not a diet. My dietician agreed with this for me. If I'm starving and I want to eat an entire cucumber as a snack, I just do it instead of going nuts calculating the carbs and weight of it - because, it's a ####### cucumber, not a chocolate bar. Nothing bad is going to come of crushing cucumbers as a snack.
Soups have been a god send. I love soup, I'm simply just making them without pasta or rice or any non-veg carbs at all. Yesterday I made italian wedding with Zoodles. Also, low carb wraps have helped the transition - I put a little pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni on one and then warm it like a Quesadilla when I'm really feening for "bad" food. Other "cheating" foods I've found that help in moderation: Atkins Granola Bars, CarbSmart Fudgesicles (3 grams of net carbs per serving), and the flavored Blue Diamond Almonds (Salt and Vinegar/Habanero BBQ are great). I try to limit these types of snacks to only a few times a week since they contain a lot of unnatural ingredients, but they help in a pinch.
I guess that's it. thanks to all the help early on. I get my A1C retested in 10 days so I'm hoping for the best.
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BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
Nugget
Footballguy
Awesome work. I think your A1C is going to be much improved. For me, the 45 minute walk will drop my blood sugar 20 points over just good eating. Keep on it - you are doing great!
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Good job Bender - keep it up!
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
Yep. Excellent work.AAABatteries said:
culdeus
Footballguy
John Bender
Footballguy
Brief update: I'm officially off of insulin. 
Meeting with Dr to get my new a1C and come up with a medication plan going forward. I've lost 50ish lbs or so and haven't had sugar or more than 20 carbs in a day in 6 months now. 
. Hoping the A1C will reflect that. My fasting BS, hasn't spiked over 110 in months and averages in the 90s. (as a matter of fact, I've had 2 low blood sugar incidents - dizziness - that were my fault trying to workout hard without food for over 12 hours like an idiot) Hopefully getting off of the insulin won't have any big effects but I'm pretty excited. I'm especially excited to reduce my dosage of metformin because that stuff destroys my digestive system
I plan to continue to see a nutritionist/dietician twice per month but really since I've stuck to the Keto plan, she hasn't really provided me with much other than encouragement to keep going and body fat/weight updates (and it's a free service provided by my Drs office - so there's no reason not to)
Meeting with Dr to get my new a1C and come up with a medication plan going forward. I've lost 50ish lbs or so and haven't had sugar or more than 20 carbs in a day in 6 months now. . Hoping the A1C will reflect that. My fasting BS, hasn't spiked over 110 in months and averages in the 90s. (as a matter of fact, I've had 2 low blood sugar incidents - dizziness - that were my fault trying to workout hard without food for over 12 hours like an idiot) Hopefully getting off of the insulin won't have any big effects but I'm pretty excited. I'm especially excited to reduce my dosage of metformin because that stuff destroys my digestive systemI plan to continue to see a nutritionist/dietician twice per month but really since I've stuck to the Keto plan, she hasn't really provided me with much other than encouragement to keep going and body fat/weight updates (and it's a free service provided by my Drs office - so there's no reason not to)
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John Bender
Footballguy
So I didn't post my A1C last August because frankly, it was embarrassing.
But I did just get my results back from my follow up test.
In 8 months, I went from 11.7 and today I just came in at 5.1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very excited and no one to share with but I've shared a lot of my story here and wanted to update. I had previously been asked to stop taking my insulin when my fasting BS readings averaged so low, but the Dr just called me and told me to stop the metformin as well. I meet with him tomorrow to discuss a plan going forward.
God bless the Keto diet.
(ETA: lost 60 lbs to boot)
But I did just get my results back from my follow up test.
In 8 months, I went from 11.7 and today I just came in at 5.1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very excited and no one to share with but I've shared a lot of my story here and wanted to update. I had previously been asked to stop taking my insulin when my fasting BS readings averaged so low, but the Dr just called me and told me to stop the metformin as well. I meet with him tomorrow to discuss a plan going forward.
God bless the Keto diet.
(ETA: lost 60 lbs to boot)
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culdeus
Footballguy
kutta
Footballguy
#### yeah!!!!!
Good job man! That is quite an accomplishment and you should be very proud of yourself. It's not easy to do, and you did it.
I think doctors should bring people like you in to speak to all their overweight and diabetic patients. It would be so inspirational and would change a lot of lives.
Great job, and keep it up!
John Bender
Footballguy
To add: for those with Drs. skeptical of a High fat/low carb diet, my overall cholesterol went WAY down, my bad cholesterol went down quite significantly and my LDL (good cholesterol) went up in a healthy fashion.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
Way to go!
culdeus
Footballguy
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Disagree. Huge fan here ...Mrs. Rannous said:
Wingnut
Footballguy
Got diagnosed about a month ago, (a1c 5.7) which was a complete shock since I've always been in good health and have never been close to having weight issues.
I've drastically changed my diet and will see what my numbers are in a few months.
My doctor didn't seem too concerned, all he said was cut back on sweets but I feel like I need to do more to reverse it.
I've been reading a ton and am not really sure how much I need to do or should do.
Just venting here a bit. I'm burned out on trying to figure this out.
I've drastically changed my diet and will see what my numbers are in a few months.
My doctor didn't seem too concerned, all he said was cut back on sweets but I feel like I need to do more to reverse it.
I've been reading a ton and am not really sure how much I need to do or should do.
Just venting here a bit. I'm burned out on trying to figure this out.
Caveman_Nick
Footballguy
I generally avoid processed foods and foods that would be considered a starch or grain, as well as most fruit. 4+ years now, and my blood sugar stays pretty even keel. Now that there are some keto bread options on the market it’s even easier.
culdeus
Footballguy
You can get a home a1c kit and see how it is going.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Yeah, I've been looking at those and glucose monitors. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet.
What's crazy is if I lived in Canada, I wouldn't be considered prediabetic. Their a1c range is 6.0 to 6.4, while here in the states, it's 5.7 to 6.4.
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
Avoiding fruit is a big misconception among people with glucose issues.
As general rule, whole fruit is fine, as it tends to come with fiber, which slows the glucose spikes. And fruit is incredibly healthful for many of the micronutrients it contains.
Whole grains are also an important part of a healthy diet.
FWIW, the ADA agrees with this approach.
Lastly, eliminating ultraprocessed foods is a good idea for anyone, but there's no need to go very low carbohydrate/ketogenic.
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
Might be a good time to move to Canada regardless.
FTR, there's data for increased cardiovascular risk with A1c > 5.4. So as long as you're not dropping day-to-day glucose too low (causing symptomatic hypoglycemia), I would err to thinking lower A1c is better.
ETA The sweet spot, pun intended, appears to be somewhere between 5.0 and 5.4.
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Terminalxylem
Footballguy
While it's not a death sentence, your doctor should have expressed greater sense of importance for getting A1c controlled. But prevention isn't the strong suit of American healthcare.
I'd talk to a nutritionist, and ramp up your cardiovascular exercise +/- resistance training. If you are truly at a healthy weight, diet and improved body composition can make a big difference, definitely should be able to drop it half a point.
Riffraff
Footballguy
Yes, scale back the sugars / sweets / ice cream. Cut out sodas if you can. Alcohol... you know what to do.
Remember, all the -oses are 'sugar' Fructose, Glucose, Lactose, etc.
I know they call it Suga-betes, but it's carbohydrates that push many into pre-diabetes and full on.
Rice, breads, potatoes, and pasta are heavy in carbs and will convert to glucose. Scale back on those (cut out some if you can).
Skip the fries. Go without the bun. Eat your burritos without rice.
Fruits in moderation are obviously healthy, but may want to lay off a big ol' glass of OJ every day. Spikes your sugars.
Even milk has sugars.
Thin crust pizza.
If you must eat sandwiches, go with keto bread (9grams carbs, but 8 of them are fiber - so essentially 1 carb per slice).
Read the food / drink labels to see which are high in either / both and choose a better alternative.
Some easy adjustments to lower sugar and carbs.
Wingnut
Footballguy
I'm well into all that. I gave up soda for unsweet tea, bread I switched to whole grain and whole wheat, I cut pasta and rice, and when I have a potato, I go sweet potato.
My go to snacks now are pork rinds, pistachios, avocados, and hard boiled eggs. Meals are a protein, fresh veggies, and a salad or sweet potato.
I've tried a few lo carb beers but they're prerry weak and don't really do it for me.
My go to snacks now are pork rinds, pistachios, avocados, and hard boiled eggs. Meals are a protein, fresh veggies, and a salad or sweet potato.
I've tried a few lo carb beers but they're prerry weak and don't really do it for me.
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
It’s not as simple as minimizing carbohydrates, and many of them - fruits, veggies and whole grains, are undeniably healthy.
Metabolism is more complex. Fats and protein can be converted to glucose too. For example:
Metabolism is more complex. Fats and protein can be converted to glucose too. For example:
Caveman_Nick
Footballguy
Everyone has their own journey. My choices have kept my blood sugar at a nice even keep for a long time. That doesn’t make my road the only way to travel, just the one that’s working for me.
STEADYMOBBIN 22
Footballguy
Sounds like you're doing the right thing but I wouldn't listen to your doctor on nutrition, and would consider consulting with a nutritionist. Honestly, doctors not being concerned about pre-diabetes is concerning.
steelerfan1
Footballguy
I've also heard that a good 10 minute walk after a meal can really help regulate things too.
for me i don't think the carb thing was the issue as i use to be at 5.7 as well and have been eating a cup of oatmeal, sweet potato, black beans, 2-3 bananas, 1-2 cups blue berries and blood work last month i was down to 5.4.
only thing changed was me cutting some whey and animal proteins down as well as reducing calories a little.
for me i don't think the carb thing was the issue as i use to be at 5.7 as well and have been eating a cup of oatmeal, sweet potato, black beans, 2-3 bananas, 1-2 cups blue berries and blood work last month i was down to 5.4.
only thing changed was me cutting some whey and animal proteins down as well as reducing calories a little.
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
Exercise is very good at controlling blood sugar: one of insulin’s main functions is to open glucose channels on muscle, which allows it to leave the bloodstream (where it causes damage, in excess) to provide fuel for cells. And extra muscle helps processing glucose load - resistance training is great for reducing metabolic complications of aging (not as important as cardiovascular for overall longevity though).
As I mentioned above, excess protein intake is associated with the development of diabetes. IIRC, the associated is actually stronger than that seen with carbohydrates. But pop nutrition has convinced the public protein is indisputably good, while “carbs” are all bad. And people (including some nutrition influencers) take this faulty logic to the extreme, overdoing animal product consumption, at the expense of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and grains.
Prediabetics and diabetics alike, just like everyone else, will benefit from eating a hypo caloric, minimally processed, plant-based diet. It’s that simple. All this fixation on macronutrients has obscured what should be straightforward, but opportunity for financial gain tends to create situations like this.
steelerfan1
Footballguy
I have to say I am still fixated on protein intake even though it may be illogical, so I guess it goes to you just how strong base can drill that into your brain and make you not want to let go. I’m sure by your standards I’m still way overdoing protein but still have drastically reduced the animal part intake.
I have been on a low dose statin (5 mg crestor), but since cutting down on the animal stuff, I have noticed the important things coming down and this is with me pretty much stopped weight training due to some joint issues.
like I said down from 5.7 to 5.4, but cholesterol is what’s amazing to me. I’ve been as high as 304 total with ldl in the 220 range. Last blood I was at a total of 106 with ldl of 40. Crazy to me.
I have been on a low dose statin (5 mg crestor), but since cutting down on the animal stuff, I have noticed the important things coming down and this is with me pretty much stopped weight training due to some joint issues.
like I said down from 5.7 to 5.4, but cholesterol is what’s amazing to me. I’ve been as high as 304 total with ldl in the 220 range. Last blood I was at a total of 106 with ldl of 40. Crazy to me.
Terminalxylem
Footballguy
I don’t worry at all about macronutrients. Just eat a minimally processed, plant-based diet. And exercise nearly every day.
My mom was obese, and died in her 60s of diabetic complications. Sister is obese, too. Dad wasn’t, but died of cancer in his 50s. So my genes aren’t the best.
FWIW, A1c is 5.6. LDL and HDL are 80 something. I’d like to improve those numbers, to get A1c closer to 5, and LDL below 60. Not sure I can do it without meds.
steelerfan1
Footballguy
Yeah, as I’m getting up there my priorities are definitely shifting to wanting to be here a bit longer and after reading about the 4 horseman it makes me want to control those levels if at all possible. For me the low dose of 5 mg is well worth it. My ALT AST levels are still well into the green, so long as that remains the trade off seems like a win.
