Update on my unicorn journey

[mylungshateme]

Following on from latest asthma journey of mine...seeing cons beginning of oct 🙂. God only knows what kind of appointment that will be, i guess they're looking for a new diagnosis to explain things as i really don't fit text book.

Also had my yearly HBA1c knew it would be high as been on pred all year. Gp asked for a repeat when i had my flu jab. Today got a text "please ring gp following your blood results urgently" so looks like pred induced diabetes on top to add to the list. This happened last year but managed to reverse it when came of pred but wasnt as high as current reading.

Im devastated, especially as cant even drop pred by 1mg without being unwell 🥴. Or have the puff to go for significant walk let alone exercise.

Anyone any amazing results of diets/eating plans. Not sure where to start so many! Thinking research keto or Mediterranean? Any advice welcome thanks.

Also have your side affects from this winters moderna covid been manageable?

[Troilus]

Newcastle University published some interesting work on type two diabetes a few years ago. (I’m a bit busy right now, but I will try to find for and post a link for you.)

It was about reversing type two diabetes. They used diet shakes (I think it was 800 cals a day ) There was also an instruction leaflet/ article for those wanting to try it.

Apparently this method is highly successful especially in the newly diagnosed. If I remember rightly it is based on the premis that fat collects around the pancreas and this inhibits insulin production. Get rid of the fat and insulin production returns to normal.

I’ll try to find it later.

[Troilus in reply to Troilus]

I can’t find the original paper I saw, presumably because they have now published a book. However, I found this:

ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/d...

Basically the strict diet rids the body of fat within the pancreas not around it as I said earlier.

600 cals for shakes (the Asda ones are on the list) another 200 from veg. (Sounds like hard work 🙁) On the bright side some have seen their insulin levels return to normal within a week.

If you think you can do this, then this might be something to discuss with your GP or at your hospital appointment.

[mylungshateme in reply to Troilus]

interesing thanks I'll have a read later on thanks for replying with info.

[Younie in reply to mylungshateme]

so the one being referred to is counterweight plus and the trial/ study to look it ilup is the Direct trial, which reversed type 2 diabetes. The programme is now being offered by some NHS trusts through the dietitian for reversal of type 2 diabetes and i can confirm it does work while on maintenance prednisolone with aiding weight loss as i was put on it for weight gain due to steroids and nothing working. You are also now able to pay for the programme yourself now and go theough counterweight with their support. Hope this helps

[Bevvy]

Have a look at Keto diet which has been proven to have good results. Also look at information from Dr Michael Mosley at his diet suggestions. As with all of these ideas the difficulty is sticking to the plans long term but definitely worth considering. Am thinking these 2 ideas in particular as opposed to (for example Mediterranean diet) because you are specifically looking to reduce blood sugars as opposed to loosing weight.

[mylungshateme in reply to Bevvy]

ah thanks i will look into these thanks so much for replying im determined to reverse it so whatever it takes im in the zone. X

[Poobah]

I've been doing low carb and intermittent fasting for 16 Months (under medical supervision) and have been so much better in terms of asthma (reduced meds) and blood pressure. I understand how it works for weight loss and for those patients who need to reverse their prediabetes and T2 diabetes. However, I'm uncertain if it's recommended for patients with cortisol induced prediabetes/diabetes as the hormone cycle involved is more complex. Having said that, if you do decide to try something, a healthy keto diet (nutrition rich) should be tried first, as intermittent fasting can present health challenges for some patients.

Our surgery uses a NHS health and well-being coach for patients who are able to address health issues by introducing low carb eating plans, and intermittent fasting for those who want to see faster results. This service should be available nationwide, according to the NHS website, but it's top secret as far as I can see. It's definitely not advertised in my surgery but I was fortunate that my asthma nurse referred me.

When you see your doctor it wouldn't hurt to ask for a referral to a NHS health and well-being coach. More info on their intended use by doctors, england.nhs.uk/personalised...

Getting to talk to the right medical professional who understands nutrition, health and medication is challenging as medical doctors aren't trained in nutrition and dietitians aren't trained in medication - I learned this when trying to resolve thyroid disease and weight gain. A ven diagram conundrum.

Our health coach recommends the Freshwell app as it was created by doctors. It's available in most app stores for free.

[mylungshateme in reply to Poobah]

thanks for this. Thats the trouble its not as simple as eat less move more when your lungs dont allow and the meds like devil pills keep you going but my hosh create so many other issues its unreal to be honest. I absolutely need to lose weight i always gain when on maintenance pred its horrible but yes im waiting for gp to call an will ask about all these and what they suggest. Thank you. X

[Poobah in reply to mylungshateme]

Snap about moving more with severe asthma, not easy at all. But I've lost 4 stone in 12 months with low carb and IF without hitting the gym etc. I think low carb alone is very effective. Good luck with whatever you try. 🤗

[mylungshateme in reply to Poobah]

wow well done you!! What an achievement congratulations 😁🌻 x

[Poobah in reply to mylungshateme]

Honestly mylungshateme, if I can do it, anyone can. Carbs create appetite and I couldn't quite get my head around how it's so much easier than calorie counting and being hungry all the time.

[Hidden]

Hi sorry ur going thru all this but yes i can relate im bordeline due to pred so thought id do some research on pred. I researched pred and diets and imo and esp as my metablolism is slow i started doin a low carb days and high carb days which seems to wrk but only at tapering pred a little. Im a carb junkie so explains it for me. I found and what was written was to shake ur metabolism up as it gets used to pred and starts slowing down. Drs hate pred yet its the fastest steroid to help allsorts of illnesses.

[mylungshateme in reply to Hidden]

I literally hate the devil pills which is why i refused to go back on them for so long after being stuck on them for 16 months but i was in hot clinic instead constantly. I finally caved as i was told pred or be admitted so reluctantly agreed pred for 3 days only, wasnt enough extended to 5 then 7, this was feb.... 👀 im so annoyed lol i keep trying to reduce an end up ill an have to go back up😡. Im on 15mg now my asthma awful but i refuse to go higher and begging to go lower 😂🤣 and now the HBA1c drama happy days lol. Im really interested in the dr mosley lower blood sugar fast 800 programme. Its seems better for diabetes than keto due to carbs/ processed food/ sugars is my limited understanding so far. From my understanding the spikes and dips in blood sugars are also damaging so safer to keep it stable than eratic that's what we aim with our patients and what i had to follow when i had GD. As soon as was on steroid infusion i was put on insulin infusion and baby straight to NICU shows how quick steroids affect BM's. Scary!

[Hidden in reply to mylungshateme]

how are u doin?

[mylungshateme in reply to Hidden]

plodding along 😆 still not heard back from gp so surely they're not that concerned... but we all know that doesn't necessarily mean anything! Seeing my cons next week so i want a solid plan a, and b, for coming off pred and to some how manage my lovely complex asthma! 😂🤣. How are you doing? X

[Hidden in reply to mylungshateme]

yeah for sure u need a plan. I think it depends on which dr u get its all mad at the minute with some of them. One says one thing then another contradicts. Im ok just tried to do a feno but failed oh well they gona have to have that for now. Oops. Keep smiling x

[mylungshateme in reply to Hidden]

tell me about it everyone i see says a different thing 🤦🏽‍♀️. Makes me dizzy spinning around in circles all the time 🤣😂😆. It took me a few years before i could actually complete a feno! Im dreading the cardio stress test that literally will finish me off 😂🤣. X

[Hidden in reply to mylungshateme]

whats the cardio stress test? Fenos are just how you are on that day they shouldnt be used as results of your overall chest i dont think.

[Riff1954]

this is the book that Troilus referred to I think amazon.co.uk/Your-Simple-Gu.... I know Roy Taylor and the research is sound

[mylungshateme in reply to Riff1954]

thank you much appreciated

[redstar9]

I also gained weight because of pred. I went from 9st 2 lb to 11st 4lb. Have managed to get back down to 9st 12lb but it's been hard to lose any weight. I managed it by doing seated chair yoga. Only drinking water or herb tea with a couple of cups of tea and coffee with milk.

Also doing intermittent fasting and lowering my carb intake. No biscuits, crisps, cake or stuff with sugar. Swapped rice and pasta for brown rice and wholegrain pasta. It is hard because pred makes you hungry all the time. I snack on cucumber, peppers and tomatoes. Weighi g and measuring portions also helps.

[mylungshateme in reply to redstar9]

still not hear from gp.. but im making some simple changes like switching to peppermint tea. I've stopped treats of all kinds. I've ordered the book Moseley blood sugqr fast diet. X

[Grimlock88]

I’ve been on the carnivore diet for 6 months and my disease (AERD) is in 90% remission. Check online or read books by Dr Shawn Baker & Paul Saladino.

God bless 👍

[strongmouse]

Urrh, don't you just love the problems some medications throw up!

My husband has type 2 diabetes and it is manageable especially if caught early. Diabetes organisation has information on this and about diet.

diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-th...

[Clairebear35]

SlimmingWorld world worked for me, I lost over 4 1/2 stone. Hope things get better for you soon

[mylungshateme]

So gp finally rang steroid induced diabetes 😪 im so deflated i knew its probably what they were going to say but im really upset! So metformin to titrate up, i asked about different diets and the dr Moseley blood sugar one he said no keto diet start researching and a diabetic nurse will be intouch. So partner nought me dr Mosley keto fast 800 book so i can start understanding that regime. Thanks for all your tips much appreciated. X

[Poobah in reply to mylungshateme]

I'm so sorry, such disappointing news that you just didn't want. I've heard great things about the Dr Moseley diet and remember seeing his TV programme when he was learning about how to tackle his prediabetes. So he's done the homework and is successfully controlling his condition (I believe it's genetic for him). Wishing you all the luck in the world and with your determination, you can take back control. 🤗 We're all rooting for you.