Hi, I'm Anu. I'm not exactly new here (I was here earlier for my dad's Parkinson's), but this is the first time I'm posting on Diabetes-India.
I've been a T2 diabetic for more than 25 years. Out of those 25, I was in denial for many years and just ignored the problem....not a smart thing to do, I now know. My mother was a diabetic and died of complications of T2, so I hope you understand my denial issue.
I have tried many things to control my BS- life style modification, naturopathy etc etc. In the last one year, my HbA1C has been between 6.7 and 7.1. I walk an average of 120 kms per month and my food intake is very restricted (though I have a sweet tooth, which I try to keep in check). Despite this level of exercise and food, my weight is a constant problem. I'm now planning to do the keto LCHF and see how it goes.
Any thoughts?
Written by
gettingolder123
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You are right, it can be sometime very confusing what to follow. Best thing is to do your research and then decide what will be really suitable for you.
Before you decide your new dietary approach, review your current diet and get blood work done so that you know your current status. As a minimum, I will suggest the following tests in consultation with your Doctor:
1. CBC
2. Fasting blood glucose
3. Fasting insulin
4. HbA1c
5.Lipid profile: Triglyceride, HDL, cholesterol.
6.Thyroid tests
Other thing I would like to mention that ketogenic/low carb diet does not mean it is a meat only diet. It can be implemented using vegetarian, vegan or non-vegetarian food. However, one should assess its suitability before starting. For example, one may not be able to go to very low carb if there is some issue with thyroid. Doctor will be able to advice you on that. Blood test results will provide many of the answers.
Thank you. I'm curious about something you mentioned....the link between thyroid and low carb. I'm hypothyroid too. Where can I find some literature on this?
Haha! I think so. Or at least I hope so! The best thing about Alzheimer's (if there is any best thing about this horrible condition) is that the sufferer never knows about it!
Search Google. You will find many articles, often with contradicting conclusions.
I like Prof. Stephen Phinney's work who has been working on metabolic disorders, LCHF/KETO for more 30 years. He has written on this subject. Below is the link -
Thanks. I read the blog. He basically debunks the theory that low carbs causes hypothyroidism. He doesn't say anything about existing hypothyroid people going on LCHF, ketosis and whether LCHF has any adverse effects on hypothyroid people or whether LCHF will do what it is supposed to do for hypothyroid people.
I guess I should keep looking. Thanks for your help.
My story begins with a Basal Cell Carcinoma removal from my right ear on 22 April 2017. I felt rather “off colour” afterwards and decided to have a light supper of a small (two eggs) plain omelette cooked by my loving wife.
This was continued for a week and felt that I had lost some weight. I was aware of reports and studies carried out by a Professor Mike Lean of Glasgow University indicating that the effects of Diabetes could be reduced by using a meal replacement low calorie diet of about 600 calories, but did not fancy the thought of swallowing liquid meals. However I was happy with the following regime that we had began to help losing some weight: -
Breakfast - Belvita Breakfast biscuit
Lunch - Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference pot of fruit or vanilla yogurt
Evening meal - Fresh salad platter or a two egg omelette with a small portion of mushrooms plus two or three slices of fresh home cooked ham or chicken or prawns or a small fillet steak (on a Sunday!). The salad comprises cucumber, radish, spring onions, beetroot, peppers, tomatoes and lettuce when available.
A hot alternative is the Marks and Spencer 375cal ham and mushroom bagatelle from the "Count on us Range" or a stew cooked with a vegetable stockpot and fresh vegetables. No potato or any other garnish. There are no cheats or anything other than that indicated. The weight began to fall off.
Since being diagnosed I have kept a spreadsheet on a yearly basis, recording the details of the disease and the medical treatment taken to combat the rising sugar levels. I still maintain that, including a detailed log of the weight loss and the position of my weight on the Body Mass Index – a very depressing web site I can tell you!
My only treat is to have a daily intake of fresh plumbs and pears and the occasional half a melon after the evening meal.
I began this regime because of many issues but primarily because my insulin intake was steadily increasing where at the finish I was taking about 180 units a day and began to dread the onset of all the problems that type 2 diabetes can cause. At that stage I weighted in at 18.5 stone or 117.5kg. Almost immediately the weight began to fall off and by April 2018 my weight was 11.5 stone or 73kg and now weigh 11.2 stone or 71kg. Because of this I am now controlling my diabetes through diet only, no more insulin or Metformin and all symptoms of the disease have disappeared. All I can say to anyone struggling with their weight is to discuss the matter first with their doctor and give it a go – there is nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain.
During my medication period and this past year my HbA1c has been constantly within acceptable levels or what could be judged as normal. My last HbA1c (June this year) my blood sugar level was 5.9 and all other levels normal. I still check my BS levels about three/five times a week and will continue with my six monthly HbA1c and yearly eye screening for although the diabetes is in remission, I am still classed as diabetic.
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