Is steroid induced prediabetes harder to reverse?

[O2Trees]

Morning friends.

I have the above, also family history of diabetes, and am currently on a diabetes awareness course run by a private company on behalf of the NHS. I have halved my carbohydrates (having already totally given up all processed carbs like biscuits, cake, white bread and anything containing sugar) and am exercising more, and doing so after eating which the course tells us is best for controlling blood sugar.

My last HbA1C blood test was first week in August and blow me, it was exactly the same as the test three months previously.

Very disappointing especially when people I know with diabetes and prediabetes are getting great results with far less changes in their diet and lifestyle than I am making.

Hence my question in the post's title. Any thoughts welcome and hope everyone is doing well.

[nyonyo]

and what is you A1c, you are disappointed, but you didn't tell how bad it is

[O2Trees in reply to nyonyo]

It's not dreadful at all - 43 both times so just into pre-diabetes - but I have to take a lot of steroids and my family is riddled with diabetes so feels extra important to get it as low as possible. I have a genetic iron overload disorder - haemochromatosis - where excess iron which the body cant get rid of gets laid down in the organs, including the pancreas so that has to be monitored too as it can result in T1 diabetes.

[sandybrown]

Your HbA1c is 43 mmol/mol.?

What is your target?

HbA1c do vary with age. Please do bot worry about other people, just look at you blood test number. Stress can play into blood glucose and cholesterol.

From my experience 10 years ago when the GP practice diabetic nurse said " I can confirm you are diabetic" and you will be on medication for the rest of your life!!!!

I took action, I am not on medication, life style change is controlling my blood glucose number. My HbA1c number did come down but I was unhappy, now it is higher then the NHS number, at 76 I am not worried.

You can cook mthi leaves, good for you eat this at least three times a week, drink Sri Lankan boiled cinnamon water at least every week till your next blood test. Boil a small stick with two mug of water in the evening , drink one mug in the evening, the other mug leave it in the fridge and drink it in the morning.

Time controlled eating is very important, leave at least 14 hours between your evening meal and breakfast. no snacks between meals. Look out for free and hidden sugar. Give it a try, you can see the difference before your next blood test. I went on the NHS course, this is because I could not get a free book, I got the book by attending the course. During the course we had a lot of discussion on my suggestions on food and drinks. Please do not follow NHS food plate. Eat a lite evening meal.

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"HbA1c results

HbA1c results are currently given as a percentage. However, the way in which HbA1c results are reported in the UK is changing. From 31 May 2011, HbA1c will be given in millimoles per mol (mmol/mol) instead of as a percentage (%).

This new way of reporting results will just be a different way of expressing the same thing. For example, the equivalent of the HbA1c target of 6.5 per cent will be 48 mmol/mol. The fact that the number is higher does not mean there is more glucose in your blood.

Generally the following targets are accepted as good control but your targets may be different to this and should be agreed with your diabetes team.

Your targets may also change over time.

Good control May need improvement Needs improvement

6.5% 6.6 -7.5% Over 7.5%

48 mmol/mol 49 -59 mmol/mol Over 60 mmol/mol "

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Take care.

[O2Trees]

Hi, lots to think about in your post, thank you! I do not have a target and have only one time a couple of years ago got to 48. Ive always been measured with the mmol method, never the other and your explanation is helpful.

I have all the books from the course but have always thought the NHS food plate thing was NOT helpful. I understand from reading online that I should be eating between 20g to 90g carbs a day. I actually eat around 110g and no idea how to reduce this as I am underweight and dont want to lose more weight. Substituting with fat to replace calories doesnt appeal.

Because Im quite busy I inadvertantly stray into intermittant fasting with a large window between dinner and breakfast. I know people find this effective for losing weight so am trying to reduce that window.

On the basis of 48 mmol/mol representing good control, I suppose I should relax about my HbA1c being 43?

Thanks for your reply and I hope you are doing well.

[O2Trees]

Not sure if this is addressed to me?

[O2Trees]

I do eat those things, coconut in the form of oil. But I eat some whole grain though less than previously - jumbo oats, whole grain oatcakes (1 or 2) - lots of veg and chicken, eggs, fish (salmon, prawns, sardines, white fish), chia seeds, plain yoghurt and a lot of nuts. Peanut butter, sun dried tomatoes, salad - lettuce, tomatoes, peppers. And a few other things but that's most of them.

[O2Trees]

I had put up my fat consumption quite a bit then after a few weeks I got a raised cholesterol blood test result - LDL had gone up from 6.5 to 7.something. Are you saying fats should be my main intake or have I misunderstood you?