Prediabetes

[AstroFish]

I was told I was pre diabetic by my Gp as a result blood test which was 43, I just tipped over. This has shocked me and for the past two weeks I’ve been seriously following the Blood Sugar diet to lose weight and try and reverse this. I’ve another blood test scheduled for April.

Here’s my question: I bought a digital blood sugar monitor, took my blood sugar test (ouch the pricky thing hurt) and it is 3.8. I don’t feel ill, shaky, tired or hungry. Is this a normal reading for a NON diabetic who’s been on a special low carb diet for two weeks now?

[FakeNews]

I was told that when you have a blood test, the blood is an average from the previous 3 months so while you will lose weight on the blood sugar diet, you need to be tested again in 3-6 months to see if it has made a difference. I have been following the blood sugar diet as I was also told I was pre diabetic. Even though I have lost 2 stones and am exercising, I have not managed to get below 42 yet. In fact during the diet I went up to 48 once having started at 43!

[AstroFish in reply to FakeNews]

Thanks for the reply - the only one! I’m sorry to hear your test result has remained high, do you test your blood glucose with the a digital finger prick meters as well? Just curious. I have a re test booked for May. Hoping the level comes down, sorry yours hasn’t yet. As it’s an average over the past few months maybe it’s not quick to change?

[FakeNews in reply to AstroFish]

I don’t do a finger prick test. My levels started at 44, then went to 46, 44, 50, 47, 43 and the latest was 42. It’s all very random but the GP said it could be stress. I do take a lot of other medication as well. I just keep plodding on, try not to worry and wait to be re-tested 6 months after my last test. Good luck.

[AstroFish in reply to FakeNews]

Thank you and you too!

[Fowey2009]

I’ve been in remission from type 2 for 5 years due to the 8 week blood sugar diet. I eat low carb and it has made a big difference.

I recently bought a glucose monitor and it confirms how successful the diet is. It has occasionally gone below 3.9 (particularly at night). I spoke to a nutritionist who said it wasn’t an issue although if it was permanently low I’d need to look at my diet.

[AstroFish in reply to Fowey2009]

Thank you - this is very reassuring. I’m loving the BSD, it suits me very well and I’m highly motivated. It’s liberating to be free from the horrendous carb craving I used to experience. As long as I stick to the plan I’ve not felt hungry and conclude that carbs and me aren’t best friends. I need to go low carb for the rest of my life. How have you found maintaining the lower BS level? Well done on your success.

[Fowey2009 in reply to AstroFish]

Like you, I am a very determined person. When I was first diagnosed I said ‘I am not going to be diabetic’ and set about changing my life. I will have to stay low carb for all of my life (and I feel less bloated).

I got the blood glucose monitor (Libre) because I am training for a marathon and I was concerned about carb loading affecting my diabetes. I also spoke to a clinical nutritionist who helped me work out what works for me.

The days when my blood glucose dropped at night were after days where I had been very low carb. As a result I upped some carbs during the day (not too much) and had a snack before bed. Last night my glucose levels were stable throughout the night.

I will keep using the monitor until after the marathon, but after that I think I will have a good idea of what carbs affect me (eg I’ve found that porridge doesn’t affect me too badly but sourdough bread does. Up until now I have not eaten either of these - I don’t eat bread, pasta or rice).

Best wishes with your journey.

[AstroFish in reply to Fowey2009]

Thanks so much, all of that is very helpful. I wish you great success for your marathon !

[Boxroad]

if mine is 3.6 I am feeling very unwell, dizzy and lightheaded, it’s very rare I go below 5, mostly about 7-10

[TeresaMay]

When first diagnosed I was given a higher reading (high 40s). The advice I was given was to eat healthily, which seemed ridiculous to me. I had been trying to eat healthily all my life. Other health issues appeared and I HAD to eat differently. Result: lovely low reading. Sensible careful eating can easily be the cure.