Vlcd is it for me

[Cefndaniel1]

Need help to loose weight and have heard a lot about vlcd. I am diabetic and gp is now talking about insulin even though type two. Anyone done this diet. I know l will be able to do it.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hello Cefndaniel1 and welcome

The short answer is no, I wouldn't recommend a very low calorie diet in your situation. With diabetes, it's a matter of changing what you're eating, not just losing weight. I would advice you look at a low carb high fat approach and will give you some information along those lines. Please take your time and consider it carefully as this is an important decision for you.

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

hsph.harvard.edu/nutritions...

You'll find advice and support from diabetes.co.uk

There's also a specific forum for people following a LCHF approach healthunlocked.com/lchf-diet

Those are all specific to your diabetes, though many of us have found LCHF very helpful in losing weight, enjoying food and not feeling hungry/getting cravings.

This link will show you all this forum has to offer healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

... and this will help you find your way around healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

I wish you well and hope you'll become an active member of the forum

[IndigoBlue61]

Just to second what BridgeGirl has said, I was ‘glucose intolerant’ but after losing weight my boood sugar readings are normal. Although none of us are experts, from what I have read, it’s losing weight and what you eat that makes the difference. VLCD are extremely difficult to follow long term, and have a high failure rate, so for permanent success, it’s vital you make permanent changes.

You can do this, keep us posted, very best wishes

Indigo 😊

[TheAwfulToad Visitor]

I agree with the comments above. The most likely route to success would be VLCHF (ie., very low carb high fat). VLC actually works by a similar mechanism - that is, reducing glycemic load - but it's inefficient, extremely unpleasant, inherently unsustainable, and has a high failure rate (about 50%, according to the NHS's own tests).

I'm frankly appalled that your doctor wants to prescribe insulin for T2D and hasn't given you any practical advice for avoiding that outcome. If he/she is considering this, it implies your pancreas is failing. LCHF will give it a chance to recover.

You might want to join the LCHF forum and check out the post regarding induction. T2D caught early enough is completely reversible, but unfortunately that probably isn't you. Even so, LCHF will take the strain off your poor overloaded pancreas, allowing it to work within its limited functional constraints. This will put a stop to the large blood-sugar excursions that damage your body. You'll also lose a lot of weight. Good luck - you have every chance of a good outcome with a very modest effort.