Fear of Diabetes Diagnosis

Vicki, thanks for your response. 

I agree that David sets a good example for all of us who either have diabetes, or are likely to develop it.  Like you, I had followed the glycemic index for a number of years until I became familiar with Dr. Bernstein's writings.  I began to follow his low carb plan on Feb. 25th and have seen quite a drop in my blood sugar.  After meal readings have ranged from 82-118 (just once!) with most of them in the 90's.  I would like to be able to reach the 85 reading that Dr. Bernstein is able to maintain but he takes insulin (Type 1) and I take no medication as I have not been diagnosed as a diabetic.

The "diabetic diet" that I referred to contained white bread, potatoes, rice, beans, tortillias, juices, canned fruits, etc. and recommended 15, 30, or 45 grams of carbs per meal.  This diet was provided to me by the hospital dietician whose job was to "teach diabetics how to eat."  Needless to say, I filed the diet list in the wastepaper basket.

Because I am on Medicare, and not diagnosed as diabetic, my insurance precludes me from having my blood tested more than once a year so it will be summer before I will be able to determine if my efforts will have produced a normal A1c reading.  I will post any new info as I get it.  I can tell you that I am continuing to lose weight and my blood pressure has normalized as my weight has dropped.  I feel like I am on the right track.

Hi nmgrandma,

Congrats again!! Yes I would have filed that diet in the old circular file as well. Of all the things I miss on a diabetic diet, rice and pasta top the list!! But oh do the numbers soar when I do that!!

I have been pretty good. I am on metformin and amaryl and just started the byetta. My doctor was on the fence about the byetta because I tend to fall low blood sugar as well as maintaining a median high level (I test around 125 when I have been bad) So far things are good. I had been able to get my A1C down to 6.8 (down from 9 three years ago) and have an appointment soon to see how I am doing since last July (last time the A1C was taken)

I hope you will share more of your sucesses, let us know if you need a pick me up and generally stay in touch!

Take care, be well!

Vicki M

Good Morning Vicki and anyone else who might be interested,

I want to report on my latest blood test results.  I am still, and most likely always be, glucose impaired.  My fasting glucose measured 114, but the good news is that my A1C result was 5.8 on my test dated 4/15/08.

My cholesterol was up almost 20 points, as was the LDL(?)  However, my triglycerides measured 111 and my HDL cholesterol doubled to 57.  My CHOL/HDL ratio was 3.8 which was an improvement.

It appears that my low carb diet is working.  The doctor commented on my loss of 24 pounds (since I weighed 189 pounds when I first saw her in August, 2007.)  I seem to have reached a plateau with my weight as it has not changed for weeks.  I will keep trying to drop at least 10 more pounds but I will not lose sleep over how long it takes me!

Have a wonderful day,

Beverly

(nmgrandma)