lisar0929 wrote:
Hi! I am Lisa and am a new member. I guess I have a few questions. I went to my doctor and had blood work done. My blood test results for glocose were 101. Today I had the a1c done and the results were 5.2 and it said my average daily blood sugar was 103. My doctor is very upset and says this is prediabetic. I exercise regularly, I have lost 35lbs in the last couple of years. I went from a size 14 to a size 8. I don't drink soda or eat sweets really. I do drink water or milk. I eat frozen yogurt regularly and have french vanilla creamer in my coffee. I eat twice a day....lunch and dinner. I am not a huge snacker. What more can I do to lower this sugar level and is it a real concern at this point? I know about the 4 B's so I rarely fry foods but mostly barbecue and broil. What is considered prediabetic?
The good news is that you have caught the diabetes at a point where you may be able to reverse it, or at least delay it. There was a study done a few years ago that lasted 3 years. It consisted of a group of people with prediabetes who either made extensive lifestyle changes, took a drug called metformin, or were part of the control group. The lifestyle changes involved exercise and weight loss through a low fat diet. The group which underwent diet and lifestyle changes has a 58% reduced incidence of full diabetes over the 3 years. Those who took metformin only had a diabetes rated reduced by 31%. My thoughts would be to do both, which was not studied, but would seem to have the potential to reduce risk even further. Something to discuss with your doctor. For more info on the study see this link:
Diabetes Prevention Program
There was another study of Harvard Nurses which found that a diet of low glycemic index carbohydrates reduced diabetes risk compared to higher glycemic index carbs. One good book on the glycemic index is called The New Glucose Revolution. It may give you some ideas on how to reduce the overall glycemic index of your meals by making better carbohydrate choices. It is not necessary to eat a high fat and protein diet to reduce the impact of carbohydrates on your blood sugar. The biggest risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes is stroke and heart disease. One always has to consider that when selecting a diet.
Ron
Not a doctor, only another T2 diabetic with, unfortunately 11 year experience. Be cautious about accepting advice, including mine, on medical conditions from the internet. It can be a good place to get ideas, but validate them with your doctor and other medical professionals first.
