For you prediabetics.

[Evans, Marv]

I know there are a number of people here who have commented on being prediabetic - as I am. My last A1c test yesterday finally dropped below 6.0 to 5.9. The history: 4/17 - 6.6, 10/19 - 6.2, 5/21 - 6.1, 8/22 - 5.9. This wasn't instant but spanned five years. I interpret this a good news for those of us who subscribe to fighting the condition as progress being possible. I have reduced (big time) my intake of desserts (sugary stuff), bread, pasta, and other contributing foods. I still enjoy a dessert or plate of pasta at times, but generally when I feel the desire for those things, I just say no to myself. I, along with my wife, have also changed over to eating basically two meals a day on an intermittent fasting schedule. Probably not for everybody, & it wasn't instant results, but I thought I'd throw it out that there are possible postive results for those who are prediabetic and intent on using some discipline. Go for it & good luck.

[Baz]

That's fantastic, Marv - congrats and keep up the great work!

Very inspirational - thanks!

[Bill Douglas]

Excellent Marv.

I'm now 12 months with no deserts, sweets, or even a muffin. Restraint doesn't work for me so I had to go cold turkey on all those (lovely) things. So good luck to you too.

[asphaltgambler]

Marv, me too! I was hovering on @6.7 A1C, which was the highest I had been ever. I decided to change the way I eat, largely most eliminating sugar and carbs. I lost @20 lbs, and was slightly overweight at age 61, (5-11" - 223). I reached 6.3 A1C and just could not get lower.

I went on a very low dose of Trulicity which helped that last bit. Now down 2 more Lbs and maintaining 5.9 A1C. I'm healthier than ever. Good stuff!

[Tobra]

There is no "pre-diabetic."





Those are diabetics, who don't need any meds yet and control blood sugars with diet and exercise. Take ALL the precautions recommended to all diabetics.

[dewolf]

My last test was 8.9. I am not overweight, I eat well and walk everyday. Don't smoke or drink alcohol. According to my cardiologist, my diabetes is more than likely caused by my heart meds. They apparently have an effect on insulin production over time. I've had no choice but to start Metformin. Not a happy camper.

[Brian 162]

Mine was 6.1 last week. I got the call from the doctor and she said watch my diet like above and see how it goes in 6 months.
I'm 62, not overweight and I run once a week. She suggested I split my run so I can extend my exercise time

[Tobra]

It seems to me that exercising daily would be better than weekly.

Originally Posted by dewolf

My last test was 8.9. I am not overweight, I eat well and walk everyday. Don't smoke or drink alcohol. According to my cardiologist, my diabetes is more than likely caused by my heart meds. They apparently have an effect on insulin production over time. I've had no choice but to start Metformin. Not a happy camper.

This is unfortunate genetics.

When you say you eat well, does that mean you eat healthy food, or that your diet is based on the recommendations of a nutritionist? Diet is about all you have, if the exercise and weight control is not getting it done.


I bet you have cholesterol issues too. Had a friend in school who ate like a rabbit, and still had high cholesterol. He was not diabetic, but was in his twenties, lost touch with him, maybe he is now.

[brp914]

Originally Posted by dewolf

My last test was 8.9. I am not overweight, I eat well and walk everyday. Don't smoke or drink alcohol. According to my cardiologist, my diabetes is more than likely caused by my heart meds. They apparently have an effect on insulin production over time. I've had no choice but to start Metformin. Not a happy camper.

I'm also not overweight but cholesterol hit 213. Doc put me on 10mg lipitor every other day. My cholesterol dropped to 150. Year later, new doc comes in and says based on new model the proper dose should be 40mg every day. Next thing you know I got flagged as pre-diabetic. Talked to different doc who put me back to 10mg every other day. Not pre-diabetic anymore. Ergo take the minimum amount.

Subsequently, I've seen a number of youtubes saying that the current widespread use of cholesterol drugs for borderline cases like my 213, is a scam. Yeah, your cholesterol goes way down, but heart attack rates very minimally affected. The drugs should only be used for crazy high cholesterol.

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by Tobra

It seems to me that exercising daily would be better than weekly.


This is unfortunate genetics.

When you say you eat well, does that mean you eat healthy food, or that your diet is based on the recommendations of a nutritionist? Diet is about all you have, if the exercise and weight control is not getting it done.


I bet you have cholesterol issues too. Had a friend in school who ate like a rabbit, and still had high cholesterol. He was not diabetic, but was in his twenties, lost touch with him, maybe he is now.

I'm a shade under 6ft and weigh 88Kg. I eat a balanced diet of red meat, fairly generous amount of vegies and love fruit. Stay away from things like oranges, pineapples, grapes etc. Also stay away from processed foods as much as possible. My snacks are generally things like cherry tomatoes and the odd bit of cheese.

Cholesterol is really good. Not sure how the US measures it, but sitting at 4.3 and has been for years.

Having another heart procedure later in the year so hopefully will be able to cut the meds back.
Once it's all done, I'm gunna start smoking, drinking and snorting coke, because not doing it hasn't made any difference

[NY65912]

I went from a 5.8 to 5.4 in 3 months. Limit carbs, stay away from sugar and exercise.

Also lost 30lb in the past year. Ya just got to get your head into it.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Tobra

There is no "pre-diabetic."





Those are diabetics, who don't need any meds yet and control blood sugars with diet and exercise. Take ALL the precautions recommended to all diabetics.

Evidently, medically, it is like measuring heat, either absolute zero, or some heat above zero. Impossible to get below absolute zero.

Either - Or, no almost.

[jhynesrockmtn]

https://rickmystrom.com/

I have recommended this author on a few diabetes related threads. Great common sense advice for reversing type 2. I'm type 1 and you don't want my routine if you can avoid it. Best of luck!

[Evans, Marv]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Evidently, medically, it is like measuring heat, either absolute zero, or some heat above zero. Impossible to get below absolute zero.

Either - Or, no almost.

Although I've heard "pre-diabetic" thown around for a long time, what Tobra says makes sense. Either you are within normal range or you're not & if you're over, you're diabetic. That's too bad there is no wiggle room.

[SCadaddle]

My personal observations have been that if you had a cardiac event and your cardiologist puts you on a list of meds, including statins, know that the statins will do at least 2 things for you: 1) increase your apparent A1C and 2) destroy your muscle mass, especially your legs. Of course the plan is to reduce your cholesterol(s), but if you can get that down then discuss reducing the statins or getting them off your list all together. The PCP might declare you certainly diabetic if your A1C is 6.4 or higher, but one of the other things to look at is having your eyes checked for diabetic nerve damage, and don't be surprised if an optometrist isn't worried about that and finds nothing unless your A1C is above 7. That leads me to believe that IF you are taking meds that can skew your A1C and you are in the range of 6.4-7.0, that's the "wiggle room".

Those are just my observations. Take it for what it's worth.

[Tobra]

Statins are GD poison.

Other thing is, as you age, normal changes. Normal vital signs for a 20 year old are not the same as an 80 year old, similar situation for blood work.

[jhynesrockmtn]

My Endocrinology providers have tried to put me on statins at various times. Is my cholesterol high? no, maybe slightly. Why then? It's recommended for all type 1 diabetics over a certain age. No thanks. I'll keep riding my bike and cut back on red meat. Thanks for the stellar recommendations!

[Evans, Marv]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Other thing is, as you age, normal changes. Normal vital signs for a 20 year old are not the same as an 80 year old, similar situation for blood work.

I can relate to that since I'm now 80. At this point, I definitely can't even remember what I felt like at 20 - or 50 for that matter.

[jhynesrockmtn]

As far as exercising goes, often for shorter periods is better than say a long walk or bike ride once or twice a week. A half hour brisk walk after every meal will help your body use the glucose you have on board and maintain a lower average blood sugar level.