Just diagnosed, what is your favorite eating plan to control it?

[Big Stevie]

Just got diagnosed with Diabetes. A1C of 11. Starting on Metformin tomorrow. I am also planning on starting Atkins Induction tomorrow.

Obviously, I have a lot of work to do. What eating plans have you had success with in terms of keeping your A1C numbers in line?

[rharmelink]

Keto helped me, but YMMV.

I started a restricted calorie version of Keto at the start of 2017 (<1200 calories, <20g net carb, >80g protein), when I was at 650 or so (at height of 6'5") and using a third of a vial of insulin daily. Results:

-- I've dropped 170 pounds so far (230 to go)
-- I haven't used insulin since
-- I no longer use Metformin
-- My average blood sugar dropped from 170 to under 100
-- My A1C dropped from 7.3 to 5.4
-- I'm not hungry all the time

For the last month, my nighttime BG has averaged about 93. But I have "dawn phenomenon", so it's usually up 10 to 15 points the next morning.

[Stevie Renee]

The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung has had stellar results. He is on YouTube as well and I encourage to read & Listen. His patients are turning that high AiC down to the 4's, off meds.

Dr. Bernstein is also a very well versed doctor for diabetes.


Well done Rharmelink. And yes the Dawn Phen is normal. Glad you are so versed on it and not panicked. You have done FANTASTIC. YEAH! I am not diabetic but I like to read. lol

[gojiberry]

So, I'm not in any position to offer official advice of any sort, but I've been doing keto for about 3 months and dropped almost 30 pounds and brought my A1C from 7.2 to 5.1. With the exception of a handful of splurges during the holidays, I basically have focussed on only eating stuff from Atkin's induction list.

My morning BG reading is usually between 70-mid 90s. I can't quite determine what causes the higher ones, because I'm sometimes surprised.

I don't really worry too much about portion control, but I think I am eating less volume per meal than I did back when I first started. I wish I could say I never get that endless craving for food, but it's almost always the end result of trying to skip a meal by drinking an atkins shake or something (which I've learned results in nearly non-stop snacking).

One thing I think is key to my weight loss despite the fact that I'm probably still eating too much food is exercise. I do at least 6 or more hours of cardio each week.

[Big Stevie]

Originally Posted by rharmelink

Keto helped me, but YMMV.

I started a restricted calorie version of Keto at the start of 2017 (<1200 calories, <20g net carb, >80g protein), when I was at 650 or so (at height of 6'5") and using a third of a vial of insulin daily. Results:

-- I've dropped 170 pounds so far (230 to go)
-- I haven't used insulin since
-- I no longer use Metformin
-- My average blood sugar dropped from 170 to under 100
-- My A1C dropped from 7.3 to 5.4
-- I'm not hungry all the time

For the last month, my nighttime BG has averaged about 93. But I have "dawn phenomenon", so it's usually up 10 to 15 points the next morning.

Thanks for sharing. Your story gives me hope.

[Big Stevie]

Originally Posted by Stevie Renee

The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung has had stellar results. He is on YouTube as well and I encourage to read & Listen. His patients are turning that high AiC down to the 4's, off meds.

Dr. Bernstein is also a very well versed doctor for diabetes.


Well done Rharmelink. And yes the Dawn Phen is normal. Glad you are so versed on it and not panicked. You have done FANTASTIC. YEAH! I am not diabetic but I like to read. lol

I watched several of Dr. Fung's videos. They were great. Are you following his fasting regime? If so, can you tell me how you are doing it?

[Big Stevie]

Originally Posted by gojiberry

So, I'm not in any position to offer official advice of any sort, but I've been doing keto for about 3 months and dropped almost 30 pounds and brought my A1C from 7.2 to 5.1. With the exception of a handful of splurges during the holidays, I basically have focussed on only eating stuff from Atkin's induction list.

My morning BG reading is usually between 70-mid 90s. I can't quite determine what causes the higher ones, because I'm sometimes surprised.

I don't really worry too much about portion control, but I think I am eating less volume per meal than I did back when I first started. I wish I could say I never get that endless craving for food, but it's almost always the end result of trying to skip a meal by drinking an atkins shake or something (which I've learned results in nearly non-stop snacking).

One thing I think is key to my weight loss despite the fact that I'm probably still eating too much food is exercise. I do at least 6 or more hours of cardio each week.

Thanks for your advice. It looks like you are winning the A1C battle.

I was on Atkins for 6 years before being off the last 18 months. I can tell you that for me, Atkins shakes killed me. They made me spike sugar and made me stop losing. I can not drink them. Many others over the years (but not all) have reported the same. Sounds like you have the same issue. Avoid them.

[Big Stevie]

As for me, the Metformin has caused diarrhea for the past couple days. I hope it is just temporary. I am on my 4th day of Atkins Induction. The combination of the low carb flu and the Metformin have made for a rough week. I know it will get better.

[Stevie Renee]

Awww Steve. That's a drag. Well let us hope this passes very quick. And good for you for following Atkins. Tried and true.

So for me I like to mix it up. (Obesity Code) I started out doing 16:8 - and then I started tightening my window to 23:1 or 22:2 - and I loved that!! BUT I read Dr Fung said if we do one meal a day too often we can slow our metabolism down because too many days we wont get enough food in. So I mix it up. I just got back from a trip so I am not in ketosis. I should be by Sunday. Then I will fast maybe 23:1 or if my mind is right, I may do 46 hour with broth I make. Some days I can do 18:6 or 20:4 - whatever works. My goal right now is to fast often ( I really enjoy it) and eat keto/low carb 20 grams per daywhen I do eat. Also I Power walk daily if possible. Nothing crazy but just a enough to break a sweat and be very intentional.

Cheering u on!

[Big Stevie]

Thanks, Stevie. I am feeling better today. I actually tested my blood today and it was 148. I am happy with that after only being on Metformin for a few days.

Yes, I will start with Atkins and work it until I have a major stall. Once I do, I will start on the Dr. Fung fasting regime.

[gojiberry]

I had pretty bad diarrhea early on with the diet, but had been on metformin for over a year prior, so mine wasn't related to drugs. I assumed it was related to my gut having trouble with the severe change in what I was eating, but I also read that certain artificial sweeteners can cause that too...so who knows. Mine cleared up after a week or so.

The atkins stuff doesn't seem to affect my blood sugar levels. I've checked after a shake and my BG is well within my normal range. I think my problem is just that my body expects a certain amount of food and trying to skip a meal results in extra snacking. It will happen regardless what those snacks are (cheese, olives, atkins stuff, little bits of left overs that aren't enough to be a full meal, etc). So, I try to avoid doing that if I can.

[Big Stevie]

Originally Posted by gojiberry

I had pretty bad diarrhea early on with the diet, but had been on metformin for over a year prior, so mine wasn't related to drugs. I assumed it was related to my gut having trouble with the severe change in what I was eating,

You know what, I have be blaming it on Metformin but I have made a lot of changes this week. Maybe it is more of a cumulative change thing. My stomach felt a bit better today but my head was rough today. A little keto flu probably.

[Ronnie51]

I'm one of the lucky ones who can take Metformin on an empty stomach and have no side effects. I've been on it for about 4 years for prediabetes.....normal fasting but A1c in high 5's. My A1c has bounced up and down between 5.5 and 5.9 during that time; last one was 5.7. Something interesting I found about myself is that if I really cut the carbs, my A1c is actually higher and so is my morning fasting number. Also, when I really cut the carbs I have a very difficult time keeping my weight above 100 lbs. I starting having issues with my fasting numbers creeping up to 100, so I started adding a carb snack as my last meal around 8 - 8:30PM, which keeps my morning numbers below 99. Last night I ate an Atkins bar at 8pm and my fasting number this morning was 91. I think the carbs in the bar kicks my pancreas into producing insulin to lower my morning numbers. Everyone is different.

[Vilya]

When I was diagnosed in 2011 (can't believe it's been that long!), my A1C was 12.1%. Eeeek! I got it down pretty quickly through staying under 20 carbs per day, plus Metformin. Plus walking.

Sadly, I wasn't able to stay that low on carbs for more than a few years, and I gained back the weight, and my A1C is back up very high. But I know that cutting carbs down very low worked great for me. I also fast from time to time, which I think helps a lot.

[Stevie Renee]

Big Stevie, hmmm. Do ya think so? That would be very likely! The keto flu.

Vilya, yes for sure. Dr Fung seems to be very savvy on this. Cheering you on to get that AiC down.

[Big Stevie]

Staying on track. Started taking my second 500mg of Metformin two days ago. Everything seems to have settled in. I am not having bathroom issues anymore, thank God. Also I am past the carvings stage. I am doing Atkins induction and am eating only in a 6 hour window. It is working. My numbers have been down to 140. The lowest I have seen is 118. Not sure if that was an anomaly or not.

[Stevie Renee]

Workin' it Big Stevie! Awesome....onward and look forward to your success story.

[PACarolsue]

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Staying on track. Started taking my second 500mg of Metformin two days ago. Everything seems to have settled in. I am not having bathroom issues anymore, thank God. Also I am past the carvings stage. I am doing Atkins induction and am eating only in a 6 hour window. It is working. My numbers have been down to 140. The lowest I have seen is 118. Not sure if that was an anomaly or not.

As time goes on, you will see that blood sugar numbers show no rhyme or reason!

[Ronnie51]

Originally Posted by PACarolsue

As time goes on, you will see that blood sugar numbers show no rhyme or reason!

This is so true! A few weeks ago for some unexplained reason my morning BS was higher than normal for several days, hovering around 100. Now it's down to 90 or 91, and I have a cold which would normally drive it up! I think it may be because I'm now eating an Atkins bar around 8pm and that seems to kick in my insulin response so my morning number is lower. It seems that if I eat too low carb, my numbers are higher. For now anyway.

[PACarolsue]

Originally Posted by Ronnie51

This is so true! A few weeks ago for some unexplained reason my morning BS was higher than normal for several days, hovering around 100. Now it's down to 90 or 91, and I have a cold which would normally drive it up! I think it may be because I'm now eating an Atkins bar around 8pm and that seems to kick in my insulin response so my morning number is lower. It seems that if I eat too low carb, my numbers are higher. For now anyway.

Ronnie, from all of your posts that I've read, I think you have a little bit different situation. I'm glad you are finding something that works. (the Atkins bar.) After 10 years of dealing with diabetes, I have still not figured out how to keep my fasting numbers low. Right now I'm working on no eating after dinner to see if that works, and I can't believe how hard that habit is to break.

[Ronnie51]

Originally Posted by PACarolsue

Ronnie, from all of your posts that I've read, I think you have a little bit different situation. I'm glad you are finding something that works. (the Atkins bar.) After 10 years of dealing with diabetes, I have still not figured out how to keep my fasting numbers low. Right now I'm working on no eating after dinner to see if that works, and I can't believe how hard that habit is to break.

I hope you do find what works for you, Carol. Do you think you could drink a cup of hot tea at night without it affecting your morning blood sugar? That may satisfy your urge to eat after dinner. If you like hot chocolate, Swiss Miss makes a lite version with only 4g carbs (called Sensible Sweets). It's not as rich as regular cocoa and leaves a residue on the mug, but it does satisfy the hot chocolate taste.

[Big Stevie]

Still rolling along. I am testing my BS. I have been averaging 140 the week as my fasting wake up. (I stared in the high 200's.) I have been on meds and on diet since 1/2 so 19 days. I am now taking 500mg of Metformin 2 times a day. I am walking 2 miles a day. I am down 17 pounds. Heading in the right directions. Thought my BG numbers would come down quicker.

[Ronnie51]

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Still rolling along. I am testing my BS. I have been averaging 140 the week as my fasting wake up. (I stared in the high 200's.) I have been on meds and on diet since 1/2 so 19 days. I am now taking 500mg of Metformin 2 times a day. I am walking 2 miles a day. I am down 17 pounds. Heading in the right directions. Thought my BG numbers would come down quicker.

Congratulations on your progress! I guess everyone is different regarding how quickly their BG numbers respond; I'm like you....it took longer than I expected but now I'm getting excellent readings in the morning. I also have been using Berberine, which I believe is helping.

[PACarolsue]

Ronnie, do you take Berberine and Metformin? I have a friend who takes Berberine because her body cannot handle Metformin.

Nevermind. I read back and saw that you are also on Metformin.

[Ronnie51]

Originally Posted by PACarolsue

Ronnie, do you take Berberine and Metformin? I have a friend who takes Berberine because her body cannot handle Metformin.

Nevermind. I read back and saw that you are also on Metformin.

Hi Carol,
I just wanted to share something else with you regarding the Berberine. When I was taking it, my cholesterol improved in that my LDL went down about 10 points and my fasting BG was 88, lowest it had been in quite some time. At the time I was only taking one 500mg capsule per day, even though the bottle said to take two. Then I stopped taking it because my A1c hadn't gone down which was the main reason I was taking it.; I didn't make the connection to my cholesterol, but then I later read that Berberine is also good for that. So my next blood test without taking the Berberine showed a much higher fasting BS number (it was 100 which scared the daylights out of me), and my LDL had gone back up. So, I started taking it again, two per day this time. I will see if my cholesterol and BS has improved with my next blood test. I'm starting with a new PCP next week and I'm not sure when she'll send me for a blood test; my last doctor gave me one every three months like clockwork. So, I'm not sure when I'll have the results.

[PACarolsue]

That's interesting, Ronnie. I am going to talk to my friend who takes it and see if she is aware of this effect on cholesterol.

I chuckle at you getting the daylight scared out of you because of the FBG of 100. That would be a very good fasting reading for me, LOL, but remember, I am full blown diabetic, struggling for control.

[KSS]

I was diagnosed type 2 at the end of September with A1C of 7.8. Started low carb again and metformin 500mg 3xday and Lipitor 10mg daily. Three months later A1C was down to 5.9. Triglycerides went from 170 down to 56. Cholesterol went from 232 down to 143. I also lost 25 pounds.
Now I have not lost any weight in about a month and for some reason my sugar numbers seem to be up a little, nothing really significant but still don't know why they are up about 10-15 points both at morning fasting and at 2 hours post dinner.
I stay anywhere from 10-25 carbs a day.
What can be causing the slight rise in my numbers?

[Ronnie51]

Originally Posted by KSS

I was diagnosed type 2 at the end of September with A1C of 7.8. Started low carb again and metformin 500mg 3xday and Lipitor 10mg daily. Three months later A1C was down to 5.9. Triglycerides went from 170 down to 56. Cholesterol went from 232 down to 143. I also lost 25 pounds.
Now I have not lost any weight in about a month and for some reason my sugar numbers seem to be up a little, nothing really significant but still don't know why they are up about 10-15 points both at morning fasting and at 2 hours post dinner.
I stay anywhere from 10-25 carbs a day.
What can be causing the slight rise in my numbers?

I have read about a type of insulin resistance (which actually isn't a real insulin resistance) that occurs to people who eat very low carb which raises their fasting numbers. I know there are members here who have experienced that, and someone will probably give you more information. But I don't think that explains your post prandial numbers. I congratulate you on your excellent progress!

[gojiberry]

So, from my experience, a difference of 10-25 is partly within the range of errors for these glucose test devices. I have had about 20 pt difference from just switching to a new bottle of test strips (the same brand). I don't know how they work, but my guess is that the error isn't with a given draw but with the chemistry within the test strips themselves (please note, I'm just guessing here). For me, I just use those numbers to gauge the local trend from the last few days. If something is much higher, then I can think back on when and what I ate the night before.

As for weight loss pauses during low carb, there are folks that suggest doing certain things to kick your body back into gear. Some recommend a fast. Others recommend dropping certain things from your diet (dairy being one) until the loss resumes. I experienced the same thing, and suspect my problem was we had taken a few days break from the diet during the holidays, and didn't get myself fully adapted before permitting myself wine on the weekends (and also introducing a number of meals with almond meal).

Also, keep in mind that your weight captures all sorts of stuff in addition to your body fat. So, hydration levels, constipation, muscle mass changes, etc can all affect your weight. A week is a reasonably long time, but if you happened to catch the number when you were dehydrated, then having it remain the same as you hydrated back up would still mean you are losing fat, it just isn't detected by the scale. Also, you can gain some water weight after eating a lot of salt, and it may take time for that to get eliminated, depending on your exercise levels.

Originally Posted by KSS

I was diagnosed type 2 at the end of September with A1C of 7.8. Started low carb again and metformin 500mg 3xday and Lipitor 10mg daily. Three months later A1C was down to 5.9. Triglycerides went from 170 down to 56. Cholesterol went from 232 down to 143. I also lost 25 pounds.
Now I have not lost any weight in about a month and for some reason my sugar numbers seem to be up a little, nothing really significant but still don't know why they are up about 10-15 points both at morning fasting and at 2 hours post dinner.
I stay anywhere from 10-25 carbs a day.
What can be causing the slight rise in my numbers?

[KSS]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it's just constant trial and error!! I think I am going to stop the metformin for a few days and see how my numbers look on my own. I am curious to see if low carb alone will give me good numbers. Obviously if my numbers are not good I will go directly back to the meds as I am not going to risk my health. I usually only test twice a day but I will test a little more often for a few days.