[hen]

Hi all, have been lurking for a while and thought I had better step up and say hello.
I live in Australia and was diagnosed in 2000. Basically pretty well controlled until about Jan this year then noticed symptoms of high blood sugar again. When I found it really hard to recover after what should have been minor surgery, I had bloods done in June and A1c was 7.8. That scared me and so I started on 1000mg metmorphin - and that scared me too cos I realised i was getting closer to insulin.
So I got a copy of Dr Sandra Cabot's book - Reversing Diabetes Naturally.
It is basically a low carb way of life, with some simple rules and food lists. And it has worked really well for me.
A1c in September was down to 6.1 and cholesterol 3.5 (previously 5.2). I feel much better and have also lost 20kgs. Have also cut back met to 500mg.
And I have gone back to basics - testing regularly and thinking about what I am eating. It has been hard to stop thinking that fat is bad and enjoy eating it again. But I have the hang of that now.
Also drinking about 3 litres of water a day is rather obsessive - but it is helping too I guess.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi and thanks to forum members for sharing some stuff that is helping me. I still have lots of weight to lose and want to get that A1c down to the 5's by Xmas. My testing averages indicate that I am probably there now so I need to make that appointment soon.
Am going to Vietnam after Xmas for a holiday and I think that will be a challenge in terms of sticking to the diet and eating regularly. Any advice re that is very welcome. I eat a lot of stirfrys and asian style soups so I think that I should be Ok, it might just be harder to avoid rice and pastries. We in western countries have access to so much more protein and fat.
Thanks all and I look forward to chatting with you.
cheers Hen

[matingara]

Hi Hen and welcome from me here in the Dandenongs!

isn't it amazing what a low carb diet can do for you! i am so pleased to see you having success with this. the lipids are amazing aren't they? i just wish my GP had suggested low-carb years ago. now that i do it, of course, he approves.

a couple of things. going on insulin isn't bad. don't think of it as an end-game. i asked my doc to put me on insulin two weeks ago (he agreed and i have started on that therapy).

it might look scary at first - but it does not hurt in the slightest. as my GP said it is a normal human reaction to be afraid of "self harming".

i had got my A1C down to 6% - but i could not get it any lower on pure low carb. with insulin therapy i am also able to add in some of the carbs i missed. tonight a had a whole ear of corn! i missed this immensely. btw, this is not a recipe for me to start eating donuts again!

as for drinking water. do so if it makes you happy. i think it does nothing for your health. in my opinion, that whole water thing is an urban myth.

as for vietnam, things like bok choy will be cheap and plentiful. i reckon you will be able to avoid rice pretty easily!



-- Joel.

[ant hill]

Hey Hen, from one aussie to another one and I am in the south east, Melbourne.

Welcome to DF.

[davef]

G'day Hen,

Welcome to the forums, good to have you with us.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Hen, glad you found the forums!

[alicat61]

Hi Hen,
From a New South Welshmen. Glad you decided to join after lurking. It is a great place to come to.

[hen]

thanks for the welcome and nice to see some other aussies here. Had the first of the Xmas season dinners here tonight (hubby's work crew). Happy to say that I stayed with the low carb diet but had a couple more wines than I would normally have. Interesting to see how that goes when I test blood glucose before bed.
Hope to keep in touch

[lorilei]

Hi Hen,
good for you for getting back on the band wagon and heading off all sorts of complications! welcome to the forums...lurk often and learn lots! i am!