Mixed reviews!

[nonnymouse]

Thought that might get your attention...lol Actually, I should've said "Mixed results".

The nurse called today with the results of my first followup tests after being dx'd on Jan 15 of this year with Type 2. My A1C
is 6.3, down from over 8 on Jan 15. Woohoo!!!

The bad part is my cholesterol was 247, so they are starting me on mevacor - 40 mg, which seems a bit high of a starting dose to me. My HDL (good cholesterol) was 37, but they want it to be
at least 40, and my LDL was 151. They want to be between 100 and 130 or lower. The nurse said I am in a 20% risk group of getting a heart attack within 10 years at that level.

My triglycerides were 293, and they said it should be below 150.

My thyroid was still at too low of a level, so they are increasing me from 25 to 50 mcg of levothyroid. Bet that'll get my heart pounding!!!

Just wanted to keep everyone up-to-date on my situation. I go to see the dr. on March 30. He's on vacation for the next 2 weeks so couldn't get an appt to see him before then.

Susan

[lgvincent]

I have a hard time getting the HDL up, too. It's been as high as 61 but tends to hang around 35 to 40. Until about 3 years ago, I had not had problems with cholesterol but it's a big one now. I would like to get the LDL down around 60 but probably won't be able to.

[nonnymouse]

Sorry you are having problems getting to the levels you want. Any idea why they aren't cooperating?

Btw, I am very excited that my BG level has come down that quickly in just 2 months. Now if my cholesterol would just follow suit ;) :)

[lgvincent]

Yes, that's very good news and I wish you continued success!

[HeatherP]

Nonnymouse, just so you know, because my husband had triglyceride levels of 1289, and the cardiologist (of all people!) told him to drink plenty of juice:

If you're eating lots of fruits and/or drinking juice, lay off to 1-3 servings per day. I don't understand the exact chemistry, but the way fruits and juice are metabolized may be causing your cholesterol to go up. I'm not saying that that's exactly what's happening in your case, but if it does apply, take that under consideration.

Best of luck,
HeatherP

[mg_2204]

Hello Susan!

Wow! That is a great A1C result. Congrats! :) x 100

I'm about to have my ultimate cholesterol test March 31st. Doc gave me 3 months to 'try' and lower it. If not, I'll have to take something for it.

I was told triglycerides and cholesterol go hand in hand. If one is high, the other one is bound to be.

Plant sterols are good to lower cholesterol. And almonds. Fiber of course, is your number 1 ally. Beans, chick peas and such are good too. And I was told garlic is recommended too. And I use safflower oil mostly. Trick of the trade : buy yourself a good cooking paintbrush. It's easier to put just a little oil (a thin coat of it) in your pan that way. I try to cut as much as I can, everywhere. A sauce I use a lot now in sandwiches and such is tzatziki sauce (made of plain yoghurt and cucumbers and garlic). Very low fat!

I've seen first hand how much a stroke can cause damage. I don't exactly want to risk it...

Marie
:)

[kcwinter]

Great numbers nonnymouse. Try fish oil pills for triglycerides. 3 times a day.

[Ashtur]

It's hard for me to be sure how much each individual thing did, but I dropped my cholestrol from over 230 to 115, and aside from his upping my Lipitor dose, I had Benecol every day with breakfast. A bit pricy for margarine, but the taste is fine, and it was at least part of my drop I'm sure. (Also was walking more and eating better, so it was a combo effect, that's why I'm not sure how much good any one thing did)

[Peetz]

Regarding cholesterol see: http://www.portfolioeatingplan.com/

Essentially it incorporates the following foods to be taken daily at the specified quantities.

30 grams (about one ounce) of almonds – about 23 almonds
20 grams (less than one ounce) of viscous fiber from foods such as oats, barley and certain fruits and vegetables
50 grams (1.6 ounces) of soy protein from foods such as tofu, soy meat alternatives and soy milk
2 grams (.064 ounces) of plant sterols from foods such as Benecol® or Take Control®

[Peetz]

Several people have had success lowering their cholesterol with the following breakfast:

1/4 c of Old Fashioned or Large Flake rolled oats. Not instant or minute oats. Add 1 tbsp of sliced almonds, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tbsp of oat bran, 1 tbsp of wheat bran, 1 tbsp of flax meal and 1 tsp of soy protein isolate. Add about a half cup of water and microwave for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add LF milk or SF soy milk. I add a touch of Brown Sugar Twin, or SF Syrup for flavour.

I watched a cooking show recently where they took Almonds, Brazil Nuts and Pecans, wrapped in a towel and crushed them with a rolling pin to a coarse consistancy. They added this mixture to their oat meal. They also added some grated apple. I haven't tried this yet but it does sound good.

Some people, if they are sensitive to grain carbohydrates, may get too high of a BG rise from this. IF so, try increasing the amount of wheat bran, or add a tbsp of Psyllium Husks or a little bit of Guar Gum to it.
(You have to add some extra water with the Guar Gum.)

I read where one person cut their PP BG rise in half by adding just a little bit of the Guar Gum.

[Shalyndria]

That's a great A1c congrats!! Give yourself a huge pat on the back you're doing wonderfully!

Vitamin C is supposed to be good for reducing cholesterol and increasing HDL.

Keep up the great work and remember you start with little steps!

Shy