What has been working for me.

[Tucker]

I was stuck with my numbers although I was in range I wanted more control. And much of this I learned right here on this forum.

After a meal of what I think is high carbs for me if I just go for a walk or bike ride, my spikes are just a lovely site of very little spike what so ever. But what I found out the past few weeks is if I have a vinergrette on a nice salad with a bit heavy on the vinergrette that starches do not spike me hardly at all. in fact its more like I ate under my carb limits of thirty. I had a nice helping of spuds the other day and the day before pasta and the list goes on. I really think the vinegar is a plus for me.

Maybe its just a body fad but never the less my fasting numbers have dropped ten points and my spikes have been under 20 points in the past few weeks and I am riding the non diabetic wave. I have read a study about vinegar and lowering spikes and perhaps I am one of those folks that are affected by this? But reguardless I thought I would share my experience and who knows, perhaps some one will benefit from my experience. Worth a shot I figure right?

Crazy thoughts go through my head like boardwalk fries with vinegar. Gives me chills! Hope the wave last till I make it to the beach! ;)

Tim

[Larry H.]

Hey Tim,

Yes some of us have found that if we modify our eating habits and adding a few non medical remedies can have rather impressive results. I am somewhat inclined from the type II people I meet locally to think that because the doctor has given them a pill to take that its ok to just keep doing what they were doing. Many are very overweight, and have no inclination to change there eating habits. So sad.. I think it is why we see so many complications in the general public from diabeties. The ADA says that diet and exercise will increase your favorable chances of avoiding worse conditions by two thirds, yet everyone pushs drugs, they admit the drugs aren't as effective if you read there own reports..

Before I get swapped with incensed emails, let me say that since everyone is different there are those in conditions that no doubt benifit a great deal by medication.. I happen to be one who is taking proactive actions early and hope to stave off the worse problems. So far it appears to work. Even some of us here who have taken a more natural approach and had much worse situations than I have begun to have nearly normal readings. Yes it takes some effort. But you don't have to give up everything either as some would suggest.

Last night we went to applebees, I am always nervous about eating out.. I had the full size strip steak and mushrooms, I got the fies instead of garlic mashed potoatos, ate maybe a third of them, had a couple bites of the garlic bread toast as I forgot to ask for plain toasted whole wheat bread I usually get. I even had several of my moms fried shrimp and cocktail sauce.. When we got home I had two generous scoops of 4 carb ice cream.. At two hours I had a 115. I was most pleased. I get worse numbers eating at home sometimes. And I did walk twice yesterday but not after dinner.

I don't take the vinegar as yet but know several here who say it makes a big difference to them.. I like the Salacia Oblonga and a few over the counter diabeties supplements.

[jerryn]

potatoes == bad for me. Vinager or not! And I bike too!
No potatoes, rice, baked beans, or bread. All baaad for me.

[volleyball]

It's good to see people trying natural remedies. I am all in favor of it. i don't have a problem with meds, but I think they are to get you back on track and then let natural things take over. It irks me when people say doctor, I'm doing everything wrong, but I'm not worth it to change, so give me a pill so it will put off me getting worse. It's like slapping siding up on a house thats falling down.
vinegar may help you a lot, it could have been is that you switch from a dressing that had a lot of corn syrup in it. It could have been you ate it slower. you need to test more and see what works. Let us know

[Tucker]

I test plenty, I have not had any problems with other dressings I have used. Its the effect of what I eat with the salad that surprises me and lets not forget exercise. The way I see it a little bit of everything aiming for the same target is how it works.
Its like if a person eats a well balanced low carb meal, to eat the same items at that meal alone at different times would give different results that would most likely give a higher BG number. Its not only test test test but also experiment experiment experiment.

Wacha think?

[princesslinda]

I can tolerate more carbs at lunch as opposed to dinner...guess the metabolism is higher then.

I have read that if you eat a salad with a vinaigarette dressing at the start of your meal, your post-meal reading will be better...I do this a lot, with good results. I have taken vinegar and it does help with post meal readings as well...but is hard to stomach. The vinaigarette dressing would be using this same principle.

As for medication, I was started on metformin from the time of diagnosis...when I questioned this, doctor told me that my A1c showed a 90 day avg of 264 and the medication would help me get results quickly. I also have an insulin resistence component (as do many T2s) and this works well for it.

I know from working in a doctor's office that people often want a "quick-fix" with no lifestyle modifications, but sometimes it takes BOTH meds and lifestyle modifications to get the best results...and that's what we are all looking for. No one should feel bad that they have to take meds for their diabetes...whatever works to get you the best control and fewest complications is what you should do. I hope to eventually go off the metformin when I am at a more normal weight, but right now, i'll take the metformin...and the 5.3 A1c...not sure it would have been that good on my low-carb diet and exercise alone.

[Tucker]

Well Said!