what do you think of this?

eliza0104 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 11:54 AM

just curious if this sounds okay to you or if you'd push for more tests?

Had an A1C test b/c of headaches and unquenchable thrist.
A1C test came back at 6.4%. They did a FBS when I had that pulled and it was 88 in office.

Course of action from my GP (and my Endo agrees) is for me to follow a South Beach Diet and come back in SIX months and repeat the A1C. They are saying I'm either pre-D or early D.

Does this sound okay, or would you push for a GTT? A lady at church today (who is a diabetic educator) said she's surprised they are saying wait 6 more months to test again. She thinks they would do a GTT. She also warned about the doctor dx me w/ diabetes on my medical records if I am not really diabetic. I'm guessing he's already put it in my medical records b/c I have a rx for lancets and strips.

pauloft · #2 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 12:17 PM

Since you ask "what do you think" - here it is: Go for the long term. That is, go with a diet that you can live on for the rest of your life and do not need to ever change (ever) again. I'm referring to a diet that will

promote weight loss, if you need to lose weight
normalize or lower your A1c
normalize your blood cholesterol
help you control high blood pressure, if yours is high; and that is
guaranteed free of side effects

One of the biggest mistakes people are making today is believing that pre-packaged diets are the answer to health problems. I have followed an "anti-diabetes diet" with amazing success for years - my whole family eats this way.

Maybe some doctors get commissions by recommending those diets. They do get perks from prescribing pharmaceuticals. Read "deep and wide" and go for the long haul. At 40, I knew I was too young to be on a diabetes medication path. I took a brave turn and today [knock on wood] I love EVERY test result!

In the end, it's your choice, but a meatless, high fiber, complex carbohydrate diet has worked for me and thousands of other type 2 diabetics. It is something to consider.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliza0104

just curious if this sounds okay to you or if you'd push for more tests?

Had an A1C test b/c of headaches and unquenchable thrist.
A1C test came back at 6.4%. They did a FBS when I had that pulled and it was 88 in office.

Course of action from my GP (and my Endo agrees) is for me to follow a South Beach Diet and come back in SIX months and repeat the A1C. They are saying I'm either pre-D or early D.

Does this sound okay, or would you push for a GTT? A lady at church today (who is a diabetic educator) said she's surprised they are saying wait 6 more months to test again. She thinks they would do a GTT. She also warned about the doctor dx me w/ diabetes on my medical records if I am not really diabetic. I'm guessing he's already put it in my medical records b/c I have a rx for lancets and strips.

foxl · #3 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 01:25 PM

I think that is a moderate approach, and with that low an
A1c, quite wise.

I also think you need to learn what works for you. If that is higher carb, vegan, or lower-carb, higher-fat carnvorous or ovolactivorous, you can only find what works by testing, eating and re-testing. You will find what foods make your blood glucose go up, that way, and what amounts.

Do that, and read everything you can get your hands on, online, and trade books, and medical texts if you are up for it.

Then, you can go back to your MD when the six months are up, and tell him or her how to manage your situation!

eliza0104 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 03:58 PM

Thanks for your input.

I don't need to lose weight and my blood pressure is fine. So those aren't an issue.

I do not eat red meat (including pork) and haven't since February. I have severe IBS and feel quite great since I did cut those out of my diet.

jps · #5 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 04:02 PM

There's been some good advice here. You should start learning as much as you possibly can. You do need to take some action, you just need to figure out the course of action for you. Good approach on taking the bull by the horns and seeking out more knowledge.

I'm full blown T2, upon diagnosis had an A1c of 10.4 or 10.6, something like that. At my three month follow up, while on insulin, I had a 5.4. Three months after that, no meds at all and I'm at 5.5. I'm a diabetic without meds following a pretty strict "diet" (it's not really a diet per se if it's the way I eat the rest of my life) and I have a pretty "normal" A1c. You're non-diabetic or pre-diabetic with a 6.4 A1c. Not that that's bad, but I think it demonstrates that "something" is amiss.

Test often, find out what works for you because every one of us is different in how we process different types of foods. Only you can make the discovery.

moereiss · #6 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 05:55 PM

I agree with "Find out what works for your body by testing". I had tried the ADA recommendations & it was too many carbs for my body. I was not able to get a "within range" bg 2 hours after eating. By testing after eating I was able to change my breakfast from whole grain oats to an egg & veggies and achieve "normal" bg. I am now working on discovering what foods best work for my body for lunch & dinner by testing. I still have a long way to go to solve the mystery.
Good wishes to you as you find your way.

eliza0104 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 06:59 PM

Does it matter what your BS is doing 1 hour PP as long as it comes back to normal at 2 hours PP?

pauloft · #8 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 08:39 PM

While most of the response you get seem to focus on diet, bear in mind the other factors that influence glucose metabolism; namely rest and exercise. I have read several research findings showing that sleep deprivation and improper sleep can lead one to experience symptoms of diabetes.

Normally, your BG should remain normal, no matter when you test. Therefore, a spike could indicate early onset of insulin resistance. While you focus on the diet, augment your care with regular exercise and proper sleep for a month at least. You (and your doctor) might be surprised at your next results.

pauloft · #9 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 08:55 PM

Another thing...

Watch out for those who quickly call you diabetic or pre-diabetic. It sets you thinking you are, when all you might need is to change a few habits and bring back your metabolism to normal. As you think, so you act, then you may become. I say this because, any doctor who tests me now without having first checked my medical records, would never use the word diabetic to describe me - and I'm not on medication. This shows what a few changes in daily choices can do for one's health.