So help me unpack my numbers?

[patticakes789]

Got my lab tests back today from my endo and here are my results!

---------------(@ dx)
--------------23-May-12 --> 30-Aug-12
FBG:............330.....--> 124
HBA1c:..........no test.--> 5.4
Total Chol:.....225.....--> 189
Triglycerides:..255.....--> 108
HDL:............32......--> 31
VLDL:...........51......--> 22
LDL:............142.....--> 136
Ketones:........Neg.....--> >=80
Coronary
Risk Ratio:.....7.0.....--> 6.1


And by my own calculation - 21 lbs lost.

My endo said that while I had made a big difference in my triglycerides - that I had not improved my ratio (little change btwn my LDL and HDLs) and so I needed to stop eating saturated fat and increase my carbs to 30 per meal. He said my HBA1c could go to 5.8 and he'd be OK.

I am having episodes of fatigue, weakness, dizziness and heart palpitations. There is nothing in my labwork to indicate why - but he said it was likely that the high ketones were causing me to lose muscle and that I had to eat more carbs.

He also told me that Dr. Atkins died of heart disease, and he looked surprised when I refuted that. But now I'm just kind of ruminating. I've been doing everything my doc has said up until now. I don't think I'm ok with adding carbs and raising my A1c. I think my triglycerides will go back up. I'm eating 1500 to 2000 calories a day, under 30 carbs, and 70 grams of protein.

For those of you doing this much longer than I have, what do you think? Should I try adding some carbs and see what happens? I'm scared to turn the carb addiction back on - I am afraid I'll never get back under control again!

[davepc]

Your protein seems low to me. I eat just under 2k calories a day and im closer to 150-160g of protein per day. Between 30-50 carbs a day, total not net.

I get the fatigue, etc (atkins flu) when my protein intake drop under 100g. I've had some days I just felt dead on my feet and that was usually the cause.

[jbmacomber]

Don't know about the numbers, diet, symptoms, etc. But CONGRATULATIONS !!!! on the A1C, weight loss!!!!!

[middie4033]

So if you get the Atkins flu eat more protein?

[apollo322]

Patticakes, first off fantastic job on the A1C and weight loss!! The other Numbers look really good to me, I'm not a big worrier about cholesterol when it's in range like yours. It sounds like your doctor has a slightly prejudiced opinion about Atkins or low carb- pretend stories about guys dying of a heart attack speaks volumes

Before I jumped back on the carb bandwagon I'd try adding more protein to your diet. It still turns into glucose but in a time released form, so you'll feel less fatigued without taxing your pancreas.

Ps: looks like your take home test was right!! How awesome was that?!

[patticakes789]

I find that when I go above 70 grams of protein, I do feel better - but I also gain weight (110 grams of protein will make me jump a lb in one night and it will take a week to lose it again). Maybe I'll add more protein slowly and see if my weight loss stays stalled?

Your protein seems low to me. I eat just under 2k calories a day and im closer to 150-160g of protein per day. Between 30-50 carbs a day, total not net.

I get the fatigue, etc (atkins flu) when my protein intake drop under 100g. I've had some days I just felt dead on my feet and that was usually the cause.

[patticakes789]

You are right, it's pretty awesome! I'm just a bit freaked out at my symptoms and having my doc swear that it's my 80% calories from fat that is keeping my LDLs high, my HDLs low - and making me feel crappy. I agree, better to add protein before carbs...I don't see my endo again for 3 months, and I don't want to go higher on my HBA1c!!

Patticakes, first off fantastic job on the A1C and weight loss!! The other Numbers look really good to me, I'm not a big worrier about cholesterol when it's in range like yours. It sounds like your doctor has a slightly prejudiced opinion about Atkins or low carb- pretend stories about guys dying of a heart attack speaks volumes

Before I jumped back on the carb bandwagon I'd try adding more protein to your diet. It still turns into glucose but in a time released form, so you'll feel less fatigued without taxing your pancreas.

Ps: looks like your take home test was right!! How awesome was that?!

[Catdancer]

Congrats, congrats, CONGRATS!!!!!!! great job Pattycakes!!!!!

[jbmacomber]

Also do not know what your exercise is , but I was told by Dr. before that it will raise your HDL, which is the good cholesterol.

[Moonpie]

well done, that is wonderful progress & I like your results. I feel you know your body & your mind better than any DR, so do what you feel is best for your Health.

[davepc]

So if you get the Atkins flu eat more protein?

Your body needs glucose one way or another. Not having enough will cause you to feel run down as your body breaks down muscle for energy. Protein will provide glucose in a way thats much more blood sugar friendly then carbs while maintaining your lean mass. I wouldn't go over your body weight in grams unless your positive your kidney function is normal.

[CDeuce]

AWWWWWWWWWWWE - SOME!!!!! Inspirational, too!

Yep - I'd try adding more protein first before upping the carb load.

[patticakes789]

Also do not know what your exercise is , but I was told by Dr. before that it will raise your HDL, which is the good cholesterol.

I've been trying to walk a mile a day. Usually means I get 5 days out of 7. I struggle to get through my walk, which is starting to concern me, after 3 months of this! It's starting to get too dark to walk at night after work, so I am thinking of trying to get my husband to show me how to start doing some light weight lifting, at least I can do that in the living room! Maybe thats the trick to the HDL - my endo said it was just genetic.

[patricia52]

I've been trying to walk a mile a day. Usually means I get 5 days out of 7. I struggle to get through my walk, which is starting to concern me, after 3 months of this! It's starting to get too dark to walk at night after work, so I am thinking of trying to get my husband to show me how to start doing some light weight lifting, at least I can do that in the living room! Maybe thats the trick to the HDL - my endo said it was just genetic.

Can you find time to walk 10 minutes at a time three times a day. I am facing the same problem with it getting dark earlier. I try to walk a little at lunch. I got a cheap tread mill from a thrift store to use when the weather gets nasty. There is an indoor walking track in the Civic Center that I can use. Look around there may be places where you can walk. Is there a mall close by where you can walk? Have you thought about walking in a grocery store or WalMart? Be creative and don't give up. You are making progress.

[tipper21]

What about going to a pool at one of the schools.....I plan on going to the Senior center here when the weather turns-they have a pool and a fitness center. I ahve to call-as I won't be able to ride my bike....


Congrats on the progress