Prediabetic

[WiseHazelCrow]

I lost 6.5 stones
Dr just told me I'm prediabetic
Got a glucose monitor
Got 3 months to reduce sugar b4 going on metaformin.firstly he gave me 2 weeks then 1 month.
He hasn't helped helped left me in deep end.
Looked at low carb
Has anyone gone in diabetes reversal

What was the reading? Prediabetic does not usually need medication, manage with diet and exercise and retest periodically.

What was your HbA1c? Well done with your weight loss.

What do you mean by diabetes reversal, as you say you are pre diabetic, so there’s nothing to reverse.

This all seems very over the top, and not in line with general recommendations. They should offer you some type of local lifestyle or weight management class.

6 or 12 months would be more reasonable to retest your levels if you are pre diabetic.

This gp surgery have a low carb prediabetes/type 2 diabetes programme that has a lot of useful online info and resources (at the bottom of my post). Also, maybe ask your practice for an appt with their practice nurse who runs diabetes clinics, they can hopefully give you more information and support.

https://lowcarbfreshwell.com

Also, when did he tell you to test your glucose levels?

What a fabulous weight loss!

Stop using the monitor, it is useless for prediabetes. You could take several readings in one day and they'd all be completely different. HbA1c is the best reliable tool, as it measures long-term changes and isn't a one-hit wonder.

You need to gradually reduce the amount of carbs and sugar in your diet, and be aware that low-calorie things are no substitute because your body is fooled by it and thinks it is sugar anyway, so releases insulin. Some other things that help are reducing stress, getting a good night's sleep, and exercise. Even walking round the block for a few minutes a day will help.

Ask your GP if there is a Diabetes Prevention Programme running in your area.

I'm T2 diabetic and had GD when pregnant and here's the advice I've followed which has resulted in better sugar control according to finger sticks and my Libre CGM, will be having a new HBA1C test in a couple of weeks to see what kind of improvement there's been officially.

• Low GI diet
• Reduce not eliminate carbs, and switch refined carbs like white bread for complex carbs like rye bread.
• Pair carbs with proteins so scrambled eggs on toast, peanut butter on apple slices, yoghurt with granola.
• Full fat not low fat - cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, whole milk
• Walk after eating, a brisk walk helps to process the sugar
• no evening snacking. If you are really hungry then make it protein or fat not carbs.

What is your actual HbA1c as that’s the important thing , you don’t need to be doing blood sugars .

Firstly, well done on your weight loss - that's a massive achievement and I'm sure long-term will help with your pre-diabetes as well as your health in general.

I found out I was prediabetic in August. My surgery offered me a place on a local programme (seems there's a lot of these offered as a means of prevention as we've been told diabetes accounts for 10% of the health budget). I think there about 12 meetings over 10 months, as well as lots of encouragements on the app. Do ask about it. The course will look as reducing sugars/carbs, increasing exercise, improving sleep and how to cope with stress as they're all factors. The app gently encourages you with ideas, ie new recipes to try, shorts bursts of exercise you can easily do at home etc.

I haven't totally cut everything, just making sure I'm eating less carbs and items are that lower in sugar. If I'm going to eat something not so good, eating something like protein or fats with or before as that'll reduce the speed sugars are released into your blood stream. I still eat out, just make better choices and don't double carb, ie burger in a bun and chips - I'd choose salad and ask for sweet potatoes fries as these are better. Switching off screens earlier in the evening.