Webchat with Dr Michael Mosley about preventing and reversing Type 2 Diabetes, Tuesday 26 January, midday to 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Dr Michael Mosley is returning to Mumsnet on Tuesday (26 January) between midday and 1pm. This time he will be on hand to answer questions about his latest book The 8 week blood sugar diet which reveals a game-changing approach to one of the greatest silent epidemics of our time - raised blood sugar levels.

Mosley’s book explains that because of the high sugar/carb diet we eat today, more than a third of adults in the UK now have raised blood sugar levels and most don’t know it. This is not only making us fat, but also putting us at risk of type 2 diabetes, strokes, dementia and cancer. His book shows how to shed the dangerous abdominal fat fast, reprogramme the body and prevent and actually reverse type 2 diabetes. The book has been described as “a potentially a life-changing book for people with raised blood sugar levels as well as those with type 2 diabetes" by Dr Tim Spector, Professor of Genetics at King's College, London. A former diabetic, Carlos says: "The diet cleaned out my liver and pancreas. It's not so easy for me to gain weight any more. It's as though my body is working metabolically like a young man's again, and I like the person I see in the mirror now."

Interested? Come and chat to Dr Mosley at midday on Tuesday and if you’re unable to join the live webchat, post a question in advance to this thread.

I have been on various meds (consistently steroids) for auto-immune diseases for the past 4 years and put on 4 stone, is this the way that can help me get back to my normal weight?

Hi there, I am now here at Mumsnet Towers ready to answer your questions

Is there going to be a recipe book to go with the Blood Sugar Diet book. I know there are 4 weeks of recipes in the book but I don't eat meat so I'd like some more choices (especially dinner) - Thanks - I have found the book great so far although I do have some very hungry moments

@Duckdeamon

Does the book address the psychological aspects of making diet and lifestyle changes? I'm pretty sure I'll be in the third of people, and know what I should/ shouldn't eat, but find it very difficult to make changes!

Yes, in the book I do a major section on how to manage stess

@JaneHair

My dad is morbidly obese, has type 2 diabetes, has cellulitis in his legs which has caused weeping sores, and he eats cake all the time. I mean proper bingeing on cakes. When i spoke to him about this, he snarled at me: "my doctor told me i can have sugar in moderation!"

Is my dad talking complete and utter bollocks?

Sort of.. the problem is that people get told they can have sugar in moderation, but what does that mean? It is better to try and cut all the sweet stuff out, and switch to something like stevia (which is one of the few sweetners that doesn't disrupt your gut bacteria). Increase the healthy fats (yoghurt, milk, olive oil, fish) and cut back on the starchy carbs (white bread and white rice)

@myrosie

Is this diet possible for vegetarians? I do eat dairy. I too eat for comfort, and it's so hard to stop this, even though I really need to health wise - I strongly suspect I am at the very least pre diabetic.

Yes it is; my book has plenty of recipes for fish eaters, a bit thinner on those who don't. Go to my website thebloodsugardiet.com to find new recipes and share your favourites. Start a vegetarian section. Please

Hi Dr M

I've been successfully 5:2ing for almost 4 years, now - mainly thanks to you!

I'd like to ask:

1. Would a more gradual weight loss with a less dramatic reduction in calories burn as much internal fat ?
   Do the pancreas and liver need this 8-week period to rest & repair, during which they have much less work to process the small amount of food ?

2. Did the study check if the participants on daily 800 calories lost lean mass and could adequate protein plus regular resistance training avoid muscle loss in this phase ?

Many thanks.

@Yddraigoldragon

No real question but a heartfelt thank you! Been on 5:2 for a while, started the BSD on 5/1 and am 13lb down.

Also, although my control was good at around 7 constantly, I am now seeing readings of around 5 which is very much better. (T2)

DH has lost 2 1/2 stone on 5:2 since August.

My plan is to do as long as possible on 800pd and then switch back to low carb with as many fast days as I can/need to keep it going.

Really delighted. In the book i describe 3 different options, starting with the 800 calories for 8 weeks, then the 5:2 approach, then a low carb Med style approach (which is what i hope people will use as a maintenance programme)
There are lots of recipes in the book, created by Dr Sarah Schenker, one of the UK's top nutritionists, so they are both well balanced and tasty
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@BigChocFrenzy

myrosie You should be fine, just boost the beans and lentils to replace fish I hope Dr Mosely will suggest plans for vegetarians & vegans

Dolally No grains or snacks on the 8-week diet.
If fruit is a problem, you could just replace it with veg.
The diet says maximum 2 portion fruit daily, but no minimum.

Jane Your dad isn't having sugar in "moderation;" he's bingeing on it and probably worsening his health. Yes, bollocks from him.
Sounds like his doctors gave him the standard high carb diet advice, which doesn't seem to actually help T2.

There are some grains and snacks, but healthy types.

@antimatter

This is a quote from the research paper on which your book is based: It is now clear that Type 2 diabetes is a simple condition of fat excess to which some people are more susceptible than others. Is the research on which your book is based been passed to GP's?

I think it is slowly getting through. Professor Taylor is currently running a bit trial of the 800 calorie diet described in my book, involving dozens of GP practices. The study is the biggest one ever funded by Diabetes UK

@BigChocFrenzy

Biscuits The book is mainly about a once only 8-week 800-cal daily low carb diet for those facing T2.

The longterm maintenance is probably more relevant for most other people and is v simple low carb Med, no need to follow recipes.

I think the main difference to all the other low carb diets is that Dr Mosely (and Prof Taylor) recommend beans, lentils & legumes - these are great for insulin management and for feeling full.
These seem to replace the main starchy carbs, which are treated as an occasional garnish or side dish
No need to restrict fat particularly - he allows Greek yoghurt, cheese and recommends olive oil

A very neat summary

@Biscuitsneeded

I have impaired glucose tolerance, am a bit overweight but not vastly so (size 14-16) although am very apple-shaped which I know isn't good. Obviously I don't want to develop diabetes. I am vegetarian and I probably do eat more carbs than I need to. With willpower I can reduce fat/sugar intake but I need guidance on how to reduce carbs and not be starving. Does the book have advice for vegetarians? I'm also a very busy and stressed teacher with kids so I don't have time to prepare complicated meals. Is it simple to follow?

Yes, the book contains recipes and also simple general principles

@ivykaty44

I have now read the book and found it very interesting and informative.

My question is about wholemeal bread

I buy wholemeal flour from an old fashioned local mill, where the old fashion methods are used leaving the flour not as refund. I make my own bread so don't use sugar, is this acceptable in moderation ( 4/6) slices per week? Once on the maintenance

Yes, i think so, though you should monitor your body's reaction. If you have a blood sugar monitor just see what happens after you eat it. Some people respond very badly to bread, others less so. It seems to depend on the mix of bacteria in your gut. The worse sort is obviously white bread but many so called brown breads have token amounts of fibre and added sugar to make them more palatable

Is this programme suitable for an older teenager (17) who struggles with their weight and seems almost addicted to sugar but is keen to do something? Could it reverse their sugar craving which seems to be an issue?

@BigChocFrenzy

The issue with fruit is that the liver can only handle a limited amount: I think every cell in the body can process glucose, but that only the liver can process fructose

That is right. Try to avoid sweet tropical fruits like pineapple and melon. Apples and berries are better

@hazelnutlatte

BIWI a quick google was inconclusive - according to Wikipedia he trained as a doctor but never practiced. I'm a nurse but if I don't practice for 3 years I lose my registration and the right to call myself a registered nurse. I don't know if it's the same for doctors? If he is not registered with the GMC then I would say it's misleading to call himself a doctor. If he is in fact a doctor then I am being snippy and I apologise!

I trained as a doctor, qualified, but now describe myself as a medical journalist. According to the GMC i am fully entitled to describe myself as Dr. I also have a doctorate so in theory I am Dr Dr. I did not do the research for this book, it is largely based on work of Professor Roy Taylor, Professor of Medicine at Newcastle Univesity and one of the UK's most distinguished diabetes experts. He read and approved the whole thing. It has also been read and approved by Dr Sarah Schenker, one of the UK's leading dieticians, who also created the recipes. Other experts had read it and provided quotes on the Amazon website. I am confident the science is sound

Surely chickpeas, tinned lentils or packaged lentils are all easy to find..? Sainsbury and tesco have a wide selection of legumes. I wouldn't buy goats cheese but would the instead use the chickpeas with mushrooms or cheesy beans.

@Breadandwine

Hi Dr M

I've been successfully 5:2ing for almost 4 years, now - mainly thanks to you!

I'd like to ask:

1. Would a more gradual weight loss with a less dramatic reduction in calories burn as much internal fat ?
   Do the pancreas and liver need this 8-week period to rest & repair, during which they have much less work to process the small amount of food ?

2. Did the study check if the participants on daily 800 calories lost lean mass and could adequate protein plus regular resistance training avoid muscle loss in this phase ?

Many thanks.

Very pleased to hear the 5:2 approach worked for you. Professor Taylor thinks that whether you lose the abdominal fat fast or slow you will see improvements. He just thinks, based on his studies and those carried out by others, that many people are going to find it easier to lose weight fast. This is very motivating. In his trials average weight loss was 14kg (30lbs) in 8 weeks and blood glucose levels started to go down within a few days of starting.
The liver starts to get better within days. The pancreas takes longer, several weeks. It depends on how long you have been diabetic/prediabetic for.

In Taylor's study they found that the 800 calorie diet led to relatively little loss of lean mass, it was overwhelmingly fat. Much more on this in the book

@Samlet

Dr Mosley my 91 yr old mother was diagnosed T2 six months ago. Although she has lost a lot of weight, she is very confused about what she can and can't eat and has now been put on medication as she didn't reduce her levels enough on her own.

Would you recommend your diet for someone of that age?

I suspect if she is 91 she should take things gradually. The good news is that foods like full fat yoghurt, eggs and olive oil are now seen as healthy

@BigChocFrenzy

TotallyPear All the big names in fasting - Mosely, Varady, Harvie, Mattson etc - say those with past or present EDs should NOT fast

I highlight this warning in the OP of each of the main 5:2 threads.
This is why we need different kinds of diets, so people can choose one that is suitable for their individual needs.

Maybe his longterm Low Carb Mediteranean (NOT the low calorie version) could suit you, but you would need support and advice along the way.
Ideally from your HCP, but that is often difficult to obtain, or is the low fat dogma.
BIWI Is your Bootcamp thread at all suitable for folk with EDs ?

Yes, I agree. people with eating disorders are very vulnerable

Just caught the web-chat. I think this sounds like one of the more helpful kind of diet books.
Am interested in cutting down on sugar and eating more healthily, though already have a mainly veggie Italian style diet - lots of pasta though, that's our staple family supper.
Occasionally have the odd bit of fish but slightly tricky as rest of the family are stricter veggies.
Am interested that type 2 diabetes can be reversed. I don't have it but guessing it's better/easier to take steps to avoid getting it in the first place, through good diet and more exercise?

@ShortyShortLegs

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes three years ago, aged 35. I am slightly over weight, I eat a good balanced diet with everything cooked from scratch, but no fish or fruit due to food allergies. I eat lots of vegetables and salad instead of fruit. I eat a low carb diet, under 100g a day (have done for years). Exercise 2-3 times a week.

I was on Metformin, had good control, but couldn't tolerate it (diarrhoea) so was switched to Gliclizide, Hb1Ac went up to 61 so was switched to Glimepiride last month.

I am still struggling to get control, often have high blood sugar BUT also often have hypos between meals..... Would your diet help me to stop the hypos?
My Diabetes Specialist GP has suggested I eat toast every 2 hours to combat the hypos!

Also, why have I got Diabetes and my brothers don't???
They eat junk food everyday, drink alcohol, smoke, don't exercise....one is overweight. Three of our grandparents had Diabetes Type 2 (and died of heart attacks) and my GP says I inherited it...is this correct?

Yes, I think you would be a good candidate, though you must check with your doctor as you are on one of those drugs beginning with G that can lead to hypos. Metformin doesn't.

I'm afraid with you it was just bad luck. There is a strong genetic component. Plus we all seem to have our own personal fat threshold

I had pancreatitis due to an allergy to codeine a couple of years ago. I still feel my pancreas is not entirely right - especially when I am eating too much sugar (feels tender etc). Would this diet help my pancreas repair? And can you just tell me that I can succeed at losing weight? 5'3" and 15 stone apple...

Shorty did they try you on the slow release version of Metformin? I couldn't tolerate the normal one, SR is much better

@ivykaty44

I ordered this book on Saturday and read the book on Sunday, talked to my dad about it and he downloaded the book on Monday and is reading. He has a question about oats - particularly steel oats, what is the difference between steel cut oats and normal rolled oats?

I know instant oats raise blood sugars but its the difference between steel cut and rolled oats he would like to know and can he eat them as part of the Mediterranean diet?

Good question. oats are generally a good thing, but the more processed (ie instant oats) the worse. I have mine with extra fibre. Again, people respond in different ways. If you have a blood sugar monitor then see what happens after you eat the oats. Self experimentation is the only real way to know how a food will effect you. Studies always include a wide range of responses