Just diagnosed with Pre-diabetes

I have been gaining weight and some other crazy things with my body over the last 8 months or so. Going to the doctor and getting some blood work to see what is going on with me, it determined my A1c was in the pre-diabetic range.

I know I am over weight now because like I said I was gaining weight. But before all this weight gain I have experienced I wasn't crazy over weight. I had started Myfitnesspal and lost 20 lbs. Then I was put on Celexa and I feel like that made me gain 15 lbs. The other 25 lbs came over the last 8 months. That is a lot of weight to gain in just a short period. Over the summer I am not going to lie I have not been so active, but over the school year I am super active. And I feel like I wasn't eating too bad.

So what is doing on in my head is I was diagnosed with this because I am so FAT. That is my insecure head talking to me.

So now I want to nip this almost diabetes diagnoses in the bud. With a family history of diabetes in the family I am also afraid that even working at losing this weight and getting healthy, I will still get this scarey disease.

Well I am asking anyone who wants to help and may be in the same boat as me, how do I get started. I feel like I already have the tools in my head to know what is good for me and what I should eat to lose weight; but I don't know what I should eat and not eat with this pre-diabetes diagnoses.
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Replies

  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    I gained 111 lbs on antidepressants so I feel your pain.

    I'm not pre-diabetic or diabetic but I have insulin resistance and hypoglycemia and follow a diet similar to those with diabetes.

    -No simple carbohydrates (cereal, cookies, cake, cheesecake, candy, juices, etc.)
    -Complex carbohydrates only (oatmeal, sweet potatoes, veggies, fruits, brown rice, whole grain pasta/bread)
    -Never eat carbs alone- ALWAYS pair with protein and fat
    -Do not eat more than 30 grams of carbs per meal; no more than 15 grams of carbs per snack
    -Nuts/seeds and cheese sticks are great for snacks. If you want an apple for a snack, pair it with peanut butter. If you want a banana (I'm a banana addict), buy the smaller bananas (less carbs/sugar) and pair with PB.
    -Protein, protein, and more protein!!! (eggs, chicken, turkey, salmon, tilapia, tuna, red meat in moderation)
    -Legumes are a great source of protein and fiber for the days you don't want to eat meat
    -Pay close attention to your carb/sugar intake. You should aim to keep your carb intake at/less than 130-150 grams a day
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    What is your goal? Weight loss or health?

    If it's both, try making some lifestyle changes. Add healthy foods to your diet. Slowly replace the less healthy things with more healthy ones. You can eat a LOT more food if it's fruits and veggies!

    If you adopt healthier habits, they'll stay with you. It's a little difficult at first, but you'd be surprised how fast you get used to it and how good you feel!!

    When you're done losing weight, you won't have to be checking calories all the time or weighing food. You will be able to eat a good amount of healthy food and not have to deal with all that work.

    Talk to your doctor about your diet, for sure. Get your recommendations there.

    Don't freak out, but do make changes. :)
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    And I feel like I wasn't eating too bad.

    I feel like I already have the tools in my head to know what is good for me and what I should eat to lose weight
    Do you actually count calories or do you simply feel that your eating enough or too much?

    Maintaining a calorie deficit will help you lose weight. Losing weight can help stop the progression of pre-diabetes to full blown diabetes.
    I don't know what I should eat and not eat with this pre-diabetes diagnoses.
    Cutting down on carbs is a good starting point given your diagnosis. Counting cals on MFP also gives you the tools to track your carb intake.

    Here's a site with more info regarding diabetes: http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/
  • Tigg_er
    Tigg_er Posts: 22,001 Member
    Do whatever you have to do to avoid diabetes. Do not procrastinate or fool around with impending diabetes!

    Don't rely on support from ANYONE. Make a decision to do this yourself and do it.

    Get a nutritionist to work with you if you can afford it.

    If a nutritionist is not in your budget and/or not covered by your insurance, then make an appointment with an ENDOCRINOLOGIST. Not a PCP or general internist.

    Ask the endocrinologist to give you a food plan and/or detailed nutritional advice. Ask that it be printed out for you.

    Buy a scale and weigh your food.

    If you don't cook, learn how. There are plenty of diabetic cook books on the market.

    Make up your mind and don't drop the ball. Don't get diabetes!

    ^ This so very important. I beat this thing myself with out meds because I got scared and jumped on it right away. Getting into eating correctly for the issue, Getting some exercise ( and just walking 30 min. a day will help) I also used the test strips all the time till I got a handle on it. These will help tell you if what you are doing and what you are eating is helping so you can adjust to keep it working. You would be surprised at what different foods do to spike your blood sugars up , sometimes very pleasant surprises also.

    Get on the ADA Web site will also help to explain what is happening to you and some good tips on how to correct it.

    Now is your chance take it and WIN. :drinker:
  • FaylinaMeir
    FaylinaMeir Posts: 661 Member
    read the works of neal barnard and john mcdougall. Carbs aren't the bad guy.
  • Tigg_er
    Tigg_er Posts: 22,001 Member
    read the works of neal barnard and john mcdougall. Carbs aren't the bad guy.

    No but I think the wrongs used incorrectly can be departmental to controlling blood sugar spikes.
  • deansdad101
    deansdad101 Posts: 644 Member
    I have been gaining weight and some other crazy things with my body over the last 8 months or so. Going to the doctor and getting some blood work to see what is going on with me, it determined my A1c was in the pre-diabetic range.
    (snipped)

    So now I want to nip this almost diabetes diagnoses in the bud. With a family history of diabetes in the family I am also afraid that even working at losing this weight and getting healthy, I will still get this scarey disease.

    Well I am asking anyone who wants to help and may be in the same boat as me, how do I get started. I feel like I already have the tools in my head to know what is good for me and what I should eat to lose weight; but I don't know what I should eat and not eat with this pre-diabetes diagnoses.
    Mstarr;

    I'm not, technically, "in the same boat" as you (re pre DM) but was warned by my Doc that I was "getting close".

    As type 2 runs in our families as well, those words scared the you know what out of me as I'm sure it did you as well.

    Being of the geeky persuasion that I am, I proceeded directly to the googlemachine in search of every piece of "science" I could find on what to do about it.

    First, the "good" news - Type 2 (T2D) does NOT mean an "automatic" progression to Type 1 is your destiny. Indeed, a very small percentage of those with full blown T2D EVER subsequently "progress" to T1D.

    They (T2D and T1D) are totally different conditions and if your diagnosis was "pre DM" it's highly likely it means "pre" T2 - your Docs would know if it was T1 and have put you on insulin injection now.

    The even "better" news is that T2D is manageable (diet being a major contributor to management), and indeed, in some cases it's reversible - even for those past the "pre" stage.

    The KEY is diet.
    Not cals (per se), and not exercise (although exercise is beneficial for other reasons).

    I'm not a proponent of the advice to "get yourself a dietitian" simply because way too many of them have be trained in the low cal / low fat hocus pocus that has proven to be so disasterous over the span of most of their lives. (One need only look at the results of that advice over the last 40 years - obesity, diabetes, and a host of other maladies have skyrocketed at unprecedented rates).

    If, by chance, you are able to find one willing to depart from the "conventional wisdom" great - but the odds are against it and I'd suggest that the information is out there for the taking if you are willing to invest the time and effort. It's YOUR body, your health, and your decision.

    Cliff notes version of what I've learned;

    It's all about your body's (natural) ability to produce insulin - everything else flows from, and depends on that - blood sugar levels, fat production (or reduction), and whether or not your "condition" will progress to the point where the body simply "requires" an external source of insulin (as in pills or shots).

    The human body is an incredible machine and if properly fueled, AND the organs allowed to do what they are designed to do, it functions just fine. Just like you don't have to have the "willpower" to tell your body when to breathe, neither must you tell it what to do to produce the proper levels of insulin. Feed it the right nutrients and it will produce the desired results almost 'magically".

    There are limits though, and like any "machine", if you exceed those limits (improper balance of fats, carbs, proteins, and assorted other nutrients) - something will fail - it's "incredible", NOT "invincible".

    You have already received some good advice (and some, not-so-good) and I hope I'm not repeating what a previous poster might have offered, but here's where I would start if I were you.

    First, head to the kindle store (even if you don't have one, you can download a "free" reader and read on your box) and get this book (it's a pretty good mix between the "science" and language us normal "folk" can comprehend)
    http://tinyurl.com/mt8ctas
    It's under 10 bucks, a fairly easy "read" and will give you a good base on which to proceed, and "why".

    Next, head over to this website. The author is an MD, has spent years researching nutrition and the effects on the human body, and as far as I know, isn't 'selling" anything.
    http://tinyurl.com/btcr73o

    For under 10 bucks and a few (well maybe more than a "few") hours of your time, you'll likely be better informed on what actually matters to YOU, than at least 8 out of 10 "dietitians", "personal trainers", or other "experts", on how the body works, how to minimize (or maybe even reverse) your current situation.

    Armed with that knowledge, you'll be in a much better position when others (including your doc, maybe) suggest what you "should do".

    Not saying that you shouldn't listen to your doc (absolutely you should) but unless I missed it, other than his/her admonition to "lose weight" I didn't see where you received any other specific dietary advice.

    Losing weight IS an important factor, BUT, it's more important HOW you do it, and HOW you modify your diet - both for long term success and for the impending DM "issues".

    The answer is NOT "count cals" and exercise.

    It IS, "get the percentages right".

    Best of luck on your journey.
  • Tigg_er
    Tigg_er Posts: 22,001 Member
    I have been gaining weight and some other crazy things with my body over the last 8 months or so. Going to the doctor and getting some blood work to see what is going on with me, it determined my A1c was in the pre-diabetic range.
    (snipped)

    So now I want to nip this almost diabetes diagnoses in the bud. With a family history of diabetes in the family I am also afraid that even working at losing this weight and getting healthy, I will still get this scarey disease.

    Well I am asking anyone who wants to help and may be in the same boat as me, how do I get started. I feel like I already have the tools in my head to know what is good for me and what I should eat to lose weight; but I don't know what I should eat and not eat with this pre-diabetes diagnoses.
    Mstarr;

    I'm not, technically, "in the same boat" as you (re pre DM) but was warned by my Doc that I was "getting close".

    As type 2 runs in our families as well, those words scared the you know what out of me as I'm sure it did you as well.

    Being of the geeky persuasion that I am, I proceeded directly to the googlemachine in search of every piece of "science" I could find on what to do about it.

    First, the "good" news - Type 2 (T2D) does NOT mean an "automatic" progression to Type 1 is your destiny. Indeed, a very small percentage of those with full blown T2D EVER subsequently "progress" to T1D.

    They (T2D and T1D) are totally different conditions and if your diagnosis was "pre DM" it's highly likely it means "pre" T2 - your Docs would know if it was T1 and have put you on insulin injection now.

    The even "better" news is that T2D is manageable (diet being a major contributor to management), and indeed, in some cases it's reversible - even for those past the "pre" stage.

    The KEY is diet.
    Not cals (per se), and not exercise (although exercise is beneficial for other reasons).

    I'm not a proponent of the advice to "get yourself a dietitian" simply because way too many of them have be trained in the low cal / low fat hocus pocus that has proven to be so disasterous over the span of most of their lives. (One need only look at the results of that advice over the last 40 years - obesity, diabetes, and a host of other maladies have skyrocketed at unprecedented rates).

    If, by chance, you are able to find one willing to depart from the "conventional wisdom" great - but the odds are against it and I'd suggest that the information is out there for the taking if you are willing to invest the time and effort. It's YOUR body, your health, and your decision.

    Cliff notes version of what I've learned;

    It's all about your body's (natural) ability to produce insulin - everything else flows from, and depends on that - blood sugar levels, fat production (or reduction), and whether or not your "condition" will progress to the point where the body simply "requires" an external source of insulin (as in pills or shots).

    The human body is an incredible machine and if properly fueled, AND the organs allowed to do what they are designed to do, it functions just fine. Just like you don't have to have the "willpower" to tell your body when to breathe, neither must you tell it what to do to produce the proper levels of insulin. Feed it the right nutrients and it will produce the desired results almost 'magically".

    There are limits though, and like any "machine", if you exceed those limits (improper balance of fats, carbs, proteins, and assorted other nutrients) - something will fail - it's "incredible", NOT "invincible".

    You have already received some good advice (and some, not-so-good) and I hope I'm not repeating what a previous poster might have offered, but here's where I would start if I were you.

    First, head to the kindle store (even if you don't have one, you can download a "free" reader and read on your box) and get this book (it's a pretty good mix between the "science" and language us normal "folk" can comprehend)
    http://tinyurl.com/mt8ctas
    It's under 10 bucks, a fairly easy "read" and will give you a good base on which to proceed, and "why".

    Next, head over to this website. The author is an MD, has spent years researching nutrition and the effects on the human body, and as far as I know, isn't 'selling" anything.
    http://tinyurl.com/btcr73o

    For under 10 bucks and a few (well maybe more than a "few") hours of your time, you'll likely be better informed on what actually matters to YOU, than at least 8 out of 10 "dietitians", "personal trainers", or other "experts", on how the body works, how to minimize (or maybe even reverse) your current situation.

    Armed with that knowledge, you'll be in a much better position when others (including your doc, maybe) suggest what you "should do".

    Not saying that you shouldn't listen to your doc (absolutely you should) but unless I missed it, other than his/her admonition to "lose weight" I didn't see where you received any other specific dietary advice.

    Losing weight IS an important factor, BUT, it's more important HOW you do it, and HOW you modify your diet - both for long term success and for the impending DM "issues".

    The answer is NOT "count cals" and exercise.

    It IS, "get the percentages right".

    Best of luck on your journey.

    I believe you are correct in the % thing but I disagree with the exercise issue. I'm saying just simply moving more and getting some type of cardio will help with the total health picture. Again just walking helps. After taking blood samples before cardio and 1/2 hour after cardio my (notice I say my blood sugars dropped)
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    read the works of neal barnard and john mcdougall. Carbs aren't the bad guy.

    So fat is the bad guy???

    Doc barnard thinks all diabetics should be on a low fat vegan diet. No thanks.

    http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/medicine-is-hard-and-should-be-practiced-with-caution/
  • LoupGarouTFTs
    LoupGarouTFTs Posts: 916 Member
    Neal Barnard is a quack of the first water, a member of the PCRM (read: PeTA patsy organization), and an animal rights/vegan nutjob. He has ZERO credibility.
  • danicaone_101
    danicaone_101 Posts: 40 Member
    Hey girl,

    I know exactly how you are feeling. Knowing that you got diagnosed with a terrifying disease sucks big time. But you know what, give yourself credit for getting checked out. Give yourself credit for going to the doctors and getting blood test done. Give yourself credit for taking the initiative to live a healthier life. Please do not let your insecure thoughts get in the way of your goal. Your mind and body are powerful things. Weight could have been a factor but there are other factors that influence your sugar level as well. You want to kick diabetes butt then tell yourself "I CAN DO IT AND I WILL DO IT"

    That is great that you know what you need to do to kick diabetes butt. Now you need to put that plan into action. There are some helpful websites that break down healthy meals to control your sugar level. Exercise and proper nutrition are key. Maybe see a nutritionist for more advice.
  • bdenitto
    bdenitto Posts: 210 Member
    I gained 111 lbs on antidepressants so I feel your pain.

    I'm not pre-diabetic or diabetic but I have insulin resistance and hypoglycemia and follow a diet similar to those with diabetes.

    -No simple carbohydrates (cereal, cookies, cake, cheesecake, candy, juices, etc.)
    -Complex carbohydrates only (oatmeal, sweet potatoes, veggies, fruits, brown rice, whole grain pasta/bread)
    -Never eat carbs alone- ALWAYS pair with protein and fat
    -Do not eat more than 30 grams of carbs per meal; no more than 15 grams of carbs per snack
    -Nuts/seeds and cheese sticks are great for snacks. If you want an apple for a snack, pair it with peanut butter. If you want a banana (I'm a banana addict), buy the smaller bananas (less carbs/sugar) and pair with PB.
    -Protein, protein, and more protein!!! (eggs, chicken, turkey, salmon, tilapia, tuna, red meat in moderation)
    -Legumes are a great source of protein and fiber for the days you don't want to eat meat
    -Pay close attention to your carb/sugar intake. You should aim to keep your carb intake at/less than 130-150 grams a day
    This is pretty much what a nutritionist told me. If you can do it, ask to sit down with a nutritionist to talk about your specific needs.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    I strongly recommend that you get with a qualified dietitian who have experience working with diabetic patients as opposed to taking advice from the internet. No one on the internet knows your health history better than the people who are overseeing your health. If you don't trust or have faith in your current team of health professionals then fire them and find new ones because not all doctors and specialists are bad and they know far more about medical conditions than anyone on the internet.
  • radmack
    radmack Posts: 272 Member
    ***I strongly recommend that you get with a qualified dietitian who have experience working with diabetic patients as opposed to taking advice from the internet. No one on the internet knows your health history better than the people who are overseeing your health. If you don't trust or have faith in your current team of health professionals then fire them and find new ones because not all doctors and specialists are bad and they know far more about medical conditions than anyone on the internet.***

    I second this advice!
  • bergpa
    bergpa Posts: 148 Member
    I strongly recommend that you get with a qualified dietitian who have experience working with diabetic patients as opposed to taking advice from the internet. No one on the internet knows your health history better than the people who are overseeing your health. If you don't trust or have faith in your current team of health professionals then fire them and find new ones because not all doctors and specialists are bad and they know far more about medical conditions than anyone on the internet.


    I also agree!!! There are too many armchair endocrinologists on the internet who have never actually treated a diabetic patient. Unfortunately the topic of diabetes gets hits and sells books and that drives people without much (or any) expertise to write about it.
  • deansdad101
    deansdad101 Posts: 644 Member
    I have been gaining weight and some other crazy things with my body over the last 8 months or so. Going to the doctor and getting some blood work to see what is going on with me, it determined my A1c was in the pre-diabetic range.
    (snipped)

    So now I want to nip this almost diabetes diagnoses in the bud. With a family history of diabetes in the family I am also afraid that even working at losing this weight and getting healthy, I will still get this scarey disease.

    Well I am asking anyone who wants to help and may be in the same boat as me, how do I get started. I feel like I already have the tools in my head to know what is good for me and what I should eat to lose weight; but I don't know what I should eat and not eat with this pre-diabetes diagnoses.
    Mstarr;
    I'm not, technically, "in the same boat" as you (re pre DM) but was warned by my Doc that I was "getting close".
    (snip)
    The KEY is diet.
    Not cals (per se), and not exercise (although exercise is beneficial for other reasons).
    (snipped)
    Losing weight IS an important factor, BUT, it's more important HOW you do it, and HOW you modify your diet - both for long term success and for the impending DM "issues".

    The answer is NOT "count cals" and exercise.

    It IS, "get the percentages right".

    Best of luck on your journey.
    I believe you are correct in the % thing but I disagree with the exercise issue. I'm saying just simply moving more and getting some type of cardio will help with the total health picture. Again just walking helps. After taking blood samples before cardio and 1/2 hour after cardio my (notice I say my blood sugars dropped)
    Tigg;

    i absolutely agree with you re: (moderate) exercise,

    which is why I said, "(although exercise is beneficial for other reasons)"

    Thanks for the "catch" though, if by not repeating it in the final sentences, you mistook my intent, others might as well and it's important that the message not be misrepresented.

    Indeed, moderate exercise is ALWAYS a good idea and an integral component of long term, overall "wellness" for lots of reasons.

    My concerns are with those that insist on things that either aren't relevant to the discussion or are just simply incorrect ("you MUST exercise x hours a week or you can't lose weight", eg) - NOT that exercise, per se, isn't advisable in all but those cases where some physical condition prevents it.
  • Tigg_er
    Tigg_er Posts: 22,001 Member
    I have been gaining weight and some other crazy things with my body over the last 8 months or so. Going to the doctor and getting some blood work to see what is going on with me, it determined my A1c was in the pre-diabetic range.
    (snipped)

    So now I want to nip this almost diabetes diagnoses in the bud. With a family history of diabetes in the family I am also afraid that even working at losing this weight and getting healthy, I will still get this scarey disease.

    Well I am asking anyone who wants to help and may be in the same boat as me, how do I get started. I feel like I already have the tools in my head to know what is good for me and what I should eat to lose weight; but I don't know what I should eat and not eat with this pre-diabetes diagnoses.
    Mstarr;
    I'm not, technically, "in the same boat" as you (re pre DM) but was warned by my Doc that I was "getting close".
    (snip)
    The KEY is diet.
    Not cals (per se), and not exercise (although exercise is beneficial for other reasons).
    (snipped)
    Losing weight IS an important factor, BUT, it's more important HOW you do it, and HOW you modify your diet - both for long term success and for the impending DM "issues".

    The answer is NOT "count cals" and exercise.

    It IS, "get the percentages right".

    Best of luck on your journey.
    I believe you are correct in the % thing but I disagree with the exercise issue. I'm saying just simply moving more and getting some type of cardio will help with the total health picture. Again just walking helps. After taking blood samples before cardio and 1/2 hour after cardio my (notice I say my blood sugars dropped)
    Tigg;

    i absolutely agree with you re: (moderate) exercise,

    which is why I said, "(although exercise is beneficial for other reasons)"

    Thanks for the "catch" though, if by not repeating it in the final sentences, you mistook my intent, others might as well and it's important that the message not be misrepresented.

    Indeed, moderate exercise is ALWAYS a good idea and an integral component of long term, overall "wellness" for lots of reasons.

    My concerns are with those that insist on things that either aren't relevant to the discussion or are just simply incorrect ("you MUST exercise x hours a week or you can't lose weight", eg) - NOT that exercise, per se, isn't advisable in all but those cases where some physical condition prevents it.

    Well maybe I need to read a bit closer also, thanks :drinker:
  • This content has been removed.
  • Nicolee_2014
    Nicolee_2014 Posts: 1,572 Member
    A friend of mine has just been diagonsed with pre-diabetes, she went & saw a diabetic educator, not sure if you have access to that where you are. I guess the thing that will help is educating yourself and the people closest to you. Good luck.
  • mfp2014mfp
    mfp2014mfp Posts: 689 Member
    Do whatever you have to do to avoid diabetes. Do not procrastinate or fool around with impending diabetes!

    Don't rely on support from ANYONE. Make a decision to do this yourself and do it.

    Get a nutritionist to work with you if you can afford it.

    If a nutritionist is not in your budget and/or not covered by your insurance, then make an appointment with an ENDOCRINOLOGIST. Not a PCP or general internist.

    Ask the endocrinologist to give you a food plan and/or detailed nutritional advice. Ask that it be printed out for you.

    Buy a scale and weigh your food.

    If you don't cook, learn how. There are plenty of diabetic cook books on the market.

    Make up your mind and don't drop the ball. Don't get diabetes!

    Great advice, time to become accountable and responsible for your health, best of luck.
  • crymsnroze
    crymsnroze Posts: 21 Member
    I was just today was diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes.

    For the last three weeks I've been experiencing what seems to be daily symptoms of slight dizziness, tremors, anxiety (lump in throat), headaches, and others on occasion like sweats, palpitations, etc. Unsure if the anxiety itself is a result of pre-diabetes or if it is just from dealing with the other symptoms so long.

    Looking for a way to stop these symptoms by trying diet and exercise. Next step would be to schedule a tilt table test (my blood pressure has been normal every time I visit the doctor).

    If anyone else has other opinions or recommendations, I'd be glad to read them flowerforyou
  • deansdad101
    deansdad101 Posts: 644 Member
    I was just today was diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes.

    For the last three weeks I've been experiencing what seems to be daily symptoms of slight dizziness, tremors, anxiety (lump in throat), headaches, and others on occasion like sweats, palpitations, etc. Unsure if the anxiety itself is a result of pre-diabetes or if it is just from dealing with the other symptoms so long.

    Looking for a way to stop these symptoms by trying diet and exercise. Next step would be to schedule a tilt table test (my blood pressure has been normal every time I visit the doctor).

    If anyone else has other opinions or recommendations, I'd be glad to read them flowerforyou
    221PD;
    First, no one here is a Doc (at least as far as I know), and next, you're going to have to provide a lot more detail if anyone can attempt to offer possible suggestions for you.

    Open your food diary and since you appear to be a very new member, start tracking every morsel of food intake - every day, if you haven't already. Without at least a couple weeks worth of data it's not very accurate.

    Don't worry about tracking exercise for the time being, focus on food intake.

    Next, what did the Drs (or whoever it was that diagnosed your glucose tolerance impairment) say about your BP, current weight, and the various symptoms you describe?

    Was their exact diagnosis "impaired glucose tolerance" or did they use other terms?

    My understanding (as a layperson) of the tilt table is that it's primarily used where the patient experiences otherwise unexplained fainting occurrences which you didn't indicate that you are, but, if your Docs indicated that should be your next step, certainly go ahead with and let us know the results.

    Light to moderate exercise is always good advice (except in extreme situations) but more for overall general health and wellness reasons (as opposed to weight loss reasons). Recent clinical study results show little to no benefit of cardio exercise as it relates specifically to weight loss.

    Diet, however, IS extremely important but more so from the type of diet you select.

    There is NO, "one diet fits all", perfect plan and from the limited amount of detail you've provided it would be impossible to recommend anything more specific but at this point it sounds like a low carb plan might be best.

    Did your Drs provide any kind of guidance as to diet plan?

    If low carb interests you, I'd suggest you join the Low Carb group here on MFP that is dedicated to LC and has a great deal of information and folks currently using that method.
  • KellySue67
    KellySue67 Posts: 1,006 Member
    I will share my story with you, just to say what is possible for anyone. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes probably about 10-12 years ago. I was allowed to control it with diet and exercise for a while then, for whatever reason, I stopped taking care of myself the way I should and I gained a ton of weight and ended up on two different diabetes medications. For years my A1c would go up and down and up again. My doctor kept warning me that it will continue to get worse. One of the medications that I was taking had a side effect of weight gain, so I continued to gain weight all this time. About 2 years ago, I weighed 269lbs, and had an A1c of 11.2. I finally convinced my doctor that I needed to switch up some medicine, which he did, but added a third medication. I really made an effort to start tracking my food intake, getting regular exercise all year round and concentrating on getting healthy. Within about six months, I was able to discontinue one of the medications I was taking and had dropped my A1c down to 6.6. About six months after that I was able to drop the second med and the A1c was down to around 6.2. Now, almost two years later, I have cut the last medication dose in half- literally, because I now take half a pill in the am and half a pill in the pm, and my A1c is now 5.6. My goal is to be off all medication by the end of the year and my doctor says that I am making very good progress towards that goal. Now, this was/is a lot to go through, and in hind sight I wish that I had listened and done everything right from the beginning. My best advice is to weigh/measure what you eat, log everything and exercise regularly- year round. Learn from my mistakes and don't make the same ones. Add me if you want to. Best regards!
  • radmack
    radmack Posts: 272 Member
    If you do want to get information on the internet, this is a good source http://www.diabetes.org/ - it is for the American Diabetes Association.
  • Hello :) I was diagnosed yesterday with pre diabetes. It is totally scary. My MIL had type 2, did not manage it well, got a gastric bypass then found out she had glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer, and because of the gastric she could eat enough healthy food to help her body fight and comeback from the radiation and chemo, she passed away three months later- i cried the whole way home from doc because i dont want to be her. I started researching the ketogenic diet, and have made a few modifications. I have started a 40 min exercise routine of 20 mins of hip hop abs and 20 mins of brisk walking and monitor every thing that i eat. I love to cook and I love food so I know I have a struggle on my hand to maintain but I am determined. I want to be healthy. I am here with you. We can beat this and we will be awesome at it! Hugs
  • shellypaints
    shellypaints Posts: 49 Member
    read the works of neal barnard and john mcdougall. Carbs aren't the bad guy.

    This is the perfect way for a pre-diabetic to become fully diabetic. Your advice is dangerous and irresponsible.

    For those of us who are glucose intolerant, pre-diabetic, and diabetic carbs ARE the bad guy.
  • shellypaints
    shellypaints Posts: 49 Member
    I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and glucose intolerant a month ago. I am on medication, started with metformin but was switched to glumetza after a bad reaction to the metformin. I am also on a carb restricted diet. I am allowed between 30-40 grams of carbs per meal and 10-15 grams for snacks. I have a list of foods to not eat and they include...

    grains and grain products such as; pasta, cereals, breads, pastries, oatmeal, rice, etc

    vegetables such as; potatoes, winter squash, carrots, english peas, corn, etc

    fruits such as; melons, pineapple, mangos, bananas, etc

    So by eliminating the above items my calorie intake is almost always a couple hundred less than what is allotted <1500. I also have become quite adept at looking for the carb content on labels as well. I have found one brand of flavored yogurt that is lower than 25 grams of carbs per serving all others including greek yogurts are around or above 30 grams. I am unable to tolerate the taste of plain yogurt just yet - I'm getting there but it's not easy.

    I have also discovered that organic whole milk has fewer carbs than skim milk. So for us that are battling pre diabetes and diabetes not all calories are created equal; for us carbs are bad.
  • markstar69
    markstar69 Posts: 11 Member
    If you can afford it or if your insurance will cover I do recommend a referral (by your Doctor) for a Diabetes seminar where you can learn about diabetes and how to drop your A1C to below pre-diabetes levels. I took a seminar at a local medical center and now I'm working with a nutritionist on my diet. I'm on a low carb, high protein food plan with reduced calories. I've seen good results and my blood sugar levels have gone down dramatically in a short period of time. I'll take another A1C in about two months and my goal is to be below 5.5
    Logging on MTP has been a great help in tracking.
  • deansdad101
    deansdad101 Posts: 644 Member
    I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and glucose intolerant a month ago. I am on medication, started with metformin but was switched to glumetza after a bad reaction to the metformin. I am also on a carb restricted diet. I am allowed between 30-40 grams of carbs per meal and 10-15 grams for snacks. I have a list of foods to not eat and they include...

    grains and grain products such as; pasta, cereals, breads, pastries, oatmeal, rice, etc

    vegetables such as; potatoes, winter squash, carrots, english peas, corn, etc

    fruits such as; melons, pineapple, mangos, bananas, etc

    So by eliminating the above items my calorie intake is almost always a couple hundred less than what is allotted <1500. I also have become quite adept at looking for the carb content on labels as well. I have found one brand of flavored yogurt that is lower than 25 grams of carbs per serving all others including greek yogurts are around or above 30 grams. I am unable to tolerate the taste of plain yogurt just yet - I'm getting there but it's not easy.

    I have also discovered that organic whole milk has fewer carbs than skim milk. So for us that are battling pre diabetes and diabetes not all calories are created equal; for us carbs are bad.
    Shelly;

    Try this:
    http://tinyurl.com/ks5oktc

    It's plain, greek, whole milk (7 net carbs/3/4 cup)
    Mash up 10 raspberries and mix them in = 8 carbs (total) + yummmmmmmm

    As far as your "forbidden foods" - have a look here:
    http://tinyurl.com/ptlv7ur

    It should come up to page 13 but if it doesn't that's the page you need.

    Almost 100 years ago - 1917, your grandma (or Great GrandMa) knew what worked, even the Docs knew.

    Why does the current crop of "experts" (for the most part) STILL not "git it"?
  • Sugarbeat
    Sugarbeat Posts: 824 Member
    I gained 111 lbs on antidepressants so I feel your pain.

    I'm not pre-diabetic or diabetic but I have insulin resistance and hypoglycemia and follow a diet similar to those with diabetes.

    -No simple carbohydrates (cereal, cookies, cake, cheesecake, candy, juices, etc.)
    -Complex carbohydrates only (oatmeal, sweet potatoes, veggies, fruits, brown rice, whole grain pasta/bread)
    -Never eat carbs alone- ALWAYS pair with protein and fat
    -Do not eat more than 30 grams of carbs per meal; no more than 15 grams of carbs per snack
    -Nuts/seeds and cheese sticks are great for snacks. If you want an apple for a snack, pair it with peanut butter. If you want a banana (I'm a banana addict), buy the smaller bananas (less carbs/sugar) and pair with PB.
    -Protein, protein, and more protein!!! (eggs, chicken, turkey, salmon, tilapia, tuna, red meat in moderation)
    -Legumes are a great source of protein and fiber for the days you don't want to eat meat
    -Pay close attention to your carb/sugar intake. You should aim to keep your carb intake at/less than 130-150 grams a day

    +1 As a diabetic, I approve of this diet and try very hard to follow it.