PCOS / Diabetic - Results of trip to Endocrinologist
ldmoor
Posts: 152 Member
I know several people are looking at low carb/ketogenic as a way to 'fix' metabolic issues, and I wanted to share my results of the endocrinologist appointment from yesterday afternoon. Hopefully it gives someone hope they are on the right track.
So... a little background. I have PCOS, am insulin resistant and a T2 Diabetic. Have been 'morbidly obese' for over 20 years, and low carber for almost 15 at about 100 carbs daily. In Jan 2014, I started low carbing seriously at <100, and was trudging along at less than 3 lb loss a month. In August, I started <50, no change in loss rate, so a few months later, went to <25, and got the same result. I'm a turtle. Metabolically deranged as someone said on another thread.
Thus... in October, at my last endo appt, by blood sugar level was 104, and my hba1c was 4.9 . Good numbers, yes, as low carbing had helped me kick meds to the curb years ago, and my a1c had been between 5.1-5.4 for a almost a decade.
Started ketogenic in mid-Feb with macros of 5%/20%/75% - standard ratios, and a 1400-1500 calorie intake. That was a huge increase for me, as I found out after logging that I had been eating about 1000 cals a day. Huge problem. Not enough food. Now my rate of loss is increased 3X what it was before, even after a three month long stall.
So, as of 4/2/2015, after six full weeks of ketogenic eating, my blood sugar level was 79 !!!! Enough to send the tech into a frenzy and demanding I take glucose immediately as I'm diabetic. After firmly resisting, and saying I would discuss it with the doctor, she was flustered. LOL My hba1c came back at 4.8 . Excellent. Mid range for 'normal'. No meds.
Finally spoke with the doctor and, she is very happy with all my blood tests, as EVERYTHING came back in the normal ranges. Except Vit D, which is genetic. She doesn't want me to change a thing, and never one time told me to keep losing weight or any negative comments. She changed my chart to state 'Nutritional Therapy' which I found highly amusing, as I never told her how I was eating, she didn't seem to care as it was working.
Over the last 15 months, I've lost 45 pounds, so a solid three pound loss a month average. Yes, that is slow, but its still a loss, and I'm hoping that it continues steadily, but either way - Ketogenic and low carbing will be a part of my life forever into the future. Yes, it is a challenge, but nothing else has given me those kind of results in all the years I tried to lose.
I'm Letetia, and I'm a turtle, but today.... I'm a happy and healthy turtle.
So... a little background. I have PCOS, am insulin resistant and a T2 Diabetic. Have been 'morbidly obese' for over 20 years, and low carber for almost 15 at about 100 carbs daily. In Jan 2014, I started low carbing seriously at <100, and was trudging along at less than 3 lb loss a month. In August, I started <50, no change in loss rate, so a few months later, went to <25, and got the same result. I'm a turtle. Metabolically deranged as someone said on another thread.
Thus... in October, at my last endo appt, by blood sugar level was 104, and my hba1c was 4.9 . Good numbers, yes, as low carbing had helped me kick meds to the curb years ago, and my a1c had been between 5.1-5.4 for a almost a decade.
Started ketogenic in mid-Feb with macros of 5%/20%/75% - standard ratios, and a 1400-1500 calorie intake. That was a huge increase for me, as I found out after logging that I had been eating about 1000 cals a day. Huge problem. Not enough food. Now my rate of loss is increased 3X what it was before, even after a three month long stall.
So, as of 4/2/2015, after six full weeks of ketogenic eating, my blood sugar level was 79 !!!! Enough to send the tech into a frenzy and demanding I take glucose immediately as I'm diabetic. After firmly resisting, and saying I would discuss it with the doctor, she was flustered. LOL My hba1c came back at 4.8 . Excellent. Mid range for 'normal'. No meds.
Finally spoke with the doctor and, she is very happy with all my blood tests, as EVERYTHING came back in the normal ranges. Except Vit D, which is genetic. She doesn't want me to change a thing, and never one time told me to keep losing weight or any negative comments. She changed my chart to state 'Nutritional Therapy' which I found highly amusing, as I never told her how I was eating, she didn't seem to care as it was working.
Over the last 15 months, I've lost 45 pounds, so a solid three pound loss a month average. Yes, that is slow, but its still a loss, and I'm hoping that it continues steadily, but either way - Ketogenic and low carbing will be a part of my life forever into the future. Yes, it is a challenge, but nothing else has given me those kind of results in all the years I tried to lose.
I'm Letetia, and I'm a turtle, but today.... I'm a happy and healthy turtle.
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WELL DONE!! What a great thread!0
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Congratulations Letetia! What fantastic news. Although I don't (knowingly at least) have your medical complications, I am obese and am really encouraged by hearing that you have lost weight better by eating more rather than less. I love my food and I hate to be hungry. Good luck and I hope you continue to take such great care of yourself - well done.0
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This is wonderful! Congratulations to happy, healthy you! Thank you for sharing your encouraging success!!0
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Amazing! That is wonderful! Thank you for posting!0
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Oh, this is so wonderful! Good for you, Letetia! This is encouraging! 0
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Wow!0
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Great story!0
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Excellent! This WOE should be the first thing they use to treat diabetes. Every time. Laughing at the 79 freak-out by the tech. That's normal stuff for this WOE.0
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Thats wonderful! I'm so happy for you. I'm very glad I read your post, you remind me of my mom. She was T2 before she had bypass surgery, now she no longer needs medication but she is unable to lose any weight. Even if she eats only 1000 calories a day. She asks me all the time for advice and I couldn't understand why she wouldn't lose weight eating so little. You just opened my eyes, thank you!0
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Congratulations! It's great that your tweaks are paying off so well!0
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I like the fact that instead of staying static and comfortable with your status, that you decided to take charge. You have experimented, go lower, farther, stronger, until you got results!
I am now also figuring out that (and your post confirms it to me) that doctors are more "pill prescribing" than "nutritional prescribing". Which make me think of the phrase, "If you want things to get done right, you have to do them yourself".
That's exactly what you have been doing, you have educated yourself and taught yourself what works and what doesn't.
Kudos to you, you're an inspiration to this group!
Dan the Man from Michigan
It's Ketogenic or Bariatric! How I Found the Ketogenic Diet
Blog #10 Keto: Abbreviations, Acronyms & Terminology Used on the LCD & Keto Discussion Groups0 -
Excellent news! Well done.0
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Congratulations! Your story can inspire so many people, those who are willing to help themselves as you did. You should be really proud turtle!0
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I know several people are looking at low carb/ketogenic as a way to 'fix' metabolic issues, and I wanted to share my results of the endocrinologist appointment from yesterday afternoon. Hopefully it gives someone hope they are on the right track.
So... a little background. I have PCOS, am insulin resistant and a T2 Diabetic. Have been 'morbidly obese' for over 20 years, and low carber for almost 15 at about 100 carbs daily. In Jan 2014, I started low carbing seriously at <100, and was trudging along at less than 3 lb loss a month. In August, I started <50, no change in loss rate, so a few months later, went to <25, and got the same result. I'm a turtle. Metabolically deranged as someone said on another thread.
Thus... in October, at my last endo appt, by blood sugar level was 104, and my hba1c was 4.9 . Good numbers, yes, as low carbing had helped me kick meds to the curb years ago, and my a1c had been between 5.1-5.4 for a almost a decade.
Started ketogenic in mid-Feb with macros of 5%/20%/75% - standard ratios, and a 1400-1500 calorie intake. That was a huge increase for me, as I found out after logging that I had been eating about 1000 cals a day. Huge problem. Not enough food. Now my rate of loss is increased 3X what it was before, even after a three month long stall.
So, as of 4/2/2015, after six full weeks of ketogenic eating, my blood sugar level was 79 !!!! Enough to send the tech into a frenzy and demanding I take glucose immediately as I'm diabetic. After firmly resisting, and saying I would discuss it with the doctor, she was flustered. LOL My hba1c came back at 4.8 . Excellent. Mid range for 'normal'. No meds.
Finally spoke with the doctor and, she is very happy with all my blood tests, as EVERYTHING came back in the normal ranges. Except Vit D, which is genetic. She doesn't want me to change a thing, and never one time told me to keep losing weight or any negative comments. She changed my chart to state 'Nutritional Therapy' which I found highly amusing, as I never told her how I was eating, she didn't seem to care as it was working.
Over the last 15 months, I've lost 45 pounds, so a solid three pound loss a month average. Yes, that is slow, but its still a loss, and I'm hoping that it continues steadily, but either way - Ketogenic and low carbing will be a part of my life forever into the future. Yes, it is a challenge, but nothing else has given me those kind of results in all the years I tried to lose.
I'm Letetia, and I'm a turtle, but today.... I'm a happy and healthy turtle.
I'm 38, PCOS, borderline insulin resistant, but not diabetic. I have hypothyroidism and high blood pressure as a result of hormonal birth control methods which are not optional at this time. I've been Morbidly Obese for a decade at least, I think. I've only been LCHF since 1/15, and Keto since 2/18, and my endocrinologist is the one who put me on the path of eating this way.
I have a check up at the end of this month, and I'm looking forward to some good bloodwork and such. You just made me look forward to my appointment even more! 0 -
Great inspiration! And forgive my ignorance, but why would a 79 blood sugar (was it fasting?) be a problem for anyone? Is that super low or something? Mine usually runs around that number, and it has been lower. Granted, I don't have diabetes, but nobody has panicked over numbers around 80. Educate me.0
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Sounds like tech didn't know much about what a low bg level is for a diabetic...
Dan the Man from Michigan0 -
Way to go. I have type 2 as well and am currently pregnant with my 5th child. I definitely will look up this diet and see how I can use it since I want to be able to control my numbers better.0
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sljohnson1207 wrote: »Great inspiration! And forgive my ignorance, but why would a 79 blood sugar (was it fasting?) be a problem for anyone? Is that super low or something? Mine usually runs around that number, and it has been lower. Granted, I don't have diabetes, but nobody has panicked over numbers around 80. Educate me.
It is entirely possible that her chart/previous blood work levels showed a much higher blood sugar. Therefore, without any reference to dietary changes or health improvements, a 25 point difference in fasting blood sugar levels could be predictive of a crash...0 -
I agree totally with your CALM longterm look at life. we didnt gain it fast, and with metabolic damage 3 lb a mo loss is amazingly great for you, and anyone else who can just keep a steady pace.
I see so many younger and older women start with the water fasts, and egg fasts and jerking this and that around their poor bodies have NO CLUE why the F*** is going on..and BALK at losing. This is what metabolic syndrome is..nothing is stable, nothing is normal for the body to depend on.
Your body: Imagine you are in first grade, and every day you are made to sit in a different spot, or not talk to the same kids, or they make you wait 4 hours for food, or make you stand in the hallway to do lessons, or new teachers daily, or dont turn of the lights for a nap,,,,,totally confusing…..dogs and cats LOVE a routine, so do humans, it's safe, you relax, and manage stress better, picking a path and sticking to it, having stability can only be good.
As women we are designed to HOLD onto fat no matter what to keep the species going…but when something doesn't happen FAST enough for us, (modern instant gratification) 2 months or 8 month may be Nothing for the body that is damaged to slowly know what's going on and trust to let go of stored fat. If people want fast loss then just eat at 200 calories over starvation levels, the body knows what that is.
LCHF is claimed as a last ditch attempt by many, nothing else works, but the pace isn't appreciated…..it has to be fast, too…like all the others that didn't work.
as we see everyone is so very different..yet we want that same success of a fast 25 or 40 pound loss that a few had. Research is showing that just having more health for longer may be the best result of this WOE, dying skinny with low cholesterol is not to be aimed for.
Idmoor your example of a steady pace of KETO I HOPE will help others to trust and continue.0 -
KnitOrMiss wrote: »sljohnson1207 wrote: »Great inspiration! And forgive my ignorance, but why would a 79 blood sugar (was it fasting?) be a problem for anyone? Is that super low or something? Mine usually runs around that number, and it has been lower. Granted, I don't have diabetes, but nobody has panicked over numbers around 80. Educate me.
It is entirely possible that her chart/previous blood work levels showed a much higher blood sugar. Therefore, without any reference to dietary changes or health improvements, a 25 point difference in fasting blood sugar levels could be predictive of a crash...
Ok, and can see how that might be the case, but I thought it was the phlebotomist that said that, not someone that would have her chart. Need to go back and re-read all the above posts.
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sljohnson1207 wrote: »KnitOrMiss wrote: »sljohnson1207 wrote: »Great inspiration! And forgive my ignorance, but why would a 79 blood sugar (was it fasting?) be a problem for anyone? Is that super low or something? Mine usually runs around that number, and it has been lower. Granted, I don't have diabetes, but nobody has panicked over numbers around 80. Educate me.
It is entirely possible that her chart/previous blood work levels showed a much higher blood sugar. Therefore, without any reference to dietary changes or health improvements, a 25 point difference in fasting blood sugar levels could be predictive of a crash...
Ok, and can see how that might be the case, but I thought it was the phlebotomist that said that, not someone that would have her chart. Need to go back and re-read all the above posts.
No, you are right, it was the phlebotomist. But that person could remember her or had access to her chart since she was testing blood sugar or just been warned before taking the bloodwork of the previous result, etc. I know some doctors will do this for all of their diabetic patients having fasting bloodwork. There is no telling without more context. 0 -
@ldmoor; great news and a great result. Well done on your perserverence.0
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sljohnson1207 wrote: »Great inspiration! And forgive my ignorance, but why would a 79 blood sugar (was it fasting?) be a problem for anyone? Is that super low or something? Mine usually runs around that number, and it has been lower. Granted, I don't have diabetes, but nobody has panicked over numbers around 80. Educate me.
At University of Michigan hospital, and their clinics, a diabetic having their status taken by the nurse has their blood glucose taken immediately, then the a1C, weight, etc. It is policy that EVERY diabetic under 80 be given glucose immediately, as it is a symptom of a blood glucose drop. No exceptions... unless of course, you are a stubborn middle aged ketogenic low carber. LOL
The doctor was not concerned at those numbers, because I have not taken meds for years. The techs, however, are given a set policy to follow so no one crashes in clinic. She was more worried about getting in trouble if I would get lightheaded and fall, because all she knows is my T2 diagnosis - not my medical record. That happens after the testing is over, and we head to the room. They usually do not look ahead at the chart until they start taking history. She calmed down after she got a chance to talk to the doctor.
Numbers from 75-90 in a fasting state are healthy, and nothing to worry about for a normal individual. Numbers in that range for a diabetic are usually indicators something is not right.
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sljohnson1207 wrote: »Great inspiration! And forgive my ignorance, but why would a 79 blood sugar (was it fasting?) be a problem for anyone? Is that super low or something? Mine usually runs around that number, and it has been lower. Granted, I don't have diabetes, but nobody has panicked over numbers around 80. Educate me.
At University of Michigan hospital, and their clinics, a diabetic having their status taken by the nurse has their blood glucose taken immediately, then the a1C, weight, etc. It is policy that EVERY diabetic under 80 be given glucose immediately, as it is a symptom of a blood glucose drop. No exceptions... unless of course, you are a stubborn middle aged ketogenic low carber. LOL
The doctor was not concerned at those numbers, because I have not taken meds for years. The techs, however, are given a set policy to follow so no one crashes in clinic. She was more worried about getting in trouble if I would get lightheaded and fall, because all she knows is my T2 diagnosis - not my medical record. That happens after the testing is over, and we head to the room. They usually do not look ahead at the chart until they start taking history. She calmed down after she got a chance to talk to the doctor.
Numbers from 75-90 in a fasting state are healthy, and nothing to worry about for a normal individual. Numbers in that range for a diabetic are usually indicators something is not right.
Thanks. That is very helpful information.0
This discussion has been closed.