Need help for my daughter - High Insulin

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  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
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    High insulin is most often caused by insulin resistance. This isn't always the case, but accounts for the great majority. It is highly associated with Type II diabetes and suggests that there is some sort of underlying problem.

    OP, I suggest that you ask for a referral to a qualified dietitian who can help your daughter create a meal plan. Depending on how the next round of bloodwork comes out, insist upon a referral to an endocrinologist. They are the specialists who can help your daughter far more than a general doctor. I have Type II diabetes and see my regular doctor and an endocrinologist. My primary doctor is great for many things, but she will admit that does not have the expertise in diabetes management that I deserve. I can't tell you how much hearing her say that increased my already elevated level of respect for her.

    You are going to get a lot of different suggestions here.

    Is your daughter currently using a glucose meter? If not, it will be difficult to tell how different ways of eating will affect her body. If the doctor is suggesting low-carb, she could start by setting her macros for weight loss to 25% carbs. I make up for the lack of carbs by increasing my fat intake. I'm certainly not recommending that she does this without her doctor's consent, but she needs more guidance from him/her than "eat low carb".

    Best wishes!
  • MarziPanda95
    MarziPanda95 Posts: 1,326 Member
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    aggelikik wrote: »
    One can eat healthy but too much of it, as you can see from your daughter. Follow dr's instructions, but also have her watch her calories.

    That's what I was thinking, too. If the daughter isn't losing, and is gaining, then she's eating too many calories. OP, is it possible she could be eating behind your back? I only ask because that's what I used to do as a child, and I ballooned.
    As for the carbs, insulin etc, I'd rather you ask a medically professional rather than people here.
  • goldengirl111
    goldengirl111 Posts: 684 Member
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    http://thediabetessummit.com
    They have great info.
  • himilayaneyes
    himilayaneyes Posts: 204 Member
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    Seeing a dietician would be a great idea. People with high insulin levels typically should aim for an hour of exercise daily...that's what a lot of the endocrinologists I know recommend. An endocrinologist would also be a good person to see. I wouldn't just depend on the opinions on here...but would suggest professional guidance.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
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    toadhunter911 wrote: »
    YOU CAN NOT REVERSE OR CURE DIABETES!

    "Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
    Our work has shown that type 2 diabetes is not inevitably progressive and life-long. We have demonstrated that in people who have had type 2 diabetes for 4 years or less, major weight loss returns insulin secretion to normal."

    http://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/reversal.htm
  • Suavecito72
    Suavecito72 Posts: 1 Member
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    Get referred to an Endocrinologist soon. A general practitioner is just that, general. You need the help of a Dr that specializes in diabetes and if her thyroid is also an issue the same specialist can get her back on track and educate you on how to positive life long changes. Good Luck!!
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
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    yarwell wrote: »
    toadhunter911 wrote: »
    YOU CAN NOT REVERSE OR CURE DIABETES!

    "Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
    Our work has shown that type 2 diabetes is not inevitably progressive and life-long. We have demonstrated that in people who have had type 2 diabetes for 4 years or less, major weight loss returns insulin secretion to normal."

    http://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/reversal.htm

    Many (not all) type 2 diabetics can eliminate symptoms entirely by returning to a healthy weight. Does that count as "reversing" diabetes? It depends on who you ask. I've heard the argument that if someone is required to stay at a healthy weight in order to prevent recurrence of type 2 diabetes, then that means they are essentially treating type 2 with diet and exercise. Personally, I disagree with that point and find myself annoyed by those who complain that they it is so difficult to prevent obesity-related health conditions that preventing obesity itself is akin to treating a disease.

    The OP has not provided enough information for us to understand exactly what is happening, though, and I'm unclear why the OP's daughter is finding it hard to lose weight. While I'm fully aware of the difficulty of losing weight with high levels of insulin (I'm a double diabetic myself and have both the education and experience to discuss these topics intelligently), it isn't clear exactly how the dr. determined that the OP's daughter is producing a high level of insulin, whether the root cause is insulin resistance, over-active alpha cells, or if beta cells are over-active independently of those other factors. Knowing the root cause is important because the advice to give could be complete opposites depending upon what is causing the issue. In fact, the wrong advice in this case could quickly lead to hypoglycemia and possibly even death.

    So here is my advice for OP's daughter: See an endocrinologist. Do not rely upon a general practice doctor because this is very complicated and high risk.
  • kkzmom11
    kkzmom11 Posts: 220 Member
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    lorrpb wrote: »
    I am sorry for your daughters situation. What did doc mean when he dais low carb? This should be the guide on how to set nutrients. Can doc refer you to s dietician for guidance? High insulin is a medical condition with potentially serious results, including coma. I would encourage you to seek more specific qualified Medical advice before seeking random advice on internet. If doc can give you macro guidelines, people here can give tips on how to meet those goals. Good luck.

    what i highlighted. many, if not most, of us here on MFP are not medical professionals. and we don't know your daughter or her medical history. therefore, you or your daughter need to contact a medical person in your local area, or her doctor can recommend someone, to give her more information. MFP isn't a substitute for medical advice from ACTUAL medical professionals.

  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
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    I have (had) prediabetes which I have mostly reversed with a LCHF diet. I followed Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution book and had very good results.

    I'm actually very LCHF and am in ketosis. I eat about 25% protein, 70& fat and 5% carbs, usually under 30 g of carbs per day. I eat a lot of meat, eggs, cream, cheese, nuts, and low GI veggies. I eat no grains or added sugars, at all, and I eat very little fruit beyond berries.

    Walking or exercise also helps bring down BG levels.

    You could also try looking at the Low Carber Daily Group for more people who are eating LCHF. Best wishes.
  • flamingblades
    flamingblades Posts: 311 Member
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    I am also a very slow weight loser. I am on several meds that I believe have something to do with it. My doc and I are working on getting off some of these meds. Meanwhile, I see a nutritionist as well, and I just log in to my food diary while in her office and she keeps track of my food and exercise that way, so we can discuss how to keep healthy while reducing. One good thing has come out of all of this in that my A1C has dropped from 7.0 to 6.3 since the end of July. When a person has more difficulty getting off the weight, see a nutritionist or dietitian.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,464 Member
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    midwesterner85 wrote: »
    yarwell wrote: »
    toadhunter911 wrote: »
    YOU CAN NOT REVERSE OR CURE DIABETES!

    "Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
    Our work has shown that type 2 diabetes is not inevitably progressive and life-long. We have demonstrated that in people who have had type 2 diabetes for 4 years or less, major weight loss returns insulin secretion to normal."

    http://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/reversal.htm

    Many (not all) type 2 diabetics can eliminate symptoms entirely by returning to a healthy weight. Does that count as "reversing" diabetes? It depends on who you ask. I've heard the argument that if someone is required to stay at a healthy weight in order to prevent recurrence of type 2 diabetes, then that means they are essentially treating type 2 with diet and exercise. Personally, I disagree with that point and find myself annoyed by those who complain that they it is so difficult to prevent obesity-related health conditions that preventing obesity itself is akin to treating a disease.

    The OP has not provided enough information for us to understand exactly what is happening, though, and I'm unclear why the OP's daughter is finding it hard to lose weight. While I'm fully aware of the difficulty of losing weight with high levels of insulin (I'm a double diabetic myself and have both the education and experience to discuss these topics intelligently), it isn't clear exactly how the dr. determined that the OP's daughter is producing a high level of insulin, whether the root cause is insulin resistance, over-active alpha cells, or if beta cells are over-active independently of those other factors. Knowing the root cause is important because the advice to give could be complete opposites depending upon what is causing the issue. In fact, the wrong advice in this case could quickly lead to hypoglycemia and possibly even death.

    So here is my advice for OP's daughter: See an endocrinologist. Do not rely upon a general practice doctor because this is very complicated and high risk.

    My point exactly, even if I didn't word it as clearly as you did. Thanks.

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