Any diabetics using the FB?

[llchevy56]

Wondering if there are any diabetics out there who are using the FB and working towards weight loss?  I'm insulin dependent and trying to lose weight but more importantly trying to regain my health and physical strength while balancing everything.  A challenge a day! Love to hear your stories....

[JerriAnn]

Yes I am close to losing 50 pds. It took me 10 years! I lost most of it this past year.Count calories.. be honest. Your young and it will be easier than It has been for me 65 Eat breakfast. Evening mealEat light. No bread at night. CutThe pop. No fast foods.  Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

[Cali13]

Brookelyn, 

Make sure you check out the full site.  I love that I can log foods and give me the nutrients, carbs, etc.  I try and put my foods in a day ahead so I can plan.  I can always go back and tweak it later.

[dancefoxtrot]

Brookelyn,

You might want to read The End to Diabetes by Dr, Fuhrman, MD. Check out his site too. 

If you lower carbs and sugars you can use less insulin. Ask your MD about T1 groups about nutrition and managing the condition. 

You can eat lots of veggies except potatoes and corn as they are high carb foods. 

You can eat nuts, seeds, not chips.  Of course no soda or juice. 

You can do this. I bet there is a facebook group for T1 or some good websites with support groups. 

It helps to know that you are not alone.

Best,

Barbara G

[JavaJ]

Working more towards just fitness as the weightloss seems to do what it wants no matter what I"m eating or doing *sigh* 

Anyone else with LADA?  Docs aren't sure if it's LADA or if I really did develop type 2 so young.  I"ve since been diagnosed with some other autoimmune issues.  

[FrenchieMama]

I just came back from my 3 month diabetic checkup and my A1C is down to 5.5 from last time it was 5.8. I am doing the happy dance!!!!!! I have lost 62 lbs now and my doctor said I don't need to lose another pound and that I look fantastic!!!!!! I can't believe it 🙂 soooo soooo happy and I feel healthy and well. He cut my metformin in half and now it's 250 in the am and 250 at dinner. 🙂 anyway just wanted to share my joy. I am turning 62 next Wednesday and I have lost all my weight since end of April!!!! hope you all are having successes and I realize that doesn't mean just success on the scale but in many areas of life. It can happen!!!!!

[JavaJ]

FrenchieMama that's awesome!!!

[FrenchieMama]

Thanks so much @JavaJ. I am so committed to wellness now. I didn't realize how bad I felt till I felt good!!!

[Earth]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March. I started out with my a1c being 11.9. I got it down to 7.2 and struggling to make it lower. A big part of my issue is my weight gain from depo provera. My fibit is a really big help. I challenge myself to be more active. Its hard bc I am behind a computer for 8/9 hrs daily but I am making it work. Little adjustments here and there, that I know I can stick with. 

[Jost48]

Hi Tracy.  Type 2 here as well.  Was on all the oral stuff (metformin, gliburide, statins).  They wanted to put me on insulin but I dug in my heels, went low carb, increased activity, and lost weight with FB.  Took a long while but I'm off of meds.  You are currently Insulin dependent and may remain so.  You may also find you become much less dependent.  My weight goal was just a little above my high school weight.  Not kidding about the low carb approach.  No white carbs except cauliflower. 🙂  No wheat, rice,potatoes, quinoa,.....  Nothing with a high glycemic index.  Keep an eye on the proteins also unless you are weight training.  Depending on metabolic needs, a portion of the amino acids get metabolized into glucose.  A starting reference is Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. That's only a starting reference.  It's a little dated when it comes to fats, but it has information about diabetes that is invaluble.  I love my FB although I am disappointed that I can no longer chart my BP and glucose.  You'll always have your diabetes.  That doesn't mean you can't kick it's ass a little. 🙂

[JerriAnn]

Brookelyn
don't use insulin as an excuse for not losing weight. Get educated at a diabetic center.
A lot of people including me use insulin. I probably will be on insulin the rest of my life. I did lose the weight and exercise. I got my A!C down to 6.0. Being 66 years old that is good.
But because I didn't take it seriously 11 years ago my A1C tests were terrible. And now I am stuck with pills and insulin.
People lose weight different ways . You have to figure out what works for you. My son counts calories. He lost 70 pds since last May. He has a fit bit as well.

Like a said you have to be truly honest on what you eat.
80% eating habits and 20% exercise is what I hear most of the time the key to losing weight.

Good luck. Losing weight for me was fun just to be able to buy new smaller clothing.

[ConnieJo]

This is the last post I see on here regarding diabetes. I am new to fitbit and also a type 2 diabetic. Currently my A-1C is 6.7 and I would say I am about 20 lbs overweight. I have been diagnosed diabetic since late 80's and am 66 years old. I didn't take my diabetes seriously when I was younger. As with most things, when you are young, none of these things appy to you. I hated having to think about everything I ate, constantly and rebelled against it. I am taking it seriously now. My A-1C has always been good but other things aren't looking as good now. GFR running low is scary.

When I was younger, when I put my mind to diet and exercise, I never had a problem loosing weight. Not so now. Since starting fitbit, I have been logging 10,000 steps+ a day. Eating slighty below calorie count and always burn more then i consume. I am not a big advocate of calorie counting. Low fat, low carb is what I attempt to do. And I love my carbs. Thank God the holidays are over.. I try to eat low fat low carbs.

Anyway, I am finding at my age, weightloss isn't as easy as it use to be.

Any suggestions on boosting that? 

[Jost48]

Hello ConnieJo

I'm a 67 y/o Type 2. My Hbaic has been as high as 10 on meds. I was on
Glyburide, Metforman, and Statins per guidelines until I got angry and took
control. Currently, I'm off meds with an Hbaic of 5.9. I did this with
exercise (mostly strenuous walking), low carb diet, and weight
control. Your question seemed to be about dieting and weight control from
a diabetic point of view. This is what I discovered worked for me (from a
diabetic point of view).

I'm a Type 2 diabetic. I do produce some insulin (seems to be at a basal
rate) but my first phase insulin response is severely impaired (if I eat
sugar, bread, some kind of processed high Glycemic Index carb it takes a
real long time for my sugar) to go down. My answer is to eat no more than
50 to 60 NET carbs a day. I also try for around 40 grams of fiber making a
total of about 100 grams a day). Yeah, that means salads and low GI
vegetables (no corn, potatoes, rice, wheat , quinoa and such). No 'white'
carbs except for cauliflower. 🙂 It took me years to get over craving
carbs. I still cheat from time to time. It wasn't as bad as quitting
smoking though.

You have to watch your proteins as well. Apparently a portion of amino
acids get metabolized into glucose (the amount varies, depending on
metabolic needs. I've read anywhere from 30 to 60 percent. I am not in a
position to really know. This is only what I've read. I have noticed that
if I eat a heavy load of protein in the evening, my morning sugars seem to
reflect it. I try to aim for 1 to 2 grams of protein per kilo of body
weight. That is usually around 75 to 100 gram of protein.

I try to make it up with fats (about 60 to 70 percent of my caloric
intake). Yeah, I hear the screams. To make it even worse I seek out
saturated and mono saturated fats. 🙂 Coconut oil and olive oil, almond
and macadamia nuts are my main sources. It's hard to find a lot of animal
fat; particularly when I'm watching my proteins. If you saw what I ate,
you might even think my diet was low fat. Maybe not. 🙂

With proteins, I am concerned about Grams
With Carbohydrates I am concerned about Grams
With fats, I am more concerned about percent. As with carbs, I'm using
fats as an energy source. Micronutrients are important,but with my salads
(and low G.I. vegetables) and proteins I seem to get enough.

So, for me and me only:
Fat 60- 70 percent; It's the one I can play the most with.
Carbs - No more than 60 NET grams a day; preferably less (it comes to
around 12 to 15 percent of my diet)
Protein - no more than 100 gr a day, usually less (something like 15 to 20
percent of diet)

Alcohol gets transformed into fatty acids (fat) which you are trying to rid
of, They are not a great idea if you are trying to lose weight. This is
unfortunate because it's nice knowing you can have a glass of a
dry cabernet and not send your sugar through the roof.

When I am using Fitbit to lose weight, I try to exceed their goal by as
much as possible. I don't like dieting and I want to get it over with.
Yeah, I calorie count big time. When I'm trying to lose weight, I obsess
on it. I weight myself daily. Yeah, I know I'm not suppose to do that but
I don't care. I want to know!! I keep records. I make it a project. As a
diabetic, I keep careful track of my sugars. It's a no brainer that your
sugars go down during a diet. Its making sure you readjust when you reach
your goal that is the challenge. Stay on your feet and move around. I
dance during commercials. Everyone around me knows I'm a diabetic. They no
longer offer me that "real small piece" of cake. 🙂

For my goal, I picked the weight I was during senior year and added five
pounds. I look skinny, but I don't care. I feel great!

There is a lot of information out there on low carb dieting. I have a
bookshelf on diets, nutrition, and diabetes. The web has a lot of
information as well. Some ideas you find will be stupid and you have to
decide if there is anything worthwhile in them. Also, simply because
something has the imprimatur of a medical establishment, doesn't mean they
know what they are talking about. Food is a peculiar subject.

There have also been changes in the dietary paradigm we (the Western
world) developed during the 50's. Food is itself has political, ethical,
and religious implications. For my part, I look for the science.
Unfortunately, most of the food studies I've read seem kind of bogus. Let
me be exact. Most of the abstracts I've read seem bogus. There seems to
be a lot of junk science out there -- from all camps

I hope this has helped or, at least, given you a direction NOT to go.
lolol This approach has worked for me. Diabetes is with me until I die.
It's my enemy and fighting it is a daily battle. Some days I lose. Most
days I can kick it in the face. 🙂

Have a good one

John

[Jon_P]

Hi Connie,

Right there with you.. You sound like me.. Suddenly you get a little older and it all gets a little harder.  In my opinion, weight loss is about 80% diet and 20% exercise; particularly for those of us blessed with this lovely ailment.

The key is to target things with a low glycemic index and not starve yourself.  Big green salads and veggies are the key to success.  Stay away from dead, whilte carbs; rice, white potatoes, etc.  Sugar really is the enemy as are things that have a glycemic effect so while diet sodas don't have the calories, they fool your body into anticipating sweetness and can cause cravings as your body wonders where the "sweet" is...

My target has been to change my balance to getting most of my calories from a plant-based diet.  I still eat meat, fish, dairy but less of it.  It has worked for me with my last A1C at 5.2.  I've lost 60 pounds since I started.  I exercise regularly but my focus is cardio vascular health not weight loss; sure it contributes but I don't count on it.

None of this will happen overnight.  What worked for me was gradually adopting the good; replacing diet sodas with fresh water; adding more veggies to my diet, incresing the number of nutrients per calorie consumed.  I have a Bobble bottle now and enjoy drinking water and iced tea.  I really like salads but the challenge was taking the time to find a decent one during the work day or prepare one vs. looking for something quick at a drive thru.

  I found Rubbermaid makes these awesome storage containers that keep things fresh when precut.  Now I prepare things in advance and can quickly assemble a salad at work; spinach, chick peas, tomatos, cukes, sprouts, mushrooms, topped with a yougurt-based dressing (40 cals per serving vs. typically 100)  It fills me up ans I'm going way out of my way to eat healthy.

Eating healthy is hard because so much of what is sold commerically is just terrible for us; MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated anything...All of these things have to be cut out of your diet.  They just aren't healthy and will contribute to weight gain.

Highly recommend reading Joel Furhman's Eat For Health/Eat for Life or books like John Gabriel's Gabriel Effect.  Society is finally coming around to understanding what many of these guys have known for years; WHAT you eat makes a big difference.

The Fitbit keeps me on target. I set goals and make sure I stay on track.  Good luck.  You are worth the effort!

[JavaJ]

awesome post John!  Do you find smaller meals more often help keep your sugars more stable?  I found that to be true for me - but it's a lot harder to fit within the typical North American day.

[SunsetRunner]

Hi, I was just diagnosed "pre-diabetic" - A1C - 6.5.

Trying to control w/ diet alone. Went to a nutritionist ... my heads still kind of spinning.

Working on a balanced diet - counting carbs.

Welcome advice, pointers, etc.

Thanks!

[JerriAnn]

How old are you?6.5 isn't the end of the world at 65. If you are alot younger you are lucky.you have a better chance lower  your a1c.Just keep on top of it.and you will be around for your 100th birthday.
It is easy to let your self go and end up with complacations. Millions of people do.
Good luck.and get educated about diabetes. 


Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

[Jost48]

That sounds like a good idea JavaJ.  I think I'm more a slave to my cultural conditioning.  My biggest meal is in the EARLY evening which is a bad time to have it.  The only thing worse would be eating a large meal in the LATE evening. I suppose I could think about breaking it up more.  If I don't have that early morning spike in sugars, my sugars tend to remain stable throughout the day, gradually decreasing towards the evening..  At present, I have four eating times (including a light low carb, low protein snack)  Here's an article I just came across which is somewhat related.  I do not vouch of it's accuracy.

http://www.vox.com/2016/2/17/11034546/eating-late-night-bad-diet

I'm going to think more about your idea. It makes uncomfortable sense.  Grrrr,, I hate change! lolol

[ConnieJo]

This all sounds familiar.. I was diagnosed in late 80's and have heard it all, it seem.. I took it very seriously at 1st, then eventually, not so much.. 

At this point, I am 66, weigh in at around 175 and 5ft 7.. I did cardio exercise everyday for an hour, some treadmill and tone up 3 days a week with 3 lb weights for now. It took awhile to do cario for and hour but I finaaly manged it and feel really good about it. Before that, I tried reaching 10,000 on treadmill and just general walking. I didn't seem to benefit as much. 

I know for me, I have found easiest rule of thumb is, "Anything that comes from an animal is protein and EVERYTHING else is sugar". Have been doing this long enough, tho not consistantly, that I know my low fats and best carbs. I do eat a 45 calorie wheat bread, occasionally, but not daily. I will also have the occasioal baked potatoe. I don't do rice of any kind. Doesn't matter if its simple or complex, it does a number on my BS. I stick to green veggies, mostly. I love broccoli. I avoid procesed food as much as possibe and am not much of a salt eater. If I can taste it, I don't like it. I have switched to Himalayan Mountain Salt. It hasn't been processed and no chemicals have been used to make it the white we are mostly use to. It is actually pink and it doesnt take much to season with. It also won't mess with your B.P. either. Tho I don't have a B.P. issue.. I hav dveloped a issue with my GFR that we r trying to get starightend out. Last work up it was 41. I am having other medical issues that can possibly be th cause so one thing at a time.. 

I am not certain is the above medical factors are a contributor, but I just can't seem to take weight off.. My calorie intake is always lower then what I am allowed altho not by much. Don't want my body to think I am starving it. I hit 10,000 steps to 16,000 steps everday also. usually average 6 miles a day.. I have only ben tracking everything since the 15th of Feb and am already over 70% of the 70,000 step goal. I will say my stamina is much improved and I do mentally and physically feel much better..

Thank You fo sharing and all input is most welcome..

Connie

[divedragon]

haven't read a lot of this thread, but for those T2D you might be interested to read this series:

https://intensivedietarymanagement.com/historic-perspective-obesity-hormonal-obesity-1/

Dr Fung works with a lot of T2D.

[JerriAnn]

Jon P
you are 100% right. I do the same thing. Two years of no soda pop of any kind and I gave up fast foods. I pigged out on both for years and paid for it. I lost 47 pds.

Now I have to give in and eat more green veggies. I eat some but that has been tough for me.

Fitbit gets me exercising .