After a blood test around 18 months ago, my doctor told me my A1C score: 164, which indicated I was in the diabetic range. I asked my good doctor, “What can I do?”
“Stop eating anything white,” she responded.
I followed her directions. I cut out all bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, flour, and most processed sugar. (I could still have low carb yogurt every few days at 8 carbs). I started eating lots of cheese, meats, more vegetables/ salads, and exercising at the YMCA 2-3 times per week.
The weight fell off almost magically as soon as I established a low carb diet. I studied carb content at the grocery stores but I did not have to count calories. The rule of thumb I used is anything I eat should be under 5 carbs (now maybe 8-10 after I have achieved the weight loss I was after). I started at 163 lbs and now I weigh in at 118, after 18 months. I lost the first 30 lbs in 3 months on this new diet.
My last A1C reading was 153. My new doctor has reported to me:
“You had diabetes, and now you do not have diabetes.”
I am not even in the pre-diabetic range! I am still, however, quite careful to maintain my low carb diet and exercise regime. Sure, now I will have a 7 carb piece of chocolate every 2-3 days. But still I am not eating bread, pasta, rice, flour, most sugar, or potatoes. This is a lifestyle change for me, not a temporary diet.
It is ironic that around two months ago my dog Sophie was diagnosed to be diabetic. I am hoping my own newfound awareness about the importance of changing to a healthier diet will help Sophie, too. I now cook for her based on researching a diabetic dog’s dietary needs. I believe we are doing pretty well so far in stabilizing Sophie’s glucose. Insulin, two meals 12 hrs apart with a small, low carb treat mid-day, and walks after every meal and treat.
images are from pixabay.com
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Most excellent!
Congratulations.
I am so happy for you and Sophie.
Diabetes is a horrible, avoidable disease.
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Thank you, Clavielle. I wish I had known especially before Sophie’s diagnosis, because for dogs it is almost always type I so we will be on insulin for life. Her glucosamine test which measures a monthly average came in at a close to Good (low Fair) reading, so we are going to slightly increase her evening insulin and hopefully that will get us into the good range on that and glucose. I think/hope dearly the change in diet and walking after all meals should help her live a long and healthy life!
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Congratulations! I’m glad you’re out of that hole. I should pass this to my sister ❤💙
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Tell her to check out a “no white” diet, mainly avoid bread , potatoes, rice, flour. You can eat most or low glycemic veggies, meat, cheese all you wan5. Still on the diet after more than two years and still not diabetic or gaining weight!
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I will, thank you for the information.
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