Pre Diabetes Progression

[Markus86]

Good day everyone,

Hoping I can get some advice from the community. August 2022 I was feeling tired all the time and generally not doing too great physically. I went for bloods arranged by my GP (Doctor in the UK) and all appeared normal apart from being told I was borderline diabetic with a result of 42mmol/mol. I’m 5ft 10 and at the time weighed 92kg so slightly overweight for my height, but I have done a fair bit of weight training over the years and also up to the point of that test.

The doctor suggested I try and lose some weight despite me being quite muscley as this would bring my BMI down. He also suggested making some diet changes and perhaps incorporating some cardio vascular activity as part of my workout routine.

Fast forward to January 2023 and I had another bout of feeling tired but also accompanied with dizziness. More bloods done and again everything looked normal but my HBA1C level had gone up to 43mmol/mol, this is despite losing 10kg in body weight and exercising 3-4 days a week. Doctor believed my tiredness and dizziness was a bug that had been going round and not related to my HBA1C levels and would test again in August 2023.

Last few weeks my diet has been very poor as my daughter has been in and out of hospital, relying on a lot of snacks etc and it certainly hasn’t been balanced. I’ve been suffering with tiredness again, frequent urination, and my first ever bout of thrush. Could these symptoms be an indicator that my pre diabetes has progressed to Type 2 diabetes in less than 12 months ?

I’m booked in for a blood test next week, as I know that’s the only definite way to get an answer, but I am a worrier, and can’t help but panic that this has progressed. I have history of diabetes in my family, and alot of my worries stem from seeing my Uncle deteriorate with his diabetes, he eventually had to have diabetes multiple times a week and sadly passed away from complications related to diabetes last year.

Any advice would be much appreciated

[Dreamjoy]

To keep your diabetes under control, check your blood sugar levels frequently, ideally 4-6 times a day. This helps you understand how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication so you can make necessary adjustments.

Use a blood glucose meter to prick your finger and get a blood sample. Normal blood sugar levels for most non-diabetics are 70 to 120 milligrams per deciliter. For diabetics, aim for 80 to 130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after starting a meal. Write down your results and look for patterns to better manage your condition.

Checking at consistent times, such as when you first wake up, before and after meals, and at bedtime provides the most useful data. Be diligent - missing even one or two readings can impact your treatment plan.

If your blood sugar Is often higher or lower than the target range, consult your doctor. They may adjust your medication, meal plan, or exercise routine. More frequent blood sugar monitoring, up to 8-10 times daily, may be needed to stabilize your levels.

Don't get discouraged if it takes time to reach healthy blood sugar levels. Diabetes management is an ongoing process that requires—patience and commitment to your health. Monitoring regularly and making appropriate changes will help avoid complications and allow you to live well with diabetes.
To keep your diabetes in check, your diet is one of the most important things you can control. Focus on eating regularly and choosing foods that help stabilize your blood sugar.

Make smart carb choices
Choose high-fiber, complex carbs like whole grains, beans, and starchy veggies. These release glucose slowly into your bloodstream. Limit simple carbs like white bread and rice that spike blood sugar.

Watch your portion sizes
Even healthy carbs can raise blood sugar if you overeat them. Measure out proper portion sizes and stick to them, especially for carb-heavy meals.

Add protein and healthy fats
Having protein, fat, or both with carb-containing meals helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Good options include nuts, seeds, olive oil, fish, eggs, dairy, and lean meats.

Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water and other non-caloric beverages to avoid dehydration and help your medications and insulin work better.

Incorporate Regular Exercise into Your Routine for Diabetes Health
Regular exercise is key to controlling diabetes and maintaining health. Adding physical activity to your daily routine can help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote weight loss.

[oleguy]

I am in my late 70's  sounds familiar.  I switched over to various fermented foods and took some supplements to eradicate a possible parasite invasion of my gut.  Concentrated on gut first. Stopped the processed snacks late at night.  Include some fresh leafy greens at least once a day. Big improvement.  There is a huge amount of help available on line but you will find many many contradictions about what works.  Your body will give you some pretty specific signals . I would suggest  you start with finding any items you might be sensitive to and concentrate on your gut health.

[specialmom]

Can you tell me more about the fermented food?

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello, welcome to the forum. First, very sorry you've gone without a response until now. And also sorry about the hard time with your daughter. I hope all  has resolved with her health.  You had additional blood work and am wondering what it revealed in late May. 43 mmol is still prediabetes level, fyi.  Give us an update and let us know what has happened since.