Didn't expect this: I'm borderline pre-diabetic

[flex]

Really? Really?

Doesn't run in the family, but the doc thinks it may be from my drinking days and liver issues? She suggested more exercise and cut back on fruit (I eat a lot of fruit), since I'm not a big-time candy or donut eater. I'm going back in a couple months to be re-tested.

Are there some good websites out there for diabetics to use for their diet? I'm kind of curious as to what foods I should steer towards. tia

[iamali]

Oh flex, I'm sorry, that sucks!

I don't have any resources, but wanted to wish you a Happy Dia de Las Muertas. Did you put your skulls out yet?

[Bonita]

Diabetics do really well with the Zone Diet - it ranks carbs into categories, like best choices, use in moderation, etc.

Several of my family members who are diabetic or pre-diabetic have done really well with it....I try to follow it somewhat, but I'm not super strict with myself

Here is the site: www.zonediet.com/tools/zone-classic

If you click on "Download Zone Blocks Guide" that opens a pdf that shows the better choices vs. not so good choices

I'm so sorry about this, I would have never thought that would be the case!

[flex]

HI ALI!! Happy Dia de Las Muertas to you too! : )

I've had those skulls out since I've been back. The big one (named it "Gorro") is in my kitchen, and the little one ("Calavera") is on my desk at work. lol

[starlily]

My knowledge is based only on having had gestational diabetes. And since GD and my family history make me prone to developing type 2, prevention is a topic that interests me.

Check out the website for the American Diabetes Association. Lots of good info there, including info on pre-diabetes.

On the GD diet I had to follow, the keys for me were diligently counting carbohydrate grams at every meal, making sure that carbs & proteins were balanced at each meal, and doing 20 minutes of cardio after dinner. I did have to limit fruit to one serving with lunch & one serving with dinner, preferably berries or citrus. It was also suggested by a CDE that I skip dairy products such as yogurt or milk in the morning.

There is also some research that supplements such as vitamin D and chia seeds help improve insulin response.

[flipflopsandwine]

I'm pre diabetic too. I'm on metformin right now since we're trying to get pregnant with number 2 and I'm not ovulating due to the insulin resistance. Dr told me now and after going off the meds I will need to follow a diet similar to what type 2 diabetics do.

[flipflopsandwine]

Bonita, thanks for that link. I'm going to check that out too!

[Deleted]

American Diabetes Association's website it wonderful. My dietitian told me to limit my carbs to 45 grams per meal and 15 per snack with 2 snacks a day.

[flex]

Thank you so much for the advice, ladies--very much appreciated.

[WOT?*]

I'm also at a 45-60 carbs per meal. Reduced the red meats and upped white and fish, more leafy/dark greens and fewer fruits and heavy-carb veggies (potatoes, corn and the like). More water and less coffee/soda/sugary drinks helps too, if that's your necessary evil. I have a sip of DH's soda if I'm craving but won't open a can for myself, that kind of thing. Everything in moderation.

For when you're traveling, I've found that several restaurants (even fast food places - wowsers) have nutritional menus that list the nutritional info, including carbs, and you can generally find something that will work, even if it's a salad. I was surprised how many carbs were in a number of meals I thought were "healthy choices" (or at least healthier) and amended my diet to suit, as well. Even if there isn't a nutritional menu, ordering off a gluten-free option generally reduces the choices and you can pick wisely from the available options.

And the "more exercise" is great -- especially if you do something light after your meals to make sure the system is kicking in like it's supposed to.

Even if you're not diabetic, it might not be a bad thing to buy a glucose meter (and strips) and test for a while to see what is hitting you heavier and what makes your blood sugar spike.

[angelaa73]

Aww bummer flex! I'm sure you can control this sucker through diet. You are such a pro!

[gretchenindisguise]

I think you've gotten lots of great advice.

Just wanted to say - you can do it!

Seriously, once you learn it, it will become second hat and you'll be good

[bab]

Awww flex I'm sorry. This happened to me last year too. I'm not sure what test put you in the pre diabetic zone but for me it was the A1c.
I was able to go down from 6.2 to 5.8 by cutting regular soda, walking on the treadmill, switching to whole wheat pasta (I already ate whole wheat bread), diluting any juice with about 3 parts water or sparkling water and making an effort to trade out one fruit for a low starch vegetable every day. (cucumber instead of pineapple, broccoli instead of an orange etc). You can probably make some minor changes and get this done. Also, don't underestimate stress. That can really fuck up your sugar levels. Try to manage your stress. I think that was (and still is) a biggie for me.

[cleo29]

There was a study they did in Boston (I think) where a person exercising just 90 more minutes per week, plus losing 10 pounds can completely turn them back from being pre-diabetic to no longer at risk.

Honestly, a diabetic's diet is probably the healthiest and most ideal way to eat. A trainer at my gym who also had GD agreed with me when I said if you could really make the change, it's a healthier way to eat.

[ThirdandLong]

There's a lot of good advice already posted. I just wanted to add that while I had gestational diabetes, one important thing for me to do was exercise after meals, so I'd walk on our exercise machine for just 10-15 minutes after eating. It really helped to keep my numbers in check.

[sprky79]

Borderline Pre-Diabetic sounds weirdly bullshit to me. So, you have slightly higher levels than is normal, but you are not diabetic. Is it just your blood sugar? Is your kidney function otherwise ok?

[Jalapeñomel]

Nov 2, 2012 13:16:48 GMT -5 @sprky79 said:

Borderline Pre-Diabetic sounds weirdly bullshit to me. So, you have slightly higher levels than is normal, but you are not diabetic. Is it just your blood sugar? Is your kidney function otherwise ok?

I was thinking this as well. Wouldn´t we all be pre-borderline diabetic at some point in our lives?

[sprky79]

Nov 2, 2012 13:20:12 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Nov 2, 2012 13:16:48 GMT -5 @sprky79 said:

Borderline Pre-Diabetic sounds weirdly bullshit to me. So, you have slightly higher levels than is normal, but you are not diabetic. Is it just your blood sugar? Is your kidney function otherwise ok?

I was thinking this as well. Wouldn´t we all be pre-borderline diabetic at some point in our lives?

I mean, I am most definitely sensitive to the topic of diabetes. but almost pre-diabetic? Weird.

[ThirdandLong]

Nov 2, 2012 13:16:48 GMT -5 @sprky79 said:

Borderline Pre-Diabetic sounds weirdly bullshit to me. So, you have slightly higher levels than is normal, but you are not diabetic. Is it just your blood sugar? Is your kidney function otherwise ok?

It basically means that your red blood cells have started carrying around more sugar than before indicating that you may be starting an overall systemic change. You see this in A1c results.
www.mayoclinic.com/health/a1c-test/MY00142/DSECTION=results

[Jalapeñomel]

Well regardless, I think being concerned about what you eat is a good thing, diagnosis or not.

I thought you went Paleo, Flexie? I hear that it is supposed to be great for those who are on the spectrum for diabetes.

[laptopvixen]

onoes!!

I'm sure you'll turn it around, you're always so good with your diet advice.

[sprky79]

Nov 2, 2012 13:27:28 GMT -5 ThirdandLong said:

Nov 2, 2012 13:16:48 GMT -5 @sprky79 said:

Borderline Pre-Diabetic sounds weirdly bullshit to me. So, you have slightly higher levels than is normal, but you are not diabetic. Is it just your blood sugar? Is your kidney function otherwise ok?

It basically means that your red blood cells have started carrying around more sugar than before indicating that you may be starting an overall systemic change. You see this in A1c results.
www.mayoclinic.com/health/a1c-test/MY00142/DSECTION=results

I do understand being concerned about A1C rates creeping up. That makes more sense to me.