I can’t find the proper place for introduction thread, so I’ll try here.
I’m so glad the email for the new community came today; on Monday I got the news that my A1C has me at 6.4, the very top of pre-diabetes. My father and his mother were both Type 2 diabetics.
I’m frustrated and sad because I eat (I think) fairly healthy. But that’s with rose colored glasses because I snack at night and probably my portions are too big (eat for the taste, not fullness).
I read Intuitive Eating a few years ago but haven’t “done the program” you might say.
I can very well understand your anxiety and frustration Sera. My A1c was 6.5 last year. Happily I had come across a web site called Blood Sugar 101 so I immediately read the book (same name) and got educated about what I could do. I also joined a online diabetes forum which provided me with good insights (food alternatives) and answers to my questions. Since last year I have seen my A1c drop to 6.3 then 5.9, next 5.5 and last reading was 5.4.
The bottom line is - don't get angry - get solutions! Yes it takes some changes (same as IE), but once you find what works for you, you can then focus on your life as you want it.
Hi Sera,
When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 over 10 years ago, my A1c was 9.something. I didn't even know what that meant but I quickly caught on it wasn't good for me. After embracing IE as a way to support ED recovery, which I was desperate to resolve, my A1c happened to come down to the 5's. I've been ED recovered for 5 years now, and have both been able to stabilize my weight from a lifetime of pretty intense yo-yo-ing, as well as maintain an A1c, currently at 5.2. Doctors are amazed and even endocrinologists can't grasp that I don't struggle/restrict/"diet" in some way. When I tell them I healed my relationship with food, they look at me blankly and with hesitant praise. Such are the tentacles of diet culture that a "normalized" eater engenders confusion.
Hi Sera,
When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 over 10 years ago, my A1c was 9.something. I didn't even know what that meant but I quickly caught on it wasn't good for me. After embracing IE as a way to support ED recovery, which I was desperate to resolve, my A1c happened to come down to the 5's. I've been ED recovered for 5 years now, and have both been able to stabilize my weight from a lifetime of pretty intense yo-yo-ing, as well as maintain an A1c, currently at 5.2. Doctors are amazed and even endocrinologists can't grasp that I don't struggle/restrict/"diet" in some way. When I tell them I healed my relationship with food, they look at me blankly and with hesitant praise. Such are the tentacles of diet culture that a "normalized" eater engenders confusion.
I concur JP - that medical professionals are just too 'numbers' driven instead of working with the body lived in. I have not been diagnosed as even 'pre-diabetic', but I do want to prevent slipping into that disease. I had my nurse practitioner Rx me a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) so I could see how my body reacted to carbohydrate dense foods. It was helpful, but sadly the app program is geared towards assisting diabetics with insulin administration which I do NOT need. I found myself slipping into being 'captive' by the numbers - yikes! I think its not so cut-and-dry when it comes to what is 'high' or a 'spike'. I found discrepancies in what was claimed to be 'good/harmful' levels and how my body reacted and recovered quickly from spikes.
Hi. I have a high A1C at 6.4 and was told by my specialist to cut the carbs. That would require a diet, yes? So how does one apply intuitive eating to that problem? Blood sugar 101 suggests a low carb programme. Quandary...
Blood Sugar 101 is NOT a 'program' - it was written by a diabetic who made use of forums like this one to 1) understand diabetes and 2) choose her path for working with her own body. Yes lowering carbs can feel very diety! But what IE has helped me with is finding my own way in this process. What has been working for me is to replace ONE food at a time with a lower carb alternative that I can enjoy. Its the feeling of deprivation that trips me up so with not 'missing' a favorite food, the deprivation doesn't trip me up.
I also joined an online diabetes forum where I learned about several alternatives that have now become 'standard' foods in my life. And while Keto IS a more strict 'diet' that others follow, I allow myself to pick and choose, never beating myself up if I eat something that isn't 'keto'.
In the last year my A1c has dropped from 6.5 to 5.5, all just by switching out higher carb foods for lower carb choices. I love to bake and eat 'goodies', having tackled and mastered (for myself) gluten free baking, so now taking on lower carb 'treats' is what I am doing.
Don't let the 'process' dictate to you! acknowledge what is important to and for YOU, then slowly develop YOUR plan and food choices. Best wishes!
Thank you so much for your reply. Very sensible. I shall start by making low carb bread and flatbread because I LOVE bread. I usually try to find sourdough when I can and have in fact baked it myself although the process is time consuming! I do have some low carb alternative recipes so I shall go ahead and try some, including low carb ice cream! I am no longer following any diet. Blessings on your day!
I hope you can find a 'bread' that pleases you. lo-carb bread is very challenging since the flours and lack of carbs for yeast to work with, are very different from usual bread making. I first turned to chaffles (cheese waffles) as my 'bread' alternative (there are many You Tube videos on chaffles!) I just came across a wonderful lo-carb baking book that has me drooling (lol). Take care not to get sidetracked so that you forget your ultimate aim - to eat as your body appreciates.
