pre-diabetes

[bceogirl]

Hi everybody,

Reading the post about cholesteral made me think I might get some answers asking this here. I really got nothing from my doctor.
I recently had a fasting test for diabetes and it came back 103. The dr. said not to worry until it's at least 110, but research I've done says that's not the most recent info and now 103 is considered prediabetes.

My dad has type 2, diagnosted in his 50's. I am 42 and I dont' want to just sit around and watch the numbers rise, but I have no idea what to do! Information I've read says to do pretty much what I already do. I exercise 6-7 days a week (cardio & weights and its mostly Cathe, so you know it's not wimpy stuff!!;-) ), I am 5'5" and under 120 pounds. I try to eat more frequent, smaller meals and eat whole grain bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, etc... instead of the white stuff. I love veggies and fruit... and get plenty in my diet most days.....although I do admit to binging on junk food occasionally. That's not that often though, usually mostly around TTOM.

Any suggestions?? I want to do everything I can to stop from becoming a diabetic.
Thanks!

 

[pink_fortitude]

It sounds like you are on the right track! The only other thing that I would suggest is alway eat protein when you eat carbs. This keeps your blood sugar levels even. When you eat simple carbs especially, your pancreas shoots a mega dose of insulin into your blood stream to even everything out and what is left over results in carb or sugar "crashes". I am trying to find a website to better explain the effects of sugar on the pancreas but I am having a hard time finding one where I can pronounce half of the words at least... Hold on. Michele, can you help?

Missy

 

[Miss Lee]

Becky,

I think you're okay and I wouldn't worry too much about it. You have to look at the numbers in their proper context. Prediabetes generally refers to someone who is overweight or obese (especially around the abdomen), has a high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. I don't think you fit that profile. Just be aware that you have a greater risk because your dad has type 2 diabetes, but that by no means is a guarantee that you will develop diabetes.


Michele

 

[Miss Lee]

Missy--you're doing good! What you're referring to is what happens when we eat too many simple carbs and then our body responds by releasing insulin. Eventually, you can become resistant to the insulin resulting in high blood sugar. This is kind of what the South Beach Diet is all about (just to give a referrence that most people can relate to).

Michele

 

[andtckrtoo]

I agree with the last poster. My dh is the only member is his entire family who does not have diabetes. His brother has had 3 heart attacks and still is not changing his ways. DH tested slightly higher than normal for blood sugar on his last appointment (he's 55), and the doctor said that given his history, he's doing everything right, but he just has to continue.

 

[bethj]

The carbs you eat are healthy, but do you get any protein or healthy fats in your diet? Too many carbs, even healthy, will affect your blood sugar. In fact a study just published found that diets balanced in protein, healthy fats, and healthy carbs beat diets higher in healthy carbs for improving weight loss, blood pressure, insulin levels and other risk factors.
Beth