Sugar doesn't seem to budge

[uma_anne]

Several weeks ago I embarked on a concerted mission to purge bad carbs from my diet as much as possible. That's not to say that I wasn't carb conscious before. But I used to allow myself a weekly treat or so, and if I ate out on the weekend perhaps I'd sneak a bite of bread here or there.

Anyway, when I embarked on my "mission" the only sugar I allowed myself was in the form of a few frozen berries in my morning protein shake. Everything else has been protein, veggies and maybe a snack of cheese for the rest of the day. I've been eating nuts sparingly.

Initially I had post prandial readings that I'd never really had before that I was very happy with! I was in the 80s regularly, and dipped down in the low 70s a few times even.

However the past 2 weeks I notice that my sugars seem to be the same value all the time. So, for example, this morning my fasting level was 92. And for the rest of the day, even 1 hour and 2 hours after eating it was 92. Last night before going to bed when I tested it was 92.

The only time it seems to go down is after exercise.

I'm not sure if I should be happy with consistent readings in the 90s. I'm a bit frustrated b/c given my diet, and after having been as low as I was the past few weeks, I don't know why my numbers don't seem to budge. I'm thinking I should be satisfied, but was hoping that my morning fasting levels would be lower. Should they be, or is it good for my sugar to stay the same all day long, in addition to when it's a fasting value?

[itotito]

How many grams of carbs are you getting a day ?

What is your biggest one time carb load during the day ?

It sounds like your levels are being entirely dictated by your liver and not by your carb load.

[Coravh]

Try not to get too obsessed with the numbers. It is quite possible that numbers in the 90s are perfectly fine for you. They may be your "natural" level. Everyone is different and there is nothing wrong with numbers in the 90s. In fact, I know that for diabetics, especially type 1s, they don't want you driving if you are below 90 in case you go low. It's for safety reasons.

[uma_anne]

Thanks to you both for your responses! I'm trying not to obsess, but given my age I want slow the progression of my Type II as much as possible so I can live a long life while being healthy!

Ito - I didn't think of the liver at all but it totally makes sense. Is there anything I can do to stop this aside from taking medications? Or is this just part of being a diabetic that I can't control?

I haven't really been keeping track of the exact number of grams a day. Generally this is what I've been eating:

Breakfast: protein shake (contains 1 scoop protein powder that is unsweetened, small handfull of frozen blueberries, 1 cup of water and occasionally I'll add a few tablespoons of full fat coconut milk)

On the days I don't have a protein shake I have one boiled egg white and unsweetened white tea.

Lunch: Chicken breast with raw spinach

Snack: Either string cheese or turkey cold cuts with with raw red cabbage

Dinner: Any sort of protein (broiled fish, turkey meatloaf, or chicken) with veggies

[itotito]

Originally Posted by uma_anne

Thanks to you both for your responses! I'm trying not to obsess, but given my age I want slow the progression of my Type II as much as possible so I can live a long life while being healthy!

Ito - I didn't think of the liver at all but it totally makes sense. Is there anything I can do to stop this aside from taking medications? Or is this just part of being a diabetic that I can't control?

I haven't really been keeping track of the exact number of grams a day. Generally this is what I've been eating:

Breakfast: protein shake (contains 1 scoop protein powder that is unsweetened, small handfull of frozen blueberries, 1 cup of water and occasionally I'll add a few tablespoons of full fat coconut milk)

On the days I don't have a protein shake I have one boiled egg white and unsweetened white tea.

Lunch: Chicken breast with raw spinach

Snack: Either string cheese or turkey cold cuts with with raw red cabbage

Dinner: Any sort of protein (broiled fish, turkey meatloaf, or chicken) with veggies

It looks like your liver is working just fine if it is keeping your levels at 90ish. A "normal" person's liver ensures that the level does not go too low when fasting and keeps it between 72 and 100. I believe that's where the magic 100 number comes from on the fasting test.

Controlling the liver is very hard. Met does it a little.

That seems like a really lean diet. I don't see much fat in there and I don't see many carbs. Are you keeping a healthy body weight ? I suspect your 1ac is going to be low.

The only thing I would watch is to not compromise the nutrients you need just to avoid your glucose being slightly higher. Slightly higher will not make things worst with time, but poor nutrition can hurt you elsewhere. For example make sure you get your calcium to prevent osteoporosis. Sure milk has a few carbs, but the benefit will outweigh the harm if taken in moderation, at the right time.