Pre-Diabetes since being on South Beach

[TX3t3b]

I was always told that I never had to worry about diabetes because my sugar always ran on the low side. Now that I have been on the South Beach Diet I have been diagnosed as having a syndrome called Pre-Diabetes. Has anyone else experience this?

Blood results went from 107 down to 105 and down to 100. That was fasting blood glucose tests. As you can see it has been going down, but now my doctor wants me to take another test because he wants me checked for diabetes. To me it seems if it keeps going down, that's good. Why do a 2-hour test where you have to drink something very, very sweet? I've worked too hard to rid myself of the food cravings. Don't want this test and then go back to eating everything in sight, when I don't think the test is needed. It is my understanding the Pre-Diabetes can be controlled or improved by diet and exercise.

Anybody with Pre-Diabetes have any suggestions as to what foods to avoid on this diet? I thought it was a pretty healthy diet.

By the way, my cholesterol has improved and all were in the normal range.

I read something that said diabetics should make pasta, bread, cereal, or rice part of every meal. I'm trying to lose weight so I don't eat any pasta, bread, or rice (not even whole wheat). I do occassionally (haven't for a long time) eat some South Beach cereal from Kraft (which is whole wheat). I'm wondering if because I'm not eating pasta, bread, cereal, or rice if that is causing the problem.

Anybody want to throw their 2 cents in?

[lorka150]

I can't answer all of your questions, but I do know that it can be genetic - regardless of your diet (however, there are preventative measures). Are you eating veggies and fruit that are a little starchier?

Either way - take the test. I realize it's still going down, but it can't hurt. And frankly, wouldn't you rather drink it than take any sort of risk? I've had to do it a few times, and it didn't make me crave anything. Sometimes it' sjust better to be safe than sorry.

You can always get a second opinion, if you are that diligent, also.

[Kimboroni]

SB is an excellent plan for prediabetes-- it goes right to the core issues that are involved with it, so it would not cause prediabetes unless followed incorrectly. It is more likely that you already had the other markers for it from previous ways of eating, but were never tested for the markers because your fasting blood sugar was fine.

The list of criteria in the main SB book (p. 76-7) is as follows:

• High cholesterol
• High ratio of bad cholesterol to good
• High blood pressure
• Central obesity
• High triglycerides
  To which I would add (that's still Dr A talking):
• Small LDL (bad cholesterol) particles

Notice that high blood sugar isn't on the list. Prediabetes is associated with the indicators where your body is being set up for the possibility of repeated high blood sugar in the very near future. It can be reversed with a good diet (like SB), plus exercise helps a lot as well.

I wouldn't be in favor of drinking something high GI that helps further the prediabetes risks. Some doctors are used to that old school test, so a second opinion is a good idea. If they are following the newer indicators, they can test your blood for the things above (although I believe the book says the particle size test is expensive) instead.

Another good test is the glycosylated hemoglobin (HgA1C), which looks at an average blood sugar reading over the last few months. Dr Sears of The Zone also suggests getting a fasting insulin test.

That's the research side of things, so now for the personal side. I was also warned of prediabetes by my doctor, but I was in denial and didn't pay attention. It got worse and worse with my US pyramid eating, and then I discovered SB. After losing something like 60 pounds, I was back to a similar weight as when my doc warned me of prediabetes, but this time my bloodwork was good. She said to keep doing what I was doing, and that SB is a great diet (she wished that she had written the book).

I'm not sure why you aren't eating grains if you're on SB, though. We should eat them-- we just need to watch the types and portions very carefully. It is based on good carbs, good fats, and lean proteins. Do you have the book? What does a typical day's SB menu look like for you?

Compared to other suggested cereals, the SB brand cereal is not that great of a choice. Old-fashioned oatmeal is a much better choice. Uncle Sam is a great choice if you want a cold cereal.

[7of9]

I am pre-diabetic and my guide is a ninety day test called an A1C. I determines how well you are maintaining blood sugars and it is my understanding a true judegment of your condition. Anything ove 6 is borderline, 7 you're pushing it and anything over 8 you get to go on insulin. I really want to know how well South Beach is working for people like me?

[Irish-gal]

My Md wanted me to do the 2 hr sweet drink test too. Know why?? My fasting BS was 101. 101 woopee. I declined .(I had to do it with a pregnancy in the past & it was nasty.)
My DH is diabetic& got off insulin with SB . We are careful with carbs.. we don't avoid them. Anyway , My BS on DH's glucometer is usually 90-95. I'm fine!!!! I'm not pre -diabetic & I'm not taking that test!!