A.m. Blood Glucose Readings Type 2 Diabetes

[toninasky]

I am a type 2 diabetic, diagnosed in January. Have been following Atkins since then and have lost 22 pounds. Weight is at 140. My blood pressure has gone down to l28/ 58, good since I have coronary artery disease, with stent. My AC has gone to 5.3. I take Glucotrol 10Mg, and also am on Hyzaar 100/25, Cardizem CD 300.

I am trying to get off of the Hyzaar or at least have it lowered, and also getting the Cardizem to 240Mg. Doctor not cooperating with that idea. At least not yet! He has said that he is considering removing the Glucotrol. I hope!!!

My question is, why is my blood glucost test, before breakfast going to between 130 and this morning 144. Could eating Salami have anything to do with it. I can't think of what I am doing differently. I also eat the carb solution bars as a treat, sometimes 1 a day.

I take Magnesium, Chromium Picolate, B150, Coq10,Vit C 500, Biotin, Flax seed oil, borage oil, both in capsule form to help with constipation and hard bowel movements. Vit. E, and L Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Can anyone offer any other help with supplements. I really would like to hear comments also on what could be raising the blood glucose readings in the A.M. Mid day and Evening are good ranges from 90 to 105.


Toni

[Lisa N]

...Have your morning readings always been higher than the rest of the day and how close to bedtime to you eat?

[toninasky]

Hi,

Yes and no. They are usually a bit higher around 118 to 130. Never been as high as today. There are only 2 things I have done differently this past 2 days. 1. I added borage oil capsule, and 2 I drank decaffinated Vanilla Hazelnut coffee. I am wondering if the coffee, it is ground, and must be brewed, could be the problem. Does Vanilla affect blood glucose. Also the borage oil does not say that there is no sugar. I am going to stop both and see what happens. Late this afternoon reading was 99. I eat dinner at 4:00, and usually have a half of a carb solution bar, or a teaspoon of peanut butter before bed, near 11:00P.M.

HELP!

Is inositol a good supplement that I should consider? I really watch the carbs, so I am confused right now, and a bit concerned that perhaps my pancreas is having a problem.

Toni

[Lisa N]

It might be the coffee, but it's doubtful unless you are drinking it before you test; fasting blood sugars should be done as soon as possible in the morning and before you eat or drink anything. I really doubt it's the borage oil.
Blood sugars can go up for no discernable reason at all. Being a women, I've noticed that hormone fluctutions have a distinct impact on my blood sugars...usually up roughly 10 points once a month like clockwork during TOM.
Stress can raise your blood sugars. Illness can raise your blood sugars even before you know you're sick. Same thing with pain and injuries. A temporary increase may be nothing to worry about, but it bears careful watching. Since your blood sugars are good the rest of the day, I don't think it's a problem with your pancreas or you'd be seeing consistently higher blood sugars all day.
Your body is definitely less sensitive to insulin (either your own or that which you inject) in the morning hours, so you could simply be seeing the effects of that. You're also going a considerable amount of time without eating anything substantial (from 4 PM until breakfast the next morning) and you may be seeing the effects of a glycogen dump in the morning. You could try eating your dinner later in the day to see if that helps.
I also sometimes have strange reactions to artificial sweeteners and those low carb bars, so that may be something to consider dropping to see what effect it has.
If your blood sugars continue to go up, definitely let your doctor know what's going on.

[c6h6o3]

Try switching to Atkins Advantage bars. If you're a GNC Gold Club Member they're about $18.00/box of 15 during 20% week. (Like right now.) They don't seem to raise my glucose much at all unless I eat 1) more than 1 per day or 2) eat one after 8 PM. Even then it'll only bump my morning fasting reading by 5 mg/dl or so.

Carb Solutions bars bump it about 15 mg/dl. Spring the trap door on 'em.

[toninasky]

Thanks for the insight.
What is in the Carb Solution bars that would raise the blood glucose readings? I am wondering if it is the newest flavor that I have added that is causing this. I just bought the Chocolate fudge almond, and I wonder if that is my problem??? I usually take a half before I go to bed.

I have another question for anyone. Could the borage oil supplement be affecting my liver, and causing rise? I have read that it can cause liver problems. I tried Evening Primrose Oil and that added to the constipation. I only went to Borage for some help in that direction.

I am really confused, and unhappy with these readings. I was doing so well. I guess I am worried that my Pancreas is going to start to have problems, and I will never get off Glucotrol!

I refuse to give up, but I really need to find the answer to why the rise. If I mention it to my doctor at this point, he will only raise the medication level. I don't want that. I have worked too hard to reverse my health. I am tired of drugs.

Does anyone take Inositol? I have heard that it is helpful.

[c6h6o3]

I take Inositol. See the Chromium Picolinate thread in this forum.

[toninasky]

I also take Chromium Picolate. Will check out that thread.

Thanks.

[c6h6o3]

Originally posted by toninasky

What is in the Carb Solution bars that would raise the blood glucose readings?

Who cares? If it raises my blood sugar, I dump it. Let them do their own R&D.

[toninasky]

GOOD POINT! Blood Glucose reading this morning at 129.

Started taking Inositol.

Thanks!

Any other comments on high A.M. readings would be appreciated.

[c6h6o3]

I find that my morning fasting reading is always higher if I eat the night before. Even if it's pure protein, any food after 8PM makes a real difference the next morning, sometimes as much as 20 mg/dl difference. The only exception to this is Sugar Free Jello, which is a free food just like diet soda is.

[toninasky]

I have tried not to have a snack at night, but since we eat very early, it is really not that easy to do. Hopefully I can find a happy medium.

[ramonamom]

There are two main reasons for high fasting readings. One is called "dawn phenomenon" and the other is gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying). The treatment for them depends on which you have.

I would highly recommend the book, "Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution". It goes into great detail about gastroparesis and even tells you how you can test at home to see if you have it. I will give you a hint: If you skip supper one night and your blood sugar is lower the next morning, then your problem could easily be the gastroparesis. If it is still high, you are more likely looking at the dawn phenomenon, which is a hormone thing related to the liver.

There are some things you can do to try and change these readings, but I can't go into it all here. Read the book! You could also do some searches on both of those things on the web.

Best wishes - let me know how it goes!

Ramona

[toninasky]

Thanks Ramona.

I really appreciate the input.

Will check out more, and I believe I will read the Bernstein book. You know, I started to buy it, and instead went to the Atkins books. I believe that both have lots to offer at this point, and I think it is time I gave Bernstein equal time>

Will post more as I go through this

[c6h6o3]

Originally posted by ramonamom
There are two main reasons for high fasting readings.

There aren't only two main reasons for anything when it comes to diabetes. If there's one attribute which can be said to characterize diabetes more than any other it would be, in my opinion, complexity . There are at least a dozen main reasons for high fasting readings in my body. There are at least a dozen in your body and some of them are probably different from whatever's going on in me. In addition to the dawn phenomenon (whose cause is as yet unclear to medical science) and gastroparesis, there is also the process of gluconeogenesis to consider. And, as Dr. Bernstein puts it in his book:

"Although the mechanics of the dawn phenomenon aren't yet entirely clear, research suggests that the liver deactivates more circulating insulin during the early morning hours. It doesn't matter whether you made the insulin yourself or injected it; the liver has no preference. " - Text, p. 84.

Then there are also the following to consider: adrenaline surges due to stress, infection and medications for other conditions. The "Chinese Restaurant" effect may also come into play.

That's seven variables right there. I'm sure Dr. B. could come up with about a dozen more right off the top of his head.

I've always gotten into the most trouble with my blood sugars when I begin to think that the mechanisms and the solutions are simple. They're not. They're extraordinarily complex.

[toninasky]

I certainly agree with you about the complexity of this disease.

But I have found that learning from others in talk forums like this and Joslin, that I can feel a bit more optimistic just knowing that what works for another may not work for me, and what works for me may not work for someone else. For some reason there is comfort in the thought that we, who communicate our feelings, trials, tribulations, and ah hah! moments are really helping to educate and give the support we may not get from folks who just don't get it!

If I ate 45 or more carbs a day, I would be huge, and Iwill never allow any dietician or doctor tell me otherwise. One of the things I have learned in this past 6 months or so, is that I am in control of my body, and I do know it better than anyone.

My only source of dissapointment is that I cannot stop taking the blood pressure meds since I could cause more harm than good. But, I will continue to pressure him to lower the dosages.

Thanks again, and it looks like I have more reading to do.

[c6h6o3]

Originally posted by toninasky
I believe that both have lots to offer at this point, and I think it is time I gave Bernstein equal time

If you have diabetes, Bernstein is the ONLY solution. Any other approach will eventually make you sicker and fatter, and that includes Atkins.

[toninasky]

Will have to let you know what I feel after I have studied Bernstein. Up until now, I have had great results with Atkins in all areas, heart, blood pressure, and Diabetes. But, I am an open minded person, and will give the good doctor a read.

Thanks

[kjturner]

I 'do' Bernstein and frankly, the Atkins OWL program is nearly identical. The only thing is I try to keep total carbs to about 30/day as per Bernstein recommendations. I don't understand why anyone would think Atkins would make you fat and not be good for diabetes (?)

[c6h6o3]

Only the induction phase is good for us. The other phases involve fruit and grain products which can take you over 30 grams / day. It's great for a while, but isn't tailored for a lifetime of dealing with impaired insulin production.

[Sherrielee]

Yesterday, I kept my carbs at about 15g for the whole day, calories around 1000. I ate a tuna melt on LC bread about 7pm for dinner. I had SF jello about 11pm and went to bed at 1am. I also did a mile on the treadmill after breakfast and dinner.

Today was the 1st day since I have been measuring BG (about 2 1/2 months that I had a "normal" BG. (103) I am hoping to get it down to the 80-90's.

I also lost 2 lbs over the last 48 hours....who knows if it's the exercise, diet or Metformin? I am putting my money squarely on Dr B's diet and exercise!

Thanks for the SF jello tip c6h6o3!

[toninasky]

thanks for the info. I am going to buy Bernstein's book today.

I know that I can't eat the grains and fruit, so I guess that I am following the induction diet with Atkins completely. I will see what the difference is with Bernstein, besides the carb totals.

I will try the Jello, although I am not a dessert or jello person.

[toninasky]

At this point I do agree with Kturner. I don't go over 30 carbs in any day, and I believe that the Atkins Diet has definitely brought me much closer to health in my blood pressure and certainly my numbers are better for the Diabetes.

Thanks to all, and I would like to continue hearing from all of you and others.

Thanks a bunch!

[Lisa N]

I can't honestly say that I believe that this should become an Atkins vs. Bernstein thing. I believe that either plan can be very helpful to diabetics and a lot really depends on how much pancreatic function you have left. Should a diabetic read both books? Definitely! There's helpful information and tips in both of them. A few more that you might want to consider for an even broader perspective are The Schwarzbein Principle and Protein Power. In either case you should be "eating to your meeter" which means that you need to carefully assess which foods you can have and maintain a stable blood sugar and which ones you can't.
I follow primarily Bernstein in that I don't exceed 30 grams of carb per day, but there are aspects of Atkins in there as well as occasionally I do include some berries or melons when they are in season. I have tested this with my meeter and as long as I don't eat fruits alone, it works for me. As I get closer to my goal weight, I may be able to push my daily carb allowance to 40 grams or perhaps even slightly higher. Only time and my meeter will be able to show me that.
For those with very little pancreatic function left, grains would probably be out of the question but for those that still have a good amount of pancreatic function left, whole grains in moderation may be quite doable.
Test, test, test....and keep an open mind. :)

[toninasky]

I totally agree! How can you tell what your pancreatic function is?

Is it just with the blood glucose readings and what you are eating?


I test 2 times daily. My late afternoon or evening readings are usually between 86 and 96. It is just that A.M. reading that really has me going. I do know when I eat something wrong, because those norms turn into highs immediately. I cannot tolerate carbs!
I know it for another reason. As soon as I indulge in a pasta, I want to sleep for hours. That, by the way, is the only food that I really, really, miss!

Thanks again. Keep those comments and ideas coming.

Toni

[kjturner]

I agree that the more you test the better. When I started this I turned myself into a pincushion, but now I understand quite well how my body reacts to food and exercise. I have also discovered that strawberries in season have virtually no effect on my BG. I do know that strawberries are considered to be very high in fiber, so I guess that's the secret. (Just for grins I ate two (yes two) pints in one sitting then tested every 15 mins for two hours. I only went up 15 mg/dl--a mere pittance. One low carb meal bar will do that too) I also know that 1/2 cup cooked carrots will raise my BG as if I'd had a candy bar!

[Lisa N]

How can you tell what your pancreatic function is?

There are blood tests that can show how much insulin your pancreas is still capable of producing, but most doctors would be fairly hesistant to order those types of tests unless they believed that there was a real need to know that.

The other way is to go by your meeter readings. What makes it interesting is that we can all react differently to the same foods. Those 2 pints of strawberries that kjturner ate would probably cause a much bigger blood sugar rise than 15 points in me, while 1 cup would be just fine. A diabetic friend of mine can eat steel cut oats without a problem, but when I tried it I spiked but ground flax and wheat bran with Splenda and cream has very little impact on me. I can eat raw carrots without much of a problem, but cooked carrots will cause a spike (probably because you're breaking down the fiber by cooking them). Tomatoes and raspberries are no problem for me, but they may cause a spike in someone else.
As you lose weight and your insulin sensitivity increases, you may find that foods that once spiked you don't anymore so don't assume that because they spike you now they always will (this only applies to T2's of course). Once I get closer to my goal weight, I plan to re-test a lot of different things to see what my body can handle at that point and what it can't. On the flip side, you can't assume that because a food doesn't cause a spike now that it never will. Daily testing is soooo important as well as keeping a careful log of what you've been eating so that if you get an unusually high reading, you can go back over what you ate recently and hopefully spot the offending food.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, depending on how you look at it), we have to be our own guinea pigs when it comes to what we can eat. In my case, I look at it as fortunate because having the ability to test how foods affect me means that I can tailor an eating plan that works for me and not be stuck with one that works for someone else and I can keep adjusting it as I go. :thup:

[toninasky]

I am sooo glad that there are those who agree that what is good for one diabetic, is not always good for the other. I hope that I can get to a point where I might be able to add some grains and fruit. But if it turns out that my body won't accept them, than I will stay where I am. Being healthy, and losing the weight is more important to me.

One of the things that I realized when I was diagnosed, and started the Atkins diet, is that my favorite meal is Breakfast, and that is where I focus my attention to a large meal. Usually I have hard boiled eggs, and a half Carb solution bar for lunch, and for dinner I almost always have fish (Tillipia) or chicken, and a large salad. I REALLY enjoy salads.

Last night I had some of the sugar free jello about 9:00 P.M. with 2 tablespoons of whipped cream. Blood glucose reading this morning was 118.

Also started taking Salmon oil capsules, and I guess there is some controversy about Fish oil and what it can and can't do for type 2 diabetes. I will continue to take it unless I see a problem. One of the things they say it will lower is triglycerides, and mine were in the 700 range before I was diagnosed. SHOULD HAVE BEEN CLUE TO DOCTORS THAT I WAS DIABETIC. Funny that I had to ask for the test for my hubby and I. I WISH I HAD THEIR SALARIES!

This board is very helpful for encouragement and good info.

I hope I continue to get feedback, and I hope that I can start giving some help to others through this forum

HAVE A GREAT DAY, AND KEEP THOSE POST COMING!