Great News! New Cholesterol & BG Results!

As many of you know, I was diagnosed as diabetic in December, when a fasting
blood test shoed blood glucose level of 135 and HbA1c of 9.0. My
cholesterol was high and triglycerides had crept back up to the deadly level
again.

I made a pact at the time with my new Doctor -- who is pro-lowcarb - that
she woudl give me 90 days with no meds to try to rimprove all the indicators
with diet and supplements. I returned to my own version of fairly strict
low carb eating, and this time watched excess calories as well.

I had my 90-day return blood tests Tuesday, and she just called me with the
results. Here they a

12/15/04 3/9/04

Weight: 270 232 ( -38 pounds)
Fasting BG: 135 90 (- 45 !)
HbA1c: 9.0 6.0 (- 3.0!)

Total Cholesterol: 234 188 (- 46 points!)
HDL Cholesterol: 37 38 (+ 1)
LDL Cholesterol: * 106
VLDL " * 44
Triglycerides: 625 219 (- 406 points!)

* LDL and VLDL could not be measured previously because triglycerides were
so high.

My doctor pointed out that there is still a ways to go in further lowering
triglycerides and LDL as well as raising HDL, but overall this was
impressive. She told me that I'm "unique" in being able to control my blood
sugars through diet (and nutritional supplements) alone, as well as
dramatically lower triglycerides and total cholesterol also without
medications. She said I'm her "best patient." (*blushing*)

I really believe that it's more than just my low-carb eating plan that has
made these dramatic improvements in just 90 days; it's a combination of food
choices as well as vitamins and nutritional supplements. For instance, I
take a high-potency B complex daily along with 500mg timed-release niacin.
Also for cholesterol I take daily antioxidants (E, A and C), as well as
garlic and flax oil. Other supplements I take each day include L-Carnitine,
grape seed extract, chromium picolinate, magnesium, zinc, selenium, green
tea extract and CoQ10. Plus a multivitamin. (I recently added 1 tsp of
cinnamon to my regimen; I talked this over with the doc and she also was
aware of the studies showing that a small amount of daily cinnamon can
reduce cholesterol and triglycerides). I eat meats, chicken, fish and
cheeses with no regard to saturated/unsaturated fat content, but rather
watch the quantity of what I eat. I eat plenty of healthy veggies with each
meal and I vary my menus; I never go hungry! I allow myself a "treat" each
day (such as a big glass of Hoods Carb Countdown Chocolate milk, or a couple
of tablespoons of Breyers Carb Smart ice cream, etc.). I've truly been
enjoying my way of eating for the past few months, and for the first time in
nearly 3 years of low-carbing I feel that I can really do this for a
lifetime. It's become not a burden, but a joy! And getting result like I
had today -- well, if that isan't motivation to continue I don't know what
is! Still no meds for me for cholesterol or diabetes!!!

The only negative is that my blood pressure has increased. It had lowered
fairly dramatically a couple of months ago, and I was taken off one of my
meds. Now it's back up. Could be from all the rapid changes in my body.
At any rate, instead of putting me back on the other med (a diuretic) , the
doc took me off of my remaining two at my request (clonidine and a beta
blocker) and instead is substituting one capsule a day of a calcium channel
blocker/ace inhibitot combination -- Lotrel. I didn't like what I had read
about Atenolol possiblt causing insulin resistance. I am so blessed to have
found a doctor who not on ly is pro-lowcarb, but also is happy to have her
patience have some input into their treatment.

My challenge now for the next 90 days is to continue with my regimen, and
add a very mild exercise program. Since I'm 52 years old, still overweight
and have a history of a stoke, I'm not going to go out and start pupming
iron or running! However, there are sensible exercises I can do;
particularly walking. This is more of a challenge than it might seem since
I have a slight disability from my stroke and walk with the aid of an AFO
(ankle -foot brace). But I can do this. If I can be diabetec and not have
to take medications, who knows -- maybe I can put my mind to getting rid of
the brace next, the same way that I threw away my cane 2 years ago. I feel
today that the sky's the limit!

Sorry this was so long. Can you tell I'm, happy? :-)
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

marengo wrote:
:: As many of you know, I was diagnosed as diabetic in December, when a
:: fasting blood test shoed blood glucose level of 135 and HbA1c of
:: 9.0. My cholesterol was high and triglycerides had crept back up
:: to the deadly level again.
::
:: I made a pact at the time with my new Doctor -- who is pro-lowcarb -
:: that she woudl give me 90 days with no meds to try to rimprove all
:: the indicators with diet and supplements. I returned to my own
:: version of fairly strict low carb eating, and this time watched
:: excess calories as well.
::
:: I had my 90-day return blood tests Tuesday, and she just called me
:: with the results. Here they a
::
:: 12/15/04 3/9/04
::
:: Weight: 270 232 ( -38 pounds)
:: Fasting BG: 135 90 (- 45 !)
:: HbA1c: 9.0 6.0 (- 3.0!)
::
:: Total Cholesterol: 234 188 (- 46 points!)
:: HDL Cholesterol: 37 38 (+ 1)
:: LDL Cholesterol: * 106
:: VLDL " * 44
:: Triglycerides: 625 219 (- 406 points!)
::
:: * LDL and VLDL could not be measured previously because
:: triglycerides were so high.
::
:: My doctor pointed out that there is still a ways to go in further
:: lowering triglycerides and LDL as well as raising HDL, but overall
:: this was impressive. She told me that I'm "unique" in being able to
:: control my blood sugars through diet (and nutritional supplements)
:: alone, as well as dramatically lower triglycerides and total
:: cholesterol also without medications. She said I'm her "best
:: patient." (*blushing*)

I think she meant among her patients. Exercise will up your HDL and lower
your Trigs.

::
:: I really believe that it's more than just my low-carb eating plan
:: that has made these dramatic improvements in just 90 days; it's a
:: combination of food choices as well as vitamins and nutritional
:: supplements. For instance, I take a high-potency B complex daily
:: along with 500mg timed-release niacin. Also for cholesterol I take
:: daily antioxidants (E, A and C), as well as garlic and flax oil.
:: Other supplements I take each day include L-Carnitine, grape seed
:: extract, chromium picolinate, magnesium, zinc, selenium, green tea
:: extract and CoQ10. Plus a multivitamin.

I take a multivitamin, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid (a small dose), 3 g of
L-carntine, 3 g of acetyl-L-carnitine, and vitamin C.


::
:: My challenge now for the next 90 days is to continue with my
:: regimen, and add a very mild exercise program. Since I'm 52 years
:: old, still overweight and have a history of a stoke, I'm not going
:: to go out and start pupming iron or running! However, there are
:: sensible exercises I can do; particularly walking.

Good idea....walking is a great exercise to start with.

This is more of
:: a challenge than it might seem since I have a slight disability from
:: my stroke and walk with the aid of an AFO (ankle -foot brace). But
:: I can do this. If I can be diabetec and not have to take
:: medications, who knows -- maybe I can put my mind to getting rid of
:: the brace next, the same way that I threw away my cane 2 years ago.
:: I feel today that the sky's the limit!

Great!

Peter,
your determination in stroke recovery and dedication to bettering your
health are very inspirational!
I am very happy for you, and wish you the best of luck in starting an
exercise program.
Walking is such good exercise, but watch out for the blisters!

Mark.

"marengo" wrote in message
s.com...

As many of you know, I was diagnosed as diabetic in December, when a
fasting
blood test shoed blood glucose level of 135 and HbA1c of 9.0. My
cholesterol was high and triglycerides had crept back up to the deadly
level
again.

I made a pact at the time with my new Doctor -- who is pro-lowcarb - that
she woudl give me 90 days with no meds to try to rimprove all the
indicators
with diet and supplements. I returned to my own version of fairly strict
low carb eating, and this time watched excess calories as well.

I had my 90-day return blood tests Tuesday, and she just called me with
the
results. Here they a

12/15/04 3/9/04

Weight: 270 232 ( -38 pounds)
Fasting BG: 135 90 (- 45 !)
HbA1c: 9.0 6.0 (- 3.0!)

Total Cholesterol: 234 188 (- 46 points!)
HDL Cholesterol: 37 38 (+ 1)
LDL Cholesterol: * 106
VLDL " * 44
Triglycerides: 625 219 (- 406 points!)

* LDL and VLDL could not be measured previously because triglycerides were
so high.

My doctor pointed out that there is still a ways to go in further lowering
triglycerides and LDL as well as raising HDL, but overall this was
impressive. She told me that I'm "unique" in being able to control my
blood
sugars through diet (and nutritional supplements) alone, as well as
dramatically lower triglycerides and total cholesterol also without
medications. She said I'm her "best patient." (*blushing*)

I really believe that it's more than just my low-carb eating plan that has
made these dramatic improvements in just 90 days; it's a combination of
food
choices as well as vitamins and nutritional supplements. For instance, I
take a high-potency B complex daily along with 500mg timed-release niacin.
Also for cholesterol I take daily antioxidants (E, A and C), as well as
garlic and flax oil. Other supplements I take each day include
L-Carnitine,
grape seed extract, chromium picolinate, magnesium, zinc, selenium, green
tea extract and CoQ10. Plus a multivitamin. (I recently added 1 tsp of
cinnamon to my regimen; I talked this over with the doc and she also was
aware of the studies showing that a small amount of daily cinnamon can
reduce cholesterol and triglycerides). I eat meats, chicken, fish and
cheeses with no regard to saturated/unsaturated fat content, but rather
watch the quantity of what I eat. I eat plenty of healthy veggies with
each
meal and I vary my menus; I never go hungry! I allow myself a "treat"
each
day (such as a big glass of Hoods Carb Countdown Chocolate milk, or a
couple
of tablespoons of Breyers Carb Smart ice cream, etc.). I've truly been
enjoying my way of eating for the past few months, and for the first time
in
nearly 3 years of low-carbing I feel that I can really do this for a
lifetime. It's become not a burden, but a joy! And getting result like I
had today -- well, if that isan't motivation to continue I don't know what
is! Still no meds for me for cholesterol or diabetes!!!

The only negative is that my blood pressure has increased. It had lowered
fairly dramatically a couple of months ago, and I was taken off one of my
meds. Now it's back up. Could be from all the rapid changes in my body.
At any rate, instead of putting me back on the other med (a diuretic) ,
the
doc took me off of my remaining two at my request (clonidine and a beta
blocker) and instead is substituting one capsule a day of a calcium
channel
blocker/ace inhibitot combination -- Lotrel. I didn't like what I had
read
about Atenolol possiblt causing insulin resistance. I am so blessed to
have
found a doctor who not on ly is pro-lowcarb, but also is happy to have her
patience have some input into their treatment.

My challenge now for the next 90 days is to continue with my regimen, and
add a very mild exercise program. Since I'm 52 years old, still
overweight
and have a history of a stoke, I'm not going to go out and start pupming
iron or running! However, there are sensible exercises I can do;
particularly walking. This is more of a challenge than it might seem
since
I have a slight disability from my stroke and walk with the aid of an AFO
(ankle -foot brace). But I can do this. If I can be diabetec and not
have
to take medications, who knows -- maybe I can put my mind to getting rid
of
the brace next, the same way that I threw away my cane 2 years ago. I
feel
today that the sky's the limit!

Sorry this was so long. Can you tell I'm, happy? :-)
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

Congratulations! Great test results, and I belt you feel a ton better.

--
Bob in CT
Remove ".x" to reply

Great news Peter! You should be very proud of yourself. Pat yourself on
the back once for me.
Congratulations; Marty

Peter,

Congrats!!!!!!

As far as the blood pressure goes, low carbing will not control my blood
pressure at all.

Ask your doctor why she isn't putting you on an ACE inhibitor or an ARB.
They are recommended for diabetics because they have a very strong
kidney-preserving effect. The ARB worked dramatically for me when a
diuretic didn't work at all to control my blood pressure _while low
carbing_. ARB and ACE inhibitors work on a different system. Since you,
like me, aren't seeing that BP drop from the diet, perhaps the down
regulation of the vasopressin would work for you? That's what ACE
Inhibitors and ARBs both do.

Lisinopril is the one most people use. I experienced facial swelling with it
which is why I'm on the much more expensive ARB. It works great with no
perceivable side effects.

-- Jenny - Low Carbing for 4 years. At goal for weight. Type 2 diabetes,
hba1c 5.2.
Cut the carbs to respond to my email address!

Low carb facts and figures, my weight-loss photos, tips, recipes,
strategies for dealing with diabetes and more at
http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/

Looking for help controlling your blood sugar?
Visit http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/...0Diagnosed.htm



"marengo" wrote in message
s.com...

As many of you know, I was diagnosed as diabetic in December, when a
fasting
blood test shoed blood glucose level of 135 and HbA1c of 9.0. My
cholesterol was high and triglycerides had crept back up to the deadly
level
again.

I made a pact at the time with my new Doctor -- who is pro-lowcarb - that
she woudl give me 90 days with no meds to try to rimprove all the
indicators
with diet and supplements. I returned to my own version of fairly strict
low carb eating, and this time watched excess calories as well.

I had my 90-day return blood tests Tuesday, and she just called me with
the
results. Here they a

12/15/04 3/9/04

Weight: 270 232 ( -38 pounds)
Fasting BG: 135 90 (- 45 !)
HbA1c: 9.0 6.0 (- 3.0!)

Total Cholesterol: 234 188 (- 46 points!)
HDL Cholesterol: 37 38 (+ 1)
LDL Cholesterol: * 106
VLDL " * 44
Triglycerides: 625 219 (- 406 points!)

* LDL and VLDL could not be measured previously because triglycerides were
so high.

My doctor pointed out that there is still a ways to go in further lowering
triglycerides and LDL as well as raising HDL, but overall this was
impressive. She told me that I'm "unique" in being able to control my
blood
sugars through diet (and nutritional supplements) alone, as well as
dramatically lower triglycerides and total cholesterol also without
medications. She said I'm her "best patient." (*blushing*)

I really believe that it's more than just my low-carb eating plan that has
made these dramatic improvements in just 90 days; it's a combination of
food
choices as well as vitamins and nutritional supplements. For instance, I
take a high-potency B complex daily along with 500mg timed-release niacin.
Also for cholesterol I take daily antioxidants (E, A and C), as well as
garlic and flax oil. Other supplements I take each day include
L-Carnitine,
grape seed extract, chromium picolinate, magnesium, zinc, selenium, green
tea extract and CoQ10. Plus a multivitamin. (I recently added 1 tsp of
cinnamon to my regimen; I talked this over with the doc and she also was
aware of the studies showing that a small amount of daily cinnamon can
reduce cholesterol and triglycerides). I eat meats, chicken, fish and
cheeses with no regard to saturated/unsaturated fat content, but rather
watch the quantity of what I eat. I eat plenty of healthy veggies with
each
meal and I vary my menus; I never go hungry! I allow myself a "treat"
each
day (such as a big glass of Hoods Carb Countdown Chocolate milk, or a
couple
of tablespoons of Breyers Carb Smart ice cream, etc.). I've truly been
enjoying my way of eating for the past few months, and for the first time
in
nearly 3 years of low-carbing I feel that I can really do this for a
lifetime. It's become not a burden, but a joy! And getting result like I
had today -- well, if that isan't motivation to continue I don't know what
is! Still no meds for me for cholesterol or diabetes!!!

The only negative is that my blood pressure has increased. It had lowered
fairly dramatically a couple of months ago, and I was taken off one of my
meds. Now it's back up. Could be from all the rapid changes in my body.
At any rate, instead of putting me back on the other med (a diuretic) ,
the
doc took me off of my remaining two at my request (clonidine and a beta
blocker) and instead is substituting one capsule a day of a calcium
channel
blocker/ace inhibitot combination -- Lotrel. I didn't like what I had
read
about Atenolol possiblt causing insulin resistance. I am so blessed to
have
found a doctor who not on ly is pro-lowcarb, but also is happy to have her
patience have some input into their treatment.

My challenge now for the next 90 days is to continue with my regimen, and
add a very mild exercise program. Since I'm 52 years old, still
overweight
and have a history of a stoke, I'm not going to go out and start pupming
iron or running! However, there are sensible exercises I can do;
particularly walking. This is more of a challenge than it might seem
since
I have a slight disability from my stroke and walk with the aid of an AFO
(ankle -foot brace). But I can do this. If I can be diabetec and not
have
to take medications, who knows -- maybe I can put my mind to getting rid
of
the brace next, the same way that I threw away my cane 2 years ago. I
feel
today that the sky's the limit!

Sorry this was so long. Can you tell I'm, happy? :-)
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

Ignoramus16578 wrote:
| Great job. Add substantial exercise and watch your HDL increase.
|
| Also, I am also considering CoQ10 and would like to know what is your
| reasoning behind taking it.
|
| Regarding blood pressure, you have a hope that you can see it lowered
| once you get to normal weight. You probably already know that.
|
| i

Thanks for the encouragement, Ig. I explained in my post I hve to take the
exercise slowly because of my stroke history, but I am starting a moderate,
careful exercise program this week.

As far as the CoQ10 goes -- I did a lot of research on various nutrients,
vitamins and micronutrients before settling on the combination of
supplements that I take. The Coenzyme -Q10 is one of those fairly "new"
discoveries (at least many of its possible benefits are newly discovered)
that hasn't really been extensively tested or proven yet. But initial
studies show it to be a very powerful antioxidant that can possibly prevent
oxidation of cholesterol, helping to preclude arterial plaque buildup and
its associated CV diseases. Another of its alleged properties still under
initial examination is that it decreases insulin resistance and helps
stabilize blood sugars. There are many, many more supposed benefits of tis
ubiquitous "Vitamin Q." I decided it was worth a shot, although it's pretty
pricey. The unfortunate thing is that I started my current combination of
nutritional supplements all at once 90 days ago, so I don't know which one
is giving me such great, rapid benefits -- or whether maybe it's the
combination that I've chosen.

You're absolutely right about the HDL; that's wh I'm beginning my exercise
program next. Will start gradually and build up. And yes, I fully expect
my blood pressure to stabilize when I reach my ideal weight. It's hard to
say though, because a good part of my BP problem was caused by the d*mned
brain stem stroke that I had in 1998. The brain stem controls many "life
support systems" like blood pressure, body temperature, digestion and
breathing. So some of t BP problems -- although not all -- are from my
brain telling my body to do the wrong things. I've overcome a tremendous
amount in this area, though, and am confident that I can beat the high BP
also. THrough low-carbing it's already much better than it was 3 years ago.
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

Ignoramus16578 wrote:
|Also, I am also considering CoQ10 and would like to know | what is your
reasoning behind taking it.

p.s. Here's a link to some great, plain-English information on CoQ10:
http://tinyurl.com/279r5
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

Roger Zoul wrote:
| marengo wrote:
||| My doctor ... told me that I'm "unique" in being able to
||| control my blood sugars through diet (and nutritional supplements)
||| alone, as well as dramatically lower triglycerides and total
||| cholesterol also without medications.|

| I think she meant among her patients. Exercise will up your HDL and lower
| your Trigs.

Yep. Actually, it's not that her other patients aren't able to control
their blood sugar and cholesterol without meds, it's that they apparently
aren't willing to do so.

How's that for a reversal? A doctor (PA, actually) who tries to promote
low-carb eating as healthy and her patients resist it! FWIW, I asked her if
I should try to cut back more on saturated fats, since I've been eating
without regard to the fat type. She said, "no," to keep doing exactly as I
have been doing, only begin adding the mild exercise.
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

Marcusj wrote:
| Peter,
| your determination in stroke recovery and dedication to bettering your
| health are very inspirational!
| Mark.

Thanks for the kind words, Mark.
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo