I think I am borderline diabetic- what can I do to turn this around?

Question

Just to give a little background: diabetes is in my family history, I'm 27 and I'm clinically obese for my height (I'm a size 16-18). If I wait too long to eat, I get very shaky, so I try to eat something small every few hours. Sometimes I will wake up and have this shaky feeling, and on occasion have tingling in my feet (which can be a sign). I was tested a couple of years ago and it was negative, but I know with my family history and weight I'm at high risk.

So what can I do to turn it around? I know right off losing weight will be a huge help, but I'm unsure of what I should focus on when it comes to a lifestyle change of healthy eating? Do I need to steer clear of all sugars? I will not follow any "no carb" diet, so please don't suggest it, as complex carbs are vital to one's energy. I will take any suggestions for a complete lifestyle change (food and otherwise) to avoid this disease. Serious answers only please- and site your sources (if any). Thanks :)

Answer 1

It sounds to me like you're hypoglycemic, not diabetic...But even though hypoglycemia is the direct opposite of diabetes, it turns into diabetes rather easily. (Odd, I know.) I'm 21 and hypoglycemic, and I have been since I was 17.

What I'd recommend is cutting out sugars. What my doctor told me when she diagnosed me was that hypoglycemia is when your body has started to metabolize off sugar and not other energies. Your body craves sugar, you ingest it, whether through sweets or sodas, then you're fine and you've leveled out...However, once the sugar begins to wear off, you "crash" extremely rapidly. This is what brings on the shakes, and possibly even dizzy spells, which I had.

What I did to turn myself around without any medicinal aid was I cut out sugars and upped my protein intake. Sodas are some of the worst when it comes to sugar. It took me about 8 months to get my hypoglycemia under control. Whenever I'd feel myself "crashing", I'd eat something protein-rich such as tuna or cheese instead of sugar. It was tough for the first few weeks or so, but once I got my system turned around, I felt 100% better.

Something else you can do to get all the sugars and toxins that are currently in your body to disperse, is go raw for about one week. I mean totally raw. Eat ONLY raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and herbs, and drink only water or green tea. (Arizona diet green tea tastes GREAT). This detoxes your body really quick. You'll have cravings for about the first two days, but after that, you should be fine for the rest of the week. Some people use this as a lifestyle, but I only do it for about a week out of every year just to clean out my system. Personal results vary, I'm sure, but when I do it, I lose about 12 pounds every week. If you want to see long-term results, etc., go to www.alissacohen.com

Good luck, and I really hope you get your diet under control. :)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Try to not overdo it on the sweets and maybe check with a weight pogram who might be able to help or ask a dietician to help you with a better diet..i know how hard it can be but isn't living a long life worth some of the hassle of losing the weight.There were lots of food i didn't want to give up either so i indulged once a week on my favorite food and i ate it.It truly is all about eating in moderation and by the way there is no such thing as borderline diebetic...my father told me when he became diabetic and he has passed away about 5 years ago and he was only 59...good luck and stay away from being a diabetic okay...lol

Answer 4

Do what I have done. Pretend you are diabetic (you are, in fact... technically, borderline or pre-diabetics are diabetic). Eat a largely vegetable based diet. Keep the fats and carbs to a minimum. Avoid beef and dairy. For protein, stick with fish and chicken. No sugar. Lots of daily exercise... at least 20 to 30 minutes of a brisk walk should be fine. Get the second book I recommend on my diabetes info page. Take some of the supplements I recommend. Here: http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html

Answer 5

I am writing to tell you what an incredible impact these methods had on my life! I have had type 2 diabetes for 27 years. For me, the worst part of this horrible disease is the severe pain I constantly get in my feet. The pain is so bad that I avoid standing and walking as much as possible. I've got to tell you that within the first month, my feet stopped hurting altogether and I can now walk totally pain free.

Believe it or not, I even danced at my niece's wedding last month, something I have not done in a many years. I've been following the book for six months now and my blood sugar is well within normal range. I feel great!

I recommend you use the Type 2 Diabetes Destroyer to naturally reverse your diabetes.

Answer 6

I've been told (be a physician) that there is no such thing as borderline. You are or you aren't.
Losing weight will help. Cut back on sweets. Switch to whole grains. Get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. You don't have to cut out carbs, but choose wisely - dont blow your carb count for the day on ice cream or candy bars (like I love to do!!)
And as much as I hate doing it, exercise is a BIG plus..not only does it make you feel better physically, but mentally as well.

Answer 7

Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. It does contribute to being overweight, though, and it will cause problems if you already have diabetes. Anyway...just try a general weight loss plan. Weight Watchers is good if you don't want to come up with your own plan. And try to get some exercise every day, even if it's just going for a walk.

Answer 8

You need to make your physical health your number one priority. You need to consciously and persistently change your schedule to allow for exercise and proper diet.

This means making a spot in your schedule for aerobic exercise lasting .5 - 1.0 hours 3 to 5 days per week. An organized group activity works for many. Free weights is another way to improve your fitness.

You also need to set aside time to plan and prepare your meals so that you don't eat impulsively with whatever unhealthy foods are readily available.

The most important thing is a shift in your thinking and priorities for your health. Give yourself permission to take good care of your body and be consistent. The other things in life must become secondary.

Answer 9

Im a diabetic myself really.
To be honest, there is nothing but just eating healthy.
And the worst thing to do is not eat, but don't eat anything with too much sugars such as chocolate.
Losing weight... ehh doesnt matter to much on your healthy lifestyle as long as you don't go on eating too much sugars.
The best thing you can do is not worry, and your doctor(do regular checkups if theres signs such as you're feeling food build up or you're not excreting enough) and he/she will help you go on from there.

Answer 10

You know what is healthy and unhealthy food, so that is the easy part. The hard part is your willpower and not allowing yourself to indulge in these bad foods (sweets, fattening foods, etc.). You are going to have to completely change the way you eat and get yourself on a regular, vigorous exercise routine. If you are clinic obese, you are eating way too much of the wrong things and moving very little. Your diabetic situation can be changed, but it is going to have to be YOU who does it.