[BRN_RI_FL]

Was recently diagnosed with this (A1C test). I’ve been trying to get educated on this and have read a couple books. Been cutting way down on carbs especially potatoes and bread. Also trying to lose weight in my gut as I’m really not overweight anywhere else. I’ve always been a beer guy. Exercising more. I’ll have an occasional red wine but haven’t had a beer since diagnosis mainly to lose weight. Trying to control portions. Previously a pizza night would be 5 or 6 pieces. No more. It’s especially tough to be doing this here in The Villages as my wife and I would eat out often at the town squares but I guess that was part of my problem. We still eat out but not as often and I’m very selective on what I order (salads, chicken, meats, etc.). Lost about 14 pounds in under a month. Any useful tips from anyone else in a similar situation would be appreciated.

[jnieman]

Keep a supply of weight watcher's big fudge bars in the freezer so you are not tempted to grab a regular dessert. These are so good that you'll never feel deprived. I cut out potatoes, rice, pasta and most breads. I still eat flat bread or flour tortillas occasionally. I also cut out a lot of my in-between meal snacking and instead have a piece of cheese and a cracker or some veggies and ranch. I have cut my portion sizes at dinner to one serving. I still have chips but instead eat baked Lays. If I eat corn chips I measure out one serving in a baggie and only have that much. I have managed to lose 55 lbs in 9 months. I feel much better and have a new way of eating now and I do not feel deprived. I do occasionally treat myself to pasta or other rich foods. I just don't over do it and will cut down on the rest of my food for that day. Good luck. Almost forgot, before I started this new way of eating I went to my family doctor. She told me the amount of calories it would take to maintain my current weight. She said eat less than that and you will lose. As I went along I had to keep cutting back the calories. I hit a few plateaus and when I did I would cut back a little more and then I would start losing again.

[NotGolfer]

I sent you a private message. WW desserts are full of sugars (hidden) and NOT healthy. Any processed food isn't good for us.

[Dan9871]

My wife and I have gone to a number of courses on diet and health that The Villages Health gives. I don't think you need to be member to attend. A lot of what is in the course is stuff we already know but we've always picked up a few things we were not aware of. The courses are presented very will and the instructors have been very knowledgable. They have a "Pre-Diabetes" course. The schedule is at:

Learning Center Classes and Education Programs - The Villages Health

[BRN_RI_FL]

Wow, a lot of quick replies with some great information. Thank you so much!

[BRN_RI_FL]

Originally Posted by Dan9871

My wife and I have gone to a number of courses on diet and health that The Villages Health gives. I don't think you need to be member to attend. A lot of what is in the course is stuff we already know but we've always picked up a few things we were not aware of. The courses are presented very will and the instructors have been very knowledgable. They have a "Pre-Diabetes" course. The schedule is at:

Learning Center Classes and Education Programs - The Villages Health

We just registered. Thanks again!

[BRN_RI_FL]

Originally Posted by jnieman

Keep a supply of weight watcher's big fudge bars in the freezer so you are not tempted to grab a regular dessert. These are so good that you'll never feel deprived. I cut out potatoes, rice, pasta and most breads. I still eat flat bread or flour tortillas occasionally. I also cut out a lot of my in-between meal snacking and instead have a piece of cheese and a cracker or some veggies and ranch. I have cut my portion sizes at dinner to one serving. I still have chips but instead eat baked Lays. If I eat corn chips I measure out one serving in a baggie and only have that much. I have managed to lose 55 lbs in 9 months. I feel much better and have a new way of eating now and I do not feel deprived. I do occasionally treat myself to pasta or other rich foods. I just don't over do it and will cut down on the rest of my food for that day. Good luck. Almost forgot, before I started this new way of eating I went to my family doctor. She told me the amount of calories it would take to maintain my current weight. She said eat less than that and you will lose. As I went along I had to keep cutting back the calories. I hit a few plateaus and when I did I would cut back a little more and then I would start losing again.

Lost 55 lbs. Congratulations. That’s quite an accomplishment!

[spring_chicken]

It will fluctuate. I hit the top A1C level for prediabetes (6.4). Did nothing, it came down to out of pre-d range (5.5) within 9 months.
Don't worry yourself into high blood pressure, lol.

[retiredguy123]

I had prediabetes for years. Then, I lost 20 pounds and started walking 2 miles per day, and my prediabetes disappeared. No pasta, no sweets, and very little bread. Also, no full meals. Just eat small portions 6-7 times a day. I don't think the fake diet food like fudge bars and shakes are helpful. I only eat real food. But, the main thing is to lose 20 pounds. And, don't be hungry. if you are hungry, your diet will never work.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Originally Posted by spring_chicken

It will fluctuate. I hit the top A1C level for prediabetes (6.4). Did nothing, it came down to out of pre-d range (5.5) within 9 months.
Don't worry yourself into high blood pressure, lol.

I was at 6.1. I will need another reading in a couple months.

Wow, it is amazing that you did nothing and it came down so drastically.

I’m thinking of it this way. I’ve been wanting to get in shape especially losing my beer gut for years. Now I have an extra incentive. I was at 200 lbs in Mid December. I’m at 186.8 today. If I can get down to 180, losing 10% of my body weight, I’m thinking I should be fine. Also I think I need to maintain the changes in my diet with occasional cheating when I get down to 180. Unfortunately two of my favorite foods are pizza and Chinese.

My doctor talked about putting me on medications. No way!

[BRN_RI_FL]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I had prediabetes for years. Then, I lost 20 pounds and started walking 2 miles per day, and my prediabetes disappeared. No pasta, no sweets, and very little bread. Also, no full meals. Just eat small portions 6-7 times a day. I don't think the fake diet food like fudge bars and shakes are helpful. I only eat real food. But, the main thing is to lose 20 pounds. And, don't be hungry. if you are hungry, your diet will never work.

You guys are really inspiring me. Some very useful information. Thank you!

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by Brucernelson

Lost 55 lbs. Congratulations. That’s quite an accomplishment!

Thanks. The fudge bars I did a couple of times a week when I was really getting tired of depriving myself of everything. I ate no sugar other than that and it worked for me.

[John_W]

I have diabetes 2 and have been drinking about 20 oz of orange juice every morning, I always thought that was good for you since I grew up in Florida. My doctor said that OJ has a lot of sugar and that one glass of Florida Natural has 220 calories. So now I eat a real orange every morning instead and drink water for taking my pills. I also didn't have anything else but probiotics yogurt and a banana. He said lose the banana, has too much sugar. I changed to strawberries and milk along with the yogurt and orange. I've dropped 12 pounds in about 3 months, from 162 to 150, I'm 5'9" and go MVP gym everyday.

I'm also cutting out the diet softdrinks, again thinking they were better. He said the sweetners and caramel coloring is not good for you. Again, I'm drinking more water or unsweeted tea and use Truvia to sweeten the drink, it's a natural sweetner.

[Nucky]

MANY people are crowned Pre Diabetic upon arrival here. My hemoglobins always were great when I was living like it was over tomorrow and now I'm like a saint food wise and I to am Pre Diabetic. Make sure you see the label with your name go on the vial they just extracted.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Originally Posted by John_W

I have diabetes 2 and have been drinking about 20 oz of orange juice every morning, I always thought that was good for you since I grew up in Florida. My doctor said that OJ has a lot of sugar and that one glass of Florida Natural has 220 calories. So now I eat a real orange every morning instead and drink water for taking my pills. I also didn't have anything else but probiotics yogurt and a banana. He said lose the banana, has too much sugar. I changed to strawberries and milk along with the yogurt and orange. I've dropped 12 pounds in about 3 months, from 162 to 150, I'm 5'9" and go MVP gym everyday.

I'm also cutting out the diet softdrinks, again thinking they were better. He said the sweetners and caramel coloring is not good for you. Again, I'm drinking more water or unsweeted tea and use Truvia to sweeten the drink, it's a natural sweetner.

Thanks for the info John. From what I’ve read, losing the body weight is one of the most important changes to make. And close behind is exercise and diet.