How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

[SwissMiss]

I’m in my 2nd week of induction phase. Not sure whether I am Pre-Diabetic or Diabetic – I used to be able to maintain good blood sugar levels with exercise and watching my diet. In the past year though my blood sugar levels have worsen and my doctor is thinking about giving me meds to lower the levels. Since I don’t want to take meds, I decided to try the Atkins Diet. I started reading the book the “Atkins Diabetes Revolution” and decided to give it a try.

I started to work out regularly again, doing 30 – 45 minutes on the cross-trainer (elliptical trainer), doing abs crunches or upper body weight training. This also should have an effect on my body’s blood sugar management.

My question is: how long does it take or did it take for you to see results, changes to your blood sugar levels – especially the ones you take first thing in the morning after 8 – 12 hrs of fasting? Mine are totally fluctuating at the moment and it’s pretty frustrating and also kinda worrying.

[MaxsmamaDebbie]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Hi Swiss,

I take glucophage right now and am just beginning Week 2 of induction. My levels in the morning are about where they were before I began, but throughout the day they are going much, much lower. I am going to do this for a month then get some blood work done.

Deb

I’m in my 2nd week of induction phase. Not sure whether I am Pre-Diabetic or Diabetic – I used to be able to maintain good blood sugar levels with exercise and watching my diet. In the past year though my blood sugar levels have worsen and my doctor is thinking about giving me meds to lower the levels. Since I don’t want to take meds, I decided to try the Atkins Diet. I started reading the book the “Atkins Diabetes Revolution” and decided to give it a try.

I started to work out regularly again, doing 30 – 45 minutes on the cross-trainer (elliptical trainer), doing abs crunches or upper body weight training. This also should have an effect on my body’s blood sugar management.

My question is: how long does it take or did it take for you to see results, changes to your blood sugar levels – especially the ones you take first thing in the morning after 8 – 12 hrs of fasting? Mine are totally fluctuating at the moment and it’s pretty frustrating and also kinda worrying.

[Sherri]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

I'm Type-diabetic, when starting this woe three years ago it took me 48 days before my glucose levels stablized and no longer required medication. I continue to control my diabetes with this woe without medication. I have my lab done every 12 weeks and my A1C is at a healthy level. So keep at it This woe and wol is excellent for your Glucose intolerance and diabetes.

[SwissMiss]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Hello Ladies.
Thank you very much for your feedback. I feel much better and very relieved.
I already noticed that through out the day my levels are much, much better... just the morning one is fluctuating like a rollercoaster.
I'm getting my blood checked by the lab in a few weeks and I really hope to see some improvement. My body feels better and I have so much more energy than before starting this diet.

Thanks again and Happy 4th of July!

[Coop2004]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Hi Swiss,

Welcome to and to the Diabetic Forum.

Sorry I'm so late in posting.

Everybody is different. Just be patient (as I see you are) are your numbers will be dropping.

[SwissMiss]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Thanks Linda. I try, but it's tough to be patient. Especially since patience is not a virtue of mine ;-)

[Coop2004]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Just hang in there, Swiss.

BTW, in your first post you stated that you weren't sure if you were a Pre-diabetic or a Diabetic.

Has your medical professional sent you for a glucose tolerance test and/or an A1C test?

When I first was diagnosed as a Diabetic, my Doctor sent me for (among other things) an A1C test (bloodwork). If the number is over 6.0 - 6.5 (depending on the med. Prof./lab test), then that would indicate diabetes. My initial reading, back in 2003, was 7.9. My Doctor then sent me for a glucose tolerance test, to confirm the diagnosis - it showed that I indeed have diabetes.

So, basically what I am saying is, if your unsure, check with your medical professional!!

[SwissMiss]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

I'm getting blood test done on July 30th and will ask my doctor then again. I'm not sure, because my new doctor told me until a couple of months ago, that I was not in a critical blood sugar zone.

Right now I'm just very concerned and want to lower my blood sugar levels, loose weight and exercise regularly. I can't wait to find out how my blood sugar levels will have changed by the end of the month.

I used to have perfect results - 5.0 (100) in the morning (after 8 - 12 hrs fasting). Basically that's another main goal for me to lower to that level again, apart of the weight loss.

That's why I'm going to continue with the extenden induction and not move on to OWL.

[Coop2004]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

I realize that the U.S. has a higher A1C standard level (it used to be between 6.5 & 7.0). But I do believe that it is slowly being lowered. The lab (and Doctor) that I go to, considers anything over 5.7 - 6.0 to be high.

100 for a morning fast is great - I'm sure that with perserverance (which you appear to have), that you will get those numbers down again.

Best wishes on your blood work (I wouldn't be surprised if your numbers will be better, but don't let anything discourage you!!)

Please keep us posted, Swiss!!

[SwissMiss]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

oh by the way... I meant 5.0 (= 90) .

Anyways, thanks for the reply. I'm very motivated and determined to pull this through.

Today I went over to friends house and they cooked pasta with bolognese sauce (tomatoe sauce with gorund beef) and for dessert a chocalate cake.... Everything looked and smelled so delicious, but I totally resisted and ate salad and very little of the bolognese sauce.

It feels so good to be able to resist all these temptations. I'll definitely keep ya' posted.

[Sherri]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Hello Swiss Miss, Great for you on resisting temptations! Do you take L-Glutamine? If you are tempted for sweets, this really helps with that. I take it and love it. Here's to good health!

[SwissMiss]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Hi Sherri,

I don't take L-Glutamine. Is that a subscription drug? I do take a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral, as I can't get the Atkins recommended supplement over here in Switzerland - but according to the pharmacist I'm covered well. Funny enough I'm not tempted for sweets. I rather just think that a plate of Pasta would certainly taste great or some Potatoes would be delicious. But it ain't worth it to cheat as it wont make me feel good not in the short and certainly not in the long term.

Like many, I tried a lot of diets in my life. Been through nutrition counseling, read book over book, and studied plan after plan.... nothing was right for me.... until now - Atkins really seem to be the right way for me. For me it's much easier not to eat any "bad" carbs at all, than going on just a low-carb diet where you are still allowed to eat some pasta, rice or potatoes. I find this very interesting, actually quite amazing.

Sherri, I saw one of your post and just wanted to let you know that you are truly inspirational! Living the Atkins way for so long is phenomenal! I greatly appreciate this forum and it's members, such as you are. As an Atkins new-be or "Green-Horn" I get extremely motivated to hear about others successes and to be able to receive advice from people, like you, you have achieved and been through so much! Thank you so much for sticking around and sharing your experiences, opinions and advice.

[Sherri]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

Thank you Swiss Miss, you're a doll! Ya, I'm not going anywhere. Makes a certain clique cringe, I'm sure.lol I have quite a lot of people here and abroad that do appreciate me though like yourself. L-Glutamine is a supplement that can be purchased over the counter. It helps fight sugar cravings and also Supports Muscle Mass. It's great that you're not having cravings. You sound as though you have great will power and are focused on your goals. It takes time and consistancy to get glucose levels stablized. Following this woe has been the only one for me to do just that! Best of health to you and look forward to hearing about your journey to better health. Sincerely,Sherri

[SwissMiss]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

OK Ladies... I'm pretty confused. I finnally got the Ketone test strips today (Yeah I know... shoulda have 2 weeks ago).
And the result said Glucose levels normal = meaning no Glucose in my urin. The Ketone results read maximum (dark purple). However, my morning blood sugar levels are not showing any sign of improvement. However the ones after meals are much better.
.... anyone can shed some light into this confusion?

[fairygreen]

Re: How long does it take for blood sugar levels to lower?

i remember reading somewhere that the morning numbers are the hardest to control. i just wish i could remember where i read it. i think it takes a while for the morning levels to come into line.