Why your fasting blood sugar might still be high on low carb
It’s not too uncommon to have slightly high fasting blood sugar on low carb and keto diets. Is this a problem?
It depends on your insulin levels, as outlined by Dr. Ted Naiman below. If you’re insulin sensitive, and have slightly higher fasting blood glucose, it’s likely just fine.
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Dr. Naiman
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Are the conclusions (high FBG "not a problem" if insulin profile appropriate) supported by studies?
What is best course of action for a LCing (keto at time), exercising, daily IFing, man who is concerned about "pre-diabetic" FBG and A1c?
There are no easy way (like for sugar and ketones) yet to do home testing for insulin levels.
Insulin resistance can exist at different levels in different organs.
When the liver is insulin resistant, it thinks insulin levels are lower than they actually are. This can increase glucose production in the liver. Over time because of the insulin resistance, the glucose production set point changes, going higher.
You won't notice this unless you're fasting.
Then you go on the keto diet, causing your insulin levels to be lower than what it used to be and adding intermittent fasting causing longer periods of low insulin. Now your liver thinks it has to produce more glucose. It's glucose production set point is too high.
I think the only way to change insulin resistance in the liver is through eating a lot of vegetables and exercize.
It takes 3 to 6 or more months to rid your liver from insulin resistance, depending on how bad it is. The rest of your body can have mild insulin resistance while your liver has high resistance. And without lots of vegetables it may not go away at all. (I know that a lot of people on keto don't do the healthy amounts of vegetables required, and just stuff them selves with meat, fat, eggs and dairy products.)
Just my take on it. I had glucose levels of over 105 every day after 15 hours of fasting. They would be around 85, 4 hours after eating. Now, after 9 months on keto, and below 20% protein, my fasting glucose is below 95.
High protein intake can accelerate gluconeogenesis I think. Keeping protein below 20% will also help reduce high fasting glucose levels.
I also walk for one hour most days. Be patient, this is a Metabolic Syndrome we are repairing, this WORKS. Be patient dear, and keep at it.
Ronit
You can read more about the Dawn Phenomenon here - https://www.dietdoctor.com/the-dawn-phenomenon
Some people find that a small amount of protein like cheese or nuts before bed will help bring that number down. If you are on diabetes medication, make sure and work with your doctor on dosage adjustments as needed.
Kathleen
I know it will get better, but none of the medical professionals or health coaches have offered any explanation.
God bless all of you!
You may want to monitor your blood sugar before and after meals to see if what you're eating is inadvertently keeping your numbers higher than you would like. You may also find this helpful.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/blood-sugar
As this is a new development, it may be worth checking in with your physician.
I have two articles to share with you that may help shed some light. First is our guide to protein, please review it to see where your protein needs are https://www.dietdoctor.com/food-policy/protein The impact protein has on an individual will vary greatly. It may be that you need to consume other foods along with the protein depending on how lean the steak is.
Here is our link to our one meal a day guide. https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting/omad It does not sound like you're eating very much food. You may be stressing your body.
She has lost 5 pds in 3 days. I'm sure it's water. But I'm concerned on sugar level of 59. After eating lunch they went to 49. I made her drink a bit of orange juice. What is happening?
Doctors staff said no appt for a week😢
If your mother is on any medication for her diabetes, she will need to work with her medical professional as keto can work quickly to reduce blood sugar. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/with-diabetes-medications
Please see Dr. Fung's response to the first question in this Q & A. https://www.dietdoctor.com/why-is-blood-glucose-elevated-when-fasting
Please make sure to work with your doctor regarding your medicine dosage.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 liver fibrosis/cirrhosis after a biopsy in late September. I was said to also have a 4mm hematoma. The results shocked me! Needless to say, I had to do something and I went on Adkins. Since September I only consume about 20-25 carbs a day from vegetables. My glucose levels are still in the 130-140s -and I’m on 2000mgs of metformin a day with no hypoglycemia!
On November 13th, I saw a Hepatologist who ran a series of labs.
Today, those labs show I’m at an F1 liver fibrosis and by the way, I’ve lost 22 pounds from 217 lbs since October on Adkins!
I am on a liver study drug Obethiholic Acid as well.
My concern is my shot liver! Will my glucose levels ever come down? I don’t want other health issues related to diabetes.
I know I can’t get your medical advice , but What do you think?, I’ll be talking right my hematologist about it at my next appointment in January.
So happy to hear about your success so far! That's wonderful! Hopefully your doctor will be able to give you more information. However, this article may be helpful for you! https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/fasting-blood-glucose-higher
Individual response to caffeine will vary and it is a good idea to test if you have a concern.