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EventsWhy 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.
More
The dawn phenomenon – why are blood sugars high in the morning?
How to reverse type 2 diabetes
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