I had been following the 800 cal BSD for 4 weeks and doing well. My blood sugars varied but generally fasting level had dropped from an initial reading of 7.1 to a low of 5.4, but the usual was high 5s or low 6s. I then went on holiday and initially maintained but gradually came off it and had too much beer and carbs. My first test when I got home was 6.9 so I thought not too bad and went back strictly on the 800 cals. Next day it had gone up to 7.3 so I was a little down hearted but carried on. This morning it’s up to 8.3 – the highest I’ve ever had! I guess my question is, is it usual for a week off to cause this rise, and how long should it take to start dropping again?

Hi.

Blood testing with finger pricking is notoriously inaccurate. Unless you do the test at the same time of day, after having eaten the same meal, after the same number of hours, the results will swing wildly.

I tend to finger prick every few days or so before breakfast but after a cup of tea. My usual readings are anywhere between 4.8 and 7.4. My HbA1c has been normal for the last 7 + years without medication. I know that as long as my number, on average, is less than 6 I’m doing ok. But that’s MY normal. You will find yours with random testing and testing at the same time each day, preferably before eating.

Hi The Big O, just to add that if you get back on plan your BG will certainly be back down to the numbers you were seeing in around 2 weeks. Yes, a holiday can do a lot ot damage and your body needs time to get back to your new normal. I have just had family staying for 1 week and I have been super good (mainly because I have been ill) and yes, eaten things I shouldn’t but had very little alcohol (about 1 bottle of wine in a week). My BG has gone from usual 78 to 138 and I know it might take me a few weeks to get it back down. Stick with it, it will work but it just shows you how great you have been doing.

Hi the Big O, how are your numbers, are you back on plan, are your readings going down, little by little.

Mine went from 4.1 a week ago (Friday 26th) to a check on Friday 2nd at 8.0, yes diet ruined in just 7 days. It only went up for a couple of days and this morning I am down to 5.8. It is a start and I will continue to get back to the 4’s in about a week. It takes time and effort.

Hi Sunshine Girl
Yep, my numbers have fallen. I Tested yesterday at 5.7 and today at 5.8 and that’s in just under a week, so I’m pleased with that. Hoping to eventually get it under 5.5 regularly. Just shows what can happen in a week and makes me realise what I had been doing to myself previously!!

That’s great news. Yes it shows how a short time away from plan can really mess up our numbers. Mine is back down to 5.2. A holiday is not going to have a massive impact if you get back on track.