Hi Everyone,

I just had the results of a routine blood test and found out that I’m pre-diabetic.

At 5’6″ and 140 lbs it came as quite a shock, although I have to admit that my diet has always been carb-heavy, and I’m really keen to try the BSD but how much weight do I need to lose to get my sugar levels down to normal.

Obviously the average weight loss of 14 kg would be more than a step too far so is exercise the key for me?

My GP’s letter just gives the standard advice to follow a low fat diet.

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar position…

Hi Jillabeth,

Most people starting this diet find their blood sugar levels start coming down within a few weeks. Mine did. While I did lose weight (I did need to) my blood sugars fell a lot more quickly than did the weight. I certainly hadn’t lost anywhere near 14g when I started to see the fall in my blood sugar levels. In many people’s experience it is the reduction in carbs that really makes the difference to blood sugar levels.

This way of eating really does work – I’ve managed to get my Hba1c from 106 in August to 35 (normal range)this month.

I’d start the diet, learn as much as you can from these forums, and post how you are getting on – the support you get on here will keep you going. It will work for you, I’m sure.

Take care
Marie x

I’m sure others who have pre-diabetes or are BSD long-timers will come along to share their experience also.

It won’t be as much for you certainly, but it is where you need to lose the fat from that is important. The visceral fat needs to go to ‘release’ your pancreas and liver back to doing their duty of looking after you. If you do the full 800 and become concerned that you are losing too much weight you can increase your calories or adopt the 5:2 version. MM describes a ‘fat threshold’ value which causes the switch between the organs working okay, and problems starting and that is different for everyone. You may find you don’t need to lose very much weight at all to get back under that threshold. Don’t forget though that you need to keep a very close eye on your nutrition when you are on low calories. Really pack in the healthy fats, protein and a rainbow of lower carb vegetables and your health will be transformed.