Just as a data point, an A1C of 5 would be nice for a normal, nondiabetic person. Mine usually comes in at 6, which my endocrinologist and diabetes nurse both say is awesome for a diabetic. Anything better and they'd start to worry I was deliberately keeping myself low. (I'm type 1 though, and I don't know if the expectations are different with type 2.)
Re: cinnamon, I've heard the anecdotal stories that it can help, but I've never tried it myself.
A good point, though eight years ago when I was really aggressively taking on my disease I had my A1C down to 5.7 (mind you, I'd also lost 75 pounds).
One of my sisters-in-law is likewise a Type 1. From what I've read of your blog, you're managing yours much better than she is hers. I wouldn't expect you to have bothered with the cinnamon. What I've read suggests it's specific to insulin resistance. Obviously your situation is different.
Check out fenugreek - I've heard it also is helpful with T2 (having been recently diagnosed with it, myself)
The three main herbal thingies I read that help with T2D are cinnamon, fenugreek, and sage. Haven't tried them yet, but that's only due to me getting to the herb store and getting some.
I can't speak to diabetes, but as someone with chronic hypoglycemia, I've found that a significant level of cinnamon in baked goods does seem to let me enjoy it without any significant spikes, but I've only tested this on "regular" pastry (unfrosted donuts, quickbreads, etc) A sweet pastry with or without... let's not go there, it gets ugly, quick.
The first researchers twigged to the notion based on people eating apple pie. At first they thought the effect was a result of the apples, and then realized it was the cinnamon.
Actually, yes. I have had experience with this. Cinnamon, especially in conjuction with fenugreek, does help with insulin resistance. It doesn't do away with the need for medication, but it can help your medication to work better.
Here's the caveat--it doesn't work longterm. Much of the problem with herbal remedies is that they work until your body builds up a sort of immunity to them, then you have to take more and more and more until the cost far outweighs the benefits.
I tried the cinnamon/fenugreek thing several years ago. My numbers improved steadily over about two weeks, leveled off, then started to rise back to where they'd been. The whole process took about a month and a half to run its course. In the end, the 10-15 points weren't worth the huge expense.
That could explain why it works the way I use it, as an occasional "counteragent" rather than a treatment -- my body gets surprised by it each time, since pastry's a real treat for me...
Hey! I think I just commented to your Facebook--about the weather in NYC. I should have know it was Eric who put you on my list.
I didn't think about using it as an on-again, off-again treatment. One month on, two months off--surprise the system. My A1C levels are pretty spectacular, but maybe I could use less medication during those on times...hmmmm...thanks for making me think!
BTW--an A1C of 5?? Really? My doc tells me 5.9-6.2 is ideal. I've maintained that but for a short time during an unrelated illness. Anyway, I am wondering if there is a reason you don't use insulin. I chose it rather than other medications in pill form because it's the most efficient, it's a naturally occuring hormone, and it doesn't have to go through several other body parts to work. Is it the sticking yourself thing?? Or just never been suggested? And if I'm stepping out of line, please forgive me and just say, "Thanks, but I've got it covered."
Having previously lost sufficient weight that my numbers were stellar, I'd like to try and go that route again.
While on some level taking a pill (or several pills) isn't all that different from giving myself an injection, the injection thing feels much more serious. I'd like to avoid that route for as long as I can.
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Re: cinnamon, I've heard the anecdotal stories that it can help, but I've never tried it myself.
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One of my sisters-in-law is likewise a Type 1. From what I've read of your blog, you're managing yours much better than she is hers. I wouldn't expect you to have bothered with the cinnamon. What I've read suggests it's specific to insulin resistance. Obviously your situation is different.
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The three main herbal thingies I read that help with T2D are cinnamon, fenugreek, and sage. Haven't tried them yet, but that's only due to me getting to the herb store and getting some.
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Thanks for the data point.
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Here's the caveat--it doesn't work longterm. Much of the problem with herbal remedies is that they work until your body builds up a sort of immunity to them, then you have to take more and more and more until the cost far outweighs the benefits.
I tried the cinnamon/fenugreek thing several years ago. My numbers improved steadily over about two weeks, leveled off, then started to rise back to where they'd been. The whole process took about a month and a half to run its course. In the end, the 10-15 points weren't worth the huge expense.
Reply
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I didn't think about using it as an on-again, off-again treatment. One month on, two months off--surprise the system. My A1C levels are pretty spectacular, but maybe I could use less medication during those on times...hmmmm...thanks for making me think!
Reply
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While on some level taking a pill (or several pills) isn't all that different from giving myself an injection, the injection thing feels much more serious. I'd like to avoid that route for as long as I can.
Reply
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