Hi, I am a 20 year sufferer of chronic Lyme and had a baby at 40 about 5 years ago. While pregnant, I developed gestational diabetes even though no one in my extended family has ever had diabetes, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes. Now, 5 years later, I have just been told my A1C is 6.2 and I am about one milkshake away from being a real diabetic. This is baffling to me, especially given my lack of family history or other risk factors. I have lost 35 lbs. and am now a trim 118 lbs. on a 5'3' frame and it has done almost nothing to my a1c (now 6.0) and am starting to wonder if this is yet another bizarre manifestation of my longterm Lyme issues. I am planning on going back on antibiotics as soon as I can find a good LLMD in the Phila, Pa area (any suggestions appreciated!) and am hoping my pre-diabetes improves with treatment of what is likely some residual co-infections. Anyone else out there suffering insulin resistance? Any suggestions or insights? Thanks!
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Yes!!!
I am also thin, at times underweight, and I've been insulin resistant for the majority of my 20+ year Lyme journey.
I manage it with a very, very low carb diet. I am sugar and grain-free.
It resolved after a full year of Lyme and Babesia treatment. I could eat anything I wanted. It was heaven. Absolute heaven. Heaven with PASTA!
Then I relapsed with Babesia and it came back. No more carbs.
I know others with Babesia who struggle with blood sugar management. It generally begins with hypoglycemia, then moves on to insulin resistance.
You must manage your diet to prevent diabetes. I'm glad you lost the weight. That will make a big difference.
You should get a glucose monitor to see what foods set you off. Try going low carb. Most can eat whole grains in modest amounts. But no sugar or white flour products.
Posted by RubyJ (Member # 28711) on :
Yes, Lyme & Co mess with your blood sugar regulation.
A good book that might help is "the Diabetes Solution" by Dr. Richard Bernstein
Posted by landerss (Member # 17732) on :
Same exact issues for me, Marhar! I'm a slim distance runner and my A1C runs 5.6, far higher than it should for someone of my build, activity and genetics.
It's really tough because I have porphyria, as well, and thus can't do a really low carb diet. So, I try and eat the lower glycemic carbs.
My doc is in the Philly burbs - PM me if you want the name!