Question from Czech Republic:

I am 46, was diagnosed with type�2 diabetes two years ago, and I am having a problem finding the right way how to keep my sugar levels stable and close to normal values. The doctor found my blood sugar to be 11 mmol/l (198 mg/dl). My weight was 76 kg (about 169 pounds). First of all I have collected all available nutrition information about foods (from books and from supermarkets) and bought a One Touch Profile glucometer and a “rotoped” – the stationary bike for biking indoors. I have tested my blood sugars frequently and tried to keep healthy low fat diet with lots of vegetables.

After two weeks, my fasting plasma glucose was around 8 mmol/l (144 mg/dl). I have rapidly lost weight. It falls as down as to 68 kg (151 pounds). I had no health problems except the blood sugar readings and my weight. I looked very ill being very thin, skinny and pale. All my trousers and jackets were too big for me.

The only result — my sugar levels remained unchanged, but doctors find acetone in my blood and advised me to increase carbohydrates as fats are, popularly said, “burned on carbohydrates” and to reduce protein income. I tried it, and more I violate my diet several times and find no significant changes in my blood sugar levels; e.g., I was invited to a party where I ate sandwiches with eggs, crackers and drank several big glasses of beer. My reading next morning was 7 mmol/l [126 mg/dl], i.e. less then my “normal” level.

One day my reading was 9 mmol/L [162 mg/dl] in the afternoon. I was very sorry, very disappointed with this result. One hour later I resigned and ate a big cheeseburger in a fast foot. Forty minutes later I returned home, checked for blood sugar again and found incredible 5 mmol/l [90 mg/dl]! So, I increased my carbohydrate intake. I have succeeded to improve my weight to 73 kg and to maintain it. I felt more stronger and more comfortable and my sugar levels were the same as before. But, during laboratory tests my HbA1c level was found 7.4% and also had sugar in my urine. My doctor prescribed one half of a small tablet of Minidiab (one of the new generation of sulfonylureas). It makes my blood sugar as low as 4.8 to 5 mmol/l [86-90 mg/dl] in the morning, while later in the afternoon, the readings are back to the values to 7 to 8 mmol/L [126 to 144 mg/dl].

Now, I am confused. My sugar levels tends to be around 7 to 8 mmol/l [126 to 144 mg/dl] except mornings when they are rather higher (but not higher than 9 mmol/l [162 mg/dl]). Exercising has immediate but only a very short term effect. Normal sugar levels reached by medication make me sick. I feel well when I follow a diet relatively high in protein (higher than recommended) but not strictly low-carb one.

The above mentioned experiences lead me to the following questions:

Is there possible that some people (like me) are “genetically programmed” to higher blood sugar levels that are normal for them?
Are the blood sugar levels around 8 mmol/l [144-150 mg/dl] harmful for slim people with good blood pressure and relatively slow heartbeat rate?