Pre-Diabetes and bread

Hi John. Welcome to the group. I wouldn't say white bread is out. I would say that bread, like every other carb, needs to be consumed in moderation. Good luck.

Thank you Tammy, truth is I haven’t had white bread since I was a child. Rye and wheat bread are my staples. So a ham or turkey sandwich on rye bread or a wheat bun every so often is ok?

Hi John @testudo, I add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect along with Tammy's. Glad you found the group. I do not have diabetes myself, but there are a lot of members that do. I would like to invite @popolopo, @shuf, @fdan, @dorisena, @susu2, @contentandwell, @lioness, @hadit17, @dietgourmet, and @oldkarl to the conversation to get their input.

"The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing whole grain bread or 100 percent whole wheat bread instead of white bread. White bread is made from highly processed white flour and added sugar."

You may be interested in reading on of the discussions on Diabetic Diets here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-for-diabetic-and-low-oxalate-requirements/

Also here are two great sites that provide a host of information regarding bread and dieting for diabetics.
Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295
The Best Breads for Diabetics - https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/best-bread-for-diabetics

John, did your doctor recommend just a more strict diet or did he offer up other tools and advice as well? Are you struggling with any other foods?

Hi John. I am not a doctor and I can only a test to what works for me. I am diabetic T2 and don't deny myself of anything. Again, it's all in moderation.

Based on my experience for 14 years, you may have a chance of getting rid of the blood sugar problem in your life, so please don't think of yourself as being "sick" and needing medicine. It is the number of carbs that you eat each day and the amount of exercise that makes the difference. Since some carbs are low on the glycemic index and white bread is high, your sandwich is fine on your diet. Some people give up milk, but I choose to drink it and cut out other foods that spike my blood sugar. You learn to balance protein, veggies, fruit and some grains and nuts or whatever the nutritionist recommends for your needs. Just remember to never eat a snack that is sugar loaded by itself. You will get the hang of it in no time. Eat at regular times as well. Eat breakfast.
Learn to love the fresh vegetables. Add them to plain recipes. Enjoy new foods, except sugary sweets. They are only for special occasions. Dorisena

@tjgisewhite @testudo . Moderation is, I think, key to eating well and controlling your diabetes. That, plus learning about carbs and exercising, should serve you well .

@testudo. A friend was on insulin now she is free of her diabetes What she did was follow a diabetic and gluten free diet. Watching your carbs so important Bread in your body turns into sugar so moderation

@tjgisewhite @testudo I too am a type 2 diabetic and also eat almost everything but in moderation. It seems to be working for me because my last two A1c tests were both under 5. I would love to have ice cream but avoiding that is easier now because I recently developed lactose intolerance too!

I do exercise a lot so I am sure that helps.

@testudo Are you still a practicing doctor or have you retired? What type of doctor are you or were you?
JK

Hi and “welcome” to the weird world of diabetes. Right now you are in a great position, if you aim to keep your numbers the same you’ll do fine.

The first thing I would do is get off the couch and start moving. Daily walks (or runs) are great, I joined a 24-hour gym so I could go whenever I could fit my schedule in. That will make the biggest difference.

Regarding bread, I stay away from almost all. If I’m only going to eat a sandwich with a fruit/veggie I use seeded rye bread which has the among the lowest carbs among bread, it works good for me. Also, you can get low net carb wraps at Walmart and other stores. I aim for less than 40-45 carbs per meal, and calculate net carbs as Total Carbs minus Fiber.

I also avoid or limit the following foods in addition to bread: rice, spaghetti and/or noodles, bagels, pancakes, potatoes (and french fries) and other high-carb foods. I don’t subscribe to a high vegetable diet as some do because of other health concerns, but eat a lot of protein primarily from turkey and chicken. Fish is also good if you can get some you like.

I wish you all the best, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have.

@howardm Generally, I agree with all that you wrote, but having trouble getting protein from several sources. You list turkey. Do you prepare a whole turkey, Turkey breast, or turkey pieces? My husband won't eat deli; we've tried every frozen turkey "entre" there is, but all terrible. Beef and pork not options. I am a bit limited when it comes to physically preparing a turkey, so wondered if I'm missing an obvious choice.