Why Fasting Glucose and A1c are Higher on a Carnivore Diet and What to Do

[@NutritionwithJudy]

Ideal bloodwork panel should look like: www.nutritionwithjudy.com/shopping/lab-work/complete-wellness-panel. We offer out-of-network insurance invoices, but if you can get your PCP to run these, even better. Advocate for yourself! ❤

[@JimWooddell]

How much of this is covered with Medicare?

[@xmenotux]

Hi @nutritionwithJudy. Hoping you can help answer something for me. My Casein IgG has gone from 9 to 11.5 in the past 6 months. AFAIK not having any symptoms from dairy. But should I be worried about my IgG being so high? Can it cause inflammation I'm not aware of or long term issues? Do I really need to cut out dairy? Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[@memycellsandi]

@NutritionWithJudy , hi Judy. Are there benefits and risks in taking magnesium malate or malic acid? Coming to carnivore, I think I may have some small stones. Malic acid is often recommended but my searches suggested it binds to calcium. It made me wonder if it will reduce calcium and affect my bones and joints, or increase my oxalates level. Thanks.

[@Gibby1257-oy7oi]

@@memycellsandilook into parathyroid gland and it’s role…..which regulates calcium/phosphorus balance. Calcium is a must in the body (especially at cellular level)but must be balanced with phosphorus …..just like high blood sugar in blood on low carb so to you can have high calcium in blood or tissue or hardening of arteries with low or no calcium in diet (do not take supplements). The body leeches calcium from bones and teeth. That’s why many carnivore dieters are advocating nose to tail, raw milk and honey…..have your calcium levels checked….my2cents…….look into MINNESOTA STARVATION EXPERIMENT to see what really happens to the body that is in calorie/protein/carb….. restriction fasting state…….for 6 months 1550 calories…..pure catabolic and cachexia. Some manly under 45 or certain professions lower stress minimal hours upper middle class but 90% of us can’t maintain this diet…main of our carnivy keto clan are jumping ship……issues and muscle wasting especially older crowd over 55. You can do about ANY diet till about 50-55….. then the body tells you what’s really working it’s all about rest and recover rebuild-it stops recovering rebuilding from the simple activities, sports or workouts…. THE BODY KNOWS WE NEED TO LISTEN ; )

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

I heard that protein can turn into sugar too.

[@Total_Body_Fitness_USA]

Plain and simple - glucose will be higher in those who are insulin resistant and start a zero carb diet. Why is this? Because of the zero carbs the insulin levels drop, BUT the body will get glucose by way of gluconeogenesis. That glucose made by the body is enough to drive up glucose levels because there isn't enough insulin being produced. If this is a problem because it interferes with sleep, mood, etc., then add in a little carbohydrate to trigger an insulin response and it will drive down the glucose levels. BTW, I have been in healthcare 30+ years in integrative functional medicine and I hold a PhD in human physiology. Oh, one more thing. So, how do you fix the insulin resistance? The body will heal itself over time OR you can help speed things up by incorporating a proper resistance training routine that is combined with aerobic exercise.

[@cathysourceyoga]

I have insulin resistance and each time I go carnivore I trigger all my reactive hypoglycemia symptoms and so go back to LCHF. If I stuck with carnivore would my body rebalance and sort itself out?

[@HungVu-tp8rz]

Thanks for the Insightswith some carbs to trigger insulin response. Will some light exercise do the trick like walking for 30 Minutes? I go very low-carb high-fat and similar issue my average HBA1C is 5.2 and fasting blood sugar 100 where I expect them to be 4.8 and 80

[@oldie4210]

Just exercise, it will reduce it

[@Politifood]

@@HungVu-tp8rz no, you need to exercise stronger, just to be able to talk with a person near you, as dr Rick Johnson said, because you need your muscles to consume the glycogen reserve and to have the body switch on ketone. You will feel it like a fog lifting from your brain during exercise.

[@robertwood9984]

I have seen that eating some carbs, not a lot of course, seems to help me. Then, when I learned exogenous ketones, EK's, are highly anti-inflammatory i started using them. "Then", I got curious if EK's would interfere with sleep on the internet studies, I tried it, and have been taking about 4-6 grams before bed. It really seems to be working ad I've struggle with sleeplessness for year. It was so noticeable that I will continue. Thank you for your knowledge!

[@JezaGaia]

I've been keto then carnivore for around 10 years now and stopped tracking a long time ago because I knew what foods were ok and removed the others and all was stable for years. Then menopause hit and it was still ok for a couple of years then suddenly In 1 and a half months I gained 10 kilos and that's around 20% of my previous weight so a significant weight gain while changing nothing at all to my diet and no cheating. It was a very stressful period and I also had been going through menopause for 2 years and started having a lot of side effects from that so I thought it was the issue, took hormones and every symptom disappeared in a week except for the weight. I tried everything I thought of, longer fasting window, shorter fasting window, eating more, eating more fat, restricting dairy products and my weight didn't budge, 55 kg on the dot no matter what. So I dug out the old blood glucose monitor and started checking. At first all seemed ok 85 ish every time I tested. A bit higher than when I was pure keto but I eat more proteins so I thought it was all. Then one day I tested 30 min after my breakfast consisting of 1 coffee with MCT and cream + 15 grs or so of collagen and I was at 128 ! I take a second cup of coffee, just a bit of cream early afternoon so I tested then too and I went from 69 to 82, so still ok but a big rise for mostly nothing and 0 carbs. Since then I've learned that coffee after waking up rises my blood glucose like crazy no matter what I put or don't put in it and that I can have one cup a day early afternoon after eating something and if I sip it slowly. I didn't have this issue before the menopause at all, I had tested all this for 2 years before settling into my routines and not checking anymore. My dad noticed that if he is very stressed and takes coffee or if he drinks it too fast he also has a rise but not as severe as mine. So if anyone has issues with mysterious blood sugar spikes I would check this just in case.

[@joan.nao1246]

JezaGaia - TY for posting such detail. Menopause changes EVERYthing 😫 but not consistently nor in a linear manner! More like a bouncy ball in a pinball machine. I'm battling yet another loopty-loop at this moment, after having done well for years. Frustrating but always worth mucking thru it to the other victorious side ✊🏼

[@JezaGaia]

@@joan.nao1246 Agreed, the more frustrating thing for me appart for not understanding why the weight wouldn't come down was that I couldn't even wear the clothes I had before keto/carnivore. At the time I weighted 58kg so 3 more than the 55 I got to with menopause (and that's maybe 5/6 pounds) so they should have fit without any issue but they were too tight to even manage to pull the pants past the tights or the arms through the shirts sleeves. And that's when I learned that menopause also alters the way you put on weight ! The fat goes in completely different parts of the body and it becomes horrendously difficult to find clothes that fit even in bigger sizes, the shape doesn't work.

[@joan.nao1246]

@@JezaGaia exactly! Had a very recent weight 'redistribution' myself, not loss/gain, again. Literally just as I was planning to *finally* switch out dresser drawers for smaller sized storage bin clothing.

[@Renee-radc]

Yes, menopause really changes a lot of things and can make it difficult to figure out stuff like 'more protein or less protein' etc.

[@Andrea-u2f]

Hi. I recently read that coffee will raise blood glucose concomitant with the epinephrine. Stress will cause blood glucose to rise, to my understanding.

[@Gorman-84]

I am very much like you. I am a fairly strict carnivore for 3 years. I wore a cgm for a month. Like you said boring. It was almost flatline. My BS is almost always 100 plus or minus 5. I have to fast for 2 full days before it drops below 90. Agreed, nowhere near the "norm". This is only the 2nd time from a reputable source, i have heard that my BS is normal for a carnivore. I worried about my BS for some time before I heard it from the 1st source. I think you getting this info out is very important. I can't be the only carnivore experiencing this. Thanks Judy! Love all that you do. ❤😊

[@NutritionwithJudy]

It's because I have a practice so we see large sets of data. And we see trends and other things that start moving differently in the Carnivore testing-sphere. (e.g., Ferritin is another one but I'll save that for another day). Here's a few other videos where I discussed this same issue but they mostly talk about the A1c and blood cells living longer. o Conversation with Dr. Bikman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3bdcqmlqJadl80 o Conversation with Dr. Mason: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXavaKeGl7R8mac&t o Conversation with Dr. Layman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn2Vh4KsrNJsicU&t

[@scaramouche8244]

@@NutritionwithJudy I was wondering what is the fuel source for carnivore? I understand fat for keto and carbs for standard american diet but what is carnivore, gloconeogenesis?

[@cammieklund]

​@@scaramouche8244Fats, ketones and glucose via gluconeogenesis.

[@andrewrivera4029]

@@scaramouche8244fat.

[@johnmartinsen963]

@@scaramouche8244 Ketosis is a metabolic state. Any diet that puts you in a ketogenic state is "Keto" and omnivore, vegan/vegetarian or carnivore can ALL be KETO diets. All humans run on two "fuel" sources (glucose and ketones). If you don't consume carbs, your body will make all the glucose you need (converting protein is called gluconeogenisis). If you consume fatty meats (as recommended), eggs and limited raw dairy you will use mainly ketones for "fuel". If you eat low fat, low carb and high protein your body will probably get very good at gluconeogenisis and start consuming your own muscle.

[@DonCurrier]

Every carnivore who put their blood work out there for all to see, their AC1and fasting glucose is down each and every time. I'm not worried about spikes. And a diet without sugar is better than a diet with sugar.

[@NutritionwithJudy]

Yes, it's when you are close to normal range and things start moving higher than when people were on Keto. I shared my bloodwork and it's in the 90s. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3a0kmaKfcyde6Msi=K0Wd__hNeIaBfYhT. Here's a written write up: www.nutritionwithjudy.com/newsletter/my-5-year-carnivore-bloodwork

[@tprev400]

False, I can get my levels down to optimal levels by controlling amount of protein I eat each day but if I don't, they can go up to type 2 diabetic levels chronically. That is the case even on a lion diet and regardless of whether I am eating 65% fat or 85% fat from calories.

[@terryolay4613]

​@@NutritionwithJudy Thanks for sharing.

[@JimWooddell]

Mine went up..3 year carnivore. Same with my wife.

[@DonCurrier]

@@JimWooddell I'm just past 1 year carnivore. 6 months in my Ac1 went down was down from previous bloodwork. Next time I get blood work, i will see what it says when I go back in the fall. But this is the first I'm hearing of this.

[@someguyusa]

It makes sense to me that blood glucose would be higher on carnivore/low carb diets. Your body adapts to a lack of consumed carb/glucose sources; therefore, it adjusts itself to maintain a higher baseline blood glucose for better efficiency based on your activities since you will still be using glucose/glycogen throughout your daily life. Most numbers in isolation are meaningless, so you're right to consider the context.

[@davidiglesias9549]

No it's because the diet is horrible for you. Do u really think that a diet that causes high blood glucose levels is healthy?. Don't look for intricate reasons why your blood sugar is high. It's because your eating too much protein and fat

[@Total_Body_Fitness_USA]

The reason this occurs is because the body is producing less insulin and because the patient is insulin resistant. The body still gets glucose from a process called gluconeogenesis and that production is enough to drive up blood glucose in those who are insulin resistant because there isn't enough insulin to drive the glucose into the cells due to this resistance. There are countless things you can do to make the cells more sensitive to insulin which in turn would drive down glucose, but this comment would get very long if I explained it.

[@someguyusa]

@@Total_Body_Fitness_USA You cannot declare insulin resistance in all cases. Most numbers in a blood panel will vary based on what the habitual diet of the person is like. That's why I wrote my comment the way I did.

[@gahnyun2016]

Precisely! I thought the same. Generating glucose from protein or fat is harder to do. the rate of production is lower than taking directly from the glycagen storage in liver or muscle , so the body will over produce a little bit to store more in the blood for quick respose usage. This design/machanism is smart. But I do feel that eventually more tissues and organs learn to use more fat and eventually will let the glucose in blood to go down, hopefully.. Some part of my body, likesome tissue in my feet, demands glucose. Every time i take in more carb, it feels better, otherwise it feels sore. I grew up with high carbs as staple food. These carb eating cells will hopefully be replaced by new fat-eating cells gradually..and when the tissues stop sending signals to demand more glucose, the body will stop maintaining higher level of glucose in blood. my A1C is 5.8 higher than before i reduce carb in diet.

[@Renee-radc]

THANK YOU, Judy!! I'm so grateful that you don't ignore or run away from those on the carnivore diet who are dealing with these kinds of issues. 😍

[@markleblanc451]

I’m 6+ years carnivore. My A1C is between 5.4-5.6 with most days at zero carbs. I agree with Paul Mason that it has to do with a healthy population of red blood cells and they have a longer life which will tend to give a higher reading. I agree that we have to look at those numbers through 2 different lenses. One in the context of low carb and the other in the context of high carb/SAD. All of these numbers including micronutrients are skewed because of the general population being metabolically compromised. If you base everything on the general population, you’re chasing your tail. BTW really enjoying your book.

[@gbas76]

I give blood regularly to help myself with this.

[@nataliajimenez1870]

If you have a CGM you are measuring actual glucose and many carnivores see that it does go higher, nothing to do with red blood cells. I really like Dr Cywes theory about long term zero carb diets keeping insulin too low and needing a bit of glucose occasionally to stimulate insulin (he recommends some good quality dairy to stimulate it).

[@NutritionwithJudy]

@@gbas76 Oooh, I wouldn't donate often as if you risk oxygen levels and nutrients being depleted. If you are donating because of ferritin levels, you have to find the main source of inflammation. Donating just for ferritin is a bandaid. (We see this in our practice all the time).

[@NutritionwithJudy]

​@@nataliajimenez1870 I think he's a brilliant person but I also think he's very rigid in his points of view. I wanted him to share his data with me but he can't because it's his patients and protected by HIPAA. So if you can't share it, how do we know the case studies are correct in context? We don't see the issues he's sharing in our practice and we've worked with thousands. I also think he doesn't consider environmental factors in blood panels being skewed. Not everything in the blood is only impacted by diet.

[@andrewrivera4029]

Been OMAD carnivore since January 1 st, my A1C has dropped from Feb to April from 5.5 to 5.2, that’s actually the lowest mine has been in some time. Looking forward to testing all bloods in august, been losing a slow 2-4 lb a month since January hopefully be at my goal weight by august.

[@yavor_zlatanov]

I love that you recommend testing LP-IR. This shows how up to date you are with current metabolic health biomarker monitoring. Most doctors and dieticians, even ones in the LCHF/keto/carnivore sphere are still using HOMA-IR / fasting insulin.. Keep up the good work, Judy!

[@-astrangerontheinternet6687]

Could you please tell me a bit more about the difference and why LP-IR Iis preferred?

[@NutritionwithJudy]

@@-astrangerontheinternet6687 The LP-IR (Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance) score is a blood test result that measures your risk of developing insulin resistance (T2D and CVD). It looks at specific particles in your blood related to cholesterol and fat, showing how your body processes sugar and fat. A higher LP-IR score indicates a greater risk, signaling that your body may not be handling insulin effectively. Scores of 25 and below are great. You can order the NMR Panel with or without graph and it includes the LP-IR score.

[@-astrangerontheinternet6687]

@@NutritionwithJudy Thank you kindly for addressing my question! And for giving us informative videos!

[@drambuie4081]

If your hba1c is high, then use the average feature on a cgm to get an accurate number. Use a formula or a table to convert this number to hba1c. You will get an accurate number that isn’t confounded by red blood cell lifetime. For instance, my lab number was 6.0, but the cgm average showed it to be 5.3.

[@gkgyver]

Too much protein. It's not rocket science. Carnivores tend to overcompensate their old Standard diet eating addiction with eating too much meat. People eat too much lean meat period. When you look at indigenous tribes that are carnivorous, their meat consumption is limited by nature.

[@fenixnew1790]

exactly

[@Mr.Batsu12]

I love that you brought up the very simple question of "How do you feel eating this way (carnivore)?". It's what's helped me stay eating carnviore for a few years now. I'm losing weight at a slow but consistent basis. I have way more energy. I sleep great. I think clearly. I no longer have high blood pressure or symptoms of being pre-diabetic. I no longer have aches and pains in my joints... I just turned 55 and feel better than I did when I was 30. I've suffered with obesity for the past 40 years and I'm now lighter than I was in my 30s. I was around 450lb at my highest and I'm really close to getting under 300 soon. I still have a long way to go but I'm fine with that. I love how I feel on carnivore and I'm never going back to eating a standard American diet ever again.

[@oahola237]

Congrats on your progress

[@SoTiredoftheToxicBS]

Good for U! I'm a Carnivore for health for Life. ❤

[@JYAN2852]

This is known as physiologic insulin resistance. Temporary metabolic adaptation state when cells refuse glucose in favor of fatty acids and ketones. It is intentional to allow for glucose to fuel parts of the body that can only use glucose leaving elevated levels in circulation. Ben Bikman talks about this in his videos. But yes some amount of carbs occasionally should help cells to be not so resistant to glucose, such as milk, yogurt. Helps with elevated AST and ALT as well. Saladino could not figure this out when he was still carnivore a few years ago claiming this is a problem with carnivore when it really is not.

[@JasonActualization]

It's a problem with consuming zero carbs, which could conceivably include carnivore. Highly active folks do certainly benefit from intelligent intake of carbohydrates.

[@missmarielyne6697]

can take years to solve

[@ellek6505]

Garbage, made up explanation for maladaptive response to eating only meat, day in and day out, until "comfortably stuffed." I'm sure our ancestors didn't have access to "comfortably stuffed" every single day, day in and day out. Too much energy coming in, for too long, PERIOD.

[@asherasator]

The false narratives of keto/carni diets are full of misinformation. Real ketosis is only in fasting starvation mode. There's 2 types of ketones for ATP energy: alpha (pyruvate) and beta (acetoacetate and BHB). Glucose/fructose make alpha, fats make beta, proteins make alpha through gluconeogenesis. This is 24/7. We constantly make both depending on weight, BMI (body mass index) and composition, type of diets and lifestyle activity. Fasting triggers starvation mode processes, and yes depending on BMI they're gonna eventually enter real ketosis for ATP. Ketosis is term specific to fasting starvation mode because when there's no more food eaten BMR (body metabolic rate) will raise to burn fats for ATP that take longer to breakdown as they are much larger than carbs/glucose. To maintain that high BMR more body surplus has to be used looping ATP [as glucose molecule produces more ATP molecules] that is real ketosis. Carbs trigger IGF-1 growth hormone. With low/no IGF-1 and high BMR the weight comes off, nothing magical about meat or fat. With high BMR sped up state more cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine is released and that's why people "feel good" just like doing coke or meth, literally. It has nothing to do with ketones, as ketones are always created for ATP 24/7 regardless of diet. Real ketosis is fat burning lipolysis/beta-oxidation with high BMR. When carbs, fats and proteins are eaten together the body regularly goes into glycolysis, fructolysis, lipolysis or gluconeogenesis back and forth depending on its needs. But when there's no food or long term keto/carni diet high BMR will kick in, but go back and forth in and out as protein from diet will make glucose as that's the only way to keep up the ATP requirements and red blood cells and the liver must have glucose, but that high BMR homeostasis is hard on the system, and some people can't handle it or doesn't feel good. That is why keto/carni diets were originally designed as short term treatments for obesity and gluttony or epileptics. That high BMR state is straining and burning fats and proteins creates excessive uric acid and purines, which to prevent acidemia in the blood, the blood must dump acid into tissues and can create cellular acidosis. If cellular pH drops below 7 all kinds of common body flora can proliferate creating infections, viruses can enter cells 5.5 (corona), 5.5-6 (flu), 6.5 (rhino) regardless of vaccines, supplements or prescriptions, and the combination of those processes can lead to "Keto/Atkins Flu". But the worst is methionine-homocysteine levels can rise which are the most carcinogenic and toxic component of these diets. Methionine is angiogenic and can create blood vessels to tumors and involved in all types of cancer. The "MTHFR defect" is no mutation, but genetic proof many people's ancestors (~50%) did not eat high methionine-homocysteine animal based foods.

[@cathconaway9461]

So glad you covered this topic. Recent labs showed Triglycerides 69 HDL 87 CRP .58 Insulin 3.3 C Peptide 1.1 And then A1C 5.7 Feel like I failed a test, but 3 week random glucose average is 104. Thanks for your help with this topic!

[@ellek6505]

Too bad no fasting glucose from the same sample. You could have calculated HOMA IR. Which I would imagine is low, but it might ease your mind a bit.

[@AspenCreekFarms]

I know someone who was carnivore for 3 years due to Lyme and his blood sugar was spiking to 120 or 130 and was then treated for leaky gut and it resolved. What about that possibility. I worry about having the right gut biome on carnivore like akermansia etc that help repair the gut. I’ve heard that those helpful microorganisms like berries and apple skins

[@davidleah4usa921]

Thank you so much for addressing this issue! I don’t think anyone else has answered this question! This is a question I had as my blood sugar , completely fasting, was higher on carnivore than on the regular diet. I haven’t checked in awhile because I feel ok. On carnivore now for 11 months.

[@tprev400]

There is more too it than that, they just don't know. Right now it is all theories. It is quite possible BG is higher because of the excessive amounts of protein you have to eat on this WOE. What they don't tell you, or won't, is whether or not it is unhealthy amounts, simply cause they don't know. Better than outomes of SAD but doesn't mean it is healthy long term. This is what I am trying to figure out.

[@JasonActualization]

​@@tprev400It's higher because of physiologic insulin resistance, which isn't inherently bad or harmful.

[@tprev400]

@@JasonActualization False, that is a Dr Barry talking point on something he really doesn't know the answer to. If you increase your protein and that is the only change, your BG go up to type 2 diabetic levels, 140s plus, that is the definition of diabetes type two and one of the leading causes of multiple diseases and death. It happens to a lot of people, but Carnivore docs or so called influencers won't acknowledge it, well, except for people like Dr Cywes.

[@JasonActualization]

@@rubenperales3173 If it is physiologic, not pathologic.

[@JoJo-oc8oq]

same thing with me. on the SAD diet my fasting glucose was in the 90s. with carnivore it's between 105-115. Dr Baker said it could happen after eating a big steak for dinner. hmmm

[@francisvlatko2834]

The problem is that most carnivores are not in ketosis. If you are a fat adapted carnivore, your blood glucose numbers would be 80 or lower. High fat, moderate protein and low carb (70/25/5%) are the macros to aim for. Stress from your adrenals, exercise, fasting and illness also play a part. More than just food affect your blood glucose.

[@chuckleezodiac24]

what percentage of Carnivores or Ketoans actually hit 70-80% fat consumption?

[@missmarielyne6697]

Naaa I dont agree Iam fat adapted AND in ketosis and still my blood glucose is HIGH so... I beleive it has way more to do with insulin resistance

[@francisvlatko2834]

@@missmarielyne6697 I agree in your circumstance. When you are insulin resistant, insulin fails to block FOXO6 resulting in continual gluconeogenesis even when you eat! It’s like a double meal, so obviously your blood glucose would be high. This is why fasting is used as a therapy.

[@tprev400]

That is a false assumption and lacks any understanding of the affects of protein on BG. When I can increase my level of protein and my BG will change predictably to type 2 levels, it isn't stress, adrenals, exercise, fasting, cortisol, hormones, etc. That is just what all the so-called experts claim it is cause they don't know the answer. It's no different than mainstream doctors blaming something else cause their egos.

[@stevenrix7277]

@@missmarielyne6697 if you blood glucose is over 100 there are less chances to be in ketosis. You can't have both at the same time.

[@cindyr4459]

Thank you! This helps a lot. My triglycerides shot way up (180) on carnivore. Prior to that, they've never been over 70. My LDL went extremely high, in the 700s at first, then back down to 400s as time went on. When I added carbs back in, those markers went down more, but I went back to carnivore because I wasn't feeling quite as good. When I increased my fat a lot and decreased my protein a little (about 80/20 to 85/15), my triglycerides went back down to the 90s, which is still higher than before carnivore, but maybe I shouldn't concern myself over it. Side note: my LDL also went down to the 300s when adding lots of fat/reducing protein a little. I eat a few carbs, but very sparingly. Not enough to kick me off keto.

[@cindyr4459]

Oh, my HDL also went up on carnivore.

[@NutritionwithJudy]

We see trigs that high for several reasons but if we just examine the food side, we see it high when people are consuming lots of liquid fat and/or fructose-rich foods (honey, fruits) with a fatty meat-based food diet.

[@kaweka260]

Same exact case for me. But I did do a lot of cardio that morning before my bloodwork and also I bake with Erythritol one day in the week. Unsure if the carbs from the Erythritol affected it, the cardio or maybe I'm eating too much protein vs fat? I was taking in 165 grams of protein, 80/20 ground hamburger, 9 eggs, 2 chicken wings, 4 oz Chuck eye, 4 oz Salmon and 1-2 tablespoons of butter with my eggs per day. I'm lean muscle at 139 lbs and 4% body fat and 25K-30K steps per day. I went on Carnivore 3 months ago to heal IBS. Wondering when I should retake my bloodwork. Any thoughts?

[@soilsenasuil]

@@kaweka260Not a doctor but my husband tried fasting beyond the 12 hours and cardio before bloodwork and found his triglycerides, LDL and sugar go high…. They told us that your body releases all of these when you haven’t eaten to compensate for lack of energy input.. so don’t do that… do normal 12 hours no exercise….

[@Mpantiques]

@@NutritionwithJudy What is liquid fat? Oils?

[@Found-it-there]

Judy… awhile back you interviewed Dr Bart Gay who explained the Randle cycle. In his interview he talked about what happens when one consumes excess amino acids that are not used for the production of new proteins. The short answer is the body has no way to store amino acid. As such the liver will strip the nitrogen portion off the amino acid and converts the rest molecule to glucose.

[@brachiosaurus6541]

Bart Gay¿? 🤣

[@LinnRivers]

This is fascinating! So then I wonder if it still stands true that walking for even just 10 minutes after eating will assist in keeping levels down. It made a huge difference for me when I was on keto, and found myself not doing it as much recently. Thanks for posting this!

[@joenabbi1214]

Great Video! Exactly what I have been dealing with and I think it to be excessive Gluconeogenesis having been mainly Carnivore for more than one year and avoiding Carbs/Insulin activity. Meaning my Liver becoming super efficient at converting Protein to Glucose. I had a Glucose monitor and just decided to check after inability burn fat after exercise increases x1.5, impractical for me due to time constraints. Granted there was more fat in my diet than I needed but I eat very well! Grass fed beef and organic eggs, Sockeye Salmon, etc. Interesting Phenomena that my Glucose would go lower with rigorus exercise but I would wake up in the morning with higher readings with my range being 100-128. After watching a few KZbins that seemed to explain a possible rationale to my perceived issue it was recommended that I begin adding more Carbs, not Sugar Carbs but slow Carbs llike Beans and that does the trick and my Glucose is now immediately 10 points range lower and I do feel much better and more energetic where I had begun to feel more irritable, less energetic and slower/more sluggish with less initiative or motivation and some weight gain and that could be a real problem to maintain activity right. I'm turning 65 this month and I could not afford to let go of my progress from recent years. But now I am back to feeling great again. Obviously there is really something that my body was telling me, that being it wantied more Carbs, the right kind of Carbs, and I'm thinking more like Mediterranean diet at this stage of my journey is what I am ready for. I've now gone from a bad diet to a Keto diet and lost 60 lbs and been on High Quality Protein for a few years and now am trasitioning successfully to a more balanced and high quality diet with High Protein, moderate fat, and Slow but Quality Carbs. Hope my story helps someone out there and your video is right on! You are also right to be careful to make sure you are not Insulin resistant, that was my fear and that would have been a biggie is it were the case, How greatly I am relieved to find that I wasn't.

[@markiangooley]

Type 1 since 1970, carnivore almost for over 3 years. Initially my A1C went from around 6.2% to 4.5% within half a year. Nowadays it sometimes goes as high as 5.3%, and because I wear a CGM I know that for much of a typical day my body seems to demand to have blood glucose over 120, often 150: if I take the least excess of insulin, my blood glucose plummets to under 60. It’s extremely hard to stay between 70 and 100mg/dl. Fatty meat helps a little. Not eating too late in the day helps reduce the dawn phenomenon rise in blood glucose. I also seem to have gastroparesis. I’m doing okay but the frustration is constant.

[@YogawithAliBeale]

Type 1 for almost 30 years I've also been moderately low carb and a1c 4.9 - 5.7 minus the first few years. What I am finding is the glucose spike is so delayed even without gastroparesis like 4-6 hours post meal. The higher fat meat is causing havoc it's very frustrating.

[@ImiChitterman]

so on a normal day, when blood glucose is 120-150 do you feel unwell, what symptoms do you have that affects you to take the insulin shot? So you main meal is it nicely a mix with fatty meats and or fats balanced with the lean protien or is it heavly the lean meats?

[@YogawithAliBeale]

@@ImiChitterman I don't feel unwell at 120 -150 but I will not allow it to stay there. They say anything over 180 is the magic number that starts to damage the organs. I feel sharper in my mind 70-100. I will do mix both fatty meats, lean ones and whole eggs but lots of egg whites to. I'm still trying to be in a slight deficit to lean out. Which seems to be taking forever but I focus on getting 120 + grams of protein an I feel like it's helping my appetite.

[@ImiChitterman]

@YogawithAliBeale thanks for sharing. Would you consider just light leg work to see if it can bring down the 150 without the shot of insulin . Given your low glucose intake I am assuming your liver is pushing out glucose for some reason. Finding that reason is a good thing.

[@YogawithAliBeale]

@@ImiChitterman I actually teach fitness so I'm getting 12-15 classes a week of Pilates and yoga plus 2 sessions pole dance. Post meals I walk on the treadmill ranging from 1-2 hours a day usually morning and night. Squats are pretty anaerobic it doesn't burn sugar in the moment but over the long term like walking. I've fixed the problem buy using a pump and I changed my relationship with insulin. It's actually Gluconeogenesis and expected. It's a metabolic process that produces glucose from non-carbohydrate. A small dose of insulin 2 - 3 hours after meal 0.1 - 0.25 works like magic. My average sugar on GCM is 95 and typically don"t go over 130.

[@wheelofcheese100]

666 LIKES when I joined, I immediately hit LIKE to change it to 667. What a dork I am lol.

[@MelzCarnivoreJourney]

I also agree with Dr. Paul Mason. It's not necessarily that people are cheating or having off plan foods. The blood cells are living longer than "average" and are getting more glycated. He lists certain tests that u can do to test the age of the cells. Also, just wearing a CGM does a better job of monitoring the daily (and consistency of) blood levels than an A1C.

[@maryvanderplas3232]

Some call it physiological insulin resistance as opposed to pathological IR - namely Dr. Ben Bikman. Dr. Rob Cywes talks about insulin suppression. Dr. Cywes has expressed that it's a cause for concern. I don't think Dr. Bikman shares his concern. In the presence of low insulin, an elevated blood sugar isn't a big deal, in his way of thinking. It's still confusing to me. My other numbers are good--fasting insulin is less than 2--but I still worry about chronically high BG. It's cool about dolphins but not enough to quell my fears entirely. Thanks for sharing your research and thoughts, Judy!

[@keywestfan2503]

The glucose most likely a result of excess PROTEIN consumption from gluconeogenesis. Unless you’re a hardcore bodybuilder, one doesn’t need 1g per pound as the dogma suggests. Men probably need no more than 130-150g and women

[@someguyusa]

I doubt that. Studies are quite clear that 1.2-1.5g/lb bodyweight is recommended for maintaining/building/preventing muscle loss especially in aging populations. More likely, the body adjusts its baseline blood glucose levels in order to compensate for the lack of consumed carb/glucose sources. So-called "hardcore" bodybuilders will need to consume more than 1.5g/lb bodyweight.

[@palosamo]

There is some evidence that the substrate availability (gluconeogenic amino acids in this case) influences the rate of gluconeogenesis but this process is primarily demand driven so I doubt this has a big role to play.

[@NutritionwithJudy]

Our blood sugar will increase with more protein but it's not the reason our blood sugar in general is higher. Yes, gluconeogenesis is used to convert protein to glucose for the demands of our body, but the body is very smart in conserving energy and raw materials for what it needs. To waste internal energies to convert more protein to gluconeogenesis (for sugar it doesn't need) isn't ideal. (Our main energy sources are fat or carbs, and protein is a building block). We have women who eat 115 g and even 80g just starting with us, and their blood sugar is still close to 100 mg/dL. Yes, we use gluconeogenesis, and that, in fact, will make our blood sugar go up some, but it's not the whole picture. I would hate for people to lower their protein intake to subsequently lower blood sugar levels because then most people would have to consume only about 60 grams of protein (or less), and that would be detrimental for anyone trying to preserve muscle mass and bone health.

[@tprev400]

I am male, very fit and I can't eat more than 90g of protein a day if I want my BG to stay within optimal levels. If I eat 130 to 150g of protein, my BG will go to type 2 levels and stay there.

[@tprev400]

@@NutritionwithJudy What would you tell someone that eats more than 120g of protein a day, and like clockwork, their BG go to type 2 diabetic levels. Male, 48 years old. Would you say, deal with the type 2 levels or risk being nutrient deficient?

[@aprilwolanski7870]

I do hope this is studied soon in humans. Being a type 1 diabetic carnivore for over 5 yrs I have experience fighting the traditional medical world defending my positive results. 😢

[@lauramcniel3305]

Keep fighting the good fight, and thank you for doing it.

[@ellek6505]

Speaking of Type 1, Dr Richard Bernstein does NOT believe that higher blood sugars are a good thing, and neither do I. I will stick with keeping mine in the 80s, like he does. (I'm not diabetic, but I like my sugars in the 80s, like Dr B says is best for humans. It requires me to eat moderate and sensible carnivore, not an "all you can eat Thanksgiving-full meat-fest," day after day.)

[@davebackhaus1381]

Tell me more about t1d being a carnivore. Do you dose insulin? No carbs to count? Just long acting?

[@solutions4tenants141]

Judy I just appreciate how detailed your scientific and research is. I Just enjoy your channel and the guests that you bring in. Thank you for your investment in all of us.

[@queenmarissa]

I just think that as a carni we need to throw the text book out and look at other things. Im a dietician... It just seems that carnivore changes the biology all together. We are basing our optimal health markers on whats optimal for people on a SAD diet.. ❤ love you Judy

[@patriceferguson7340]

Yes it does. Everything gets rewritten. Hormones, cholesterol, muscle, fat adaptation and age related changes. Stress response to emotions and physical activity may also have to be adjusted. You may have to change slowly the protein to fat ratio or the kind of animal protein you consume to meat the needs as you age. I have been carnivore for 6 years but I also older. My choices were varied and I had successfully achieved many of my goals. Once over 60 now this body only tolerates a lions diet. Increased my fats to muscle meat to support menapause and thyroid function. Decreased muscle meat as I am not out there being a gym rat 🐀or marathon runner. Try to get all my needs met in one meal. I don’t drink cream or eat any diary. Except ghee.

[@asherasator]

@@patriceferguson7340 Carni-Bore. Totally unnatural. Carnivore animals eat the stomach content and intestines of their herbivore prey, and some carnivore animals also eat grass in between hunts.

[@begraced3339]

You're a rockstar, Judy. I appreciate your approach so much!

[@tillytogs]

Protein is converted to glucose in the body so eat less meat and more fat

[@marinafoglietti9351]

Thank you for these informations. I am a 77 aged Italian woman in carnivor diet from 2019. I was very surprised to see my test of blood sugar 102 and my LDL cholesterol 200 but my triglycerides 55 and HDL 100. All the rest was good no inflammation at all. So now I know, thank you, that I have to eat a little bit of green salads and more satured fat. I never ate sugars and alcool and I do not smoke.

[@jamesp5301]

I'm glad you and Dr Mason have talked about this. I often wondered why my a1c wasn't necessarily as low as I expected when I went carnivore

[@johnlane9590]

I'm 65 and was on carnivore but fell off, back on now for a month but arthritis is horrible. I eat chuck steak, eggs, pastured butter. I little cheese. Same diet from before when it worked. Sorry to complain. I mean to say it's the arthritis that it's not working on now, but it is working on other things. Thank you

[@oahola237]

Might just take more time. I have noticed lingering joint pains on carnivore, but there is gradual improvement.

[@asherasator]

Uric acid and purines from high protein metabolism is well known to cause gout and arthritis.

[@TipSharp]

Interesting, I had been wearing CGM for about 3 years and practice low carb. My A1C is down to 5.5. However, my fasting glucose is hardly down below 100. It’s been in the neighborhood 110. If I am driving or exercising, it go up to 120. Then it will drop closer to 100. However, I found that if I just eat a little carp, like a bite or so a fruit, or two table spoon of rice. My glucose went up a little, then it will drop down below 100 for a very long time. So I think, the liver provides enough glucose and your body may not assume much and your body think at 110 range, it is not worth to send out insulin. Therefore it is kept that way for your body. But if you did add in carbs and make you have insulin response, then it will drive the glucose down below 100. I think it might be good just add little spike to your pancreas sometimes but not much will keep your pancreas healthy by the principal some little stress will make you healthier. If you don’t use it at all, it might just wasted its function.

[@petersonnl]

I've been eating carnivore for over three years now. My blood glucose stays between 95-100. My A1C stays at a solid 6.0, but that's because I'm diabetic. It won't budge. I don't worry about it because it doesn't fluctuate. I'm not on any medication for the diabetes.

[@johnsaxontube]

Right there with you! I've been low carb fasting for 16 months. Blood sugar always around 100, a1c is 5.9, won't budge. Even when I did carnivore for 6 weeks, no change.

[@notaras1985]

So once the mutation happens at the genetic and mitochondrial level, there's no turning back. Carnivore then helps stabilise it a bit... .

[@michealfriedman7084]

Start doing daily squats. Do 10 squats every 45 minutes throughout the day. This will eat up a lot of glucose in your body.

[@johnmartinsen963]

​@@michealfriedman7084I could do squats all day (while fasted) and watch blood glucose go up...nice suggestion anyway.

[@NutritionwithJudy]

In your shoes, I wouldn't worry either. But that said, one day, test the other markers mentioned for context too.

[@joeyhomewood]

I'm interested in how carnivore or fasting can impact cortisol levels. I will scan your past videos to see if you have something about that.

[@georgemoonman2830]

Long term calorie restriction can increase cortisol levels - the trick with both carnivore and fasting is to ensure that you are eating enough when you are eating (for me, I was not feeling hungry around 1500-1800 calories, but I can also eat 2500-3000 calories per day and not gain fat/weight so it was a big adjustment to make sure I was eating enough)

[@mplt6151]

Thank you so much, Judy. This is the information I was looking for so long. My fasting glucose was slowly creeping up from around 80 to now about 100, after switching from carbs to ketovore diet. I was really concerned where I will end up in this journey. But my hba1c has now stabilized between 5.3 to 5.5 and I am more than happy. Will stick to my diet.

[@gardencompost259]

What I found is that drugs, and treatments can influence blood glucose levels. Also anything that raises cortisol will cause BG to increase. Thank you for this information, it helps me to understand more.

[@thehoteldeveloper]

So crazy. I'm having this exact problem right now. I did great on carnivore for over a year. I had issues but overall I was doing well. Then I started having major issues. Changed some things and then was struggling with giving into old cravings more often than I should have. Dealing with way too much stress. I also think was making myself over eat to get enough protein in because I had started lifting more. I gained weight and have not been feeling well at all. Last week my A1C was a 6! It's never been that high before. I couldn't believe it. Recently I've been having major digestion issues so I'm working on trying to improve that. Carnivore fixes so many things. But some issues can get worse. It's alway a struggle to figure out those small details. Overall though I never see myself going back to processed food. So I know one day I'll figure all of this out and get better.

[@notaras1985]

It's great to have this information. The carni cultists on the forum never speak of the side effects

[@Christinesobsevations]

I find that eating just whole food makes me feel my best lots of greens , dark fruits , lower fat meats . Some carbs I love corn chips

[@andredaedone7732]

Overeating protein can cause it or eating too much protein in one sitting.

[@mikepullman2513]

​@notaras1985 carni cultist? Lol if you already complaining just eat your rabbit food and stfu lol

[@thehoteldeveloper]

@@notaras1985 Yes. Agreed. Some do tend to just keep pushing eat more meat or fat to fix everything. But I will say I had digestive issues before ever going carnivore. It took me 9 months to resolve my reflux. Which I've never seen anyone else say it took them that long. So I'm assuming my issues are bad. Although I definitely know I'm on the right track. It has fixed so many other things such as depression, severe anxiety due to stress and many other random issues. Some of us are just more sick than others and it takes time and different solutions to resolve all the issues. All I know for absolute certain is that whole organic foods are the way to go.

[@Jay-hs1vq]

I don't understand why all this bloodwork is necessary. If you're feeling great why bother. Our parents didn't do this crap. Doctors will always find something wrong. I had to get bloodwork done for Bio Identical Hormones, my sister want me to get my A1c done at the same time and I told her no I'm not wasting my money.

[@mariomenezes1153]

It is all about how much risk you are willing to tolerate. Like asking why check the oil level in your car. You don't really need to do it and, 99 times out of 100, the level will be OK. That one time that it is not OK, checking it can save your car. Blood testing is the same. Most healthy people will get good results. If you don't, you can either rely on your doctor (most people) or rely on your expertise (maybe you). What is important though is to know that something is wrong, so you can attempt to fix it. I am sure that most people who have heart attacks or strokes wish they had an advance warning. The blood test can be your advance warning. .

[@NqobileRadebe-fn4yw]

I agree

[@chuckleezodiac24]

doctors are like mechanics: always wanting to find something to fix. but lots of people feel great... until they don't. my friend's brother died of a heart attack while running a marathon. he felt great. before the race...

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

@@mariomenezes1153 It's because we all have been conned into believing health is about numbers. Our ancestors lived for millions of years without worrying about numbers. I don't ever get lipid panels or even care because I feel great on carnivore...

[@tragicevans4157]

HbA1c is very important because high glucose levels can damage arteries, leading to serious complications.

[@dawnchristine1344]

One important factor that can raise blood glucose is gluconeogenesis stimulated by glucagon, growth hormones, epinephrine and cortisol. If often occurs during fasting, low carbohydrate diets, intense exercise. It is often seen in diabetics when sick although they have not been eating due to illness. It is a function of the liver but can occur in the kidney as well. For me getting more ketones (MCT oil) sometimes helps decrease the gluconeogenesis that I have noticed in my increased fasting blood sugar. I have read some articles that claim it occurs in physiological adaptation to prolonged starvation. Anyway my blood sugar levels are higher when fasting so I noticed some improvement with increasing ketones.

[@SherwinWood]

Just found your channel. Very impressed

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Thank you for telling the truth about LDL problem with the carnivore diet, it gives you way more credit to what ever else you say. Thank you.

[@scotthamlin9718]

Started keto 4 1/2 years ago and gradually moved to mainly ketovore. All blood markers are great, all inflammatory markers low, triglycerides about 50, very high LDL so LMHR. My blood sugar is a bit high but I stopped worrying about it because everything else is great. Typically before my first meal of the day, BS in mid 90’s. I think my body normal on a mainly meat diet is going to stay a bit higher than some but seems it’s OK. Thanks for the video, helps confirm what I was already thinking.

[@JimWooddell]

Hi Judy! I am 5 year ketogenic and 3 year carnivore. I have seen and recorded my blood glucose go up in the last few years. However, it is very stable. No peaks and valleys with my exercise exception. I have a youtube video on my channel if you might want to see the numbers. My A1C did go up. From 5.3 to 5.7. I donate blood, and it has never depleted my iron. They test for that prior to the blood draw. A good reason to donate blood, besides helping others, it that it reduces the plastic in your blood. Thanks!

[@j.sch.8266]

still waiting for ANY of the lowcarb influencers to talk about the glucose in fresh meat. If you'd only eat meat from freshly killed animals, you'd end up with somewhere between 21 to 27 gramms of carbs per day (for 3 lbs). I'm not making this up, it has been shown in studies and is also logical. So the proof is for you to show that eating zero carbs is the actual natural way. Maybe our bodies just need this little bit of glucose to trigger insulin? Also, overeating PUFA can mess with your gluconeogenesis regulation via PPAR activation. Another very easy way to get high blood sugars on a carnivore diet. But bring on that bacon and eggs, no issue, right? But no, your blood sugars are high, because you are sooooooo super healthy. Best red blood cells in the world and stuff.

[@Michal_Sobczyk]

Zerocarb is not the best name, sure there will be some trace amount of carbs, probably a little bit less than in your calculations unless you eat liver all the time. The daily carb amount is more or less the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of honey. If you've ever done a test with honey - provided you get a 2:1 fat to protein ratio then that amount of carbs makes no difference to my body, it doesn't kick me out of ketosis, it doesn't give any side effects except for sugar cravings. The point is not to be perfectly zero carb, the point is to maintain ketosis. As long as deep ketosis is maintained there is no evidence of harm of small amounts of carbs. People who are interested in this topic are not in zerocarb for ideological reasons (to be "pure", to be right, to serve some ideal) but because of pragmatic reasons. If every time you modified carbs in a wrong way you'd fall into a ground and have an epileptic shock or have severy hypothyroidism then you'll learn very quickly that we don't owe anyone any evidence, the reason for our discipline is practical and we do it for ourselves. Everyone needs to do their own choices. The best way to chose a proper approach is through testing a diet.

[@sciencesimplified3890]

I’d actually would really like to know, did you literally make up the idea that carnivore causes RBCs to live longer? I’ve never seen any evidence at all for this statement.. what is the basis of this statement?

[@wendy-ld5ck]

The continuous monitor kept falling off and coming out on it's own. It was also very unreliable. I would check it along with taking my blood sample simply because it was so radically out of control and of course that is unsettling. I stopped wearing it because it was just a hassle. It is still more reliable to use the blood sample method. This is my 5th week of carnivore and it has been unusual. The biggest problem has been potty issues. I actually thought something bad would happen in the beginning with a no carb meat based diet, but I have proven that a t2 diabetic can survive on meat alone. My husband is amazed since I am resisting all the previous foods I used to enjoy.

[@ArdGeal]

I used a CGM once- a free sample from Freestyle Libre- and it was horrendously inaccurate- reading 20-25 higher than finger prick tests done with 2 devices at any given time...seems like they maybe want you showing as prediabetic so you keep buying them...

[@cindihunter9119]

This I have known for years! Being a T1D, for my entire life. Glucose levels do not stay at the same number all of the time! Lack of sleep, eating to much, exercise, stress also contributes to the blood sugar complex issue. Not sure of why people think that glucose won't go up, when eating a Carnivore diet. It does, just more slowly... How much insulin one takes in, because to much insulin leads to weight gain, and harms the body.

[@CarbageMan]

I say it's gluconeogenesis. Going carnivore to enhance lean mass after being keto for years and beating diabetes, I was shocked to see my blood sugar over 100 most of the time, and my A1c creep up to 5.8. All of these numbers were significantly lower. I'm concerned with blood sugar being in the prediabetic range-particularly as a glaucoma patient with degenerative disc disease. My inflammation definitely went up, as I could tell with neck pain. I'm hoping a more ketogenic version of carnivore might help, but it seems as though that would be at the expense of protein. PS: I did add pickled and cruciferous vegetables back into my diet and I'm still struggling with the blood sugar issue, though I feel better, and my other stats (those normally indicated by keto doctors) have been good all along. Most importantly, I think, my CAC is still zero, triglycerides are low, HDL nominal and so forth. Right now, I'm concentrating on red meat, because I was donating blood regularly and my iron came down even though my RBC, hematocrit and hemoglobin are high (out of range.) I also stopped taking vitamin D because it read 136 (way out of range.) I'm still taking cod liver oil, though. Oh yeah, I've been stalled for years at 30% body fat or higher after losing 100 pounds.

[@ArdGeal]

I agree- I doubt any of the "carnivores" (as bad as vegans tbh) are doing true keto macros with their fat and protein only diet, so they are probably in the 30-50% way excessive protein category and that excess protein is just a really expensive form of sugar once the body has to convert it (just eat it lol)..... In the last 5 years I've done this all, and have (by looking at the Randle Cycle) gone the full flip and now am trying the VERY low fat high starch diet with lean fish/meats...getting great results(weight loss, energy levels amazing, sleeping brilliant) it seems the fat and carbs together is where the real problems begin with blood sugar and insulin resistance. I can eat a 200g portion of Basmati rice, with chicken, sweet chilli sauce, sweetcorn and spring onions and my BG will be back under 100 in an hour after eating. I had LDL of >400 on carnivore/keto and zero energy, sluggish all the time. I still do dry fasting and on this diet once every 2-3 weeks I'll throw in a zero carb, high fat day just to shock the system and remind it how to produce bile so that doesn't shut down. And Zero grains or seed oils on this....

[@CarbageMan]

@@ArdGeal I’m not planning a low fat or high carb diet any time soon, but I do believe there’s such a thing as too much protein-maybe not for everyone, but for me.

[@CubitaLola]

​@@ArdGealIm just adding back starch to my diet, sweet potatoes and rice. Cutting back on the butter because Im seeing some weight gain after 4 months. My glucose was 4 points higher but my cholesterol numbers were pristine. BUN/creatinine ratio also elevated so I think it's just too much protein, but then adding the fat seems to make me gain. Im now adding some starch to my plate along with my protein and moderate fat.

[@yadiachenia]

@@ArdGeal well said, we are actually thrive on starchy foods. I eat only starchy foods and feel great , no vegetbales no meat no eggs no butter only eating rice, potatoes, beans and whole grains. The poison is mostly in high animal proteins, fats and in vegetbales too

[@CubitaLola]

@@ArdGeal How are you eating now? My LDL is high but the other cholesterol numbers were good.

[@tprev400]

You are losing credibility around this way of eating by not acknowledging that protein can have a major role in increasing blood glucose levels, even to the levels of type 2 diabetic levels chronically. These Carnivore advocates need to stop rationalizing higher glucose levels of being OK when you don't actually know. We do know, 140s or higher are dangerous. We don't know how damaging 120s, 110s, 100s, 90s are. For me, I have been strict carnivore for 2 years, all other markers are solid but if I eat more than 120g of protein a day, my BG will chronically go to 120s to 130s at least. Over 100g a day it drops a little to 100s to 120s. Below 90g is when I get them to 70s - 80s which is optimal. My A1C has confirmed this as well. I am not unique to this, all you have to do is pay attention. You, Dr Barry and others are in absolute denial on this. Stop trying to rationalize higher BG if you don't know the answer, it makes you no better than mainstream doctors doing the same thing. I literally banged my head against the wall for over a year listening to people that can't accept this is an issue within Carnivore. I don't have a solution, I just now I have to track and control my Macros not knowing if I am getting enough nutrients. Time will tell but until you start acknowledging and advising peole that you are informing on this subject about the possibility of protein causing these increased levels, you are potentially doing damage to these individuals.

[@francisvlatko2834]

Well stated! Glucose toxicity is a problem, no matter what diet you use to get there. It’s a very hard pill to swallow if everything else pertaining to health is better. If we only have two energy options per Randle Cycle - fat (ketones) or carbohydrates (glucose), which are carnivores using? Protein turns into glucose. This is why carbohydrates are not an essential macronutrient. After the last 50 years of fat bashing, it is reasonable to understand fat phobia. I had a hard time when I first started my ketogenic journey nearly 6 years ago. Carnivore is a great tool if you are in ketosis. The denial is great within the community.

[@Mpantiques]

Soo in short, what to eat??? Fat? Proteins? Carbs??? What? The more you watch and listen, less you know…. What is healthy to eat?

[@fabioriato]

Like I always say, the thing about carnivore is not meat, but _fatty_ meat. The proportion should be in favor of fat. I'm not sure about the effects of high protein, but I'm totally sure that we are not made to avoid fat. Traditional human diets were always high in fat.

[@tprev400]

@@fabioriato And that is the go-to talking point of anyone who comments on the protein issue with Carnivore. At the lowest, my diet is 70% fat, oftentimes as high as 85% fat. That makes no difference in terms of how high my BG goes, just the amount of protein I intake daily. Trust me, I have tried everything outside of long-term fasting. Meaning Over 36 hours.

[@unassailable6138]

@@tprev400 you talk loads about blood glucose and yet fail to reveal your fasting insulin. That is what indicates a problem , not b.g. Ever heard of the HOMA-IR test? Inuits were notorious for having high Blood Glucose and no health complications from it.

[@jcm730]

When you have a book called carni cure then everything must fit into that narrative. When you're a hammer everything looks like a nail

[@patriceferguson7340]

Being glucose challenged over 6 years now. I have tried many diets to reduce it however unsuccessfully. Using a CGM through all the experiments. I found for myself. That hormones and blood cells especially hemoglobin react differently to various types of foods. Meat based diet affects cholesterol levels and red blood cells as well as endocrine thyroid and sex hormones. The age of the red blood cells 120 recycling slows down significantly. So glucose that is sugar loaded elevates the A1c not because it adds much t glucose to your bloodstream but because these older cells have delayed their cycle of being sacrificed. Your hormones are leveling off, improving the balance, muscle are waking up and building. Thyroid function improves. Basically resetting. That all takes energy so the body will hold off disposing of glycat d red blood cells. This can be seen if you look at the labs that show the results of blood composition in the CBC test. MCV will be evaluated that is the adult blood cells that are in ld are elevated. New cells are sometimes lower. The second thing is you may be consuming much r muscle meat then your weight BMI calls for adding extra energy to your system will caps your body to refuse that consumption to protect your mitochondria from over burden. That will make your blood glucose increase. So check your weight to protein requirements and add fats to balance it. So say you you 135 pounds and BMI

[@rjo8500]

Good info. One thing I’ve learned eating a carnivore diet for eleven months is it’s not as easy as just eating meat. Adequate fat intake is very important and often overlooked. Plus that adequate daily fat intake is much higher than most people would be inherently comfortable with because we’ve been taught by the medical community that fat is bad.

[@michaelamaestas4950]

Just eat a cup of cooked carrots or squash, easy . No one is addicted to these foods

[@nataliajimenez1870]

Dr Cywes does recommend the introduction of a low amount of carbs for long term carnivores to make sure that insulin is triggered once in a while. Some carnivores forget that very low insulin is also a problem (see Type 1 diabetics)

[@EmotionDynamics]

This terror of insulin isn't healthy. Insulin is a necessary hormone, and it does a heck of a lot more than simply move glucose into cells. Yes, many of us have made great gains on no carb and carnivore. But for some people, such as lean mass hyper-responders and elite athletes, zero carb may not be workable. It's so important not to devolve into carnivore separatists and meaty fundamentalists. The research on carnivore is simply not there yet, and many of the doctors in this space are not researchers. This level of certainty is the opposite of helpful when people are struggling even though they're doing everything "right.".

[@bplusAgain]

the short clip on this video is really confusing, it sounds like you are recommending sugar when have high sugar. don't think that clip is very helpful.

[@KonsciousKollective]

You must be psychic bc I just started carnivore (with minimal fruit, like 1 piece/serving/day max) and was concerned about my fasting glucose being over 100 first thing in the morning! Like you said, I could increase my fruit intake if I wanted to chase a number, but I'd rather stick to carnivore and simply let it ride if my other blood work is in healthy range. I'm lucky to have a doctor who is okay with low carb diets and fasting, as the nutritionist was recommending tons of carbs, no fasting, and I felt like 💩! I'll stick to what works, to what feels best, and find a community of like-minded people to keep me on track!

[@NutritionwithJudy]

Here's a few other videos that talk through the A1C and red blood cells living longer: o Conversation with Dr. Bikman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3bdcqmlqJadl80 o Conversation with Dr. Mason: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXavaKeGl7R8mac&t o Conversation with Dr. Layman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn2Vh4KsrNJsicU&t

[@jobrown8146]

Just be aware that fructose isn't measured in the A1C blood test. Dr Ken Berry has only recently learned this. This video has links to papers in the description: Hidden Danger in Fruit & Honey [ *A1c Misses Fructose Damage* ] 2024 kzbin.info/www/bejne/amG9cmOYp62gg8k

[@kennethyuman1940]

At 08:00, adding carb lowers A1C: This can be explained with the glucose-sparing effect on low carb. Adaptation to burning fat and the lack of glucose spikes to trigger insulin excretion leads to dormant beta cells. My guess is that endogenous glucose from gluconeogenesis does not trigger insulin excretion.

[@Stoiction]

You eat sugar to lower blood sugar?😂That’s totally insane. Are you out of your mind😂.Fasting 2-3 days is the solution not eating poison.

[@drbaker3000]

So higher blood sugar is fine on a carnivore diet but now while eating carbs? Make this make sense please.

[@chuckleezodiac24]

right on, bro. cholesterol? the more the merrier! high LDL? harmless! fat? it's great. saturated fat? even better! beef, bacon and butter? come and get some!!!!! now it's high fasting glucose and elevated A1C... pffft! that's Carnivore Optimal! you're doing it right!

[@miken7629]

Found out something interesting about glucose, there is a frog in Iceland that is frozen solid for up to 7 months a year then comes back alive when thawed out. That frog increases it's glucose level 40 times before freezing and that high glucose level keeps cells from being damaged when frozen, sugar is a preservative so there might be something here that would allow humans to be frozen and recover.

[@unassailable6138]

humans are warm blooded animals and frogs are not. Major differences

[@mariomenezes1153]

Brilliant video! Thank you! Wonder if part of the increase in blood glucose could be if testing was done after some situation where the body identified a need for additional glucose to be generated via gluconeogenesis. This would be another normal body response, if so, and nothing abnormal.

[@fronniebealer7808]

Very good explanation. Thank you.

[@JuliesPath]

Here's the problem I have with a lot of these carnivore people is that they're so glued to their ideology that carnivore is the best thing for every single person that they cannot even conceive of the fact that someone may have metabolic illness. Do not take this lightly I gained 20 pounds on carnivore my insulin was off the charts and I started to feel really horrible my liver was affected as were my kidneys it's not the right diet for everyone I went back to eating vegetables and meat together I feel much better my thyroid has improved and life got better! Take care of yourself people! Don't just blindly listen to these people as I did for 6 months and damage your body.

[@georgegaitanos1275]

Very confusing video...makes little sense. From what Dr Berry is teaching...

[@asherasator]

They're all quacks that cherry pick and create false narratives and strawman arguments. Not one of them is accurate overall with the most basic empirical facts of textbook biology, physiology or immunology. They are monetized video content creators gearing towards a very naive and gullible audience.

[@toeveryseason6932]

I've been on carnivore now for about 14 months. My glucose was ticking up originally, but now I'm more concerned with hypoglycemia. My fasting glucose is now from 60-75 and it'll increase to the 100 - 120 after a meat/fat meal. It doesn't come down quickly, but will be right at 90-105 by the evening. And the next morning's numbers will be 60-75 again. I feel fine, no symptoms of low glucose so I assume that it's due to being fat adapted. It's not uncommon for me to have numbers in the 50's.

[@CarnivoreBrothers]

Thank you for sharing this! I have been Carnivore for 16 months and last blood work showed my A1C a little higher than I was expecting (5.8 up from 5.3) so I was curious as to why as I have not strayed from eating meat. I so appreciate hearing from the experts and knowing there is so much we still don't know. I still feel amazing and have no reason to believe anything is wrong but was curious about that slight increase. Thank you!

[@rlwings]

Condensed version: A1C healthy range can be higher on a Carnivore (low carb) diet. Similar to lipid numbers being higher and healthy.... Aaaaaand it's OK! - Chill out as long as other markers are within range. - Better to talk with professionals who understand this.

[@billbob7982]

Truly, this phenomenon is simple. Our body cannot store protein. Therefore, after proteins circulate long enough for these molecules to be absorbed where needed (2-3 hours), our liver changes this unused protein into glucose, and this process continues for 2-3 hours longer, Then finally this excess glucose is converted, by the same liver into fat. The problem is solved by NOT eating so much protein.

[@billbob7982]

Sorry, meant to state AMINO ACI 15:36 DS acids and NOT proteins. Our bodies CANNOT store amino acids. 😳😁

[@billbob7982]

Sorry, meant to state AMINO ACIDS and NOT proteins. Our bodies CANNOT store amino acids. 😳😁

[@peterjenner5431]

Thank you for the talk Judy that was very nice

[@kathleen9456]

Any diet that is too strict one way or another is going to cause issues eventually. Meat only until you have healed, but then a normal diet with low oxalate vegetables might make more sense

[@bonsummers2657]

Yes.

[@FargoDaddy]

So you view the carnivore diet as not normal?

[@notaras1985]

​@@FargoDaddyit's abnormal cause it doesn't take into account your microbiomes needs for food, which is like 80% of your body

[@Christinesobsevations]

Agreed

[@nancyj621]

You might need to educate yourself a little more. The carnivore way of eating is a normal way of eating. You say the microbiome may be a problem, but many carnivores have tested their microbiome and have tested in the highest rankings of diversity.

[@dalequale9365]

HOW I FEEL is my thankful surprise for third year of my paleo journey. Appetite control, too. BTW my A1C is now 5.2, was 5.5 a year ago. 💪🙏

[@carriesing]

Glucose goes higher on carnivore bc people are overeating. Plain and simple. Get fat up to 85-90%, protein and carbs combined 10-15%. Quit overeating. Learn to control your emotions and quit using food to self soothe.

[@carolcole570]

7-2-2024. After reading the comments, I have decided that FINALLY I am hearing people voice my concerns about eating Carnivore……that their blood sugar goes UP ! So, THIS is making me decide to stick with the Keto plus I.F. diet. It is sooooo much more reliable. Don’t even need to watch the video, now.

[@CubitaLola]

I just added some starch back. I think Im better on "low carb" vs carnivore and maintain no process foods or wheat.

[@carolcole570]

@@CubitaLola Yes, keto works much better for me, too. After a while, I find I can get by with a tiny bit of cheating. I……really miss fruits……like bananas. Last time I had a banana was 2009. Every now and then, I can get away with eating 5 grapes. Plus, I have gotten so used to eating I.F., that I never think about it, like I did at first. We have been experimenting with resistant starch foods…..oatmeal, rice, potatoes. Working REALLY well !!!

[@CubitaLola]

@@carolcole570 I miss bananas too! I havent let go of my berries though. I do have greek yogurt mixed with berries. Im also experimenting with the starch now. Still not really eating vegetables. Only things like lettuce and peppers or something like zucchini. I feel a change in energy just adding a 1/2 cup of rice with a meal. Im also eating avocado again

[@carolcole570]

@@CubitaLola Since I only eat once a day, I am not about to waste those precious carbs on yogurts, when I can be scarfing down real food. LOL. I DO eat low carb veggies…..lots of them and lots of meats. And now we are having great luck with the resistant starch foods. I have gotten to the place where I can eat a cheeseburger ( bread ! ) with a few fries and not need to take insulin. A couple of weeks ago I had a few blueberries and oddly I had developed an allergy to them, so they made me sick. My daughter will drink a protein shake. Not me ! I want “ food to chew on “. Today I had a barbeque SANDWICH with fried okra and cole slaw. I won’t need any insulin tonight ! It took awhile to be able to eat the bread without my blood sugar shooting up, so I am okay, now with it. IF I need insulin, I have a handful of roasted almonds since I am to take the insulin with food. Daily, though, I take massive amounts of vitamins/supplements. One huge issue for me is that my hair isn’t growing. I have literally been taking everything, but nothing is working thus far. Have a peaceful weekend, Cubita!❤️

[@yadiachenia]

@@carolcole570 you do not have great luck with starch , its obvious the starch is what humans should eat and not vegetbales of meat. Whole grains, potatoes, rice and beans

[@northyland1157]

My overnight fasting BG is 88-95. I'm not strict carnivore, I do eat green salad and berries at lunch.

[@Fruigivore]

Protein lowers sugar not fat lol

[@beautycarnivorewindowwashing]

We’re on carnivore for 5 years now, our A1c is 6.0 😮 our doctor isn’t very convinced on carnivore!

[@asarcadyn2414]

I'd change things around and see if it lowers A1c.

[@beautycarnivorewindowwashing]

@@asarcadyn2414 Honestly we tried everything 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@honkbeforeitstoolate587]

How many grams of protein do you eat per lb. of lean body weight?

[@terryalcorn477]

Same with me ...carnivore for 1 year but my A1C is 6.1 ...I feel really good though so I plan on continuing my carnivore diet

[@powerflodiesel5597]

UHHHH, MINE HAS DROPPED AND STAYS 20 POINTS LOWER THAN IT HAS MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE. FROM 98-99 TO A REGULAR 76-78.. DON'T AGREE WITH THAT JUDY, SORRY. MY WIFE HAS ALMOST THE SAME, DROPPED 13 POINTS AND STAYS THERE AS WELL.

[@tyspirit9614]

Hi Judy, I wonder what your thoughts are on incorporating Berberine supplementation on a Carnivore diet? I would presume it would generaly be uneccessary but perhaps useful in some scenarios.

[@ariellaares9100]

Great advice, thank you!

[@kernow1273]

I notice you are talking about protein rather than fat. It is the fat on carnivore that is what helps. You onky mention fat very briefly? You also dont talk about ketones? I dont heal if I eat too much protein and neither do I feel ok. When I eat very fatty ribeye I feel so much better. You also talk about cholesterol being high. Most people who go onto carnivore do so because they have health issues. This can be the reason cholesterol can be high and the body needs to heal.

[@sueboo31_53]

Thank you for this video. This is exactly what happened to me. It was so confusing. I asked Dr. Berry about it during one of his live videos. He said, with a small percentage of carnivores , the red blood cells sometimes stick around a little longer. Basically they take longer to die. He suggested having my doctor check my glycated albumin which is apparently a better indicator of what’s going on with the red blood cells. It is a test that reflects short term glycemia and is not influenced by situations that falsely alter A1C levels.

[@graminovore]

Blood sugar spikes mean insulin levels are low. This is natural when you don't eat any carbohydrates. Protein and fat do not spike insulin the way carbohydrates do. Therefore the glucose neo Genesis process in the liver Converts protein to carbohydrates but you don't have the eating insulin spike to knock it down.

[@johnalice2657]

Doc Ekberg describes the dawn phenomenon as #1. Doc Osborn mentions caffeine and gluconeogenesis. Keto Docs talk about adaptive glucose sparing. My bs is always above 90, I'm meat heavy lchf. Insulin and a1c always below 5. Riddle me that. Best regards.

[@MelindaGrace]

I just got my blood work results this morning and my glucose level was at 112! I couldn’t believe it bc I’ve been carnivore for 8 months now!

[@QnBrunhildis]

Mine went down in 30 days. A1c from 10.1 down to 6.4. BS from 350's down to 89-110. All within 30 days. Carnivore Diet is working for me.

[@snehalkrishnan618]

I’m eating mainly ribeye steaks, your comment gives me great hope.

[@sergejgrauberger6732]

It is probably going to stay at 6-6,5. No matter what you do from now on.

[@QnBrunhildis]

@@sergejgrauberger6732 nope. At 60 days it was down to 6.0. Last week it was down to 5.9. 90 days will be Tuesday and I'll check it again then. I'm bound and determined to get it down to 5.6 or lower.

[@EvgenyOrekhov]

1 year on carnivore, A1C went from 5.2 to 5.6 :( Energy is consistently low, joints hurt, depression is at its worst. IBS and cravings are much better though. All in all, carnivore didn't live up to my expectations.

[@solutions4tenants141]

This could be that quite possibly you are having histamine reactions and or that the “strictness “ of being carnivorous is just too stressful for you mentally and your cortisol is rising

[@EvgenyOrekhov]

@@solutions4tenants141 My cortisol went off the charts, 612 nmol/l. What do I do? Go vegan, lol?

[@katrinjl0103]

Do you eat enough fat? If yes, which ratio?

[@bobhill4364]

​@@EvgenyOrekhovYou should try it. But it sounds like you'll be to slowly build up your microbiome.

[@EvgenyOrekhov]

@@katrinjl0103 Fat is 60-70%. If I go over 70, diarrhea kicks in.

[@michaelwachtel2933]

I find higher fat than protein works better with inflammation for me along with weights fat is protein sparing 🥩💪👍

[@johannesherbst3632]

Many carnivores are reporting that after years their weightbgoes up. It could be the hormones, but that can be corrected by reducing fats and intermttent fasting. Fasting will lower the blood sugar and subsequent the insulin level.

[@DanielFernandez-jv7jx]

Thank you Judy for this clear and detailed explanation of these tests! This is the best guide I've found so far. I am hoping you can help me with my situation. I am sending you an email.

[@ounsay2626]

Ive been trying to say this. Higher blood sugar could be normal response for some folks on low carb/carnivore.

[@ursulaondrey1695]

Other sources say that your blood glucose should be between 75-83 for staying in ketosis. Higher levels indicate that you are not in fat burning mode but your body feeds on its own proteins, meaning eating up itself (muscle mass, etc). Too much protein can turn into glucose by gluconeogenesis which causes the higher blood glucose levels and kick you out of fat burning mode. What would you say about that?

[@asherasator]

The false narratives of keto/carni lalaland diets are full of misinformation. Real ketosis is only in fasting starvation mode. There's 2 types of ketones for ATP energy: alpha (pyruvate) and beta (acetoacetate and BHB). Glucose/fructose make alpha, fats make beta, proteins make alpha through gluconeogenesis. This is 24/7. We constantly make both depending on weight, BMI (body mass index) and composition, type of diets and lifestyle activity. Fasting triggers starvation mode processes, and yes depending on BMI they're gonna eventually enter real ketosis for ATP. Ketosis is term specific to fasting starvation mode because when there's no more food eaten BMR (body metabolic rate) will raise to burn fats for ATP that take longer to breakdown as they are much larger than carbs/glucose. To maintain that high BMR more body surplus has to be used looping ATP [as glucose molecule produces more ATP molecules] that is real ketosis. Carbs trigger IGF-1 growth hormone. With low/no IGF-1 and high BMR the weight comes off, nothing magical about meat or fat. With high BMR sped up state more cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine is released and that's why people "feel good" just like doing coke or meth, literally. It has nothing to do with ketones, as ketones are always created for ATP 24/7 regardless of diet. Real ketosis is fat burning lipolysis/beta-oxidation with high BMR. When carbs, fats and proteins are eaten together the body regularly goes into glycolysis, fructolysis, lipolysis or gluconeogenesis back and forth depending on its needs. But when there's no food or long term keto/carni diet high BMR will kick in, but go back and forth in and out as protein from diet will make glucose as that's the only way to keep up the ATP requirements and red blood cells and the liver must have glucose, but that high BMR homeostasis is hard on the system, and some people can't handle it or doesn't feel good. That is why keto/carni diets were originally designed as short term treatments for obesity and gluttony or epileptics. That high BMR state is straining and burning fats and proteins creates excessive uric acid and purines, which to prevent acidemia in the blood, the blood must dump acid into tissues and can create cellular acidosis. If cellular pH drops below 7 all kinds of common body flora can proliferate creating infections, viruses can enter cells 5.5 (corona), 5.5-6 (flu), 6.5 (rhino) regardless of vaccines, supplements or prescriptions, and the combination of those processes can lead to "Keto/Atkins Flu". But the worst is methionine-homocysteine levels can rise which are the most carcinogenic and toxic component of these diets. Methionine is angiogenic and can create blood vessels to tumors and involved in all types of cancer. The "MTHFR defect" is no mutation, but genetic proof many people's ancestors (~50%) did not eat high methionine-homocysteine animal based foods.

[@red58impala]

I've only been carnivore for about three months. I had followed carnivore about 5 years ago, but life happened and I fell off the wagon. I'm not sure what's happening, but my cholesterol has dropped. My total cholesterol is 154, LDL 100, HDL down to 35 and my triglycerides just dropped to 99. Fasting blood glucose was 76. Four months ago I was eating a bag of chips a day, among other things, and my cholesterol was 170, LDL 100, HDL 48 and triglycerides were 125. I'm a bit perplexed by some of the results, especially the HDL going down. I'm in this for the long haul, so only time will tell how these numbers change over time.

[@truthcooperator4683]

It's the excess fat and not protein the cause for high blood sugar the next morning. Listen to Ted Naiman, he explains it well.

[@Anita-silver]

High fat along with high protein does this to me. Only one can be high.

[@hermanstrom3948]

Isn't it a good thing when glucose goes up when on a carnivore diet? Doesn't it mean the body converts triglycerides into glucose? It's breaking fats to produce the necessary sugar. Isn't it good?

[@cherylreed4377]

I'm so disappointed that doctors don't check insulin and because my a1c was quite normal she said it's not necessary 😮I guess I'll get my own insulin😂

[@adventureswithjess7542]

Thankyou so much for this video

[@kerrysmith9666]

If it's going up during Canivour, then egg fast in-between Canivour to get blood sugar down.