- Messages
- 555
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
I'm curious . .. are there others who were initially skeptical of low carb eating? If so, what changed your mind?
I was skeptical of low carb eating in general, before I ever knew I had a problem with glucose blood levels. I think it's because I envisioned the way the Atkins diet has been portrayed in the popular media - people eating great quantities of steak and butter and no vegetables at all. It sounded very unhealthy to me.
What changed my mind was my best friend. She was diagnosed with Type 2 about a year and half ago (only 2 months ago for me) with a very high hba1c of 26%. She was put on multiple meds and sent to diabetes education where she was given the Canadian equivalent of the "Eat Well" plate. (The Canadian Wheat Board is a sponsor for the pamphlet she received,) She saw a reduction in numbers with the medications but could not get down below 10%. She then switched to low carb eating (including vegs, just not certain ones ) . Over time, she's been able to eliminate all of her meds except a very low dose of insulin at bedtime for dawn phenomena - her numbers are in normal range, 4%-5.4%, usually under 5%. Her doctor is thrilled (we share the same family doctor. This doctor did recommend I reduce my carbs, probably based on my friend's experience.)
When I found out I had diabetes, my hb1ac was 7%, I looked at her experience and decided not to bother with the plate divided into fours (1/4 for grains) but go directly to eating low carb. (Initially I tried low GI but she gently told me that it wasn't that good for diabetes because it still allowed things like sweet potatoes.) I also followed her other 2 recommendations, buy a a meter & start testing (especially determine which foods cause spikes) and come here. Initially I started out with a target of 80 carbs per day max. After a couple weeks. without trying I found I was consistently eating under 50. I currently usually eat under 30 daily. I found the switch was less difficult as I initially anticipated. Frankly, it's easier than previous diets (low fat) that I've tried in the past that left me hungry all the time.
I'm 2 months in and I have about a month more for my followup hb1ac and doctor's visit. I plan on talking to my doctor about the changes I've seen and giving her the logs from my meter. I'll also give her a copy of an article by Dr. Unwin written for other physicians as she now she now has 2 low carbers with Type 2 in her practice.
I was skeptical of low carb eating in general, before I ever knew I had a problem with glucose blood levels. I think it's because I envisioned the way the Atkins diet has been portrayed in the popular media - people eating great quantities of steak and butter and no vegetables at all. It sounded very unhealthy to me.
What changed my mind was my best friend. She was diagnosed with Type 2 about a year and half ago (only 2 months ago for me) with a very high hba1c of 26%. She was put on multiple meds and sent to diabetes education where she was given the Canadian equivalent of the "Eat Well" plate. (The Canadian Wheat Board is a sponsor for the pamphlet she received,) She saw a reduction in numbers with the medications but could not get down below 10%. She then switched to low carb eating (including vegs, just not certain ones ) . Over time, she's been able to eliminate all of her meds except a very low dose of insulin at bedtime for dawn phenomena - her numbers are in normal range, 4%-5.4%, usually under 5%. Her doctor is thrilled (we share the same family doctor. This doctor did recommend I reduce my carbs, probably based on my friend's experience.)
When I found out I had diabetes, my hb1ac was 7%, I looked at her experience and decided not to bother with the plate divided into fours (1/4 for grains) but go directly to eating low carb. (Initially I tried low GI but she gently told me that it wasn't that good for diabetes because it still allowed things like sweet potatoes.) I also followed her other 2 recommendations, buy a a meter & start testing (especially determine which foods cause spikes) and come here. Initially I started out with a target of 80 carbs per day max. After a couple weeks. without trying I found I was consistently eating under 50. I currently usually eat under 30 daily. I found the switch was less difficult as I initially anticipated. Frankly, it's easier than previous diets (low fat) that I've tried in the past that left me hungry all the time.
I'm 2 months in and I have about a month more for my followup hb1ac and doctor's visit. I plan on talking to my doctor about the changes I've seen and giving her the logs from my meter. I'll also give her a copy of an article by Dr. Unwin written for other physicians as she now she now has 2 low carbers with Type 2 in her practice.
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