Been told I can't use Byetta on a low carb diet !

Hi Tracey72.

Unless you have some medical reasons, there is no reason why you cannot use Byetta and also use a low carbohydrate diet. This sounds very much like somebody putting their own 'take' on things. Basically, what your Nurse told you is NOT true.

There are many people on here who are on Byetta and who low carb. What Byetta needs to work properly is for you to EAT ! How and what you eat is your choice. It can be full of carbs, reduced carbs or even no carbs - just food.

As for diet and weight loss. Well, your Nurse again doesn't know what she is talking about.

I personally have lost nearly 4 stone since January on Byetta and drastically reducing carbs. There are many more on here who will tell you the same. Perrhaps your Nurse needs educating, give her this web address and tell her to read our Byetta thread. She just might then learn the true facts about Byetta and stop talking rubbish.

See the dietician by all means, nod sagely then go away and do what you know is best. Read the success stories here. If that doesn't convince you then try it yourself. You have only the weight to lose. It will also help you manage your Bg levels better too.

Tracey
as Ken has already said, Your nurse doesn't know what she's talking about. Byetta doesn't need carbs to work AND a low carb diet is one of the more effective ways to lose weight. It's got a lower drop-out rate for example.
Look at the recipes for delicious ideas. Tell the nurse,politely, that she's wrong and good luck. If she refuses to give you Byetta as a result, you may well find low carbing solves your problems anyway. If NOT ask to see the specialist doctor.
Hana

Re: bbem told carn't use byetta on a low carb diet !

Hi Tracey,

I'm afraid that what your DN has told you is complete rubbish. She obviously knows little (or nothing) about Byetta and how it works. For a start, Byetta doesn't simply force your pancreas to produce insulin. Your DN is probably confusing Byetta with some of the other diabetes treatments that do force high insulin production. What Byetta does is to signal the pancreas to start producing insulin in readiness for the food you are about to eat - this is why it has to be taken within an hour before you eat. Your pancreas will then produce insulin naturally in response to however many carbs you have eaten. If you have eaten very few carbs then you will produce little insulin, if you have eaten more carbs then you will produce more insulin. But it is important that you must eat something!

As regards weight loss, a reduction in carbs is a very efficient way to diet. Not only do you lose weight but you will find your blood sugar much easier to control. Byetta will also help in weight loss as it suppresses the appetite.

Hope that helps.