I have seen a large number of people recommend a low carb diet for both type 1 and 2 diabetes on this site . I am assuming that a low carb diet indicates a high protein diet (fat can’t be the best option)
Many of the people who advocate low carb diets do in fact advocate high fat. Personally I feel that diets high in some fats (ie saturated and trans) are potentially damaging to heart and blood vessels and that they may lead to insulin resistance.
Is there any evidence or detail on the outcome especially relating to type 1 diabetics on eating large amounts of protein over a very long period ?
There is some evidence that high protein diets (particularly from non dairy animal sources) may accelerate the decline in kidney function in people who already have some deficiency. Unfortunately a high percentage of people with type 1 do develop kidney problems, though keeping a lowish HA1c will go a long way to help prevent this.
Would it be correct for me to advise my type 1 child that a high protein/low carb diet is what she should follow when she gets older ?
Could the short term reward of better BG , be outweighed by other issues in later years ?
I think that it is perfectly possible to obtain a good Hb A1c without focusing on reducing one macronutrient to very low levels. In my opinion, it is better to educate a child to adopt a balanced diet and a normal (healthy) relationship with food and eating. A diet for the most part of less refined carbs such as wholegrains fruit, veg, alongside dairy, moderate protein , good quality oils and oily fish etc . . If they learn to learn how to use insulin, matching carbs to insulin they will learn how to keep a low HbA1c.
I also think that that children and young people should occasionally have less healthy options as treats ie not excluding them entirely. It's useful to learn how less healthy (less diabetic friendly)foods can be managed so that they won't feel excluded from social events with their peers.( sometimes when that happens young people start to deny their diabetes causing complications often a few years later)
Hopefully, the child will have learned that a diet high in pizzas and fast foods etc is not healthy for anyone diabetic or not but even if they 'go off the healthy eating rails' for a while, at least they will have the tools to help them manage until they develop a more mature outlook.
It is perfectly possible to eat a balanced diet and to maintain a low HbA1c, I do and have a level in the 5s.There are others on here who do likewise, including a member who has had diabetes with 40+ years and no complications. I hope she will reply herself.
Thanks
Matt[/quote]
Fat that replaces carbs in a low carb diet.
