Actually, you "should" have carbs at each meal ... Just like you "should" have some fat ... and you "should" have some kind of protein.
Wrap "should" with "encouraged to" ... Here's why ...
CARBS - If you leave carbs out of the picture, it sensitizes your fat cells. Thus, the next time you eat carbs, it "could" cause the carbs to go right to the fat cells.
PROTEIN - Protein helps to maintain lean body mass ... However, too much protein can also lead to weight gain ... and Too Little protein can cause your body to start losing lean body mass and not fat.
FAT - Fat helps to slow down the absorption in the blood stream and really works hand in hand with the pancrease.
I agree with your nurse where she says you "must" have carbs, from this perspective:
a. We don't really have to do anything, except for one thing: ... the choise is ours, correct? Even if we are in the worst kind of situation, we still have a choice. The ONLY thing we HAVE to do is "die" ... We have to, because we simply can't live forever ... and Making the right choices determines when we have to die, even though, most likely, we don't know when that is ... but, the fact is, we have a lot in our control ... and I suppose diet and exercise is a great start ...
b. I think, "You are encouraged to eat good carbs, those that are low on the glycemic index, lean protein, preferably, Fish, Turkey, Chicken, and good fats, i.e., olive oil, fish oils, peanuts, macadamia nuts, etc." is a much more informative and direct statement for you.... But, to say you "must", is a very general statement.
c. Step back and look at the big picture - recognize that the medication is to help "facilitate" but won't actually "take care of it for you" .... Heck, why not just continue eating the way you were, take your medication, and hope for the best? NOT a good idea ... Even when you just get your medication, as mentioned before, everyone is different, and metformin will act differently in everybody ... probably because everysingle person who has diabetes probably has different eating habits ... but, one thing in common, most likely, has led us to the symptoms of diabetes.
d. Good carbs are good for you ... it's really the fiber you're after, AND the nutrients too... and fibre does help to lower collesterol ... So, yeah, "must" you eat carbs? No ... Are you "encouraged" to eat carbs, and I mean GOOD carbs? Absolutely ... why? Because the benefits outweigh the results of NOT eating good carbs, i.e.: over sensitive fat cells, lack of fibre, assistance with raising good collesteral levels.
I hope this helps ... I am in not way a doctor or trying to be one, just passing on information from my own knowledge ... If I'm wrong, please correct me .....
God bless!
lindainsomerset said:
Hi Disney fan,
On a recent visit to Diabetic clinic I was told it can take 3months for Metformin to take any affect. ALso, I tried to cut my carbs right down, but it made me extremely depressed, hungry and very grumpy. I spoke to nurse about this and she said I MUST have carbs with every meal (small amount), and if I want a sandwich for lunch then to have one. My sugar levels are gradually coming down, without having to sacrifice everything I enjoy. Its a miserable enough existence not having cake/biscuits/chocolate etc, I certainly could not give up almost all carbs as well! Good luck.