Re: First few weeks

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/9/2004 5:03:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

CarbJunky@... writes:

and don't do anything low- or non-fat.

Please be careful when telling people not to do low or non-fat foods. Some

people do not have a choice. They must eat the low or non-fats.

hugs

Eunice

[Guest guest]

JustDiagnosed@... wrote:

>So my question is this - how long did it take to get your numbers where they

>should be? A year? 6 months?? Did you go up to the max dosage of your

>medication before you saw any real difference???

>

>Shannan

>

>

It took me a couple of weeks. The easiest way to learn what's good to

eat is to check out the glycemic index. Stick to the lowest GI foods,

they will turn to sugar slowest. Stick to low-carb veggies, low-GI

fruits, meats, dairy products - and don't do anything low- or non-fat.

Your blood sugars will do better with fat and protein to temper the

blood sugar rise. Are you taking meds? When I started out I didn't take

meds, but I did take Chromium and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Email me privately

if you want more info on how I treat my Type 2.

Good luck! You can do it!

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I think my doc would have kittens if I stopped doing the low/non-fat

foods part. But then I'm also working with cholesterol that was high before

I found out I was diabetic (enough that they demanded I continue taking

Zocor) and a congenital heart valve defect at the same time.

I was also looking at the food guide from the Diabetes Association and,

according to that, I've actually been eating too much meat and not enough

starch. (Not being big on bread, potatoes and such, I just don't get a lot

of starch other than the occasional bagel, sourdough muffin or yeast roll...

one twice a week at best) I usually get the recommended servings of veggies,

fruits and dairy daily. And that's BEFORE the diabetes diet edjustments. So

far I've not adjusted much other than watching sugar content in what I drink

(my largest source of sugar) and not eating candies and junk as snacks. So

I'm going to have to really talk to the nutritionist about how I should

adjust diet other than getting rid of the sodas (already done).

As for controlling, at the end of my first week, I'm getting more readings

below 200 and they are gradually getting lower. I had a weird bout last

night where I was nauseous enough to vomit and my BG was 257 at the time

(not even close to the highest it's been). Felt like I was drunk, was shaky.

Not sure what was going on there as I hadn't had that happen before. My

asthma also seems to be acting up badly since I started taking the

Methformin. It hurts when I breathe.... Not sure if it could be some strange

side effect, drug interaction or what. If it keeps up, I'll probably be in

the ER soon to get checked.

Aazari

The Art of Jolie E. Bonnette

http://www.aazari.com/art/

Art Protection League

http://www.artprotectionleague.org/

[Guest guest]

JustDiagnosed@... wrote:

>

> I'm still in my first few weeks of finding out I'm Type 2 - my diabetes

> classes start on Monday. My question is no matter what I'm eating my

> BG won't go

> below the 170's - I've had days when I'm good and stick to the diet

> (as far

> as I know anyway - haven't met with a dietitian yet) and other days

> when I'm

> still adjusting and don't do so well. I'm taking 1000 mg of

> glucophage 1x a

> day.

>

> So my question is this - how long did it take to get your numbers

> where they

> should be? A year? 6 months?? Did you go up to the max dosage of your

> medication before you saw any real difference???

>

> Shannan

>

>

It might take weeks or months. Also, a higher dosage of that medication

might not be for you. You might have to change to a different medication

if that one doesn't work for you. For me, it's metformin. And the foot

infection (diabetic ulcer) started me on insulin, even though I was

doing fine with only metformin before.

[Guest guest]

The ADA recommends a high-carbohydrate diet. My doctor advised me to go on a

LOW carbohydrate diet, which has been working for me. Carbohydrates make the BS

go up, and we don't WANT the BS to be up, so why eat something that we know will

drive up the BS? Of course one can't eliminate ALL carbohydrates from the diet,

but one can minimize them.

Last night, for example, I had two brautwurst, a can of saurkraut, about half a

can of green beens, a portabello mushroom with Romano cheese, and some steamed

broccoli. No potatoes, pasta, bread, or rice.

While diabetics are more prone to heart disease than 'normies', my doctor

explained that dietary fat is only a problem when the body doesn't use it for

fuel; that is when it hangs around in the bloodstream and causes problems. She

told me that if you cut the carbohydrates way back, the body will be forced to

get most of its energy from fat and protien, and therefore dietary fat won't be

a problem. She recommended that I read DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION, which

I in turn commend to any diabetic; I'm not nearly as strict about carbs as Dr.

B. recommends, but I do (generally) follow his guidelines.

Re: First few weeks

I was also looking at the food guide from the Diabetes Association and,

according to that, I've actually been eating too much meat and not enough

starch. (Not being big on bread, potatoes and such, I just don't get a lot

of starch other than the occasional bagel, sourdough muffin or yeast roll...

one twice a week at best) I usually get the recommended servings of veggies,

fruits and dairy daily. And that's BEFORE the diabetes diet edjustments. So

far I've not adjusted much other than watching sugar content in what I drink

(my largest source of sugar) and not eating candies and junk as snacks. So

I'm going to have to really talk to the nutritionist about how I should

adjust diet other than getting rid of the sodas (already done).

[Guest guest]

, Bruce wrote:

> The ADA recommends a high-carbohydrate diet. My doctor advised me to

> go on a LOW carbohydrate diet, which has been working for me.

> Carbohydrates make the BS go up, and we don't WANT the BS to be up, so

> why eat something that we know will drive up the BS? Of course one

> can't eliminate ALL carbohydrates from the diet, but one can minimize

> them.

I am getting very confused about a proper diet for my diabetic husband.

Dr. originally put him on Atkins, then said he shouldn't stay on Atkins

for long and recommended South Beach. My understanding is that Atkins

is low carb, So.Beach is good carb. Someone here mentioned going to a

nutritionist for classes. We have not been offered that possibility,

but I'm dubious of the benefit because once when husband was in the

hospital, they gave him a supposedly diabetic diet and it consisted of

mashed potatoes and corn!!!! I don't know how a dietitian could keep

his/her job and provide a diet like that for a diabetic. Dr. now says

husband should not eat any artificial sweeteners, but eat anything he

wants only cut portions in half. Any comments here?

Amber

[Guest guest]

Re: Re: First few weeks

I am getting very confused about a proper diet for my diabetic husband.

Dr. originally put him on Atkins, then said he shouldn't stay on Atkins

for long and recommended South Beach. My understanding is that Atkins

is low carb, So.Beach is good carb.

[, Bruce] A lot of Atkins critics focus on the 'induction' phase

of Atkins as though that were the whole regemen. It isn't! And Atkins

isn't 'stuff yourself with red meat and cheese and ignore the

vegetables'; it is perfectly possible to be vegetarian and do Atkins!

[, Bruce]

Someone here mentioned going to a

nutritionist for classes. We have not been offered that possibility,

but I'm dubious of the benefit because once when husband was in the

hospital, they gave him a supposedly diabetic diet and it consisted of

mashed potatoes and corn!!!!

[, Bruce] Your nutritionist was probably following the ADA's 'make

starches the star' theory. After all, you can just take more pills or

insulin to 'cover'! (Why not try to cut back on the carbs so as to

minimize one's drug/insulin intake? Oh, but that would be logical._

[, Bruce]

I don't know how a dietitian could keep

his/her job and provide a diet like that for a diabetic. Dr. now says

husband should not eat any artificial sweeteners, but eat anything he

wants only cut portions in half. Any comments here?

[, Bruce] Is your doctor an M.D.? The reason I ask is that most

medical schools DON'T TEACH NUTRITION, or if they teach it it is as an

ELECTIVE. Chiropracters, osteopaths, naturopaths, and Oriental Medicine

practitioners do have to take nutrition.[,Bruce]

Amber

Diabetes homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diabetes/

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Hope you come back soon!

[Guest guest]

I Honestly have to say... Each person is different. I eat mashed potato's

and gravy all the time. (2-3 times a month) I don't eat PILES of them, just

some with the rest of dinner. I eat fried or roasted taters too. I always

use either " new " potato or red ones. They do not affect me they way that

they do others. I cannot eat white rice, but have no issues with brown. I

eat oatmeal for breakfast, with fruit, even bananas mixed in. If I eat steel

cut oats, my blood sugar doesn't do loops. I then either do heavy farm and

garden chores, or head to the gym for my hour of heavy exercise.

I also eat TONS Of fresh veggies. I eat lots of lightly sautéed veggies

too. Always with garlic and olive oil.

My one thing I need to remember is to drink lots of water, or herbal teas

and such. I never seem to get enough in. This also helps your body deal

with extra glucose.

Each person is different. My diet is high in veggies and protein, fairly

low in carbs. Mostly whole grain carbs. Though I do eat carbs at each meal,

as well as protein, even if it is a slice of low fat cheese.

So, the dilemma is, no one is the same as the rest. The ADA website is

great for portion sizes, and things of that sort. I know that it is a pain

in the butt, but look at the portions of foods that your hubby is eating in

a day. Measure them out, and then compare them to what is " recommended " by

the manufacture, and even the ADA website. 1/2 a cup of pasta isn't that

much. 1/3 a cup of rice is even less. Most people eat 3-4 times that ammt

at one sitting.

I would look at the exchange diet... and for the " allowed " carbs, go with

whole grain carbs, and whole foods. you may be surprised.

As for artificial sweeteners.. that is a personal choice. I drink lots of

diet 7 up and sierra mist. I keep away from caffinated sodas for the most

part. I used to drink 12 cans of sugar soda a day... heh...

Each of us is different..

Angelia in OR who is stuck at home today!

----- Original Message -----

From: " Amber "

> I am getting very confused about a proper diet for my diabetic husband.

> Dr. originally put him on Atkins, then said he shouldn't stay on Atkins

> for long and recommended South Beach. My understanding is that Atkins

> is low carb, So.Beach is good carb. Someone here mentioned going to a

> nutritionist for classes. We have not been offered that possibility,

> but I'm dubious of the benefit because once when husband was in the

> hospital, they gave him a supposedly diabetic diet and it consisted of

> mashed potatoes and corn!!!! I don't know how a dietitian could keep

> his/her job and provide a diet like that for a diabetic. Dr. now says

> husband should not eat any artificial sweeteners, but eat anything he

> wants only cut portions in half. Any comments here?

>

> Amber

[Guest guest]

someone asked me a question today that i didnt know how to answer. how long

does it take for high blood sugar levels to start doing some damage to organs?

example.......if i had sugars of lets say 200 for a length of time...is that

enough to do damage? thanks to anyone who can give me an answer or even tell

me where i can go to get info like this. i didnt see it at the ada site.

hugs, jude

[Guest guest]

> Compare a plain baked potato with with french fries. It's the

oil used in frying that causes the rise in calories and the poor

nutrition--not the potato.

> >>>>>>>>>.

But the french fries have a lower glycemic index than a baked potato

and the fat with the fries will produce a slower rise in BG. Oil, in

and of itself, does not mean poor nutrition. The body needs fat to

survive, it does not need carbs.

Potatoes have some vitamins and minerals in them, but none that can't

be had somewhere else for far fewer carbs. Further, as a starch,

they tend to produce a higher spike and keep you there longer.

Carrots are lower on the carb and GI scale.

If you desire fries, try oven roasted zucchini or turnips - they're

pretty good and low carb too.

Delia

[Guest guest]

Your brain is mostly fat. So, if someone calls you a fathead, they are just

being accurate, not insulting.

Re: First few weeks

The body needs fat to survive, it does not need carbs.

[Guest guest]

I know that this is a big debate, but if one only eats fats and proteins, no

carbs, no veggies, we will not get the proper vitamins for our bodies to

function. A milti vit. does not do it for us either.

Whole foods, and yes this includes carbs, are what our bodies need to

function. One doesn't need to eat potato if they don't want to. Some of us

like them.

Fat is an issue for some people. Our bodies need it yes, but not to the

extreme that most people take it.

We as a human species need a variety of foods, grains, veggies, meats or

other proteins, and fats. We just need to learn how to not overdo one type

of food, and ignore the rest.

Angelia in OR

----- Original Message -----

From: " deliamesser "

>

>

>

> > Compare a plain baked potato with with french fries. It's the

> oil used in frying that causes the rise in calories and the poor

> nutrition--not the potato.

> > >>>>>>>>>.

>

> But the french fries have a lower glycemic index than a baked potato

> and the fat with the fries will produce a slower rise in BG. Oil, in

> and of itself, does not mean poor nutrition. The body needs fat to

> survive, it does not need carbs.

>

> Potatoes have some vitamins and minerals in them, but none that can't

> be had somewhere else for far fewer carbs. Further, as a starch,

> they tend to produce a higher spike and keep you there longer.

> Carrots are lower on the carb and GI scale.

>

> If you desire fries, try oven roasted zucchini or turnips - they're

> pretty good and low carb too.

>

> Delia

[Guest guest]

As with any food--test it. Potatoes do not make " me " spike. In fact--I don't

get a rise out of potatoes at all. We are all indivuidual--not in one mold

Delia. If you think potatoes spike you, then don't eat them. Simple.

I am saying to the newbies to test your BG after you eat a certain food--then

they will know if a certain food effects them.

deliamesser wrote:

Potatoes have some vitamins and minerals in them, but none that can't

be had somewhere else for far fewer carbs. Further, as a starch,

they tend to produce a higher spike and keep you there longer.

Carrots are lower on the carb and GI scale.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, Bruce wrote:

> it is perfectly possible to be vegetarian and do Atkins!

> [, Bruce]

Now that amazes me. I don't understand how.

>

> [, Bruce] Is your doctor an M.D.? The reason I ask is that most

> medical schools DON'T TEACH NUTRITION, or if they teach it it is as an

> ELECTIVE. Chiropracters, osteopaths, naturopaths, and Oriental Medicine

> practitioners do have to take nutrition.[,Bruce]

Yes, he is an M.D. and yes, you are correct. We visit/talk with

chiropractors and N.D.s also.

Amber

[Guest guest]

Angelia R wrote:

> I know that it is a pain

> in the butt, but look at the portions of foods that your hubby is

> eating in

> a day.

> Angelia in OR who is stuck at home today!

He doesn't eat as much as he used to. Two eggs and one small portion of

meat for breakfast. One piece of fish or chicken, green veggies for

lunch, and a drink made from water, lemon juice, psyllium and flax seed

meal in the evening. We'll have salad for the noon meal in summer. We

eat our largest meal at noon and it isn't very large. He'll have a

small bowl of ice cream or jello as a dessert at noon or as a snack.

Sometimes an apple for a snack. He has gone from about 250 pounds to

around 216 now.

Amber

[Guest guest]

The rule I've always been told is two hours.

Re: Re: First few weeks

How soon after eating does one need to test?

Amber

Diabetes homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diabetes/

To unsubscribe to this group, send an email to:

diabetes-unsubscribe

Hope you come back soon!

[Guest guest]

Re: Re: First few weeks

, Bruce wrote:

> it is perfectly possible to be vegetarian and do Atkins!

> [, Bruce]

Now that amazes me. I don't understand how.

[, Bruce] Tofu. Lots of tofu.[, Bruce]

[Guest guest]

, Bruce wrote:

> The rule I've always been told is two hours.

>

>

>

>

> How soon after eating does one need to test?

>

> Amber

That's what I thought. Thank you.

Amber

[Guest guest]

, Bruce wrote:

>

>

> Now that amazes me. I don't understand how.

> [, Bruce] Tofu. Lots of tofu.[, Bruce]

>

Oh, yuck, yuck, yuck. I've read that soy products can contribute to

Alzheimer's. No thank you.

Amber

[Guest guest]

I never said that it was desirable; just that it was possible.

Re: Re: First few weeks

, Bruce wrote:

>

>

> Now that amazes me. I don't understand how.

> [, Bruce] Tofu. Lots of tofu.[, Bruce]

>

Oh, yuck, yuck, yuck. I've read that soy products can contribute to

Alzheimer's. No thank you.

Amber

Diabetes homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diabetes/

To unsubscribe to this group, send an email to:

diabetes-unsubscribe

Hope you come back soon!

[Guest guest]

Also soy beans, they are extremely high in protein and fiber, and fairly low

in carbs. Go for black soy beans, they have just as many fiber grams as

they do carb grams...

now, I know that not everyone goes with the belief that the fiber comes out

of the carbs, but for those that do...

There are also other things that veggie people can eat that are " low " in

carbs.

Angelia in OR

----- Original Message -----

From: " , Bruce " >

> , Bruce wrote:

>

> > it is perfectly possible to be vegetarian and do Atkins!

> > [, Bruce]

>

> [, Bruce] Tofu. Lots of tofu.[, Bruce]

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Also nuts.

Re: Re: First few weeks

Also soy beans, they are extremely high in protein and fiber, and fairly low

in carbs. Go for black soy beans, they have just as many fiber grams as

they do carb grams...

now, I know that not everyone goes with the belief that the fiber comes out

of the carbs, but for those that do...

There are also other things that veggie people can eat that are " low " in

carbs.

Angelia in OR