At one time I did the Atkins diet and did lose weight and my blood sugars went down. But since having the bypass, I'm not sure if its a good diet for the heart or not. I've wondered if the high protein may have played a roll in the 3 clogged arteries. Are there any diabetics that do the low carb, meat, cheese and eggs with heart conditions? Mama Kay

just a little tid bit , weather you are going low carb or not. Buffolo meat is WAY lower in fat then beef. A lot of stores at least carry ground Buffolo so you can use a little of it. so that would reduce your fat intake. though i'm not a nutritionist Protien isn't gonna clog your arteries.

i actually just read in a book that most of the fat that clogs artiries is Polyunsaturated fat. even though that's what is "recomended" Grr wish i had that book with me to post the numbers and the study that produced them... i'll maybe grab it during lunch

Thanks Ki, I did the low carb diet once and did really well with it and the blood sugars did go down but you hear some much about eating all the meat and high cholestrol (sp) foods, then it makes one wonder if conquering one problem isn't creating another. Thanks for your reply, Mama Kay

I would recommend that you go over to the High Cholesterol forum here and read some of the recent topics there. Many of them discuss the benefits of a low carbohydrate diet with regards to cardivascular health.

It is not excess protein, fat (at least not the natural forms of fat), and cholesterol in your diet that you need to be worried about, but the carbohydrates and in particular the sugars and starchy carbohydrates.

As a side note, manufactured fats like partially hydrogentated vegetable oils (in shortening, margarine, cookies, crackers, etc.) which are high in trans fatty acids have been shown to increase insulin resistance and have an adverse effect on cardiovascular health.

Thanks Ark, I do love red meat and from what I hear people say is that its a no-no for someone with heart problems. You can only eat so much chicken or fish. I'm trying so hard to find something that agrees with the diabetes and heart disease. I thank you for your advice and will read the cholestrol forum. Mama Kay P.S. I've also stepped up to walking everyday. My body has been idle way too long.

My mom has type two diabeties and kidney disease and her doctor recommended the South Beach diet for her. We have both been on it now for a couple of months and it is working out right. This diet isn't as extreme as the atkins and is better for diabetics. Do a search on the south beach diet and you should find their website. You can join for like $30 and then it is $6.00 a month. Best of luck to you. :D

Not sure how I missed this post -sorry for my delayed reply!

I do not agree that Atkins or any low-carb diet is the answer for controlling diabetes. You are right to be concerned about creating additional health problems. And you really need to look at the BIG picture when considering your diet and how it will effect your health.

The biggest problem with a low-carb diet is that it forces you to over-consume the other macronutrients, protein and fat. There are risks in consuming excessive amounts of protein and fat for healthy people, and these risks are magnified for diabetics.

Diabetics do not have difficulty controlling glucose levels BECAUSE they consume carbs... the problems lie in insufficient (or non-existant) insulin production or insulin resistance (inability for the insulin to penetrate the cells). IMO omitting carbs from the diet is merely a bandaid fix - it may help to control glucose levels, but it does not heal the body where it's broken and it does lead to other problems.

The fact is that carbs are needed by your body - carbs are your body's preferred fuel source. Sure, if you don't eat carbs, your glucose will not elevate as dramatically, but there ARE other things that cause your glucose to rise besides consuming carbs.

I believe a better approach is to ration your carb intake and learn which carbs your body can best tolerate and in what quantities. This way, you are not depriving your body of fuel AND you are not placing your health at risk by overconsuming protein and fat. So what are some of these risks? Well I won't break out into the details here unless you want me to, but here they are in a nutshell:Excessive protein consumption causes kidney disease and weakens liver function. (many people dispute this but it is a FACT!)
Excessive fat consumption causes heart and liver disease, and raises your cholesterol.
Lack of carbs leads to loss of lean muscle mass (which weakens your body, slows your metabolism, and leads to less efficient use of glucose)I do agree that saturated fat is not completely to blame for high cholesterol, heart disease, liver disease, etc., but it is a contributing factor. Unhealthy carbs such as refined flour products and sugars will cause problems too. But all too often ALL "carbs" get the bad rap when it is really only certain carbs that cause the problems.

There are many people that don't like the idea of having to work so hard at planning a meal - because it does take a bit more work to balance a diet that includes carbs while still acheiving glucose control... but only in the beginning. For example, its much easier to have an unlimited portion of meat and a salad loads of dressing. It's more difficult to measure out a modest portion of meat, brown rice, and veggies, but MUCH healthier for you. In addition to balancing the diet, excercise is critical. There is nothing that burns through glucose better than excercise.

The bottom line is that it will take some work to discover the right mix of carb consumption and exercise your body needs to gain control of your diabetes - its different for everyone. But it is DEFINATELY worth the effort. And once you get into a routine, it becomes second nature.

Let me also add that my diet still includes saturated fats AND carbohydrates and I have not only acheived glucose control but my cholesterol has dropped in half. I have mentioned before that chemical additives and preservatives in food are the greatest cause of health problems but few people ever discuss this. Toxins have a much greater impact on your liver and metabolism than carbs, fat, or protein - avoid them and your health will improve dramatically!

Wow JD, I had already recieved the message in the pit of my stomach that low carb wasn't the way to go. Your right, I was looking for the easy way out. Planning and cooking meals, I'm not good at doing. But in my heart, I know I have to learn. Your information about the carbs was something I didn't know. I was blaming my diabetes on Carbs. While on the diet the last time (which I gained the weight back) after reaching my goal and starting up carbs again, did take my bs down, but I felt like heck, no energy or motivation. A problem with my cooking is I grew up with meat and potatoes. Really never had to eat any vegetables. Usually a can of corn, green beans, blackeyed peas were opened up when we ate vegetables. So I have some learning to do. I would like to share one encouraging thing in this post. This last week my bs have been down in the 200's instead of the 500's. I know I still have work to do to get below 150, but after my ordeal, I'm ready. Thanks for all your information. When I see that you've posted, I think praise the Lord, some more education on how I can live. You are appreciated, a bunch...Mama Kay

Let me clarify, overconsumption of carbs, especially "junk carbs" definately DOES contribute to the development of T2 diabetes.

What I was trying to say is that once a person is diagnosed as a diabetic, and they continue to have difficulty controlling their blood glucose levels, carb consumption is NOT necessarily to blame. There are many other factors. Once the metabolism is malfunctioning, glucose can be out of control from eating, not eating, excercising, not excercising, stress, sickness, etc etc etc. Its not just about carbs.

There are a few of us on this board who have regained the ability to consume higher levels of carbs with no problems. Though I usually do limit my carb consumption to 50-60 grams in a meal, I can and sometimes do have as much as 80-90 carb grams in a meal and my glucose levels remain normal. But I NEVER consume white flour products, pasta, bread, sugar, candy, cakes, juices, etc. My carbs are brown rice, potatoes, beans, veggies, fruit, and soy.

I know I sound like a broken record but I am telling you - the chemical additives and preservatives have a greater impact on your metabolic function than any real food you consume.

I guess the bottom line is that this is a puzzle that needs to be pieced together. And every individual must find a way to make it work...

JD, I totally understand what your saying. And yes there are more things that contribute to high blood sugar, such as stress. Which had been a big part of my life. I know that illnesses also contribute. One of my most major problems is I need to exercise more. This last couple of years, I've slowed down and I know I need to get moving. Mama Kay

I agree that the South Beach diet seems to be a good diet for those with T2 diabetes or insulin resistance. I've been on it since April, and I've been able to totally stop taking my meds. My cholesteral has also come down quite a bit, although I'm still on those meds. And I've lost about 25 pounds and am now easily maintaining the loss.

South Beach is about eating whole, unprocessed foods. Lean fats and protein, complex carbs such as veges, beans and whole grains. I think the reason it's working so well for me is that I finally have an actual list of foods and ingredients I should avoid, as well as a list of foods that I can eat. So I just choose from the good foods to plan my meals and snacks. It sounds easy but when I tried doing a similiar way of eating on my own I just never really knew if what I thought was a "healthy" food was actually something I should have been eating. South Beach has taken the guess work out of it for me and given me clear guidelines on how to take control of my diet and my health.

Now, I need to work on exercising more, which is just about my least favorite activity on earth!!

Jojo thats just the type of diet I need, a list that says what you can eat and what not to eat. I know my choices aren't always the best. I will be taking a look at the South Beach diet.

Let me also add that my diet still includes saturated fats AND carbohydrates and I have not only acheived glucose control but my cholesterol has dropped in half. I have mentioned before that chemical additives and preservatives in food are the greatest cause of health problems but few people ever discuss this. Toxins have a much greater impact on your liver and metabolism than carbs, fat, or protein - avoid them and your health will improve dramatically!

Your post is just what I needed to hear! I am a new type II diabetic. Just found out this morning.

How long will it take do you think for my blood sugar to get to a low level with vigorous diet, like you described, along with daily exercise?

I am wondering what to do, My blood sugar is 161 this morning. I am going to exercise and do a strict diet. How long before I will see results?

I agree that the South Beach diet seems to be a good diet for those with T2 diabetes or insulin resistance. I've been on it since April, and I've been able to totally stop taking my meds. My cholesteral has also come down quite a bit, although I'm still on those meds. And I've lost about 25 pounds and am now easily maintaining the loss.

South Beach is about eating whole, unprocessed foods. Lean fats and protein, complex carbs such as veges, beans and whole grains. I think the reason it's working so well for me is that I finally have an actual list of foods and ingredients I should avoid, as well as a list of foods that I can eat. So I just choose from the good foods to plan my meals and snacks. It sounds easy but when I tried doing a similiar way of eating on my own I just never really knew if what I thought was a "healthy" food was actually something I should have been eating. South Beach has taken the guess work out of it for me and given me clear guidelines on how to take control of my diet and my health.

Now, I need to work on exercising more, which is just about my least favorite activity on earth!!

jojo, I am glad for you! That is great! What was your average Blood sugar before you started the diet? Which oral medicine were you on? I am a new type II diabetic. Just found out this morning! My head is spinning right now!

I am going to try the diet, I have the book. Should I follow the diet like it explains or did you do any modification?
Thanks

MY BS was all over the place before, although with meds (I was on Metformin) I was keeping it under pretty tight control. I didn't modify the diet at all - the only thing I would suggest is to read the entire book first, and to keep a close eye on your BS if you're taking meds cause they could drop too low if your carbs are relatively low and your meds have not decreased. Be sure to get enough carbs, too. Don't be scared of them. You can eat tons of veges and beans and they are a good source of healthy carbs. In the later phases you can also add whole grains and fruit (go easy on the fruit if you are diabetic). I would also suggest checking out the SBD online (there is a charge though), or finding a free website for SBD'ers, cause as more research is being done the allowed foods lists change. For example, you can now have bean/legumes on Phase 1, as well as dairy. The food lists for the other Phases are updated periodically as well.

Ma,
Last Oct. 13, I went to the Dr, which I never do, because I just wasn't feeling good. I was sluggish, pale, dark circles under my eyes. I had felt like this for awhile, but just figured I was working too hard. Well, on that day I was told that I was Diabetic, had recently had a heart attach, blood preasure was high and cholesterol was high. Now, I had been pre-Diabetic for 2 years, but with diet and lots of exercise, I was managing. Wow, did my life ever change that morning. For the past year I have been fighting the cholesterol and Diabetes. I'd get one under control and the other would be high. I had lots of problems with different medications and of couse when you stop something and start something new it messes everything up till you adjust. Currently, my Diabetes is fairly controlled but not sure about the cholesterol, test next month.

As for diet, IMO, it is the single most important part of my life currently. I have to watch everything that goes in my mouth, but I am also very rarely hungry. It's all in choice and how YOUR body reacts to it. For me, it is how I put foods together that counts. I do eat low carb, but not NO carb, I need them, but I choose small portions and ration them thru out the day. For breakfast I might eat a breakfast bar made by morning start with a piece of toast. Low carb bread, 6 grams I think, mid morning I might have an apple or some jerky(even jerky was hard for me to find without so much salt), lunch will be a small sandwich on low carb bread, afternoon might be a piece of fruit or jerky or piece of cheese, just something, then at dinner I cook meat of some kind, chicken, pork, steak but always lean, always a green salad and vegetable, and some kind of carb. I have learned that I can eat a half baked potatoe or a small scoop of mashed pots but always choose low carb for pasta. It is, very expensive to eat like this and takes a great deal more time to plan and prepare, but hey, I'm worth it.
I hope this helps you a bit, but I am totally still learning.

Sandy
Oh, almost forgot, I did read your reply about the phantom spiders LOLOL

:) Sandy it sounds like you got everything under control. As hard as your working to get the diabetes and cholestrol under control, your going to do it. I like your menu and did print it. Thanks for sharing. Mama Kay

I am a 44 yr old guy,type II on insulin (84u lantus) My nutritionist totally disagrees with Atkins for diabetics. What she suggested for me was:
1. Low fat
2. Beef once a week
3. No cheese
4. Unlimited vegatables
5. 4-5 pieces of fruit per day
6. 60 grams of carbs per day, but no more than 20 at a time.
By carbs she means bread,pasta,rice,potatoes

Look at the South Beach Diet...basically what my dr. gave me...written by a cardiologist...and explains diabetes also..and the body's response...it worked for me.

I am a 44 yr old guy,type II on insulin (84u lantus) My nutritionist totally disagrees with Atkins for diabetics. What she suggested for me was:
1. Low fat
2. Beef once a week
3. No cheese
4. Unlimited vegatables
5. 4-5 pieces of fruit per day
6. 60 grams of carbs per day, but no more than 20 at a time.
By carbs she means bread,pasta,rice,potatoes

I don't agree with your nutritionist's recommendations. What is his/her basis for these recommendations? I'm talking scientific studies here, not some health organization's recommendations.

Eating like that will ensure that you stay on insulin. Many if not most Type II diabetics (at least those that catch it early enough) can control their bloodsugars by a strictly controlled diet low in easily digested carbohydrates and excercise without the need to take insulin or other medications.

A book that I highly recommend is "Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution". It has saved many here from the complications so often associated with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes.

I don't agree with your nutritionist's recommendations. What is his/her basis for these recommendations? I'm talking scientific studies here, not some health organization's recommendations.

Eating like that will ensure that you stay on insulin. Many if not most Type II diabetics (at least those that catch it early enough) can control their bloodsugars by a strictly controlled diet low in easily digested carbohydrates and excercise without the need to take insulin or other medications. What is it about the above diet that you don't recommend? A carb-rationed diet that includes healthy fibrous carbs is HIGHLY recommended. Many T2s can eventually consume higher amounts of carbs without consequences if they work to improve liver function and strengthen their metabolism.

I have completely reversed my T2 and I do eat 200-250 carb grams per day. No meds. My HA1C is now 4.8 and my endo told me that in 6 months if I pass a GTT they will officially remove the diagnosis from my chart. My diet is quite strict, but its NOT just about restricting carbs.

What is it about the above diet that you don't recommend?

Point by point, I will address my concerns:

I am a 44 yr old guy,type II on insulin (84u lantus)

The insulin dosage seems a bit high to me but I don't know the whole story from just the one posting. This indicates to me that he is likely consuming quite a bit of carbohydrate to require that much insulin. Relatively high levels of carbohydrates combined with relatively high levels of insulin makes it difficult to tightly control ones bloodsugar throughout the day - Dr. Bernstein covers this in detail in his book.

My nutritionist totally disagrees with Atkins for diabetics

Again, what is the basis for statements like that? Complete ignorance regarding what Dr. Atkins diet actually consists of? It is the studies and success stories I have seen in other diabetics that tells me that significantly lowering ones carbohydrate intake, in particular the sugars and refined carbohydrates as recommended by Dr. Atkins, greatly improves their health and quality of life.

As one example of the above, read the "Contents" of the following link >>> http://www.survivediabetes.com/

What she suggested for me was:
1. Low fat

Again, what is the basis for recommendations like that? In my opinion, the QUALITY of the fat that one eats is more important that the quanitity. This can't be stressed enough in my opinion, but most nutritionists either just don't get it or think that their patients are too stupid to understand it so the message they give is "Just eat low fat". The problem with this is that it cuts out quite a few highly nutritious whole natural foods like meat and eggs because they also contain fat. It generally leads to people eating processed foods high in carbohydrate in an attempt to satisfy their hunger and avoid the fat. That is the problem I have with it.

2. Beef once a week

Again, what is the basis? Is it the unfounded fear that the saturated fat and cholesterol in beef will raise ones cholesterol and clog their arteries? Hogwash. Even the long running Framingham Heart study showed that there is an inverse relationship between dietary consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol and serum cholesterol levels. Beef contains many essential nutrients and doesn't measurable impact bloodsugar levels. The saturated fats in beef actually help to increase HDL levels which improves ones cardiovascular risk.

3. No cheese

Again, what is the basis? I can only assume the unfounded fear of saturated fat. Cheese is high in protein and has virtually no impact on bloodsugar levels. All of this thus far tells me that this nutritionist is stuck in the failed mindset of the past 20 years that the proper diet was one low in fat and high in carbohydrate.

4. Unlimited vegatables

I can agree with that one IF they are high in fiber / low glycemic. Things like corn are often considered vegetables (really a grain) and can have a significant impact on one's bloodsugar levels. Regardless, you still have to consider the non-fiber carbohydrates in these foods and the impact they have on your bloodsugar.

5. 4-5 pieces of fruit per day

Can't agree with that one at all. Fructose (fruit sugar) has been shown to promote insulin resistance which is the underlying cause of Type II diabetes and it has also been shown to signficantly increase triglycerides in males which significantly increases ones risk of heart disease. Type II diabetics generally have high triglyceride levels and this type of recommendation will usually just make it worse.

At most, I would recommend one serving of fruit per day, preferrably one low in sugar and high in fiber like strawberries or some other type of berry.

6. 60 grams of carbs per day, but no more than 20 at a time. By carbs she means bread,pasta,rice,potatoes

This appears to totally neglect the carbohydrate contribution from the vegetables and fruit mentioned above plus condiments and drinks and such. There is no human need for one to consume bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes. These foods, especially the refined varieties, can significantly raise ones bloodsugar levels requiring more and more insulin to bring those bloodsugar levels down. Varieties of these foods that are unrefined and higher in fiber are marginally better, but I didn't see that type of recommendation being made by the nutritionist.

A carb-rationed diet that includes healthy fibrous carbs is HIGHLY recommended.

I don't have any problem whatsoever with high fiber foods like green leafy vegetables, legumes, beans, etc. because they generally don't have that much digestable carbohydrate (starch) in them and generally don't have much of an impact on bloodsugar levels.

Many T2s can eventually consume higher amounts of carbs without consequences if they work to improve liver function and strengthen their metabolism.

I'm sure that is possible once they improve their condition and lose excess weight.

I have completely reversed my T2 and I do eat 200-250 carb grams per day. No meds. My HA1C is now 4.8 and my endo told me that in 6 months if I pass a GTT they will officially remove the diagnosis from my chart. My diet is quite strict, but its NOT just about restricting carbs.

Great for you. Different things work for different folks though. Based on observations and a few studies, I've found that males tend to stick with and do better on a lower carbohydrate diet than females. My last HbA1c was 4.7 following a low carb diet for the past 5+ years that focuses on whole natural foods including beef, fish, cheese, eggs, nuts, and lots of fiberous vegetables. And my HDL was in the 70's and my triglyerides were in the 30's at last test indicating low risk of heart disease. And I use real butter and lard for cooking.

Alan

CtRich,

Using such a large amount of insulin (84 units of Lantus) must make control really difficult. As you know, the action of insulin is variable. Some days it will absorb more quickly and it's action will be more intense than on other days. And you blood sugar goes up or down like a see saw.

According to a recent study, the within-subject variability of Lantus is 29% (for NPH it is 36%). 29% of 84 is 24 units. So you blood sugars can reflect taking up to 24 units too much or too little Lantus. That is very de-stabilising.

The only way to reduce the magnitude of this "variability" effect is to reduce the size of the insulin injection. If you are having to inject so much insulin because if insulin resistance, reducing insulin resistance needs to be your focus. And you can do that by reducing carbs in your diet. Insulin resistance is the result of intense and sustained carbohydrate loading. A low carb diet will ease this. But it will take time. Eating fewer carbs also reduces the influx of glucose into your bloodstream, requiring less inulin. So you get a double benefit.

Dr Bernstein calls this the "Law of Small Numbers". Small amounts of carbs require small insulin injections. And managing control becomes a lot easier. His recomendation is that insulin injections should be no bigger than 7 units. That way, variability in insulin action is minimised.

As a matter of interest, I have been T1 foir 27 years, so my pancreas produces no insulin, and I am on 10 units of Lantus daily + Novolog at mealtimes. A reduced carb diet has helped me reduce my HBA1c from 8.8 to 6.2 in the last year. My goal is to get my HBA1c to 5.5, which I plan to achieve early next year.

Cheers,

Mark

I am new to the boards but not to type 2, 2 years but i have a new problem. My hga1c is 6 and my Dr. is very happy with that but recently I have suffered from run on sentences, LOL. No, seriously, when I have toast, or any carb for breakfast, I could go right back to bed, I am so tired. I am 62 years old, yesterday, yeah, and have not eaten breakfast for years in the belief that I would lose weight. Riiiiight. Anyway, anyone else have this problem?

I believe a better approach is to ration your carb intake and learn which carbs your body can best tolerate and in what quantities. This way, you are not depriving your body of fuel AND you are not placing your health at risk by overconsuming protein and fat.

Starting a couple of years ago, if I consumed carbs after about 6pm at night, I would have palpitations, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing. At other times, I could consume as many carbs as I wanted, without any problems. Lately, I have had to cut my carb intake way down, at any time, or I would have increased palpitations, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

My glucose levels have always tested normal, but my triglycerides have tested high, around 750.

I have other health problems, and am on heart meds, but I was interested in finding out if my recent carb sensitivities are "normal" warning signs of oncoming diabetes, or if these symptoms are not usually related to diabetes.

<edit> Hmmmmm!? Since I first posted this, I've found out about Insulin Resistance, which could explain "most" of my symptoms. I'm going to continue my carb-restricted diet, but add a few extra small "low carb" eatings per day, and see if that helps.

Starting a couple of years ago, if I consumed carbs after about 6pm at night, I would have palpitations, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing. At other times, I could consume as many carbs as I wanted, without any problems. Lately, I have had to cut my carb intake way down, at any time, or I would have increased palpitations, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

My glucose levels have always tested normal, but my triglycerides have tested high, around 750.

I have other health problems, and am on heart meds, but I was interested in finding out if my recent carb sensitivities are "normal" warning signs of oncoming diabetes, or if these symptoms are not usually related to diabetes.

<edit> Hmmmmm!? Since I first posted this, I've found out about Insulin Resistance, which could explain "most" of my symptoms. I'm going to continue my carb-restricted diet, but add a few extra small "low carb" eatings per day, and see if that helps.This does not sound like a carb sensitivity, but rather a specific food allergy. The symptoms you describe in addition to the fact that they only occur "sometimes" raises a red flag. You may have a gluten or wheat allergy which could absolutely cause increased BP, palpataions, and anxiety symptoms within 1-4 hours after consuming the food.

I recommend that you document the specific foods you eat along with when and what symptoms you have. I really doubt that "all carbs" would trigger these symptoms and only at a specific time. Insulin resistance won't typically cause these types of symptoms - in fact there may not be any visible symptoms that you would be aware of.

Also, because your cholesterol is extremely high you need to be VERY careful about the quanities of protein and fat that you consume. If you are restricting carbs then there is a high likelihood that you are consuming excessive amounts of protein and fat.

I really doubt that "all carbs" would trigger these symptoms and only at a specific time.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my note!

It's been a maddening problem. During my internet research, into why I have so many problems at night, I've learned about the circadian rhythm, which relates to when the endocrine system pumps hormones into the body. For instance, at night, the pineal gland gets more active and pumps melatonin into the blood stream, among other things, which facilitates sleeping, but also has other effects. I wondered if that could be adding to my increased nocturnal hypertension and heart rhythm problems.

I've also learned that various heart meds, that I take, can effect the metabolism of carbs, which, in effect, can add to heart rhythm problems.

What got me looking into "diabetes related illnesses" was when I kept reading articles connecting nocturnal hypertension to diabetes. Most people's blood pressure goes down during the night. But, usually, when someone's blood pressure goes up at night, diabetes is usually a factor.

What confused me was that I have never had a higher than normal blood glucose reading.

If you are restricting carbs then there is a high likelihood that you are consuming excessive amounts of protein and fat.

Thanks for the tip. I will certainly watch my protein and fat intake. I've started on a low carb diet, and am trying to eat small portions about six times per day, which is not easy.

Last night, I measured lower than normal, and more consistent BP readings. I will discount that as an anomaly and not due to my changed, low carb diet, but I am hoping that it persists. For the time being I am going to assume that I have insulin resistance, and act accordingly.

Thanks for your input! :wave:

I haven't read each and very post on this thread, but am wondering if any of you are following Dr. Bernstein's plan for normalizing blood sugars? This is what I am using and have had wonderful results. :bouncing:

I haven't read each and very post on this thread, but am wondering if any of you are following Dr. Bernstein's plan for normalizing blood sugars? This is what I am using and have had wonderful results. :bouncing:

Could you give some specifics regarding how you are implementing the Bernstein's plan, and what type of results you are seeing?

Thanks! :wave:

In a nutshell. I am following his idea of small numbers.

For breakfast 6 grams of carbs
For lunch 12 grams of carbs
For dinner 12 grams of carbs

I never go over this amount and my diet is mainly protein and fat and the few allowable carbs.

Results: Lost 22 pounds and very rarely do my blood sugar levels go over 100. I do not take any meds and I feel a lot better!

...I would also suggest looking into the work by DR Jennie Brand-Miller. Her team decided to test the glycemic response of the different carbs to take the guess work out. If anything her book will give you a list of the different carbs and the glycemic response they had on the test subjects(glycemic index). I lowered my triglycerides from 350 to 97 in about 6 months on this diet.
...That's not to say the atkins wouldn't work but it restricts all carbs and this diet uses a more logical approach. The whole intent of Dr Brand-Miller's work is to help diabetics to regulate their insulin usage and control hyperinsulinemia in type two. She's the head Proffesor of nutrician at the university of Sidney.
...Worth the time to investigate.
Rick

I stick with a high fiber low fat diet. i also use portion control and lost over 65 pounds. However, i was told by my dietitian that south beach would be a better diet over atkins.