Is Low Carb Safe for a Diabetic? - Weight Loss Message Board

Mom2Jared · 05-13-2004, 06:00 PM

I am having major problems losing weight. I am a type two diabetic and my Doctor basically ordered me to lose weight. I'm not overly heavy but with my diabetes, any weight on my 5'2" frame is not good. My starting weight was 144 and with the help of Xenical, I lost 10 pounds. However, my weight is now stalled. I am thinking about going off the Xenical because I can't afford it and my insurance won't pay for it and secondly, I just feel like I have gone as far as I can go on the Xenical. I tried Low Carb once before with the South Beach Diet and Atkins but I found that I was having very low readings and I almost passed out. My Doctor wants me to do the ADA Diet for Diabetics but I am not convinced that will work. I heard some not so nice things about the ADA diet.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Ilana

Laurie2 · 05-13-2004, 07:37 PM

Have you tried combining exercise with diet? This will help your metabolism to stay higher while burning the bodyfat. My husband is a type II diabetic and finally had to change his diet to lose bodyfat. His only exercise is working in the shop as a historical blacksmith which keeps him pretty active. His problem was eating the wrong things before.

As for diet, it might only be modifying what you have been doing. Take the lessons/suggestions from Atkins and South Beach to formulate your own. Basically, eating 5-6 smaller meals. Upping your protein intake while cutting the overly processed carbs and eating the good complex ones (whole grains/fiberous veggies. Keep some fats like olive oil/flaxseed and nuts. Cut the sugar and drink plenty of water. You know what worked and what did not. That combined with a good exercise program should help lose the bodyfat and control the diabetes.

auntjudyg · 05-14-2004, 07:15 AM

I browse a couple of sites geared toward Atkins or Carbohydrate Addicts plans and there are a number of diabetics on all sites claiming success. If you look over a couple of the low carb plans and see which one seems to fit you best, search out sites specific to that plan and I'm sure you will find others like yourself who can give you hints.

Good luck!

TonyTone · 05-19-2004, 03:46 AM

Carbs raise your glycemic index. My mom knew this before ever reading anything low carb from me. Just make sure you keep constant watch of your sugar levels. A low carb diet will keep you from raised sugar levels, but if your not carefull, your level could drop.