[breeze]

Hello. I just registered here. My husband has Diabetes and I've been helping him research and read up on it. It's been confusing. One question I'm confused about at the moment concerns the balance between carbs, fats and protein. Nearly everything I've heard and read suggests that the diet plan needs to be either low carb/high fat or quite a bit of carbs (as with the ADA guideline)/low fat. However, since protein plays a part as well, couldn't a really good (bg level lowering) diet plan concentrate on moderately low carbs/good but not overly high amount of protein/good but moderate fat amount? Is there a way of achieving a balance between the three and safely lower the bg level? This is a question for the doctor soon, but thought I'd ask it here.

What do each of you mostly focus on to obtain your bg level?

Thanks for having this forum. Excellent place!

[4519]

"...Is there a way of achieving a balance between the three and safely lower the bg level? This is a question for the doctor soon, but thought I'd ask it here....."

Don't be surprised if the doctor just stares at you and wonders why you are still in his office with a question on things like diet.

I go by the low carb/high good fat approach. I don't recommend anything on diet though. People just go balistic with when you mess with their thinking on diet. You are doing right - ask questions and then do what fits your individual health situation and preferences. No one approach fists all situations. Sorry for being no help at all.

[valc3]

Hi and welcome. When I was first diagnosed, I saw a nutrionist and I read everything on the subject of carbs vs fat vs protein. Everyone had a different opinion. I went with what worked for me. You'll find as you research, diet is very controversial.

I guess I wasn't much help either

[seacomp]

Originally Posted by breeze

One question I'm confused about at the moment concerns the balance between carbs, fats and protein.

As the other responders have indicated, diet, especially this question, is very controversial. What may be surprising to you is that there is no consensus within the medical profession on what makes a good diet both in general, and for diabetics.
Ultimately, the only authority that counts is your own.

[Harold]

You might as well as talk to a wall than a doctor when it comes to nutrition. Better off asking the doctor to send your husband to diabetes classes put on by a CDE. Hopefully they will also be a nutrtionist or have one giving some of the class time. Do not expect to like the one type of diet they give out, or have it work for him. Instead concentrate on the tools so you can experiment and find what works. Too many people go thinking they will get a diet that will work for them and totally miss the tools.

As for getting bg control lowering carb/fat intake to a low or very low level is a good way to start. Because then you can add one thing at a time to see how it affects bg's until you have reached a balanced diet. A balanced diet is probably best for the long haul, but don't be suprised if it requires adjusting from time to time.

Not knowing if he is type 1 or 2 there is not much more that I can see that we can add to it.

[Cinnabon]

Originally Posted by 4519

I go by the low carb/high good fat approach.

This works well for me. Everyone's, diabetic body, is different though. High bad- fat tends to higher blood sugars, so everything in moderation is good.

[Cyborg]

Here's a link to describe how carbs, protein and fat affect your bg. Whether you are a type 2 diabetic or a type 1 on insulin matters since insulin is a tool most type 2's do not have. Without insulin, as in a type 2, you need to control your bg through diet and exercise (and medication). With type 1's, you can eat differently if you take the proper amount of insulin.

Traditionally the ADA and such organizations have suggested a diet that many think is too high in carbs, which contribute the most to your bg. The diabetic community has figured out that limiting carb intake helps control bg. How many or how few carbs to actually eat, whether type 1 or type 2, is a personal choice. If you'd like to learn more about good carbs/bad carbs, low-carbing or carb counting, there are some great books available.

[kgm0612]

Hi & welcome to the forum. No two diabetics are alike, so what works for me may not work for your husband. It's all trial and error.

I also follow a low carb diet. I eat alot of protein and try watching the fat content.


Karen

[JediSkipdogg]

I agree with the above. I'm on a high carb high protein low fat eating method (I hate the word diet.) The problem is nutritionists and doctors use what they are familiar with. Look at all the countries, every country has a different eating method. I think alot of European countries have a high fat diet. Yet they have a less overweight population than we have. But American nutritionists might say that method is very bad.

Personally, do what works for you and only you. If your goal is to gain weight, then find the method that lets you gain what you want. If you want to lose weight, find a method that works for you to lose weight. It's all about trial and error.

[Just_Plain_John]

I was fortunate that when I was recently diagnosed type 1, I had a couple of classes with educators and dieticians right away to give me some useful info.

One of the general guidelines I was given was that it is normal for a male to eat 60-75 grams of carbohydrates per meal, given medium to higher levels of activity. About 30% of calories eaten can be from fats. I have read SO many food labels since then ! Generally I find that by choosing wisely, I can eat very well (satisfied) and easily meet the guidelines I was given. If someone has a lower level of activity or is trying to lose weight, the carbohydrates could be reduced some.

Proteins do convert to fat if you are inactive, but if someone is exercising proteins help to build muscle mass. Adding muscle is one good way to raise the metabolism and help reduce weight if that is a goal. I had lost a lot of weight (both fat & muscle) prior to my diagnosis, so I have mostly been adding protein and doing moderate weightlifting to rebuild. Exercise for diabetics can be a challenge, but it helps us quite a bit - see if there is a professional that can help design a simple exercise program, and then tailor your diet to support that lifestyle.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by Just_Plain_John

If someone has a lower level of activity or is trying to lose weight, the carbohydrates could be reduced some.

You can actually eat a high level of carbs and still lose weight. The key is consuming less calories than you expend.

Originally Posted by Just_Plain_John

Proteins do convert to fat if you are inactive

Protein gets converted to glucose at approximately 50% conversion rate. If you consume more calories than you consume, then the metabolized protein will be stored as fat.

[breeze]

Thank you to everyone!! I do understand what you mean about doctors and nutrition - it's not within their expertise or comfort zone. Still, we wanted to discuss everything with him to make sure he's been told what we're doing, and ask all the questions, even though, at this point, we know we're going to have to sift through and experiment.

My husband is Type II, only needs to lose maybe 10 pounds. He was taking Metformin and Glipizide and tried to go by the ADA guidelines but couldn't get the levels lowered. I found Dr. Bernstein's book and he tried to go by its guidelines. The readings came down but he simply couldn't stay on the plan. We spoke with a nutritionist and she seemed to be wanting him to get back with the ADA guidelines. Finally, I think he just got frustrated. Now he's still taking the Metformin but has just been put on Novolog injections twice a day and we're determined to do the best we can with this situation. Thanks for reminding us of the fact that there's not a "one size fits all" solution or plan. That's kind of scary, but comforting at the same time.

It is surprising that there are so many differing views in the professional community. Again though, it reinforces the fact that what works for one might not be best for all.

Harold, what does CDE mean?
Cyborg, thanks for the link. We'll check it out. One book I like so far for its recipes is "500 and More Low Carb Recipes" by Dana Carpender. I also checked out one about the Glycemic Index (can't remember the name at the moment).

Thanks again everyone!! You've helped more than you know. It's wonderful to get this support. *beaming and smiling*

[nomorecarbs]

I have normal blood sugars after 5 years of very low carb dieting and daily exercise. I'm 60 and a type II diabetic for over 20 years. I don't count grams of anything or calories.

Here's the plan in a nutshell:

Avoid sugars and starches.

That's it. I eat non-starchy vegetables in salads, nuts, low glycemic fruits such as blackberries (not all the time and in small quantities), meat, fish, eggs, cheese, etc.

On the road, I can always get a hamburger, holding the bun, no fries. This is as simple as it gets.

I also believe Dr. Richard Bernstein is currently the best source of information for diabetics. I heartifly recommend any of his books.

[breeze]

it is normal for a male to eat 60-75 grams of carbohydrates per meal, given medium to higher levels of activity. About 30% of calories eaten can be from fats.

That's something to keep in mind. Just adjust it to the activity level. Gosh, it really is a juggling act.

[breeze]

That's it. I eat non-starchy vegetables in salads, nuts, low glycemic fruits such as blackberries (not all the time and in small quantities), meat, fish, eggs, cheese, etc.

Hi, nomorecarbs. Have you had any problems with cholesterol? I guess I'm in the same boat with so many others in having a difficult time separating the thought of cholesterol being connected with fat and both being a negative factor in one's eating routine. I know we need cholesterol and that the two are different, and that there is good fat, but I still need to retrain my opinion of fats. That's probably what my husband and I are both in the process of doing now - retraining.