South Beach

[ontheway]

I am starting the South Beach Diet this morning. I have read on many fronts that it is a great diet for diabetics, and also have met some diabetics who have lost weight and brought their diabetes to a point where it can be controlled with diet and exercise.
I called the doctor and he said it was OK. I asked what happens if my blood sugar gets too low because of no carbs the first 2 weeks. He didn't seem to think I would have that problem. I know better. :cool:
Since I have been cutting back on carbs the past few weeks (since I found this forum actually) I have had at least 3 afternoons with hypos. And that is 2 hours after eating!! :eek:
I take 1000mgGlucophageXR and 5mg. Glucotrol XL morning and evening. The GlucotrolXL was just added around Christmas last year, immediately made me gain 10 lbs., and I know that is the culprit of the hypos. I have also read that it's not the best medicine to be taking for diabetes!
I have decided that I'm going to discontinue taking it. I will be checking my blood sugars frequently during the day to make sure they are OK, and I'll report back in on this occasionally to let everyone know how it goes.
Basically it's no carbs for 2 weeks, then fruit, dairy and starch get added back in daily on a limited basis. I have about 100 lbs. to lose so if this works, it will help a lot more than just the diabetes!
Wish me luck! :D
Marye

[duck]

Marye! Tell your doc.

/soapbox

[ontheway]

I put a call in to the nurse, so she can ask the doctor. Haven't heard back yet.
Seems like in the past I remember him saying that if I started going too low on a regular basis to cut back on the meds.
I'm about to be hypo again!! I took a Glucotrol XL last night and it's supposed to last for 24 hrs. Gosh I hate this feeling. :afraid:
I'll let you know what the doc says. Thanks for the concern.
Marye

[RBmumsie]

My sister (Type II) has been on the South Beach diet for 6 months or so and LOVES it. She's dropped about 40 pounds, doesn't require ANY meds and her bg levels are spot on.

I try to stick to a modified version of the SB diet (didn't do the first two weeks), and it works for me also.

[ontheway]

Thanks for the information RBMumsie!
I've been on it now since Friday morning...it definitely gets easier as the days go on. I started on Phase 1, but with the Glucotrol XL was having hypos every day. :s: I called the doctor and he said to drop that medication and keep a close eye on the blood sugars.
So far....big success! I've dropped 2.5 lbs. already (I know it's water weight, but it keeps me going! LOL!) and my blood sugars are GREAT! I have found in testing them several times per day, that they are much higher in the mornings! My fasting is around 130-140, then the rest of the day they are between 107-115. Don't know why that morning thing happens?
But I am definitely THRILLED that I was able to drop one of the meds! My goal is to lose a lot more weight, and be able to control this thing with diet and exercise!! Looks like I am well on my way! :dancing:
Marye