Hi.... can someone help.........

L. Conrad · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 11

I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
bagels, cereals, corn etc.

The questions are:

Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
need LESS insulin?
Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
needed?

Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.

Thank you for your time.......

Archived from group: alt>food>diabetic

Kurt · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 1

L. Conrad wrote:
> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
> diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
> alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
> excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
> under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
> will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
> are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
> research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
> own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
> and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
> They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
> bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
> The questions are:
>
> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
> need LESS insulin?
> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
> needed?

rk, Tom, and Wendy already gave you some good advice, so let me just
say ditto to what they told you. Everyone is different and basing
their care on what you've read online and advice you solicit from
strangers is not in their best interest.

> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.

Not a good idea. What you should do is research the doctors in their
area that specialize in diabetes care (preferably an endocrinologist)
and encourage them to set up an appointment ASAP. Diabetes is a not
something that should be treated by hearsay and amateurs. And it
certainly isn't just about carbs.

Good luck.

Kurt

>
> Thank you for your time.......

user · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

"L. Conrad" wrote in message $1_2@x-privat.org...
> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
> diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
> alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
> excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
> under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
> will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
> are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
> research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
> own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
> and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
> They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
> bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
> The questions are:
>
> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
> need LESS insulin?
> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
> needed?
>
> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
>
> Thank you for your time.......
>

yes

rk · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 8

"L. Conrad" wrote in message $1_2@x-privat.org...
: I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
: diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with
diet
: alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost
his
: excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
: under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
: will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
: are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health.
The
: research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make
their
: own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think
Eskimos
: and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
: They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
: bagels, cereals, corn etc.
:
: The questions are:
:
: Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
: adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?

That very much depends on the diabetic. Anyone who says otherwise is
very wrong. I'm case in point. As a T1, I NEED the carbs to keep my liver
stored with glucose for when I inject and perhaps don't eat enough or go
for a longer walk after and head towards a low. Stored glucose in my liver
will stop the low for me.

There is no such thing of a "near no carb diet" Everything has carbs in it
except
water and yes, carbs are needed for proper health and nutrition. Eating 20
big
macs a day isn't healthy. But fresh peas and corn is very healthy and
packed
full of needed vitamins.

: Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
: need LESS insulin?

Again depends on the diabetic. There are some that can eat a low carb diet
and still need higher then average insulin. Depends on the persons
metabolism.
If they're eating 300gm a day and needing 100u a day of insulin, then yes,
reducing
carbs will decrease insulin.

: Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?

Depends again on the diabetic. If they are IDDM (someone that has NO
natural
insulin production) not just someone taking Insulin (there is a difference)
Then no,
less insulin would be eventually deadly for them! This is why, while it's
great you
want to help your family and friends you aren't their doctor and have no
idea of
their overall medical situation and suggesting to a IDDM they take less
Insulin would
land them in DKA, coma or death if you're wrong.

For someone like Julie Bove, a regular poster here who makes plenty of their
own
insulin, then going on Insulin can be two-fold. 1) it could make her own
pancreas
stop producing insulin and she'd rely solely on injected to control her
glucose. or
2) she could continue to produce her own insulin and then stack more insulin
on
top of that by injection which would cause further trouble with control.

Too much insulin isn't healthy for the heart period. that's why T2's are
more proned
to heart problems because T2 is a problem with TOO MUCH insulin, NOT a lack
like
a T1's problem.

: Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
: needed?

Yes. Can it be done safely? Depends, the person should work closely with
their doctor
if they've never done it before or been counceled on it by a medical
professional.

:
: Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
:
: Thank you for your time.......
:

--
Reisa, T1
dx-5/00 asd-7/00
Animas IR1250 pumper
Daily CHO: 150-200gm
TDD: 36-38u
Last A1C: 6.1 (1/12/07)

ray · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

On Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:48:11 -0600, L. Conrad wrote:

> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
> diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
> alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
> excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
> under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
> will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
> are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
> research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
> own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
> and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
> They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
> bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
> The questions are:
>
> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
> need LESS insulin?
> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
> needed?

I would refer you to Dr. Richard Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution". He has
been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 60 years and is in excellent health. His
answer to your queries would be 'yes'. He advocates a diet of 30 grams of
cabohydrates daily for insulin users. Please note I am not affiliated with
Dr. B. - I have a copy of his book which I reread from time to time. I
credit his basic approach to helping me gain control.

One point he makes - there are certainly essential proteins; there are
also certain essential fats; there are no essential carbohydrates.

Good luck.

>
> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
>
> Thank you for your time.......

rk · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 8

"Ozgirl" wrote in message @news.supernews.com...
: Susan wrote:
: > x-no-archive: yes
: >
: > L. Conrad wrote:
: >
: >> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better
: >> by adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
: >
: > Yes, they can; the lower their insulin requirements, the less insulin
: > resistance they'll have. Near no carb isn't a requirement, generally
: > speaking, for achieving improvments. Carb quality and timing matter,
: > too.

You have no clue as to what type of insulin the OP is refering to about
their friend. If this happens to be a Basal Insulin, and they follow your
advice you've just put them into danger. Your advice can be very harmful
and deadly.

: >
: >> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values
: >> and need LESS insulin?
: >
: > That's how it works; carb load and insulin sensitivity determine
: > insulin needs.

Again, doesn't work like that for a Basal Insulin. And if their basal isn't
adjusted correctly it also will not help with a Bolus either.

: >
: >> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
: >
: > Yes; insulin in excess is atherogenic, elevates growth hormone which
: > increases cancer risks, and promotes inflammation which is a global
: > risk.

LOL injected insulin does not promote inflammation. Natural insulin in
over-abundance in T2's "might". I know for a fact as a Insulin injecting
T1, that insulin will lower my glucose which DECREASES my inflammation.
(that is real inflammation from a real medical condition that causes
inflammation)
Seeing as I'm HLA-B27 positive.

: >
: >> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin
: >> is needed?
: >
: > Yes, gradual adjustments may be a good idea; frequent use of a meter
: > while making changes and noting changes in symptoms are important,
: > too.
: >
: > Susan
:
: Excellent post Susan.
:

** Mind you Susan has NO experience with Insulin and anything she states
in ANY post to any Insulin using Diabetic should be carefully evaluated and
checked with a qualified medical professional due to their inexperience with
this hormone.

Ma¢k · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

[Default] On Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:48:11 -0600, "L. Conrad"
Giggled into the madness of usenet:

>I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
>diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
>alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
>excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
>under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
>will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
>are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
>research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
>own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
>and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
>They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
>bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
>The questions are:
>
>Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
>adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
>Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
>need LESS insulin?
>Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
>Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
>needed?
>
>Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
>
>Thank you for your time.......

type 1 diabetes is due to a lack of insulin production. Every human
needs a certain amount of insulin in their system. This background or
basal insulin maintains BG levels between meals and prevents DKA a
potentially fatal condition.

A type 1 does not need to go low carb. and in some cases due to
individual characteristics in that one person, it could be very
dangerous. and make them more prone to severe hypos. Frequent hypos
leads to increased hypo unawareness. This is a very dangerous problem
for those prone to hypos (low blood sugars). They can frequently not
notice an oncoming hypo until they pass out and wake up, if they are
lucky, in the ER.

there are simply too many variables involved to give suggestions
through a third party.

Bring the individual here.

--
Mâck©® Deltec CoZmore Pumper
Type 1 since 1975
http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org
http://www.diabetic-talk.org
http://www.insulin-pumpers.org
http://www.pandora.com enter "Jason & Demarco"

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the
President, or that we are to stand by the President
right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile,
but is morally treasonable to the American public."
....Theodore Roosevelt

(o ô)
--ooO-(_)-Ooo--------------------

"I don't know half of you
half as well as I should like;
and I like less than half of you
half as well as you deserve."
....Bilbo Baggins

DISCLAIMER If you find a posting or message from me
offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive, please ignore it.
If you don't know how to ignore a posting, complain to
me and I will be only too happy to demonstrate...
..

W. Baker · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 97

In alt.support.diabetes L. Conrad wrote:
: I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
: diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
: alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
: excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
: under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
: will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
: are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
: research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
: own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
: and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
: They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
: bagels, cereals, corn etc.

: The questions are:

: Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
: adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
: Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
: need LESS insulin?
: Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
: Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
: needed?

: Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.

: Thank you for your time.......

Yu don't have to go very low or no(which is pretty much impossible) diet
to control diabetes. Controlled carbs is what I call it. I eat between
60-100 a day, spaced out, with few in the morning and it works for me.

I would suggest that your friends first see a dietician so they can learn
about cocunting carbs, portin control, reading nutrition labels and get
started on a diet. If the diet doesn't work they may have to make
adjustments, but they need knowledge first.

Exercise is also very important, even just brisk walking will help. The
comination of diet and exercise can go a long way to sontrolling diabetes,
but meds, orals ror insulin may also be needed.

This is a pretty rough intordction, but shoudlget you started with them.
Bewre, as they may well not choose to listen to you.

Wendy

Gantlet · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

"L. Conrad" wrote in message $1_2@x-privat.org...
> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
> diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with
> diet alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also
> lost his excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight,
> staying under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from
> 50 to 75 will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize
> what foods are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for
> health. The research I've done so far says that is not true since humans
> can make their own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some
> such (think Eskimos and far north peoples). I learned no one ever
> suffered a carb deficiency. They are unwilling to give up the foods they
> love such as potatoes, peas, bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
> The questions are:
>
> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
> need LESS insulin?
> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
> needed?
>
> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
>
> Thank you for your time.......

the most important thing for a diabetic to do is find a life style that will
work best for that individual. it is one of the reasons i dont believe in
those 1 size fits all books that say dont eat over a certain amount of
carbs, protien or fat.
it is why working with a dietitian is the best way to start.
if you find the diet that is first given to you does not work, it might be
because they are not active enough, not timing the carbs right, and many
other things can effect blood sugar levels.
Any diet that you will find more than a few doctors agree with that includes
exercise will be much better than any diet that does not include exercise.
Your friends need to work with doctors more than anything else.

Tom

Ma¢k · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

[Default] On Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:31:46 -0700, ray
Giggled into the madness of usenet:

>On Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:48:11 -0600, L. Conrad wrote:
>
>> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
>> diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with diet
>> alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost his
>> excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
>> under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to 75
>> will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
>> are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health. The
>> research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make their
>> own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think Eskimos
>> and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb deficiency.
>> They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
>> bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>>
>> The questions are:
>>
>> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
>> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
>> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
>> need LESS insulin?
>> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
>> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
>> needed?
>
>I would refer you to Dr. Richard Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution". He has
>been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 60 years and is in excellent health. His
>answer to your queries would be 'yes'. He advocates a diet of 30 grams of
>cabohydrates daily for insulin users. Please note I am not affiliated with
>Dr. B. - I have a copy of his book which I reread from time to time. I
>credit his basic approach to helping me gain control.
>
>One point he makes - there are certainly essential proteins; there are
>also certain essential fats; there are no essential carbohydrates.
>
>Good luck.
>
>
>>
>> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
>>
>> Thank you for your time.......

ray forgot to mention that he has no experience using insulin.

the line "there are no essential carbohydrates" is misleading. Just
because there are no specific sources of carbs that are essential does
not equate to carbs are not essential.

a type 1 should follow their own doctor's advice based on their
personal case history.

--
Mâck©® Deltec CoZmore Pumper
Type 1 since 1975
http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org
http://www.diabetic-talk.org
http://www.insulin-pumpers.org
http://www.pandora.com enter "Jason & Demarco"

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the
President, or that we are to stand by the President
right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile,
but is morally treasonable to the American public."
....Theodore Roosevelt

(o ô)
--ooO-(_)-Ooo--------------------

"I don't know half of you
half as well as I should like;
and I like less than half of you
half as well as you deserve."
....Bilbo Baggins

DISCLAIMER If you find a posting or message from me
offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive, please ignore it.
If you don't know how to ignore a posting, complain to
me and I will be only too happy to demonstrate...
..

Gantlet · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

"Michael "Dog3" Lonergan" wrote in message >
> I am speaking from my own experiences only. I amy a type II and take oral
> medication and I control my diet. The best thing I ever did was to call
> the diabetic dietitian my doctor suggested. I have a double whammy
> because
> I also have coronary artery disease. I went crazy the first month after
> the diabetes was diagnosed. One just can't find both a low carb and low
> fat diet. I would be eating air. Anyway, I went to the dietitian and man
> was that the best thing I've ever done. I was given specific amounts of
> carbs and fats to eat daily. She also taught me how to read labels of
> food
> products. Quite frankly, I pretty much follow the food pyramid guide but
> I
> eat about 5 small meals a day and I usually have an apple or orange as a
> late night snack. So far my BG has been close to normal (I test myself 3
> times daily). My last A1C was 5.5 so I've got good control of the
> diabetes. I also take oral medication for cholesterol control. My
> cholesterol had dropped from 265 to 195 the last test I had. I cheat quite
> frequently with foods not considered healthy for either disease but that
> is
> usually on the weekends when dining out or just plain old snacking in
> front
> of the TV. When I do this I really ease up the next week and watch what I
> eat. So far for me, so good.
>
> I strongly suggest the dietitian. I think as diabetics we are all
> different
> and have different needs, but I also think we were cut out with the same
> cookie cutter Wink

>
> Michael
> --
> "This recipe is certainly silly. It says to separate two eggs,
> but it doesn't say how far to separate them."
> ~Gracie Allen

Hello Michael I have never seen this name before so welcome to the group.
Like you I strongly suggest working with doctors and dietitians in regards
to exercise, nutrition and all other diabetic care. I also like to share
what works for me.
if I found that when I ate an apple as a bed time snack, I might ad a few
almonds (around 6). My fav bed time snack is whole grain rye crackers and a
fat from avocado. if i am having milk 1% or even 2% I wont add anymore fat.
I only buy regular milk as a treat once every few months, it now tastes
like cream to me.
dont forget to do the exercises your doctors recommend. 2 years ago I hurt
myself when advancing too fast. I am now starting all over again just doing
cardio, some stretches and very little wieght lifting.
good luck

Tom

rk · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 8

ray" wrote in message @zianet.com...
: On Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:48:11 -0600, L. Conrad wrote:
:
: > I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
: > diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with
diet
: > alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost
his
: > excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
: > under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to
75
: > will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what
foods
: > are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health.
The
: > research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make
their
: > own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think
Eskimos
: > and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb
deficiency.
: > They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes,
peas,
: > bagels, cereals, corn etc.
: >
: > The questions are:
: >
: > Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
: > adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
: > Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
: > need LESS insulin?
: > Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
: > Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
: > needed?
:
: I would refer you to Dr. Richard Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution". He has
: been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 60 years and is in excellent health. His
: answer to your queries would be 'yes'. He advocates a diet of 30 grams of
: cabohydrates daily for insulin users. Please note I am not affiliated with
: Dr. B. - I have a copy of his book which I reread from time to time. I
: credit his basic approach to helping me gain control.
:
: One point he makes - there are certainly essential proteins; there are
: also certain essential fats; there are no essential carbohydrates.
:
: Good luck.
:

Well here goes Ray again in his cheer for bernsquack!!! The OP should be
adviced that Ray doesn't have any personal FIRST hand experience with
Insulin only what he has read from someone that MANY T1's find to be a Quack
with a personal agenda of ONLY selling his book.

Find me a crowd of 100, T1's and I'll show you maybe IF you're lucky to find
1 that follows the Quacks advice. Any T1 eating 30gms a day is looking for
problems being a diabetic. This isnt' advocated by any other reputable Endo
(which the quack isn't)

The OP should tell his friend to seek qualified medical help.

Julie Bove · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 494

"L. Conrad" wrote in message $1_2@x-privat.org...
> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
> diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with
> diet alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also
> lost his excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight,
> staying under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from
> 50 to 75 will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize
> what foods are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for
> health. The research I've done so far says that is not true since humans
> can make their own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some
> such (think Eskimos and far north peoples). I learned no one ever
> suffered a carb deficiency. They are unwilling to give up the foods they
> love such as potatoes, peas, bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
> The questions are:
>
> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
> need LESS insulin?
> Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
> needed?
>
> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming weekend.
>
> Thank you for your time.......

Low carb diets work for some people but not all. And some people (like me)
do not feel at all well on it. I certainly do not eat all carb laden foods,
nor did I eat them all prior to diabetes. I do limit my portions. In fact
when I did try low carbing, my BG shot up even higher than it would have on
my limited carb diet.

I've never used insulin so I don't know a lot about it. I do know that a
person who has type 1 (meaning they produce no insulin whatever) can
sometimes have more leeway with their diet than a type 2 who uses insulin.
There are just so many variables.

You seem to be convinced that low carb is the only way to go. And you don't
seem to understand much about diabetes. There are over 300 types of
diabetes but we are generally lumped together as type 1, type 2, or
gestational. I'm a type 2 who produced a ton of natural insulin but I have
insulin resistance. The fact that a person does not use insulin does not
mean in some way that they are better than a person who does not. People
use it because they have to use it.

Ozgirl · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 102

Susan wrote:
> x-no-archive: yes
>
> L. Conrad wrote:
>
>> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their
blood-sugar better
>> by adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
>
> Yes, they can; the lower their insulin requirements, the
less insulin
> resistance they'll have. Near no carb isn't a
requirement, generally
> speaking, for achieving improvments. Carb quality and
timing matter,
> too.
>
>> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their
blood values
>> and need LESS insulin?
>
> That's how it works; carb load and insulin sensitivity
determine
> insulin needs.
>
>> Would the need for less insulin be better for their
general health?
>
> Yes; insulin in excess is atherogenic, elevates growth
hormone which
> increases cancer risks, and promotes inflammation which is
a global
> risk.
>
>> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if
less insulin
>> is needed?
>
> Yes, gradual adjustments may be a good idea; frequent use
of a meter
> while making changes and noting changes in symptoms are
important,
> too.
>
> Susan

Excellent post Susan.

Ozgirl · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 102

L. Conrad wrote:
> I'm asking this because I have several friends and a
brother in law
> with diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls
his
> diabetes with diet alone. He's on a really low carb diet
and is doing
> great. He also lost his excess weight. No, his
cholesterol levels
> are not out of sight, staying under 200. He is in his
mid 70s now.
> But my friends, ages from 50 to 75 will not eat a low carb
diet, one
> doesn't even seem to realize what foods are high in carbs
or sugars.
> One says carbs are necessary for health. The research
I've done so
> far says that is not true since humans can make their own
carbs from
> protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think
Eskimos and far
> north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb
deficiency.
> They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as
potatoes,
> peas, bagels, cereals, corn etc.
>
> The questions are:
>
> Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their
blood-sugar better by
> adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
> Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their
blood values
> and need LESS insulin?
> Would the need for less insulin be better for their
general health?
> Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if
less insulin
> is needed?
>
> Your replies will be printed and given to them this coming
weekend.
>
> Thank you for your time.......

Any carb modification is better than none. Along with their
meds and regular exercise, carb lowering is an ideal way to
gain good control. Just cutting out carbs though without
checking that proper nutrition is maintained is not a good
idea. A knowledge of basic nutrition won't go astray. Weight
loss helps enormously with control, it is one of the best
insulin resistance remedies going.