Terrie

Years ago food measurement was done by exchanges,
actually some still use it. However now counting carbs
seems to be the way to go.


http://www.diabetes.ca/files/Carb_Counting_eng.qx.pdf


The number of carbs in a meal does differ to some extent for
each individual. Depending mainly on a Person's size, gender
and an agreement between the Patient and the Dietician.

As you may have noticed in the Diabetic Menu Example that
I had posted earlier in "The Best Diet" thread by Javis (post
#2), the total carb count for each meal was 45 grams. That's
an average meal.

eddiemcm

Carbs,since they cause glucose in the blood,are a great enemy to the
diabetic.Even though it's not easy,a diabetic should probably restrict
carb intake to 50G per day.Famed diabetic doctor Richard Bernstein wants
his patients to keep daily carb count to 30-check Dr Bernsteins Diabetes
Solution on Amazon.The food triangle,for a diabetic,only leads to cardiovascula problems,amputated limbs,blindness,kidney failure and death.
I have had two diabetic friends die of kidney failure.It wasn't pretty.
A very carb restricttive diet,exercise and meds can keep diabetes in check.
Some diabetics,who exercise and keep dietary carbs low,can live without meds.Regarding meds,insulin is more effective and safer than diaberes pills
but insulin requires a difficult balancing act between insulin and carbs.
Eddie

Terrie

Hi Eddie. Thanks for your post.

Ouch! Dr. Bernstein. That's a Love--Hate name. One thing I've
learned from being on Forums for 8 years. Don't push pumps or Dr.
Bernstein on People who don't want either. Turns them right off.
Discussing them both are Fine however.

I always managed to stay out of the arguments about Bernstein's
diet since I wasn't interested.

For certain, some Diabetics would achieve better control and they
may find Dr. Bernstein's diet and techniques Very acceptable.

For the others who are in control, they wouldn't see much of an
advantage. For those who find comfort in food, those who "just
love food" and for those who have the gene or syndrome that
enables them to eat a lot without feeling full, his diet would be of
no value, unless their meals were made special for them. Most of
these People need hands on motivational/feed back therapy and
support groups near-by them. Buying a book, in most cases, won't
help them much.

I'm Happy that he has helped you Eddie and if you would like to
start a thread about his diet/techniques please feel free. He
probably has tips that would help everyone.

I'm truly sorry to hear of your 2 Friends who have died of kidney
failure.

eddiemcm

Bernstein is a type 1 diabetic who pushes a very strict very low carb diet-30G
per day.Bernstein also pushes insulin which is indeed safer than diabetes pills
but requires a very delicate carb-insulin balancing act.There is a lot of
very good information about diabetes in this book.There are some very good
locarb resources and recipes.For me,the book was very worthwhile though I
opt for 50-60G of carbs a day rather than 30 and,at this time,don't require insulin.Exercise also helps me a lot.I take 10mg Glipizide ER and 1500 mg
Metformin per day with my regimen to keep my glucose at normal level.
Please understand one thing: carbs are the enemy of the diabetic.Carbs
cause glucose in the blood,which,if it is high to begin with,causes very
high dangerous glucose levels.Even in my situation,if I completely go nuts
and eat a very high carb meal(i.e. mexican food which my wife loves) my
blood glucose skyrockets and I have to exercise like hell to bring it down.
My favorite meal is chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes,fried okra
and cornbread-I have that meal once a year on my birthday.Make no
mistake here-a diabetic,if they want to survive,cannot eat like a normal
human being.Locarb diet and extercise are the key.Meds help.
Eddie

Terrie

I looked through Bernstein's site before(since some People were arguing
about his diet ideas)and watched a couple of his video clips. He certainly
does go into depth.

Although he has some Good ideas, I felt his diet was not for me. I don't
consume much as it is(except when we go out for supper sometimes or if
I feel like having something I shouldn't, occasionally).

I also have my other major disease which goes out of control when the
drugs aren't working. I tend to loose weight without me participating. I
also have Hypothyroidism(which has been in remission),a high metabolism
and I'm on Prednisone. So it's quite the interesting battle.

Like 2 weeks ago I felt lighter than usual. To my disappointment,
I discovered I was only 113 lbs. from 126 lbs. 2 weeks before. Therefore
I have to eat more in order to gain some weight back in order to keep my
strength up. Too many carbs are indeed bad for a Diabetic and others in
general. But we all need carbs to survive. Some People need more than others.

Here again, I thank God and Dr. Banting for Insulin. It allows me to consume
the extra food that I need during these weight-losses, so I can continue to
function and stay in the game.

Although both oral Diabetes meds. and Insulin have their cons, I also think
Insulin is the better choice when a Diabetic needs it.

I certainly agree that Diabetics should not/cannot eat like a non-diabetic
because their systems are wired differently. That is one reason that I worry about some (yes, I said some) People on pumps who think they can. Gee, the extra
weight-gain, higher amounts of Insulin, putting their sugars out of whack,
etc. For me, I find Diabetes the easier disease since I can usually control it.


You know, I may buy Bernstein's book now just to allow me to consider more
of his many ideas. You're a Good salesman. I'd be interested to hear what a daily day's 50 gm. meal would be for you.

eddiemcm

Breakfast:
egg whites/cheese omlet
3 slices turkey bacon
1 slice of wholewheat toast
Lunch:
Atkins Advantage chocolate shake
Dinner:
6 ounce filet mignon
green beans
salad with red wine vinegar
1 slice of wholewheat bread
Desert:
1/2 cup Bryers locarb ice cream
That was yesterday.
Fairly typical carb day for me except when I go astray.
Honestly,I have to go astray sometimes or I'd go nuts.
And so it goes
Eddie

Terrie

Hi Eddie:

Hey thanks for the day menu. Okay, I can easily do that.
Actually sometimes, I eat less. But you're a man. I don't
know how you could eat that little. Especially lunch.
Granted the stomach does shrink as a Person eats less and
less even to the point where you don't feel like eating sometimes.
Now you have self-discipline.

Well, as long as you can do it without feeling really deprived
and you still feel Well and satisfied most of the time. That plus
some exercise should keep you healthy and on a smaller doseage
of meds. for a long time.

You go astray?? I don't blame you. Not to worry, most
Diabetics do occasionally, including myself. I eat normal foods
mostly but small portions and I don't usually eat desserts since
I don't crave it.

Nice talking to you Eddie.