Diabetes - do you stick to your diet?

[jl3614]

I was just recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am taking pills and learning new eating habits. I'm learning how to count carbs, and am suppose to eat 12 -14 carbs a day, spread throughout the day as evenly as possible. This is quite difficult for me to do - I used to eat a small breakfast, little or no lunch, then a huge dinner - changing to even things out is hard.

We are heading to WDW in October. I was wondering if type 2 people stuck to there diets, if so how do you do it?

We have ADRs at Crystal Palace, Whispering Canyon, and Concourse Steakhouse. We will eat a few lunches in the parks, but most meals will be at our resort (POR) food court. Any suggestions?

I love the ground beef taco salads, does anyone have an idea how many carbs a taco salad would contain - I assume the shell is 2 or 3 ?

Thanks for your ideas.

[Talking Hands]

What are you meaning by carbs. Carb exchanges or grams of carbohydrates. I try to stay fairly low carb (gms) about 30-45 gms per day but will add more if I am very active. Also I can adjust my insulin as needed.
How many carbs in a taco salad really depends on what you putting in that salad. Spiced ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, black olives (high fat). It is the tortillas shell, beans and some of the veggies that have the carbs.
I tend to avoid bread, potatoes and other high carb foods and limit my fruits rather strictly.

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest asking your doctor for a prescription for a testing kit and check your blood sugar levels at various times. (With a prescription your insurance should cover the cost of both the meter and the test strips.)

Get to know what suguar highs and lows feel like. I don't count carbs, but to try to pay attention to what I eat.

One thing I do is occasionally have dessert, but only when it is very gooey and/or spectacular. For example, I will usually not ea cheesecake or "ordinary" desserts, but if I am at Bistro de Paris with friends I will eat the chocolate souffle.

[JenJen]

If you do not eat the shell and tell them no beans it is almost no carbs. Stay away from bread as much as possible. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago and went on the Atkins diet and have had no Blood sugar problems since. Although doctors and nutritionist do not recommend this diet I would look into and talk about the pros and cons of the atkins with your nutritionist. I think the FDA allows way too many carbs on the diabetes diet. Right now I am on no medications and My blood sugar is normal again. Good luck to you.

[Selket]

It is a good question - are you talking about exchanges or actual carbs? Usually one exchange is 15 carbs but most people now just go by the actual carbs eaten - being told, for example, to eat about 30 carbs breakfast, 15 snack, 45 lunch, 15 snack, 45 dinner and 15 snack. (I had gestational diabetes which is similar to type II and that was sort of my meal plan at the time). It sounds like you are on the exchange plan so if you are allowed 2-3 "carbs" that means 2-3 exchanges or 30-45 carbs? I find the exchange thing to be overly complicated - especially if you are reading nutritional labels!

I'm not diabetic now (gestational usually ends after the pregnancy) but my 3 yr old has type I diabetes. Although type I is a very different disease than type II, I've found this book to be helpful: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1930448090/qid=1121783911/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-7431986-8697755?v=glance&s=books It is called The Dr's Carb, Calorie and ....Guide. It's a small book you can easily take with. We also use a nutritional scale at home which is easy to use when you get the hang of it. You can put your food on the scale (cooked rice for example) and punch in the code and gives you the carb count and other nutritional info. This is the one we use: http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1849160 It is the Salter Nutritional Scale. After some time of counting carbs you will get good as estimating the carb count in foods but at first it is especially helpful to carefully measure food - in MY opinion - so that you know you are counting the carbs correctly. We use the scale a lot for fruit and cooked items like rice and pasta and with many foods. I like it better than measuring cups!

Find a good carb counting book (like the one I mentioned or another) and that should help you guess at foods you will be eating at WDW.

[Lewisc]

The problem with eating in a restaurant are the "hidden carbs". For example Chinese restaurants will sometimes add corn starch to a dish to make it thicker. Some marinades for steaks are very high in sugar and some aren't. Some places add sugar to Mariana sauce and some don't.

A previous poster suggested getting a meter and testing your blood. No other answer. The heat and walking at Disney may actually lower the amount of medication you need to maintain your blood sugars.

[bigmac5]

I would talk to your doctor and get a glucometer if you don't already have one. If your local hospital has a diabectic advisor -get refered. They are really good. Ours gave my husband a glucometer and a few strips. All he had to do then was to get a perscrption for the sticks. A lot of companies advertise free glucometer with purchase of testing strips. So you could even talk to your pharmacist. There are a lot of people out there to help you just have to know where to look. Good luck and know the signs when your sugars get too low.

[Ambassador]

You may consider speaking with a registered dietitian about balanced meals, portions and nutrition, even healthy snacking. We eat in WDW the same as at home; well, perhaps a bit better.

[momsgoofy]

It is do-able! :cheer2:
I was diagnosed as diabetic and having Metabolic Syndrome on November 1, 2004 and went on our first Disney cruise that Thanksgiving...and went to WDW the first week of June 2005 as a diabetic. Like you, my endricronologist (can't spell that usually...lol) who is overseeing my diabetic care. He has me on oral meds, (Glucophage XR 1000mg/day), a 12 carb/day diet and increase my activity. I check my blood sugar twice daily, more often if I feel the need. (Metabolic Syndrom just means basically that whatever I put into my body, the body doesn't know how to process it correctly.)

First, the 12 carb/day is very confusing as you can tell. :confused3 Here is how the doc explained it to me.

The American Diabetic Association recommends a 1500 calorie/day diet for me...a woman...1800 calorie/day for a man and you want no more than 50% of your daily calorie intake to be from carbs.

There are 15 grams per 1 carb and 1 carb contains 60 calories...look on a nutrition guide of any product. It will read "Total carbohydrates....x grams" For every 15 grams you have ONE carb. So the formula is 12 carbs X 60 calories = 720 calories. I can fudge and get 13 carbs some days and still be okay at 780 calories, just can't do this all the time.

During both the cruise and the WDW trip, I was very active...walking a lot as we all do when there. I think that contributed greatly to how my body burned the carbs. I did indulge on desserts since I don't have them at home, just did so in smaller portions. For example, at Le Cellier, DH and I split the chocolate mouse (kids serving). Or I would reduce the carbs for the entree, eat more veggies and protein and have dessert. I also checked my blood sugar faithfully while on vacation and usually a few extra times. If my sugar wasn't within my target (120 or below for before meals and 140 or below two hours after meal) then I didn't allow the extras. 95% of the times I checked my levels were in the 100 - 110 range, which I think was because of the extra activity.

One of the habits I've tried to get into is to stack my carbs earlier in the day so they are burned off easier. My tendency is that if I eat later (after 7pm) or have a higher carb meal (pasta) then my sugar is more elevated when I check the next morning. This is in part to the fact that our bodies produce insulin at night while we sleep so I've learned to reduce the night food to keep the sugar more regulated.

It's hard, but I have to do this or I will have more problems later in life. My dad has been insulin dependent for nearly 15 years, while his mom only took oral meds. I have a great uncle who died from complications due to 40 year of diabetes and a dear friend whose father is on dialysis because he didn't control his diabetes. I don't want to do the shots and sure as heck don't want to do dialysis so I'm working on making the changes. Even my dad says it doesn't happen overnight since it is a life style change. And believe me, I was shocked to hear him say that since he had never admitted to "falling off the sugar wagon" before.

I've found a great website thanks to my son's music teacher. The father of her daughter-in-law is diabetic and she started this website. It has over 200 restaurants listed so I can go find a place, check the nutritional info and stay within my diet if I go out to eat. The site is www.dietfacts.com Have a look at it. They do list the Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad...wow! 80 some grams of carbs!!

Unfortunately I don't think there are any WDW restaurants on it...I keep telling them to get on it.


The best advice is to know yourself and what you can do...if you have little self discipline (I am this way sometimes...lately I've been really baddue to some recent stress) then I would say don't even stray from the diet, but if you can eat a little of the bad stuff and maintain your blood sugar levels you should do okay. I am not encouraging you to go hog wild though!! Also, learn your portions and know what the carb content is before you indulge.

If you have any specific questions for me, just send me a PM and I'll answer as best I can....I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV... :rotfl:

[Talking Hands]

Everyone please remember insulin dependent is a person with type 1 diabetes. A type 2 diabetic maybe insulin using but is not insulin dependent. With a type 2 there is always the possibility that they can go back to oral meds or even diet control only depending on the situation.

[pumba]

so this means either two slices of toast or an english muffin or a small bagel or a cup of cereal. I can have a sandwich or a salad with cheese and some meat in it to keep me going....if not I have a crash because of not enough carbs ....same with my supper......if I have my meat and veggies and either a small baked potato or a half cup of potatoes or one cup of potatoes depending on my veggie chose. I had to learn to eat only one cup of pasta with sauce on it and this really hurt me .......I mourned my spaghetti more then anything else..

[Selket]

I mourned my spaghetti more then anything else..

Have you tried spaghetti squash? I think it has about 10 carbs a cup - low enough to have a cup of that and a slice of garlic bread :goodvibes Not like I can get my 3 yr old to eat it but I like it.

At WDW they do have sugar free strawberry bars that have - I think about 8 carbs a bar. I've found them in some of the carts at the MK but not at the other parks. Some carts will have sugar-free drinks (lemonade or a rasberry drink made by Minute Maid) - those are a bit hard to find! I know for sure that restaurants can get for you a brownie that is sugar free - I had some prepackaged ones while we were there a couple of weeks ago and they are 16 carbs per brownie (that is carbs and not exchanges!!!). They are made with the sweetener that can give you diarhhea! Yikes! I didn't let my 3 yr old have them cause of that. I tried one and they taste great but send me to the bathroom :rolleyes:

[taximomfor4]

sorry, fascinated by this thread. Can I hijack for a second?

I just (today, in fact) got back my next set of labs (regular old glucose check had come back slightly elevated). This set, the doc already warned me about. He said, if it came back elevated, I would be diagnosed Type II DM. If it came back high but ok, it would be my warning. Well, it came back borderline (the nurse on the phone said it was the highest amount for "normal.") So the non-diagnosis is "Borderline Diabetic", aka "Pre-diabetic." I do have an autoimmune thyroid condition which often goes hand in hand with insulin-resistance which is why I was getting checked to begin with.

Anyway, long explanation but important question...
Doc says I MUST lose weight to get this under control NOW.(I have been slowly gaining since my thyroid crashed 2 1/2 yrs ago). I am 5'5, and up past my 9-month pregnant weight from pg #4 -- 182 lbs. When you all started your diabetic diets, did you lose weight? I wonder if I should be following (at least almost-following) the ADA diet now. I have tried most everything else, but really need something to WORK!!

Beth

[Talking Hands]

Honestly I have had better luck losing with Low carb like South Beach Diet

[taximomfor4]

Honestly I have had better luck losing with Low carb like South Beach Diet


My mom swears by the South Beach one. I just have not ever sat down and read the book. I have never dieted in my entire life -- had never needed to. I have NOOOOOOO self control where food is concerned, hate trying to squeeze food prep into my day. But I don't want to negatively impact my health any more.

Thanks!!
Beth

[pumba]

I lost even though I wasnt supposed to. but my carbs of 45 per meal were enough to make me lose .....after the first week I was not crying anymore.....hahaha.....ask for a visit with the dietician ......insurance paid for it and also next week I have an appointment with the diabetic clinic to get my blood testing thingie......I am classified as a pre diabetic.....my three month level test that was done was elevated more then the previous test three months before....6.5 I believe they said.......my fasting (14 hour) was 114 ....which is high
good luck and ask your pcp for a consultation with a dietician

[jl3614]

Thank you for the responses and suggestions.

I should have been more specific - my diet allows 12 -14 exchanges a day (that is 180 -210 grams). I have for the most part been able to stick in that range. What I have not been able to do on a regular basis is limit my largest meal to no more than 5 exchanges. Dinner is still 1/2 my carbs (5-7 exchanges) and about 2/3 my calories. Evening out the carbs per meal is my next chore.

Fyi - I have been diagnosed for three weeks. Medication, diet and exercise has dropped my blood sugar level from 240 to 120 in the morning and it is about 85 in the late afternoon just before dinner. I monitor twice a day. I have lost 8 pounds - about 50 lbs to go. I have gone from completely sedentary to walking briskly 45 minutes/day/7 days a week.

taximomfor4 - I lost weight. I'm not sure if it was the diet, or the exercise. Probably some of both. I don't know how drastic a diet you are on - I cut my total calorie intake by 20%, and cut my carbs about in half. The calories went from about 3000 to 2400 (hopefully I'll drop to 1800-2000 in six months after I shrink my stomach a little), and I cut the carb exchanges from something in the mid-20s to about 12 a day. My suggestion - exercise. Good luck to you.

[pumba]

I can have three carb choices per meal ...each choice is 15 carbs and in the morning I may not do the whole 45 carbs but I can't stack them onto my other meals.....once the morning or lunch time is gone by that is it......I do have a 15 gram choice for a snack before bed......I will start to walk more when this oppresive heat leaves .....it is like having someone sitting on top of me...GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

[DVCLiz]

Sorry to hijack a little, too, but since you're on the subject...

What numbers are considered normal ranges? I had a life insurance exam last month, and my fasting blood sugar came back high (121 first thing in the morning, just a few sips of Diet Coke in the car on the way to the appointment!!!) Should I take this as a warning for diabetes? I have a family history and had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies, so I know I have a warning hanging over my head anyway, but is this number really too high, or just on the high side of normal??? I think the other number was 6.1, if that means anything to you....thanks!!!!

[pumba]

If I were you I would call my PCP and ask him what ranges did they do for the insurance papers......he may want to recheck you in a few .......I would be concerned for the fasting ......I had a 14 hour fast and it was 114 and they want it under 100.......the 6.1 I have no clue.....but mine was 6.5 which had gone up since the last testing......call your doctor and see what he says......all I have read ....because of genetics and your gestational diabetes .....you are in line for this too......take care and let me know

[kimbac3]

I was diagnosed with Type 2 right around Christmas time (what a great gift huh?) Anyway, I go to a GP and he never really gave me a "diet" plan. He basically said no sugar, cut the carbs and read books about the Glycemic Index. OK, I did that (along with taking my pills (advandamet and metformin) and moderate exercise) but my sugar levels just seem stuck. My A1C did go down at first then back up then down a little...it's frustrating. Plus everytime I go for bloodwork they do a urine test and there is always traces of blood.
So anyway, I'm going to try to do the 12 carb exchanges a day. Maybe I'm taking in too many unknowingly.
Has anyone had problems with feeling nausiated(sp?) when their sugar is low? If I go to bed with a blood sugar of less then 120 I end up vomiting or feeling very sick by 2:30/3:00am. Is this normal or am I weird? LOL! I told my dr and he said "Huh, try to have some crackers by your bed." Uh..I'd like to prevent it!!

Kimba

[pumba]

thing is a thing of the past......my mother in law has diabetes and she is allowed sugar as I am too.......we both are on the diabetic diet of carb choices ....she is in an assisted living facility and I was noticing over the year that she was only given a half of a banana........thought the place was being cheap......she is on a diet of lower carbs and a half of a banana is one choice or 15 grams of carbohydrates.......I would ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician or the diabetic clinic in your area.....this would help you with your food intake and maybe get you balanced out so you would not feel sick........call him up and ask for that referral....your insurance will most likely pay for it....

[kath1210]

There is a great book on this subject that I would highly recommend. It's by Gretchen Becker and it's called "The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: A Patient-Expert Walks You Through Everything You Need to Learn and Do." I bought it on amazon.com.

I was diagnosed last summer, after two fasting BG levels of 126. The doctor told me to cut out white bread, rice, potatoes and most sugar. I did that and it worked great! My BG was normal or close to normal without any drugs.

Then I started slipping, getting cocky, and my fasting BG levels have been averaging 135-150 (I have been testing at home once or twice every day since last summer).

What the book told me, and I did not know, was that your beta cells shut down if BG levels are not kept under strict control. I kinda figured I was OK since I knew people who had fasting BG levels of 200-300 and they seemed fine.

The book told me that fasting BG levels of 130-140 indicate significant damage to the beta cells in the pancreas, and are not safe. Keeping BG levels at or very near normal levels is the only way to prevent all of the side effects of diabetes.

That scared me! I do not want to lose my sight or my feet. I want to live to see my children marry and have their own kids, not die early of kidney failure or a heart attack! So I am now on Glucophage (500 mg) and dieting and trying to exercise. I am determined to keep my BG levels down.

That is not to say that another carb will never pass my lips, but I have to say that I am mad that my doctor did not tell me sooner. I had above-normal BG levels (115-118) for a couple of years. This indicated that I was on my way to diabetes, and I was not told!

It's my own fault for not looking into this earlier, I know, but I am now determined to control this disease! I won't let it stop me from going to Disney, and even being on the Dining Plan :) , but I will test and watch my carb intake. It's not that hard, especially since I now know how important it is.

[Chicago526]

There is a great book on this subject that I would highly recommend. It's by Gretchen Becker and it's called "The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: A Patient-Expert Walks You Through Everything You Need to Learn and Do." I bought it on amazon.com.

Thanks for the tip, I just ordered it! DFi is type 2 and takes insulin, I want him to take better care of himself, and he is trying, but his doctor barely speaks English and is no help (great doc, just can't communicate and DFi won't change docs) in making suggestions on how to keep his blood sugar down.

Also, DFi works nights, not days, and has a VERY physical job, he needs more than 1800 calories a day (he tried that when he was first diagnosed and he fainted after a few days, he was starving himself at that level) so I'm hoping this book will address, at least in part, his unique lifestyle.

[kath1210]

Also, DFi works nights, not days, and has a VERY physical job, he needs more than 1800 calories a day (he tried that when he was first diagnosed and he fainted after a few days, he was starving himself at that level) so I'm hoping this book will address, at least in part, his unique lifestyle.

Actually, this book does not get into the nitty-gritty of what to eat and when, etc. as much as I would have liked.

The author says that everyone is different and not even all Type 2 diabetes has the same exact causes, so different diets will work for different people. Her mottoes are "YMMV - Your mileage may vary" and "Your body, your science experiment." :)

I have another book that I have not yet read that I hope will get mote into the diet area - it's called something "The Other Diabetes: Living and Eating Well with Type 2 Diabetes."

I love the Becker book, though, for explaining to me exactly what my risks are and why controlling BG is SO important.

Best wishes to you and your fiance! :goodvibes

[momsgoofy]

There are too many posts that I want to reply to so I'll just give it a go...

Losing weight?
For me, yes, I've lost 20 lbs. in 7 months. It's not fast, but my endricronologist says he prefers that because it tends to stay off...lose it quick and it's quick to come back.

taximom4....
You are so correct that auto-immune disorders and diabetes go hand in hand. I have a family history that includes diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, myasteniagravis (can't spell that), and another auto-immune disease where the eyes are terribly dry which I can't remember the name at this moment, and the metobolic syndrome. My doc has tested me for all the auto-immune diseases in the family and fortunately I only have the metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

jl3614...
I agree with you that it is probably both diet and exercise that helps get teh weight off better. My doc wants me to be more active and I try...I started walking 3Xweek back in January until my dad's health crashed and I just couldn't make the time. I struggle with this part of my health issues...I know that I should do more and because of it I have only one person to blame...me.

DVCliz...
My doc set my target range of below 120 fasting (before meals) and below 140 for 2 hours after meal. That is still above the normal ranges for a person without diabetes. When I had my first 12 hour fasting, it was my OBGYN that diagnosed me...I hit a 129 on that so he sent me for a 2 hour glucose tolerance test, which I failed miserably. I fasted for 12 hours, they tested my levels, drank the nasty flat cola stuff, checked at 1 hour and again at 2 hours. My 2 hour came back at 254, almost 100 points over the normal range. To this the OBGYN referred me out to the endricronologist. My A1C, which is the 3 months average test, comes back at 6.2, which is under 7 and considered good by most doctors.

For you I would say to speak with your doctor on the matter, if he/she feels the need to do anything they will discuss it with you. Personally, for me, the endricronologist didn't mess around, given that I'm the 4th generation in my family with diabetes and who know how many before that. He is more agressive than some doctors, which is why I like him so much.
DH was diagnosed diabetic July 2001, his previous doc treated him with avandia (very low dose) and testing once every other day. Well, DH ended up switching doctors in January 2002 and the new doc did nothing IMO...she continued him on the same game plan despite his daily readings kept edging up into the 190's on a regular basis just as his A1C test kept creeping up. This doc never changed the meds, never adjusted testing frequency...nada...zip! This same doctor wanted to check only my A1C after the OBGYN test results and then see what we should do for me. So after I began seeing the endricronologist, I insisted that DH switch. He's been going since May and his daily levels have consistently been down in the 120's.

pumba...
Great advice to speak to the personal doctor on the matter. Also, if diagnosed and having trouble see a dietician. My doc asked me if I wanted to 6 months ago, but I opted not to unless I couldn't follow the diet he gave me. I am considering a visit with a dietician though just to discuss some issues I have questions about myself. Interesting point you make about the "no sugar" rule. My doc never told me to avoid sugar only to watch the carbs, which include the sugar in them.

kimbac3...
On the rare ocassion that my sugar dropped down to the upper 60s I felt weird...as if I might pass out. I did actually throw up once...think I had ingested too much artificial sweetener though. DH complains that he feels weak, tired sometimes and always said it was his sugar too low...nope! The doc said just the opposite. When your sugar gets too high it makes you feel tired and hungry....makes you crave more sweets. I thought that was pretty interesting. Since I was diagnosed and on the chance I feel really sluggish or tired, dizzy or whatever I test my sugar to see what it is doing and deal with it accordingly. If it's on the low side, I eat a bit.

kath1210...
That sounds like an awesome book! I plan to look into it. Thanks for the suggestion. I can relate to the "cockiness"...the last week I've been stressed more than usual and I thought I could manage...can't! I've slipped too often and notice my sugar bouncing from 100 to 140 and I feel it...man, I need and want a big chef salad something awful! I know it's my body telling me to behave or else!
Like you I want to be around for a long time, so I'm trying to get a grip on the disease now! My dad, 15 years of insulin, was told back in 1972 he was "borderline" diabetic and could control it with diet and exercise. He obviously didn't and now the oral meds can't do anything for him...he takes humalog 3Xday and Lantus at night and it's still not controling it for him. IMO, there is no such thing as "borderline" diabetic...either are or aren't. One of the biggies that scares me is losing my eyesight. I never realized how much not controlling my blood sugar can affect my eyesight until I took my dad to his appointment with the specialist (diabetic opthamologist). Wow, he said your eyeball is like a hotdog and when your sugar is up the liquid that protects your eyeball is sucked up, like a hotdog sucking up all the water in a pan. GROSS!! So, I am trying to come to terms with the disease, which even if I get under control with diet and exercise, will always be with me.

In closing, I guess, my advice to anyone, would be to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. If you aren't pleased with that conversation, get a second opinion...afterall, it is your life we're talking about.

Well, sorry for hijacking this thread for the second time...didn't even realize there was a name for that act. Please accept my apologies for the action...

[Debbie Jean]

I was diagnosed last summer, after two fasting BG levels of 126. The doctor told me to cut out white bread, rice, potatoes and most sugar. I did that and it worked great! My BG was normal or close to normal without any drugs.

Then I started slipping, getting cocky, and my fasting BG levels have been averaging 135-150 (I have been testing at home once or twice every day since last summer).

Boy, do I relate to this! :sad2: I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. In the beginning I went to a dietician and was very consistant and faithful with monitoring, eating and exercise... not an easy thing for someone who is pooh-size. ;) But it is sooooooo hard to keep it up... day after day, month after month, year after year. :guilty: I know it's a lifestyle change but bad habits die hard and for me it's all too easy to skip the testing, have ths ice cream, etc.

How do people keep themselves motivated for the long haul???? :confused3

[Heather Smith]

Ok don't flame me, but this is how I motivated my husband (Type 1). He was overweight when we got married and his A1c was elevated.

So everytime he put something "bad" in his mouth, I asked him if he thought that treat was worth dialysis. So now just as Pavlov's dog salivated when he heard a bell, my husband thinks dialysis when tempted.

He is now at a healthy weight and his A1c averages 5.5 to 6.3.

Now I need to work on motivating my fat self. Don't have diabetes, but high risk for it.

[momsgoofy]

Boy, do I relate to this! :sad2: I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. In the beginning I went to a dietician and was very consistant and faithful with monitoring, eating and exercise... not an easy thing for someone who is pooh-size. ;) But it is sooooooo hard to keep it up... day after day, month after month, year after year. :guilty: I know it's a lifestyle change but bad habits die hard and for me it's all too easy to skip the testing, have ths ice cream, etc.

How do people keep themselves motivated for the long haul???? :confused3


I don't know if there is a brand called Blue Bunny in your area, but it had an awesome ice cream made with splenda...the turtle stuff is heaven. My cousin has it at all of our family get togethers...her dad was the diabetic of 40 years, 2 of her brothers, my dad and me are all diabetic so she is a good hostess who caters to our needs as best she can. I'd never tried the brand till we got together at her house in March. I thought she had dished up the real stuff instead...I even had to look at the container to be sure. I've also tried the Kroger brand with splenda...butter almond and it was really good and I don't even like almonds that well, but couldn't find the butter pecan.

[janethill]

Breyers also has low carb ice cream. The mint chocolate chip is great.

[kath1210]

I agree - the Blue Bunny stuff is great. "Skinny Cow" also has some low-carb ice cream bars that are very good. :cool1:

The good new is that with the low-carb craze, it's probably easier to be a diabetic today than ever. :banana:

[Debbie Jean]

I agree - the Blue Bunny stuff is great. "Skinny Cow" also has some low-carb ice cream bars that are very good. :cool1:

The good new is that with the low-carb craze, it's probably easier to be a diabetic today than ever. :banana:

Funny you should mention Blue Blunny. I'd seen it on a couple of TV programs but could never find it in our area... northern NJ. Then a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a large supermarket chain, Shop Rite, had begun carrying it. :mickeybar It looks heavenly and the flavors are so tempting. :lovestruc I usually wait for things to be on sale... my definition of frugal :laughing: ... but I think I'm going to have to try them soon even if I have to pay full price! :p

Thanks for the great suggestions! :wave:

[pumba]

I bought some dixie cups plain vanilla from schwans and they are 13 carbs per....so I can have one for my snack before night time.......same carbs as my yogurt so I am getting my dairy ........I hate milk so this is good for me