????? About Diabetes/Diet

[Disneyaholic]

Hi guys

Sorry if this turns into a long post, but now that I'm attempting to come out of lurkdom, I thought I'd see what I can do to pick your brains. I posted several weeks ago that I have been diagnosed with "frozen shoulder". At my most recent visit with the doc, he told me to get tested for diabetes. This frozen shoulder came on so suddenly and so severely and the condition often goes hand-in-hand with diabetes!

To say the least, I've had better news...I guess the thing that bothers me the most is that I've recently lost a decent amount of weight and made exercise a part of my life -- two things that are supposed to help avoid diabetes. But, I guess it was just a matter of time in my case.

Anyhow, I wasn't able to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist until the 24th of the month. (3 cheers for managed health care ) Until then, any suggestions as to modifications I can make to my diet in anticipation of the "official" news? (I'm not being pessimistic, it's just that I thought the symptoms I was experiencing were related to my weight loss efforts, not to diabetes. I will actually be very surprised if I do NOT have it.) I have been following WW since February. I've never been much for a lot of sugar, and I think I've been pretty good with the carbs. (Well, most of the time, anyhow...) What else should I be doing?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[ahutton]

I have PCOS, and have been told I will most likely become Type 2 Diabetic at some point in my life. I've been to the endocrinologist, and she suggested a diet of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. She suggested I read labels carefully, as many products labeled with a grain name actually are still mostly flour - look for the words "whole" in the ingredient list. If enriched or some other type of flour is listed it is not recommended. She said to decrease all processed sugars, and recommends Splenda products to sweeten things. It is much easier for your system to process and is natural, rather than a chemically altered sweetner. I've been here on WISH for quite a while, and have not had the best weight loss success, but I stick around. There are some incredible people here with great success stories. WELCOME and {{hugs}} for having the courage to take the first step. Weight loss will eventually happen for me, in the interim I have made positive changes for my health!

 

[nativetxn]

My husband controls his type II diabetes by following the Atkins plan. I think the reason it works for him is that he has eliminated all refind carbohydrates: flour, sugar, cornstarch etc.

You could continue with weight watchers but eliminate refined carbohydrates and I would expect your blood sugars to become normal. It only took 3 days before my dh's blood sugar was normal, after giving up refined carbohydrates.

Good luck with this and let us know what happens.

 

[Disneyaholic]

Thanks for the hints.

I will start to cut back on the refined sugars, flours. I guess I kind of knew that, but just needed to hear it.

This board is a great source for help and support with just about anything!

 

[Tigger7570]

Hi:
My husband has Type II diabetes and we have attended work shops and have seen a diabetic teacher in regard to foods. She gave my husband some wonderful guidelines. First, she told him rice was one of the worst things you could eat so we no longer have rice, except on very rare occasions. She stressed not having too many carbs. My husband loves Italian food and was concerned he would never be able to have it again. She explained he could have it, just have more of the meatballs and sauce and less of the pasta. She also told him to eat English muffins as opposed to bread for breakfast and to go ahead and have eggs with that as well as bacon. Also, she said potatoes with the skins on are the best for you so I try to prepare them in a variety of ways. I bake them in wedges, slices, whole, etc. The products with spenda in them are pretty good. Also, the ice cream bars made by Eskimo that are sugar fee and Klondike are good. These take care of his sweet cravings. Also, we have lots of salads. This isn't to say that my husband doesn't occasionally have the sugar dessert, he does. But he recognizes that he has to pick and chose. The huge key is to do everything in moderation and too EXERCISE. That's a biggy. She said it doesn't do any good to do the proper diet and not exercise. Walking is fine. But you need to exercise every day or at least 4-5 times a week. Lately, my husband has fallen off on the exercise part, and let me tell you, it has pushed his blood sugar levels up. If you are diagnosed, definitely go to a workshop and see a diabetic teacher who will give you a list of foods and also counsel you. Hope this helps

 

[Rhonda]

My father in law was diagnosed with Diabetes a few years ago, but just recently it got out of control enough for him to have to start taking insulin shots.

He started the Atkins diet, and within 3 months he's lost 30 pounds, feels much better, and best of all - his doctor took him off the insulin and told him that as long as he sticks with Atkins, he will be able to control his diabetes without insulin!