This article written by Dr. Edelman and Dr. Polonsky explains why educating and motivating people with diabetes to engage in their own care is so important – it’s exactly why we do what we do at TCOYD! Check it out here!
With More Diabetes Treatment Options Than Ever Before, Why is Blood Sugar Control Still So Elusive?
The vast majority of diabetics are type 2. Type 2s (and some type 1s) are insulin resistant. They need heaps of insulin to bring down blood sugar. High insulin levels damage cells. High insulin levels won’t let fat burn. High insulin levels convert excess glucose into fat. Yet the prescribed diet is high in carbs. Carbs spike blood sugar. High levels of insulin are needed to bring it back down but if too much insulin is had or if timing is off blood sugar can drop to dangerously low levels so to prevent people from killing themselves from a hypo they are told they need to run high glucose levels. After all a slow death from high blood sugars and it’s complications is preferred over simply reducing carb consumption to a level low enough to minimize insulin demand and to allow fat to burn.
Glucose and fat metabolism are very complicated. I do not believe some of the comments you mention are correct but for sure I totally agree that a low carb diet is the way to go for both type 1s and type 2s. I say go as low as you can. Thanks for the comment.
Best way to control blood sugars and keep them at normal levels is to simply not eat foods that spike it. Cut out breads, potatoes, and other fast carbs, and switch it with meats and veggies. That way you sugar doesnt get as high, and you need less insulin to bring it back down. Been doing it for two years, its that simple!
As a type 1 diabetic for almost 30 years, there comes a point at every diabetic’s life in which we realize we want to live longer, whether it’s because we loose a limb do to “Diabetic complications” or because we get tired of the Ups and Downs. Once you are mentally and emotionally prepared to do whatever you have to do to live a healthier longer life, then you are ready to listen and make some changes. That moment came for me, and a low carb high protein diet (tons of veggies, meats, salads, and low carb desserts) have made the whole difference. Its not bad at all once you are READY for a healthier you. Basal and slow release bolus insulins help me cover perfectly for my diet and lifestyle. Of course exercise, sleep, and stress management are also important. In addition , surrounding yourself with people that support and encourage your lifestyle for a healthier you is extremely essential, a community per say. It would just be wonderful to have my doctor join this team.
It’s all about the carbs for me.
I eat very few carbs and I’m on MDI
My A1c never higher than 5.2. I’m a late onset type 1 at age 60. For me it’s no snacking and little to no carbing. I do not interested in Diabetes complications at my age.
I wonder how much of the problems are due to economic issues. Health plans only covering one test strip a day – some only one a week, fresh produce is hard to come by in “food deserts”, the expense of meds. The struggles to get support (health plan coerage and HCP advice) that my T2 friends have make me glad that if I have to have D, I have T1D
It’s a combo: of regular sugar testing (CGM users have that one easier), insulin/pills , very low carb eating plus exercise.
Limited carbs ask you to reduce medication (type 2s may even no longer need it) which in response after some time practicing, keeping a routine of eating amounts and testing, gives you a control sense.
If you eat the same amount of protein (for ex. 2 chicken legs, 1 egg, plus 3 lettuce leaves with cooked cauliflower and some cheese or 1 slice of meat/pork with your medication, and Blood sugar is measured 2 hrs after insulin/medicine is given every day, you’ll get a habit.
Have tried my best eating white bread following this protocol, but it always would spike to 230 mg. It is way too hard and nerve wracking… I’ve had diabetes for 27 years now. Carbs are not worth it. You still can have dark chocolate and make your own keto desserts!
My 13 year old son was diagnosed Dec 8th 2017. At first I didnt sleep, it was like having a newborn again. After much research and personal investigating..we are living a less stressful existence with the use of a Dexcom CGM and low carb healthy diet.
Happy to hear that, Heather!
Hi Heather,
We have a weekend-long conference in San Diego August 17th-19th that is entirely focused on living with type 1 diabetes. Event details can be found on our website at https://tcoyd.org/one/ or feel free to give our office a call at 800-998-2693. Thanks and have a great day!