Type 2 Diabetes (sugar, work, meal, yoga)

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by Rapture

My mother just found out she has Type 2 Diabetes and where she moved to recently she is having a hard time finding a good doctor. Her doctor gave her pills to take but didn't explain what she should eat or not eat. She knows to try and stay away from carbs but what else? I searched the internet and I can't find a good site with a list of what to eat and what not to eat. Does anyone know of a good site with that info.? She needs a simple list to follow. Thanks.

Try this link:
PCRM >> Health >> Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes

I went there when I tested borderline for type 2 diabetes a few years ago. I had searched all over the place for natural cures for diabetes and that was one of the best sites that came up.

[lchoro]

Write down what you're eating in the log so you can find what tends to elevate the blood glucose levels. She may also be snacking after meals and before the tests which will result in elevated readings.

Walk after meal to condition the body to absorb the sugars.

She should be maintaining the log that comes with the blood glucose monitor. The endocrinologist will want to see that and very recent lab work including blood test for hemoglobin and glucose and a urine test.

[litlux]

Go here for basic information, and check out the discussion forums as well.

Type 2 Diabetes: Conditions, Treatments, Resources - American Diabetes Association

You can check out their message boards for the latest news, opinions and controversies.

There are some good books on the subject too, which most of us with Type 2 recommend. Diabetes for Dummies is excellent. Look for the newer revised edition.

I also highly recommend the very thorough Type 2 Diabetes, The First Year by Gretchen Becker.

Both books explain things in clear terms, and are thorough enough to answer most questions.

I was able to get both through my local library.

[Oobie119]

Search google for Diabetic food Triangle. It gives a printout of exactly how much to eat of what, and what not to eat..

[Paula Lynn]

Dumb question ........... What are good carbs? What are the bad carbs you should avoid? What do carbs do to you?

Thanks.

[Beth56]

Originally Posted by Paula Lynn

Dumb question ........... What are good carbs? What are the bad carbs you should avoid? What do carbs do to you?

Thanks.

In general, good carbs are whole vegetables & fruits, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole cereal grains.

Bad carbs (introduced during the past 100 years) have had most or all of their natural nutrients and fiber removed in order to make them easier to transport and more consumer friendly. Things like baked goods, white breads, pastas, snack foods, candy and non-diet soft drinks are a few. Bad carbs are not processed by the body very well and they wreck havoc on our natural hormone levels, cause problems with insulin production which leads to fluctuation in blood glucose levels. Consumption of high-sugar, low-fiber, nutritionally poor bad carbs can lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, & heart disease. The large volume of processed carbs and unhealthy trans-fats in foods is a major cause of many of our modern chronic health problems.

Simple tips for incorporating good carbs into your diet...

1. Try to cut out as much 'junk food' from your diet as possible. This includes pretty much all chips, candy, soft drinks, etc.
2. Avoid - or at least limit - your intake of refined-flour baked goods, including non-whole-grain breads, bagels, doughnuts, cupcakes, brownies, cakes, etc. Also, throw out the processed, high-sugar breakfast cereals - stick to whole-grain cereals and oatmeal.
3. Buy a variety of fresh fruits and veggies and begin to include at least 1 or 2 servings with each meal. Also, avoid getting hungry (and overeating) by snacking on fruit or cut-up veggies throughout the day - a single large apple can easily curb hunger.
4. Try to eat a serving of leafy green vegetables at least twice a day. Also, eat a variety of other colorful vegetables as often as possible.
5. Use nuts and seeds as healthy, portable snacks you can carry anywhere. Also, they can be used to add flavor and 'texture' to many different foods (especially salads).
6. Eat a serving of beans or legumes at least 1-2 times per day. The dozens of different types of beans and peas can be used in hundreds of healthy recipes. Also, consider buying or making bean sprouts - they are considered to be some of the most nutritionally 'powerful' foods available!
7. If you buy grain products - including breads, cereals, crackers, pastas, etc. - always choose whole-grain options. Just make sure that 'whole-grain' is the first word in the ingredients list and you'll be fine.
8. When possible, always choose organic foods.

I like what Jack LaLanne says, “If man made it, don’t eat it; if it tastes good, spit it out.”

A hint: shop only the perimeter of the grocery store. That is where you will usually find the healthiest foods like vegetables. All the processed foods are usually in the middle of the store.

[Six Foot Three]

Originally Posted by Paula Lynn

What do carbs do to you?

They break down into Glucose in the body which gives us our energy. When the body is working fine the Pancreas releases Insulin which grabs the glucose and shuttles it inside our 100 trillion cells. When you become Type-2 Diabetic what usually happens is the cells no longer reconize Insulin so the Blood Sugar levels rise and that is damaging to the body.

For some people over exposure to Insulin over many years cause this to happen so in theory reducing the Carbs will alow the cells to become sensative again to Insulin to keep blood sugars in the proper range.

[Rapture]

Thanks everyone.

[Upstate Nancy]

I would go to a nutritionist for diabetes, type 2. They are much more versed in this than most physicians, sad but true. They specialize in diet. Physicians, during medical school training receive the bare minimum, unless they've taken it upon themselves to delve into this deeply.
You have to look at the glycemic index of foods;it's not just carb, protein, fat and calorie counting. Every food has a glycemic index which is the rate of breakdown to sugar (basically). For example, white bread or whole wheat bread aren't much different on the glycemic index, even though whole wheat bread is a complex carb.
Foods like yams, yogurt and milk, even ice cream have lower glycemic indexes, creating less Blood sugar surges.
A nutritionist would well be worth every dollar. There are books on the glycemic index of foods and Type 2 diabetes, too.
Also exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity (or the cells ability to utilize carbs). Exercise can even help a person get off of medication, depending on how severe the diabetes is (type 2, not type 1 which is considerably different and typically affects children, a life long problem).

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by Rapture

My mother just found out she has Type 2 Diabetes and where she moved to recently she is having a hard time finding a good doctor. Her doctor gave her pills to take but didn't explain what she should eat or not eat. She knows to try and stay away from carbs but what else? I searched the internet and I can't find a good site with a list of what to eat and what not to eat. Does anyone know of a good site with that info.? She needs a simple list to follow. Thanks.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 about 2 years ago. The nutritionist at the VA was very helpful. Also, I found out the city had a free nutrition class put on by the college. Believe it or not, it was held at Family Services and is a mandatory class for people that apply for food stamps or Wic. But it's open to the public and it's free.

But the nutritionist also gave me this website and it has been terrific. Along with everything else, when you look down the left side it says Diet. It doesn't get into recipe's, but it very plainly spells out what to avoid and what is good for you. Excellent site.

Diabetes