carb count questions - diabetes related

[momomo]

Hello everyone. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes just about a year ago and am working on the Protein Power plan to get it under better control. I'm using the 1996 book and have a few questions.

1 - I saw elsewhere on this site that 30-40 carbs per day is the starting point for all people starting this program. However, the book I'm using says that folks with medical issues must go no higher than 30 until their blood sugar numbers drop, then for approximately 4 weeks after. I'd LOVE it to be nearer to 40 because I don't want to lose weight (I'm 5'6" and 115 pounds). Has there been a change in the program since the 1996 version?

2 - Do the carbs in the protein sources I use - like cottage cheese, tofu and processed deli meats - have to be counted within the day's carb allotment?

Thank you so much. :rolleyes:

[mcsblues]

First of all welcome:)

Low carb doesn't have to be about weight loss, in fact the health benefits of eating this way, even if you are not a diabetic and don't need to lose weight still make it the best thing you can do. So if you are concerned about losing more, don't be - you can always increase your calories while still sticking to a very low carb intake.

Yes you should be counting the carbs in everything you eat - at least for the time being (it becomes so much second nature after a while you most people stop needing to). The most important thing for you is getting your blood sugar in the normal range - so rather than aiming for a specific carb total, initially you want to concentrate on what effect the things you eat are having. Can you tell us what sort of numbers you are getting now? Are you keeping a food diary along with your tests to see how foods/meals things affect you? Are you taking Metformin or any other medication for your diabetes?

Also, have you read Richard Bernstein's book? (if not, then a very good idea)

You wil get lots of support here - ask as many questions as you like!:nod:

[momomo]

Thanks for your response, Malcolm. My numbers are usually pretty good except for what I think is the Somogyi effect. I'm going to start experimenting to see if I can figure that out. I also will experience some outlandishly high number now and then for which I have no explanation.

I do take Metformin and test frequently, entering everything into a diary. Although I haven't read the Bernstein book, I saw the restrictions on his website and will use those as possible guidelines. I guess I'm doing pretty well, at least at the moment. M

[mcsblues]

Are you sure you are talking Somogyi, rather than dawn phenomenon? I may be teaching you to 'suck eggs' here, but Somogyi is a rebound from a overnight low, and unless you are taking drugs to stimulate insulin production or on insulin itself, it would be fairly rare for a type 2. Really the only way to check would be to do a few tests in the middle of the night.

If it is DP there are a number of strategies you can try ranging from a slightly carby snack just before bed time, an early snack (if you don't 'do' early breakfast) - some people swear by a glass of wine with dinner ... ;)

In any event, if you need any help you'd be more than welcome to post some numbers and meals - either in your own diary or in the diabetes section.

[momomo]

Thanks for your input, Malcolm. Yes, I'm pretty sure it's Somogyi. On several occasions I've tested myself in the middle of the night - because I woke up feeling panicky, usually around 2am - only to find very low blood sugar counts. I'd never tried to solve this mystery, until just the other day I realized I'd benefit from the very thing you suggest: a small carb-y snack before bed. So wish me luck!

[mcsblues]

Interesting. Do you get lows at any other time? It might also pay to look at your Metformin dosage and the time you take it. Although it doesn't stimulate insulin release (just makes you more sensitive to the insulin you do make) it may be a factor - perhaps you don't need it any more (as the low carb diet will be doing the same thing as well as lowering the demand for insulin generally). If you do still need it (what sort of A1C do you have?) there is also a slow release Metformin around which might suit you better.

[momomo]

Thanks again, Malcolm. Yes, I'm hoping to drop the Metformin dosage and will be seeing my doctor about this pretty soon. And no, I've rarely - at least in the last several months - seen a severe blood sugar drop during the day. And I've not been tested yet for A1C.

Have fun out there! M