Help My Diabetes Is Out of Control

My husband was just diagnosed with diabetes and I cut out all white stuff. I cook nothing now but brown rice and we eat wheat bread. Not only is it good for him it's also good for the rest of us. I also threw away the majority of my sugar and substitue with splenda

Chia seeds are great for keeping the blood sugar level. Also, using Stevia as a sweetner rather than anything else will help.

Hi, I am not diabetic (I hope) but I do the low carb life style because I need to loose weight and it makes me feel somuch better than having a bunch of sugar. but I LOVE the slim fast low carb shakes they are only 2 net carbs and 20 g of protien! I also like the atkins meal and snack bars and the south beach products are good to. I love the south beach ice cream bars (I dont like their chocolate ice cream but love the ice cream bars!)

We make a lot of Cesar sallads.

Hope that helps, that is all I can think of except the usual chicken, steak, pork chops... and veggies.

HTH
A. J

Check out Diabetic Mommy at www.diabeticmommy.com I'm a member there, and there are many wonderful ladies there on the forum that can probably give you lots of wonderful suggestions.

My brother is a type 1 diabetic in his mid 30's. He wasn't diagnosed until his late 20's. My mom and I are always looking for recipes for him that are low in carbs because he has had some pretty scary episodes with high as well as low blood sugar. We love turkey chili. It uses turkey and beans and is basically all protein and few carbs. It is low in fat, too. You really should watch your fat intake because diabetics are more likely to develop heart disease. You can find a million recipes for turkey chili, but the one I use is by Rachel Ray. You could search for it on the foodnetwork website. Salads with lean meats such as chicken or fish are great for you, too. Go to the Mayo clinic website. They have lots of recipes for people with health issues such as diabetes. You could check your local library for cookbooks as well as books on living with diabetes and controlling your diabetes. I've read several and they have taught me so much about what my brother lives with everyday. I've learned about good foods for diabetics and how exercise can affect your disease. Good luck to you!!

Hello M.,

there are some herbs that can help maintain your sugar levels. and I emphasize the word HELP. for example, cinnamon. they even sell cinnamon capsules/tablets.

Also, check the book: smart medicine for a healthier life. also if you're ever in Flower Mound, stop by the Flower Mound Pharmacy on Cross Timbers west of tom thumb and just before braum's. Talk to Denis. He's very knowledgable. http://www.flowermound.firesitewebdesign.com/index.html
Pharmacy ###-###-####
1001 Cross Timbers Rd # 1170 Flower Mound, TX 75028

Good luck! and keep trying. ~C.~

I follow a low carb/high protein diet to control my blood sugar - it's very likely that I'm also prone to what they call type 1.5 diabetes and my blood tests have been borderline many times, but I do control it with diet and exercise. Type 1.5 is latent autoimmune diabetes (of adults) - also referred to as LADA. LADA isn't classic Type 2 because it is autoimmune based like Type 1. You do need to avoid most grains (and some fruits) to keep your blood sugar under control. And exercise is really, really helpful because it causes the insulin to be much more effective, thus it can easily reduce your need for insulin. Within 2 days of not exercising aerobically, I can feel my body less able to handle the blood sugar. With your walking make sure that overtime you start increasing your activity to either jogging or cycling to get a good workout.

You might also consider being tested for celiac/gluten intolerance - that is very common in Type 1/1.5 diabetics (some docs believe it's actually the root as overtime the gluten antibodies end up triggering your body to destroy it's organs - so many organs can be targetted, including pancreas and very commonly the thyroid). You can have the test done on your own through enterolab: www.enterolab.com. They will also do a gene test and the gene pair that is most common in diabetics is DQ2 along with DQ8. I only have the DQ2 as does my older son - my younger son has both and he was a large baby and they have watched him for diabetes from birth. He stays very active and eats well, so he has had no problems thus far, but he knows that he will have to be very careful when he's older (Grandpa is type 1.5 diabetic).

For dinner, I fix the same food typically for the whole family. But, I just skip the carb portion (Potatoes, rice or pasta - sometimes polenta). For example, last nite, I made tacos, with spanish rice. I just save a portion of the meat and eat that as my main dish, along with the veggies that everyone else eats and I skip the rice/taco shells. The same goes with any other meal - I prepare lean protein (fish and chicken mostly, but for red meat, we like bison). Also, eating mini meals during the day can go along ways towards controlling blood sugar. For example, I had spaghetti squash baked with almond meal (rather than bread crumbs) for breakfast. If I weren't allergic to eggs I'd be eating those for breakfast, but other than that most breakfast foods are not good for this diet. Then I had a snack of pumpkin seeds and raisins - typically the dried fruit is okay as long as you consume with a protein. For lunch I will have a salad with salmon (either I save some from dinner or I just use canned salmon). I have a pumpkin seed snack bar in the early afternoon. I also have a snack at bedtime (almond butter with a single rice cake - that's the only grain I have in a typical day).

Peace and Healing,
M. B.

sorry to be blunt, but hubby needs the computer...feel free to ask for clarification or details!

1) walking is perfectly fine to do, but consider it entertainment or relaxation rather than exercise
2) perform regular, brief, intense strength training for exercise (Slo Fit style workouts (in Rockwall) are ideal)
3) eat a healthful, well-balanced diet keeping in mind the glycemic index of foods & bevs, not just the sugar
(suggestions (some good for protein, others for other stuff): salmon, quinoa, almonds, acai berries, avocado, coconut butter, cinnamon)

HTH & praying for you to feel good/better for a long time to come!

I have been Type 1 after my last child 11 years ago. I will say that I am in better shape physically than I was before I got Type 1. I am not skinnier but I work out so much more and have so much more muscle.

I just got back from seeing my Endocrinologist and I am going to borrow a meter next month for a week. It records your blood sugar 24 hours a day. I think it will be neat to see how your body reacts to different foods, how long it takes to react and to make sure I am giving myself the right amount of insulin. We love sushi - so that will be interesting. My sugars are usually out of wack before that time of the month starts so that also might be a reason for the inconsistency. Once you cut out most of the sugars for at least week - you won't crave them as much. Also, any sodas - diet or regular will increase your cravings for sugar. Switch to water!! I am sorry I can't remember the name of the meter - but I would talk with your DR. They usually get a few to loan to their patients from the drug reps to see if it is something they want to buy.

My Dr. keeps asking me if I want the pump and I just don't want something attached to me 24 hours a day. I will see how the meter goes and I may change my mind. Most people like it better. I'm just use to the old way.

Good luck. It will get better. By having to eat healthier you will help your son eat better to. You can go to the Deceptively Delicious and The Sneaky Chef website to learn how to get more vegetables in your families foods without them knowing. It will also increase your fiber intake which will help balance your sugars as well.

There is a really tasty tortilla type wrap that you can use to replace some breads that you may normally eat. The name is: The original carbdown, light, "Flat Out wraps". I love to wrap them around a turkey burger, make any kind of fajitas, or I like to eat them just plan. At my Neighborhood Wal-Mart they are kinda hard to find...they are close to the tortillas near the deli, but hard to spot. Also, know it is good on your blood sugar to eat a tablespoon of low fat or fatfree cottage cheese with some of the more sugary foods, as it lowers your overall glycemic level...but this is to be used as an aid, not as an excuse to eat sugary foods. Hope this helps.

Hi M.,Well it seems like you have alot of warm advise here from the moms, But I would like to add by saying watch KNOWTHECAUSE.COM and watch the daily streaming shows(if you need more info please let me know)Doug kauffman is spot on, my husband and I are just feeling so much better. He also now has the antifungal Diet on his web site.. I think by eating an antifungal diet you will be amazed. Our bodies need extra help , so taking supplements is always a plus for us ...No Sugars ,No grains ,No Boxed or packaged foods and lots of water.. good luck my Dear

M. I am so sorry to hear about you being diagnosed with Type I. My husband is Type I as well, he was just diagnosed a few years ago and is now on an insulin pump and it has helped him in controling his blood sugars much better. It is very important to look at all labels before eating any foods, many of the foods say that they are sugarfree but in fact that are not for example; sugar alcohol is the same as sugar. I have several recipes that my husband loves that I will be glad to share with you that are wonderful.

I will be praying for you, just keep your chin up it takes time to finally get those sugars under control and keep them there. Don't get discouraged.

Hello M.... have you thought about acupuncture or other alternative methods? Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and chinese herbs) is an excellent way to help get your diabetes under control and keep it there. A great resource for finding an acupuncturist in your area is acufinder.com. Good luck to you!

Much of the advice so far is very good. I would also suggest looking into a high raw, plant based, unprocessed diet. (believe it or not, many plant based foods are high in bio-available protiens).

This doesn't mean you have to be 100%, just high. Google it online and also google the trailer to a movie called "Raw for Thirty Days" about beating diabetes through diet and exercise.

I think you need to be holistic about this: Continue to be followed closely by your Physician, seek nutritional and naturopathic/homeopathic care, and educate yourself! Everyone is different and your particular mix of care will not be exactly like someone else. Here's the website, please look into it as part of your healing journey! The best to you.

http://www.rawfor30days.com/

There is a book called Releasing Fat. This book is for people that need to reset their bodies sugar level. There also is a supplement from Usana that really helps get it under control fast. I can get the product if you would like or I could send you some more information on it. It is best to do both the book and the Reset program together. The book gives you a breakdown of what to avoid and what eat. I have personally used this as well as my sister and mom. I know that doctors say that you cannot turn it around but you can if you change now. I hope that this has helped and let me know if you want me to help you get the book or the product. Good luck.

M., I too am soon to be 38 in Nov, and I am a diabetic, and I have been for all of my adult life, I have now been on the insulin pump for 1 year! Please listen to me !!! Get it under control!

I have been stubburn and tried to act like it's not that bad! The best money I have spent was to go to a diatishian (sp), get with your Dr. and he can refer you, she helped me with a meal plan that I can live with and be full, and my sugar does great! It is well balanced and you can eat bread and whole grain things.

If you want to talk or just need someone to listen that knows what you are going threw let me know!
Best of luck to ya!
L. email"____@____.com

M.,

You can supplement and help your body, I have a neutritional food supplement that will help you control your diabetes and reduce your insulin dependency. I know of so many who were abel to get off their medication. It is safe and effective. Let me know if interested and I will give you the details.

About Me:

Maried with 2 children the youngest 16 years old. I work from home, love meeting new people and enjoy sharing helpful information with friends.

Hi, I agree with other suggestions you have received. I have several friends that are diabetic, type 1 & 2. All have had to lose some weight to get the sugars under control. The ones that went to a dietician (sp) had so much more success getting it under control and going on to enjoy life. Excersize is an important part, but the type and timing of what you eat is a huge part. Iwish you luck, it is not easy to adjust your lifestyle, but you have to make every effort. Once it is stabilized, you won't even have to think about it, it just becomes a part of you. HTH, Nana

Hi M.,

I have PCOS which is not as severe as diabetes but I have to control my sugars (no refined) and eat lots of protein. For dinner the crockpot is my friend. I do beef, pork and chicken all hormone free with salsa, broth, etc. I also have a lot of salad with salmon, turkey, etc. For breakfast I either have eggs or toast (whole grain from the freezer section) with peanut butter. Lunch is often a protein shake or fruit, nuts and salad. I do not have any refined sugar in my house and instead use Rapadura (sugar way earlier in the process of refining, it's brown and coarse). I hope this is helpful. Take care

Praying for you. Take it easy. Relax.
There are lots of food that you can eat - hulled barley. Soak the barley overnight. Fry some onions until there is fragrance. Pour chicken stock in the onions and put the hulled barley in. Hulled barley is also good for antioxidant.

My mom is diabetic, but she does not go on a special diet. She eats a kiwi everyday and cuts down on her carbo intake.

Now that the fall season is here, do try a warm lentil-soup recipe. An easy way to make is to saute diced onions, tomatoes, carrots and celery until soft and then add lentils with plenty of water or broth; season to taste. Corner Bakery just introduced a very tasty version.

I am mom to a 15 year old with type 1 for 11 years and my brother was diagnosed in 1955. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis - were you diagnosed by an endocrinologist? are you going to be seeing one? they should have dieticians in their practice. Type 1s are generally not overweight so I am curious why your doctor came to that decision.....type 1 and 2 are treated quite differently ........what insulin are you on? please shy away from the products that are supposed to aid glucose control until you have a handle on it as it can cause some control issues...........my best to you and please write if I can help.............

Try these websites for diabetic meal planning. Maybe this will help.

http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/d...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00077

Also, try going to food network, type in diabetic meal plan in the search bar and they have a 30 day meal plan. I can't seem to bring up the whole calendar menu they have, otherwise I would give you the link, but you can view each day individually and it has different receipes.

I did this search previously for myself since I suspect that I may have type 2 diabetes. (My mom already has it and it is very prevelant on both sides of my family).

Anyway, I hope this helps! If not, try doing a google search for diabetic meal plans. My aunt (who is diabetic) suggested I do this and I got a lot of interesting results and great websites to work with!

Good luck!

I've been making turkey spaghetti a lot lately with wheat pasta. After eating wheat pasta a couple of times, I don't even notice the difference.

Tonight I will kick it up and use sliced turkey sausage and some steamed brocolli over the pasta.

Just chop some red onions and garlic, stir it in olive oil. Throw in the meat (ground turkey or sliced turkey sausage). Then add a HUGE can of crushed tomatoes, dab in some crushed red peppers and other spices and let it simmer.

Cook your pasta and steam your brocolli in the steam easy bags. Once Pasta is ready, toss it in a bowl w/ your meat sauce and brocolli. Dab on some fresh parmesean and basil and enjoy!!!

It's just a matter of getting used to.

I'm still struggling w/ my last 10 lbs of baby weight (baby just turned 1) and I've been replacing one meal a day with an Isagenix shake and it's working well. I've lost 2 lbs this week. 10 more to go!

Good luck! And you CAN do it!!!

Hi M.,

You definitely have my prayers! One place that I have found great low carb, high protein recipes is the South Beach Diet Cookbook. YOu can get it at any bookstore.

Also, I market a product you may be interested in that is great for diabetics. It puts 15 fresh, raw fruits and veggies into capsules that you just swallow. Since they remove the sugar and salt, it allows you to consume the equivalent nutrition of about 9-10 fruit/veggie servings without the huge amount of sugar that would be found if you were to consume that many servings in the natural state.

Email me or view my profile if you would like more info.

God bless,

M.

You need to see a nutritionist! He or she will tell you EXACTLY what you need to eat to keep your diabetes under control. I am not sure, but maybe the nutritionist would be covered by your insurance, since you have a medical condition. Good luck! p.s. exercise/cardio is ESSENTIAL

My husband is 28 and was diagnosed when he was 10. He moved to Ft. Worth 6 1/2 yrs ago. Five yrs ago, I sent my husband to the doctor for "a cold" he kept saying. When he got there they told him he was dying and dying fast. He wouldn't even make it to the age of 30. So we did nutrition class at Harris Hospital. We also started a three month preperation for going to the insulin pump. This has been a lifesaver.My husband was even able to travel 6 months to work in Israel; he had no problems what so ever! Heloves it and his sugar is better than ever. He suggests it to everyone we meet. You might want to do some research or ask your doctor.

Best of luck to you and your family. :)

Hi M.,
First of all, take a deep breath- everything will be OK! I wanted to write because I am a certified diabetes educator. I work for an endocrinology practice and am a contracted trainer for various insulin pump companies. I also work from home as a diabetes coach for an online company (www.fit4d.com).

While you received some good suggestions by other Mamma's, I want to set the record straight. People with Type 1 diabetes are insulin deficient and therefore unable to metabolize carbs correctly. We are ALL insulin and oxygen dependent. What I mean by that is we ALL (diabetes or not) NEED insulin for survivial. Since you can't make your own insulin, you have to inject it. While it's true that a lower carb diet may result in better blood sugar control, it's important that you eat at least 130 grams of carbohydrates per day- that's the amount the brain requires for it's fuel source. Exercise, both walking AND strength training, will help reduce your insulin requirements. Eating a lower glycemic index diet may also help and it's also a healthier diet overall. Cinnamon may help- up to a 1/2 teaspoon a day has been shown to be somewhat beneficial. More than that has not shown any increased benefit. As far as other herbs, etc- just be careful and be sure to discuss with your physician.

Lastly, for all the people I work with on insulin, I highly recommend an insulin pump. This will can give you much better blood sugar control. As I mentioned, I am an insulin pump trainer. The patients I have trained on the pump LOVE it and feel more "normal". An alternative to the pump would be a combination of long acting insulin such as Lantus or Levemir and rapid acting (Humalog, Novolog, Apidra) with meals. Yes- it's more injections per day, but you don't have to eat on a schedule like you do with other insulin regimens. Oh boy, I could go on and on! Good luck to you and let me know if I can help you further!

Please get yourself to an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) for confirmation that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Then find an experienced certified diabetes educator (you can find one on the ADA website) and let them help walk you through the lifestyle management changes (diet, exercise,monitoring, medication) that you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is normally covered by insurance with a referral. If you need information on free community classes, let me know.

I would also suggest a complete sugar fast for a week or two. Cold turkey is the best to get your cravings under control. I have done this before, several times. I gave up soft drinks this way in 1995 and after that first week I never wanted one again. I still don't drink cokes to this day.

I'm sure you're thinking "what about pasta!?" I love the Barilla Plus Pasta (in a yellow box) One serving has 17 grams of protein. It is made with legumes and is not whole wheat. My husband will even eat it and not know the difference. I do not like whole wheat pasta or legumes but I love this pasta. It also has a lot of the Omega 3 fatty acids.

You should look at a health food store like the Sunflower Shoppe. They have a product called Holy Basil that will work well to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. There is also a product called Diabetic Nutrition. It is a vitamin supplement.

Also adding cinnamon to your diet (in teas, sprinkled on toast etc.) will help lower your levels. For a snack try walnuts, also good for your levels.

You might also check out the book "prescription for nutritional healing". It has a section for diabetes. I reference it all the time for our family. It covers everything from bladder infections to warts.

Good luck with this new phase in your life. I understand, first hand, how diabetes affects your family.

I found a great diabetic cook book at Half Priced books on Northwest Hwy in Dallas. I'm at work and I can't think if the name. Also Walmart has a wonderful diabetic recipe magazine. Hope this helps. I know how difficult this is. My prayers are with you.

Hi M.,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Diabetes can be very difficult. I have a lot of advice that may be answers to YOUR prayers. For helping you with weight loss, regulating your blood sugar, and reducing stress, I recommend checking out www.VitalHealth.TunguskaMist.com

Take a look at the fast acting oral adaptogen sprays called Tunguska Mist. Adaptogens are a category of herbs that help the body deal with stress, restore balance, and support normal metabolic processes. Often times stress causes us to overeat as well as produce excess cortisol (causes the body to store fat). Adaptogens support weight management by regulating blood sugar, insulin metabolism, and cortisol levels; aid in digestion; and increase energy. In fact, adaptogens have the ability to shift the body's metabolism to a greater use of fat for energy.

The rapid release delivery system of the adaptogens in Tunguska Mist Pure and Tunguska Mist Slim will help bring your body into balance, reduce stress at the cellular level, and suppress your appetite to quash cravings. They are convenient to carry with you and take whenever you feel stress coming on, or need the extra willpower to support your weight loss program.

I met a woman who was taking 40 units of insulin daily and then down to only 2 units after using adaptogens. Eventually her bloodwork looked so good that her Dr. took her off insulin and other meds altogether.

That's great that you've started walking. Are you also doing some weight training? Lean muscle mass will help speed up her metabolism, thus you'll burn more calories. Avoid fast food, processed foods, and especially all types of soft drinks, if you are not already. Eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day, while drinking plenty of water helps keep your engine burning!

2 great books that I recommend are: Living Lean, by Larry North and Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston and Maimes.

I also love www.recipes.com for searches of great healthy recipes.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I've studied health, wellness, and Kinesiology for many years and have a passion for helping people change their life.

Good luck and God Bless!

Sincerely,
N.

I think Susan M gave great advice. Several of my family members have diabetes. The most important thing you can do is get educated about this disease. Your doctor should be able to recommend some nutrition classes for diabetics. If you have a spouse, he should get educated as well.

You need professional nutritional counseling. Type I Diabetes is very serious---make the call to your physician asking for a referral. Also google the American Diabetic Association's website and read every syllable.

I don't know where you live but we have a group in Frisco that meets on Thursdays at 6:45 at WOGA upstairs room. That is like a biggest loser type of thing! It is Herbalife based but the guy really work at teaching you about nutrition. It is like a 1 time fee for $34 dollars and it goes for 12 weeks.

Low Glycemic eating will be key for you. You may also want to stay away from gluten. There are also certain natural supplement that can help you, but you will have to decide. I coach low glycemic eating. Feel free to contact me if you want more information. I have a sister who was a late bloomer type 1 too. You can e-mail me at ____@____.com.

I can really feel for you, it is hard....i have fought it for so long i can't remember. My doctor got me into a 6 week course taught at baylor hospital by diabetic professionals, they outlined and taught you how to eat on the protein diet and keep your sugar under control..i highly reccommend this, it works and much easier than anything i have tried. Ask your doctor or just call baylor...my iinsurance paid for it!

G. l

Hi. I am an Independent Distributor with Shaklee. We are a 52 year old company that is the number one natural nutrition company in the United States. You will get tons of advice from tons of products, but I hope you take the time to choose wisely. Diabetes is nothing to mess around with.
Please go to this web site and watch the nutritional video. You will also be entered in a monthly drawing to win $200 worth of Shaklee products.
log on to myShaklee.info and type in my code ZN01247.
Please take the time to make an informed choice on diabetes control. Many people who have used the Cinch products have gone off their diabetic medicines. Good Luck!
S.
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You should come in for my nutrition response testing. I can totally help your diabetes. Please call us, just to get info. ###-###-####

Hi M., Try using organic Cinnamon.1/2 teaspoon twice a day. You will have to put it in some liquid as your saliva changes the chemical in the cinnamon. I put mine in my coffee grounds when i make my coffee,you can also put it in hot tea. what ever you can think of to take it. dont buy the kind in the grocery store such as mccormick. I buy mine at Brookshires in Azle. Health stores also have it. What i take is M& B spices Morton & Bassett Spices. It comes in a 2.3 oz bottle. It is something you need to take every day. You can also take more if you can think of some ways to use it. I like to say you become married to it. It is a lifetime thing. I know several that were on pills and after they started using the cinnamon they got off the pills. It takes about 30 days before you start to see results. I hope you try it.