My name is Carole and I have Type 2 diabetes

[imagood1]

I'm Carole -- was diagnosed with type 2 about 4 months ago. I take 2 glyb/metformin 5/500 and 1 metformin 500 at bedtime. As long as I watch what I eat my numbers are pretty consistant, but with the holidays I've eaten more than normal - not sweets, everything else.

After I was diagnosed I went to a nutritionist and was put on a 12 carbs a day (15 gm = 1 carb)...at first I lost weight but after a couple months -- nothing! I watched everything I put in my mouth and it seemed that the only thing I was doing was figuring out what I could eat for the next meal or snack -- it got so tiring I just stopped. The first time I went back to the nutritionist I took my journal of meals and she was very impressed how I was watching and eating so well!!! I couldn't believe when I first saw 20 grams a day when I had been eating 15 carbs (or 180 grams) a day. No wonder I wasn't losing weight!!!!

I don't know what made me decide to start Atkins but I chose to come and check the site out. I liked what I saw and have done a lot of reading so I know what I'm doing. I'm starting January 5 -- after our household settles down and I can focus on this. I've told my husband and have his support so I'm excited about starting.

I hope to make some friends here -- I'm happy to hear that many of you are losing with this program. I've found some yummie looking recipes that sound very good!! Say hi if you have the time

[Sherri]

Hello Carole,
Welcome to ADBB and to Atkins!
This is the best lifestyle for Diabetics. I once was a Type-2 Diabetic. I started Atkins 4 1/2 years ago. 47 days into Extended Induction my Diabetes disappeared never to return again. This is a very healing woe.
I look forward to seeing you here on the board. Post often, join some challenges. A great way to meet people and make new friends.
Here's a Sticky from the Induction thread I like to share with people just getting started. Useful information there.
Again, WELCOME!
Sincerely, Sherri

Before you begin:

1. Read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition.
At the very least, read chapters 10 through 14. These chapters tell you how to do the diet, what to expect, and why the first 14 days are so important.

ADBB uses DANDR 2002 as its reference. Granted there are other publications by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. but we like to do the diet as it was written by Dr. Robert C. Atkins because in our collective experience Dr. Atkins' diet is more effective than Atkins Nutritionals, Inc's version.

2. See your physician.
Dr. Atkins recommended this himself. See your physician for a complete physical exam, including blood tests before beginning this or any other diet and exercise program.

Also take the Blood Sugar Symptom Test found in the book.

3. Make a commitment.
Commit yourself to giving the 14 day Induction a fair shot. If you can't commit yourself to 14 days of following rules and eating the foods listed in the acceptable foods list, this diet might not be for you.

4. Prepare your kitchen
If it's not on the list, remove it from your home. If you live with people who aren't on a low carb diet, then put your food(s) in areas separate from theirs. Also make sure you have low carb snacks available to you at all times, in case you get hungry.

5. Recruit your family and friends.
You are about to embark on a completely new lifestyle. Getting the support of your family and friends will help you through this. Be frank with them and tell them your intentions and that this is very important to you. If they have any doubts about this diet, ask them to read the book because knowledge is power.

6. Keep the Induction Rules and Foods List handy.
Make two copies of these documents: keep one on your refrigerator at home and keep the other one on your person at all times. This will save you a lot of guesswork and worry when eating out or grocery shopping.

The Rules of Induction can be found here:
What are the Rules of Induction?

The Induction Acceptable Foods List can be found here:
What foods can be eaten on Induction?

7. Read the entire label, including the ingredients.
Some foods have little carbs, but contain things like hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and sugar, which makes them unacceptable for Induction.

8. Keep a food diary
It is of utmost importance to keep track of your daily carbohydrate intake to make sure you are not exceeding 20 net carbohydrates daily.

Some people keep a notebook journal. Others like to track their progress online.

Here are some resources:
An Atkins spreadsheet:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=4570

http://www.fitday.com ---This is a free online service (registration required) that allows you to input your foods, track your exercise, etc.

Carbohydrate Counters:
http://www.atkins.com ---The Atkins site has a downloadable Carb Counter.
http://www.calorieking.com ---This site has nutritional information for most foods and beverages.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/ ---This is the United States Department of Agriculture Nutrition Database.

9. Exercise
According to Dr. Atkins "exercise is non-negotiable"! So get moving. Begin according to your level of fitness. Visit the Exercise Forum.

10. Vitamin Supplements
These are also recommended by Dr. Atkins because many of us have poor nutrition and we need extra nutrients. Visit the Vita-Nutrient Forum.

11. Weigh AND Measure Yourself on Day 1

Make sure you weigh and measure yourself before you begin this diet. Contrary to what we are lead to believe, the scale isn't the best tool for measuring weight loss (fat loss). It doesn't tell you how much muscle you gained. It doesn't tell you how much water weight you gained or lost. It doesn't tell you that you will fit into that pair of jeans.

Tips for weighing:
a. Weigh yourself at the same time of day under the same conditions. You can weigh "more" after a meal or after you drink water or you can weigh "less" after you exercise or have a bowel movement. So pick a time and stick to it. Likewise, clothing can also add on "pounds". So if you choose to weigh yourself wearing clothes, make sure you are wearing the same clothing or nearly the same clothing.

b. Use the same scale. Scales differ slightly. So the scale in your doctor's office or at the gym might have you weighing more or less than the scale in your bathroom.

Tips for measuring:
a. You can measure whatever body areas you want: chest, waist, hips, thighs, upper arm, wrists and ankles. To make the measuring easier, you body landmarks like your belly button or a mole or scar, to guide your tape measure placement. For chest measurement, women can either measure under their armpits and/or under their breasts.

b. Don't "pull" on the measuring tape because that will give you a false reading (and stretch the tape). The tape should be snug, but not tight.

c. Don't suck in to make yourself smaller. Again, that will give you a false measurement.

Measuring tapes can be purchased at craft stores (the sewing section) for under $5.00. If you can't find one, you can use a piece of string. Just mark that string with a marker pen to indicate your "start" points". Or if you have an old belt, you can use that too.

Another good "measuring tool" is your clothing. Non-stretchy clothing like a dress shirt, jeans, or dress is the best thing to use. Stretchy fabric (like t-shirts or anything with spandex) will conform to your body as you shrink so you might not see the results. Try on this article of clothing periodically to see how you are losing inches.

Good luck to you on your 14 day Induction journey.

[imagood1]

thank you Sherri -- I have been reading and asking questions. I've joined a few challenges and have started drinking "tons" of water. Do you know if diabetics loose slower than people without diabetes? I went to a nutritionist and actually gained weight even though she said I was doing everything correctly....funny thing was, I wasn't trying to GAIN I was trying to loose. I've read several journals and have looked at before-after pics for inspiration. Hope to do well on Atkins!!!

[Sherri]

Do you know if diabetics loose slower than people without diabetes?
Hi Carole,
I lost 100 pounds in ten months. Read the book, refer to it often. Work the plan 100% and you'll get 100% results. I chose food from each rung lowest on the GI (glycemic index). I didn't eat fruit for a year. so I skipped rungs 4&7. I don't drink alcohol, so I skipped rung 5. I stayed right around Rung 3 for the first year, just to stablize my glucose levels. I didn't eat onions because of the GI, I chose to eat leaks and I didn't eat tomatoes either. Dr. Atkins discusses the GI on pages 78-84, 92 and the GL (glycemic load) on pages 83-84 DANDR 2002. Keeping your glucose levels steady without spikes or dives is essential for weightloss. That's what makes Atkins an excellent woe for Diabetics. For anyone as far as that goes.
Wishing you great success.
Sincerely, Sherri

[imagood1]

thank you Sherri - WOW you are really a success story!!! I'm hoping to have my weight gone along with the diabetes and high blood pressure and triglicerides by Jan 1, 2010!!! If I get there sooner GREAT!! If not...I won't stop until I hit it.

I appreciate your responding to my question.

Carole

[michelle23464]

Hello Carole,

How are you doing? I know you started on the 5th, how is it going for you so far?

I am too a type 2 diabetic. I know what you mean about the carbs.
I was on a diabetic eating plan while pregnant that gave me:
2 carbs for breakfast ( 30 gms)
1-2 carbs snack (15-30)
2 carbs for lunch (30)
1-2 carbs for snack (15-30)
2 carbs for dinner (30)
1-2 carbs for snack (15-30)

While the plan for pre pregnacy was about 8-9 carbs (120-135) per day.

Add in the protein and fats and there was my menu. Being that I have always tried to limit my carb levels for many years I was flabbergasted to say the least at the amount of carbs they wanted me to eat. I always tried to eat on the lower end of the carb scale but still eat healthy for my pregnancy. I sometimes missed snacks or didnt get my full 30 in at regular meals. I only gained 20 lbs and I felt great and feel like I lost alot of fat while pregnant. After the baby was born I have to admit I fell off the wagon and ate any and everything and gained all the weight back up to my delievery weight. I got back on the wagon 7 months later and at 9 months after having my daughter I am at least where I was when I started. I still have lots too loose but I am working on it.

I am on an insulin pump and had it the entire pregnancy and had to give myself boluses for every meal. I am still on the pump but I no longer give insulin each time I eat. I have a steady rate of insulin that goes in hourly and that is all that is needed to control my sugar numbers.

Welcome to this way of eating. I think you will find it will be good for you.

Michelle

[imagood1]

Thank you for stopping and saying hi Michelle!! I had to take a second look at your picture, you look a lot like me!! (Only thank heavens you don't weigh as much as I allowed myself to get up to.)

It sounds like you had a good pregnancy and hopefully your baby was healthy!! You are ready to get back in here and start your way to your goal weight. You know it works, you lost 13 pounds last time and have 3 pounds gone now..you're ready!!

My glucose numbers have dropped significantly since I've been on Atkins. It's amazing that the week before I started my numbers were between 148 - 170 and within a couple days of starting the highest I've been was 113 and that was this morning (I had a bad cold that is getting me down) but it's the first time I've been above 100 since that 3rd or 4th day.

Keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you!! I'll look forward to watching you get to your goal!!

Carole

[Chef Kevin]

another type 2 here. You can do it!
I eat about 20g of carb a day and been doing it for several months. My BS is totally under control. I am losing a bit slower than the last time I did Atkins, but I am losing, and that is what counts. 40 pounds in 2.5 months isn't really slow, but anyhoo....

Yep, it is all good!!!!

[imagood1]

W O W impresive loss -- way to go Kevin. I have seen you post on different forums but didn't realize you were Type 2 also. I haven't experienced any ill effects since I've been on this WOE but last night I was a little light headed and blurred vision -- but this morning I woke up with a full blown cold so I'm contributing the light headedness and blurred vision to that.

I don't find the 20 carbs per day limiting in any way. Actually I've had a couple days that I've had to really make up for the extra carbs at dinnertime. I've since learned to plan my meals better.

Hope to see you around often.

Carole

[michelle23464]

I am hoping that with more weigh loss I can come off this insulin pump. Even with it my numbers are between 69-120 depending on the meal. With out it.. my numbers are too high. I have to make an appt to go see an endo soon.

My new goal is 16 lbs by March 12. My baby will be a year old and I would love to be where I was before I got pregnant. 158 here I come. Only 15.6 lbs to go.

I also cant wait for warmer weather. Would be nice to get out side.

Lets keep up the good work.

Michelle