Diabetes type 1 and Atkins

[margarita678]

I have type 1 diabetes, and with regualar maintenace of insulin shots I should not have ketones. I regulate my own insulin, so no diet would do so for me as my pancreas doesn't make it any more. Do you guys think that I should go start Atkins when I won't undergo ketoacidosis, if that is the key point in losing weight?
Any other type 1 diabetics tried Atkins sucessfully?

[Luna Rossa]

I highly suggest visiting the Atkins diabetic form. Read the stickies and Faqs and ask your question there where people who are also dealing with these issues can help you.

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewforum.php?f=53

[2big4mysize]

you will never need to be in ketoacidosisi on Atkins. it was a poor choice of words by Dr Atkins. what he calls ketosis is something you and every normal human being do every night. Burn fats for fuel after you have used up your eaten foods and the stored sugars. In the newer books he corrects it to explain he meant liposis or fat burning. in some of the books he qualifies it as begnin ketosis.

Read the books and check out the food plans in the books and see. Dr Atkins has a new book out for diabetics and our own Canuck is featured in it for her success on Atkins in controling her blood sugars.

There are several type ones here on the board who use the low card atkins approach to controlling their blood sugars. Weight loss is just an added bonus for them.

Happy low carbing to you.

[KJ]

type I

Hi Margarita

I'm a type I diabetic (since childhood) and Atkins....or I should say "low carb" has been great for my glucose control. I wasn't able to do a proper induction, due to so many insulin adjustments. The diabetic forum is very informative and will answer many of your questions. YOU GOTTA DO THIS WITH YOUR DOCTOR!!! YOU GOTTA MONITOR YOU BG TILL YOUR FINGERS ARE BRUISED!!! That said, I will tell you, I went from 172 to 142 in 10 months (I know, slooow). I feel great.

Good Luck,
KJ

[Coop2004]

Just moved to Diabetic Forum.

[Randiman1]

I am also a type 1 diabetic and i have been very successful with atkins. You can read my story on the Pumpers thread. I was the same way you are when i first started atkins, i was worried about the ketosis and ketoacidosis. There is a major difference as 2big said. Doing atkins is very helpful with controlling my bg and saving money on insulin costs! Good luck!

[mck]

Re: Diabetes type 1 and Atkins

Hello! I have just joined and have been doing Atkins for over 2 weeks. I have diabetes 1 and have had since I was a small child. I take a basic insulin (Lantus) and usually have had to top up my insulin before I eat (with Novopen). I have now been able to cut the base dosage to 12 units from 14 and now don't seem to require any top up at all as I am really limiting my carbs. I'v had quite a few hypos but now it seems to be ok. I feel good but unfortunately have not lost any weight! I am about 70 kilos and am 1m 76. tall. I would like to lose 5-7 kilos and would then be my ideal weight.
Anyone know if being diabetic slows down the rate of weight loss.
I'd be most grateful to know.

mck

[Georgiana]

Re: Diabetes type 1 and Atkins

This is from Colette Heimowitz:

Since Atkins is so effective at lowering high blood sugar, people who take insulin or oral diabetes medications that control blood sugar can end up with dangerously low blood sugar levels. You will need to be closely supervised in order to adjust your dosage. That's because the weight-loss phases of Atkins will naturally normalize your blood sugar levels. In combination with your pharmaceuticals, you could put yourself at risk for hypoglycemia. Be alert to the signs and symptoms of the onset of hypoglycemia for the first few weeks of Atkins , until you get the dose of insulin right, and if you feel it is necessary, select higher carb foods that will not interfere with the program. These could include tomato and cheese, broccoli and other higher carb veggies, nuts and seeds or a half cup of tomato juice.
Both insulin and birth control medication will slow down weight loss. After insulin, Dr. Atkins believed that hormome replacement therapy is a leading offender in terms of inhibited weight loss.However,that does not mean you will not succeed. It just means you need to have realistic expectations.

If you want to post a menu, we can take a look. Maybe there's something that can be adjusted there.

[mck]

Re: Diabetes type 1 and Atkins

Many thanks Collette. Much appreciated! I am aware of the signs etc for hypoglycemia and take care. I am pleased to hear that insulin is the culprit in slowing down weight loss. I guess Much patience is obviously necessary but I will plod on positively!

I'd be interested to know if there is anyone with Diabetes 1 who has succeeded weight wise and what the results were.

Thanks mck

[JohnC]

Re: Diabetes type 1 and Atkins

For all diabetics: Please check out Dr. Richard K. Bernstein on the web. He is a low-carb type I diabetic himself with an interesting background and an awesome low carb eating plan. His website is www.diabetes-book.com. His life story is an incredible one. Check him out.