Introduction

[ais106]

Hello all! Just wanted to introduce myself! Here is my story:
I was diagnosed on October 22, 2008 with diabetes at the age of 35. My fasting blood glucose was 305, A1c was 9, cholesterol was bad. Since diabetes runs in my family, I am fairly well educated on what it is and how to manage it. I will try to make this as short as possible...lol!
After diagnosis, I was very shocked when I was called in to see the PA (my doc was out) who never took the time to explain what diabetes is, she said nothing! She said that it would always get worse and I would alwyas need more and more medicine! I asked her if I could have just one month to turn it around with diet and excercise. IN that month I did a ton of research. It only made sense to me to cut carbs way out of my diet, since my body could not use carbs properly. I kept a detailed notebook about what I ate, what time I ate, and what my sugars were (like 10 times a day) and took that back to my doc a month later. She was shocked but I noticed that she didn't notice that I limited my carb intake. She said she was fine with me not taking meds but insisted that I see a dietician to fine tune my diet. Oh, did I forget to mention that I was at this point following a low carb Atkins style diet. Anyhoo, dietician tells me that I am need to eat 150-200 grams of carbs per day. I tell her she is nuts, my blood sugars would be through the roof. She tells me the solution to that is to take metformin. I argue with her on this and ask her to explain how on earth she can justify telling me to eat more carbs???? More carbs equals higher sugars equals long term "cooking" of my eyes, kidneys, etc.
What is wrong with these people? And what is wrong with the ADA? Their guidelines are literally killing diabetics!!! I am also so sick of people bashing low carb lifestyles! It works for me! As a matter of fact, it took no time at all for me to turn my stats around! As of August, my fasting glucose was 96, my A1c was 5.8%, and cholesterol was GREAT!!! Despite the fact that I ate steak and hotdogs all summer doc!!! HAHHA.
I joined this forum so that I could interact with other diabetics in my situation because I really can't get advice from my doctor. At my most recent visit, I asked her if I could sustain a low carb diet while I was pregnant (wondering if it was developmentally safe for the baby). And she said I don't need to worry, I lost weight and my diabetes went away. I was FLOORED!!! I said "No, I eat low carbs and it keeps me in check. If I ate a pizza right now, my sugar would go up to 200ish". She clearly doesn't get it. It just really amazes me!!!!
Sorry this was sooooo long!!!!

[pinkfusion]

Wow. Yeah I definitely hear you. Good for you in getting it under control without medication!

[imagood1]

Hi and welcome ---

I started in January with an A1c of 10.3 -- 2 months ago my A1C was 5.0 and I'm hoping to get off my meds in a couple weeks when I go see my endocrinologist again. After trying to figure out what the nutritionist was talking about (each 15 carbs counts as "1 carb" === and you need to eat 15 "carbs" daily .....huh) I decided to find something that would work for me. Doctors just can't get it through their heads that Dr. Atkins knew what he was talking about. They all think we only eat eggs, meat and cheese -- there is nothing further from the truth.....I eat more vegetables now than I have ever eaten in my life. I've lowered my A1C by following Dr. Atkins plan the way it was written.

I hope you’ve read the 2002 Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR), it’s the book we follow on this bulletin board. If you haven’t until you can get a copy you’ll find a condensed version at the top of the induction - (Atkins Diet Induction FAQs)(Atkins Diet Induction FAQs)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html.

Make sure you drink a minimum of 64 ounces of pure water (nothing added), exercise starting today and taking a multi-vitamin. Check all around the board for everything there is to, there is a challenge section with both exercise and non exercise challenges, Rate My Menu for help with your food, journaling – there is something for everyone

Make a copy of this list (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)(What foods can be eaten on Induction?)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html and take it with you when you go to the store. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list don’t eat it. (This may seem harsh, but if you want to lower your A1C and take control of your health it's the way to go). Learn to read the label on all foods you buy - don’t just look at the “carb” number look at the ingredients list of everything and check the ingredients against your list. Just because it says "low carb" doesn't mean you can eat it. Also check for hidden sugars (learn the names used in place of the word “sugar”).

The recipe sites are helpful for meal planning – just make sure you use Induction Recipes to begin with.
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (Induction recipes)
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics)

If you need anything we’re here to help you!! Good luck to you!

[liv]

Yes this makes me a bit angry too.
They have moved a little bit lately but honestly how stubbern can you be.
Glad you figured it out though.
Welcome

[ThinSoon]

Welcome!!

My father has diabetes also and when he eats lower carb his blood sugars keep in check. It does have to be monitored but he does much better than eating all the "crap."! LOL

Look forward to hearing from you around the board!

Tracey