Any diabetics out there? I need your advice!

[zanne]

My husband has just been diagnosed with diabetes; the diagnosis is so new, we don't even know what type it is. I know my husband will have alot of adjustments to make, but the thing that really worries me is his diet. He's overweight and has been for about 20 yrs. He's never been on a diet; he's strictly meat and potatoes and he absolutely hates vegetables. I know I'm gonna have to get on his ass about it, so I have a question: How did you adjust to the diet changes you had to make when you were first diagnosed? Please, keep in mind that Paul is pretty depressed about this. He's also stubborn. I can't think of anywhere else to go to get this advice. Please help!

[Fridays Child]

1. Have insulin injections been prescribed? Whether he's been...

...diagnosed as Type I or Type II makes a huge difference. But, in either case, he will need to learn how carbs affect his blood glucose, which means he'll have to track his carbs (numbers of grams and the times he consumes them) and compare that information to his blood glucose levels across 24-hour periods.

And, because all carbs are not equal, he'll want to begin learning about the glycemic index (go to about.com) to learn which carbs have the least affect on his blood glucose. For example, most beans will cause a significant glucose increase. However, soybeans have relatively little affect. And another bean called chana dal, or gram bengal, has almost no affect.

There's a lot to learn but, if he's willing to do it, he'll find out that he can eat many foods and stay healthy.

Edit: Blood glucose levels are higher when blood becomes concentrated as a result of not drinking enough water. So make sure that he stays well hydrated.

[democrat in Tallahassee]

2. I have a close friend who was just diagnosed and it is very hard

She has made a lot of changes, but finding it very hard to give up the soft drinks. I've been a weight watcher for a long time and when I looked at her food list I was struck by how close it is to Weight Watchers and at how many carbs she can actually eat. It's really a matter of portion control and she can eat almost anything just has to watch how much and how much at a time.
It won't be easy but your husband really has to do it; diabetes is not anything to mess around with; my friend's dad died at 64 from a diabetes related stroke.

[MaineDem]

3. Go to diabetic education classes

Meet with dieticians and discuss food programs.

It's really not that bad...a major part is portion control. Yes, glycemic index is paramount. For instance, an orange is good; orange juice is bad.

I really urge you (and him) to talk with a nutritionist and read everything you can. Get a Joslin Clinic cookbook. It's filled with great information and food plans and recipes.

Good luck.

[ray of light]

4. check with doctor

But exersize is important as well. Eat fish, chicken, meat, salads, veggies and cut back on sweets and chips (empty fillers). Everything those other people told you about is correct as well.

Most importantly, check with the doctor to find out more information from him, since each person has individual assessments.

[China_cat]

5. Here's a good site that will help you know what questions to ask.

http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_food_diet/glycemic_index.php

Scroll down on the first page for the chart and check all the other pages. It's a good place to start.

[emulatorloo]

6. To reiterate -- Good Carbs versus Bad Carbs, and Portion Control

It is not that bad. Once your husband gets this under control, he is going to feel better than he has felt in years.

Go to the classes.

[rock]

7. Take this with a grain of salt as it's different for everybody

I'm diabetic, type II, and eat much like I used too. How do I get away with this?
- I walk one mile every week day (I list this first because it has the greatest effect);
- I take Glucotrol and Glucophage (both prescribed) in high daosage;
- I do like grains, fruits, and vegetables, but I can have a big meat and potatoes meal with no side effects.

Remember, results vary, and test often.

[tsuki]

8. I had a friend who was diabetic for 10 years. He progressed from

pills to shots. I persuaded him to go on a Adkins type diet (limiting carbs.) After three months, the doctor took him off medication. He is being closely monitored. He walks now and is losing weigh.

[katinmn]

9. Go to the American Diabetes Association

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

They have a great section on nutrition.

Read all you can. Make notes of questions you want to ask the doctor.

edit to add, here's a section for the newly diagnosed:
http://www.diabetes.org/all-about-diabetes/diabetes-learning-center.jsp?WTLPromo=HOME_1st_learningcenter&vms=167650478183

[fortyfeetunder]

10. He probably has adult onset diabetes (Type II)

which is common in most adults.

The other things he's got to watch for is his blood pressure, other complications, like heart disease, eye damage, and kidney failure.

Maybe his stubborness will come in handy because he won't want to get into a hypoglycemic mode or insulin shock when he hasn't eaten the right foods.

I am not diabetic, but it runs in my family (4 generations worth I know of) and I am careful about what and when I eat and exercise. And I read the diabetic literature anyway to keep my diet on track.

[Lars39]

11. I don't have any diet advice,

but I wish you both well. :hug:
Sometimes diabetics, especially newly diagnosed, will become resistant
to the idea of taking care of themselves.
It's like an anger or resentment that "this happened".
Realizing that it is a life long maintenance is very hard to accept sometimes.
He has to want to take care of himself for himself.

[frustrated_lefty]

12. Get his ass in line

Simple question. Do you love me, you bastard? Follow with, "Then LIVE so I am not ALONE with our children (or by MYSELF if you evaded having munchkins).

Thinking about it, tell him: DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU LYING SACK OF SHIT! IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, STICK AROUND.