| Cetaganda
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This is where we can share information about books and websites that are helpful to diabetics and those who support them.
Thanks for participating and posting anything that would be useful for a diabetic on the South Beach Diet to know. |
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Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:31 pm |
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| grimus_wemyss
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This is long but please bear with me.
About 2 months ago my blood sugar which had stayed on meds right at 115-120 for over 3 years went crazy, I could not get it below 150 no matter what I did. At the same time my seizures increased (I have a type of epilepsy). I thought it might have been an infection – but could not get doctors to listen to me. The tests showed increased seizure activity (gee that is what I told them with out the tests) but for the first time in my life (50 years) my cholesterol were up to about 300.
The general doc wanted to add a bunch of diabetes meds, but they were just too much for me to pay. So I returned to using cinnamon twice a day and oatmeal for breakfast. Then with the flu vaccines not been safe, I added golden seal and Echinacea – which I later learned was also good for diabetes.
Now since I was already eating close to Phase 2, I went ahead and converted to eating based on it. A year ago when I first started on the SB diet it (well my eating habits on it) made me very sick and doc said no way for the SB. This time I skipped Phase 1 and just went to Phase 2. So have been on Phase 2 for 2-3 weeks.
After going through all of this – my morning blood sugar was staying at 92 – 95 for last 2 weeks, but this week it has hit 57 – 60. Which is starting to worry me a little. My seizures are increasing a little more, but that has nothing to do with the SB or eating habits that I am aware of. So I am not sure if it is the herbal remedies working or the SB or both. Have others seen this much of a drop? And are there any folks out there with seizures that have noticed a change with eating habits?
Thanks
GW
:?: |
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Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:38 pm |
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| Cetaganda
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GW,
Thanks for posting your question regarding having very low fasting blood glucose levels after being on the South Beach Diet phase 2 for two weeks.
I would be very concerned if I had fasting blood glucose levels in the 50s like you reported. These readings, if accurate, mean that you are hypoglycemic after an overnight fast.
Your doctor may need to change your medication(s) or reduce the dosage of a medication(s) now that you are on the SBD. You need to see or consult your doctor right away about your symptoms as they are potentially very dangerous and must be treated and prevented whenever possible. There is some evidence that repeated episodes of hypoglycemia may even cause damage to the brain.
Your doctor may want you to bring your glucose meter in to compare it with his/her meter. Are you using control solutions when you change to another set of lancets? It's important to do so.
Be sure to print out what you posted here and give all of this information to your doctor and follow his/her advice.
Information about hypoglycemia that you should read:
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch166/ch166a.html
A diabetic who is hypoglycemic can even lose consciousness and lapse into a coma ... so take your very low fasting blood glucose levels seriously. A diabetic friend of mine on insulin did not eat her meal and she lost consciousness while driving her car and drove off the road. Fortunately neither she nor other people on the road were harmed ... but it could easily have turned out differently.
Take good care of yourself, see your doctor right away, and be safe. |
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Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:13 pm |
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| Cetaganda
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CONVERSION TABLE for Blood Glucose Monitoring
People from outside the US may find this table convenient for converting US blood glucose values which are given in mg/dL into values generated by their blood glucose meters, which are generated in mmol/L.
Conversion Table[/url}
DIABETES, TREATMENT & MEDICATION WEBSITE AT HealthMBA.com
http://www.healthmba.com/diabetes-treatment.html
HYPOGLYCEMIA:
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch166/ch166a.html
HEMOGLOBIN A1C:
http://www.metrika.com/3medical/hemoglobin-m.html
MEDICATIONS FOR DIABETES:
[url=http://post-acute-care.advanceweb.com/resources/pp070104_p52handout.pdf]Diabetic Medications
Amaryl
Medication that may cause weight gain and their potential alternatives |
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Thu Nov 25, 2004 6:19 am |
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| Kimboroni
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I watched a Fitness for Diabetics TV presentation that was put on by a local health organization. It was really informative and had some important factoids. I tried to find their PowerPoint slides online, but it doesn't look like they do that. Here's what I remember:
~exercise is beneficial because it increases insulin sensitivity, and that effect lasts for about 48 hours (type II, but I would think that this applies to prediabetics as well)
~to prevent hypoglycemia when exercising, eat a 20-30 g carbohydrate snack 30 minutes before starting (again, great for prediabetics and probably hypoglycemics, I think)
~to prevent hypoglycemia when exercising, you also may need to decrease your meds for the time in which you'll be exercising, but how you decrease varies on what kind of meds you take-- ask your doctor or pharmacist?
Also, the paid site did a Daily Dish series on diabetes, which you can find here:
http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=160672#160672 |
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Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:53 am |
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| Kimboroni
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Here is something I just found at the paid site, in their "Ask Dr. Agatston" feature:
Special Considerations for Diabetics During Phase 1?
Q:Are there any special considerations for diabetics during Phase 1? When my blood sugar levels get too low, my routine has been to drink a regular Coke. I am a little concerned about how I will handle these low blood sugar episodes, which I anticipate may happen more frequently since I am not eating many carbs or sugars at all.
–Darrell
A: Diabetics—and people with any other type of pre-existing health condition—should consult with their physician before starting The South Beach Diet™ or any other diet. That said, how you follow The South Beach Diet™ will depend on the type of diabetes you have (type 1 or type 2).
Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes, is an illness where the body is unable to produce enough insulin to properly process sugars and fats. Type 1 diabetics must carefully monitor blood sugar levels and take daily insulin injections. With type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, your body makes too much insulin, causing blood sugar levels to drop so rapidly that you experience intense food cravings. Type 2 diabetics must carefully monitor what they eat to prevent blood sugar swings.
The good news is that The South Beach Diet™ can help all diabetics take control of the disease. By following a diet low in saturated fat and sugar and high in fiber and good carbohydrates, you'll find that your blood sugar levels will stabilize, reducing cravings and eliminating the low blood sugar episodes that require you to seek out a high-sugar snack.
It's important that all diabetics work closely with a physician or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) to monitor blood sugar and/or insulin levels and adjust medications accordingly. You doctor or CDE will be able to help design a diet to suit your individual needs. Once you've found a balance that works, you'll be able to guide yourself through the diet as recommended.
-Arthur Agatston, M.D. |
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Sat Jan 08, 2005 3:46 am |
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| Cetaganda
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Hi Kimboroni,
Thank your for the information you posted about diabetes and the South Beach Diet. It is very useful and helpful information.
I hope that all diabetics will read this topic and will add to it and check back for updates over time. :D |
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Sun Jan 30, 2005 3:10 am |
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