[mom2jared]

Hi! I am a type two diabetic and I was basically ordered by my Endocrinologist to lose some weight. I am only 5'2", however my starting weight two weeks ago was 148.5. I am now down to 139.5. I wasn't on PP. I started on Weight Watchers but I kept going over my points. Then I went on the South Beach Diet which helped me to lose eight pounds. However, I didn't like Phase II of that diet. I recently read Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution which controlled my blood sugars, however, I was starving most of the time and felt that 30 carbs was not enough plus Dr. Bernstein didn't have much that you could eat. For example, you can't have any fruit at all and I happen to love fruit.

I thought I would read PP to see if this is the diet for me. It looks like a very good one from what I read so far.

I just spoke to my mother who is a Nurse about this plan and she told me that this type of plan is hard on the kidneys and she had to have an operation because her kidneys got blocked because of complications from the diabetes. Her and I have the same blood type and since I inherited diabetes from her, I am afriad that my kidneys could suffer the same fate, especially after I go on a high protein diet. My Doctor has checked my kidney function every time I see him and has always been normal but he knows that my mother has had problems and keeps an eye on it. Would I have to lower my protein intake because of this risk factor and if I do, will I still lose weight?

Are there any diabetics (type two) that have had success on PP? Is it safe for diabetics? How would I place fruit in my meal plan since some fruit are loaded with sugar?

[nasus40]

Speaking from a nurses poing of view who has done PP for 3 years (on and off) the biggest thing would be to make sure that you drink the water that is needed. if your kidneys are comprimised than a high protien diet is not for you no matter what diet you follow. but if you keep your kidneys flushed with water and have your doctor monitor your kidneys then you shouold do great. the biggest things with diabetics is that for so many years they have had poor control over the glucose and it is the glucose that ruins the filtration of the protien through the kidneys by blocking with the sugar. so that is why diabetics have problems with heart, kidneys, circulation and so many problems (also if you have read the book it is the lack of control of the insulin that can cause so much damage by causing high blood pressure and well so may other problems .. It is not the protein that will kill the kidneys unless you are consistantly not taking in your fluids. or if you have an underlying problem that is not monitored.

my reccomendation is to follow the diet and have your doctor follow your kidney function. if you start to retain fluid (swollen ankles then stop immediatly, and please make sure that your doctor knows what you are doing.

[Ruthxxx]

Yes, fruit does have sugar. However, some of the fruits like berries and melons are low glycemic index and do not cause such a rise in BGL. (By the way, the point is to keep the levels stable most of the time.) As to safety of LC plans, I would be inclined to talk to your professionals, especially if you are worried about kidneys.
Currently I am concentrating on keeping my BGL in normal range and a lower carb plan seems to be working.
Please remember these are opinions only - I am not a professional.