[Jennie527]

My grandmother is 72 or thereabouts and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 6 yrs ago. She is carrying around about an extra 150lbs and her sugar has been out of control lately because she keeps eating the wrong things. My grandpa says that her nutritionist said to eat alot of carbs. This doesn't sound right. Of course he's been feeding her pasta and breads, etc. Some fruits and veggies but not enough. I know that type one diabetics aren't supposed to have low-carb diets because it causes ketones, but what about type 2's. Could she successfully do this diet?

[Ruthxxx]

Whoa! Type I diabetics do well on a lower carb diet. It's not ketones they need to worry about but ketoacidosis.

Several writers, Bernstein and Schwartzbein come to mind, fully endorse a lower carb diet for diabetics. Unfortunately the majority of the medical folks do not and are still following the old rules. My doctor is finally convinced that lower carb works for me - he can't argue with my blood tests, can he?
I doubt very much that the nutritionist will buy into a lower carb diet BUT try to convince your grandfather to chose only good carbs, that is low GI carbs. Even the nutritionist will agree with that.

Books to check out - The Schwartzbein Principle and Dr. Bernsteins Diabetes Solution.

Here's a website (in a rival forum - so shoot me Suzanne!) that deals with diabetes and low carbing. http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=45. There is lots of other info for you on that site as well.

I wish you luck in trying to change entrenched ideas!

My stats? Before low carbing - HA1C was 7.7. Now it's 5.8 !

[GavinsMom]

I just wanted to agree w/ Ruth. I've been a Type 1 diabetic for 24 years and I'm doing great on SBD. As far as my blood sugars go, as long as I stick to eating the "right" foods then they stay w/in normal ranges and I'm feeling better than I ever have. (I also consulted w/ my Doctor first who encouraged me to try this way of eating and has been working w/ me as far as adjusting my insulin.) Also, I'm not spilling any ketones either. Good luck to your Grandmother. The main thing is choosing the right carbs. To just eat alot of carbs regardless is not healthy advice.