When it comes to managing my diabetes, I am a low carbohydrate eater. I am not interested in fad diets.
I like almost every type of food. I do crave sweets. I think moderation in everything is good.
I eat carbohydrates, but to maintain the best blood glucose levels (BG) I can, I eat only particular ones.
As a child I grew up being told to balance all my food groups for my insulin needs. I was told to balance carbohydrates, protein, vegetables and fats at every meal. As a growing child, this was probably a good thing.
Now as a grown woman, my waistline as well as my BG seems to need fewer carbohydrates at each meal. Each person with diabetes is different. Always check with your doctor before making any meal planning or medication changes.
With help from my doctor, I have found that my insulin to carbohydrate ratio is different in the morning than the rest of the day. Unless my BG is low, I refrain from eating any carbohydrates at breakfast.
It seems to start my BG path on a more even level for the challenges of each day. I can eat complex carbohydrates in the afternoon or evening and control them better. Another diabetic might experience the opposite.
I eat carbohydrates, but I stay away from simple sugars. I eat only complex carbohydrates, usually whole grain with fiber. I eat fruit when I need to raise my BG.
Adopting this dietary plan, has meant better BG control with fewer rapid increases or decreases. It also helps me not to overcorrect for swings in my BG. If I can keep it from rapidly rising, then there is less to chase throughout the rest of the day.
I admit I am human. Occasionally I cave in and have the pizza, burger or dessert. Most times, despite my accurate carbohydrate counting methods, I end up fluctuating more than I’d like if I do indulge.
It doesn’t completely stop me from eating those foods. I just eat them less than I used to. Again, I like moderation in all things.
Giving less insulin in total helped me lose a few pounds and hopefully prevents some of the insulin resistance that can arise in the life of a diabetic. Women with diabetes have different needs.
I encourage you to talk with your doctor and dietician to see about the best meal plan for you.
By Marianne Tetlow “The Diabetes Coach”
The Diabetes Coach is a comprehensive resource and consulting group for individuals or families with a loved one dealing with diabetes. “Helping You To Move Forward While Managing the Ups and Downs”
www.diabeteslifestylecoach.com/
Edited by Jody Smith