Diabetic Diet -*sigh* -

[goldengrain]

There are many doctors who disagree with American Diabetes Assoc. guidelines, thinking that it sub-optimizes the diabetics life span. These doctors do not think diabetes needs to be a 'progressive' disease. Since sugar and carbs trigger the problem, it is best to dramatically limit them. My husband's doctors follow this concept and we agree with them. The first line of defense is through diet and drugs and insulin are to be an additional support to bring blood sugars into a normal range. That is another bone of contention - many lenient diabetic doctors do not feel as though a diabetic's blood sugars need be kept as close as possible to the normal range - our doctors disagree with this as well.

 

So, his diet consists of no (as much as possible) sugar, low carb, no milk, potatoes, yams, fruit, juices, peas, carrots, beets, rice and pasta of any kind - and probably a lot more than I can remember. He's allowed a small carb in two slices of dense whole wheat or sprouted grain bread. If he foregos that, then a small portion of whole wheat pasta or brown rice. He's allowed one cocktail tomato or one slice of tomato daily.

 

He is a fairly newly diagnosed diabetic. After the couple of months to acclimate to the diet and metform, he will be able to start testing his blood, introducing a portion of a slightly higher carb food, to see how his body reacts to it.

 

Diabetes is a very individual condition. There are many organs and tissues that play a part in the glucose and insulin dance in the body and each diabetic has a different internal environment than his brother diabetic. The trick is to try to know how YOU react and also to try to exert controls to mimic nature as much as possible, meaning control through diet first and drugs last.

 

He is losing weight on this thing and doing so much better.

 

So, there is not one perfect diet or drug for all diabetics and a chef will not be able to create one good diabetic diet for everyone. This means we cannot just ask a cruise line if they do a 'diabetic diet'. We should, in my opinion, give a list of specific foods that we can and cannot have.

 

That is as much as I've learned thus far and I am sorry if it conflicts with other opinions here.

[capncarp]

DW and I were both diagnosed as type 2 within a year of each other. We have discovered several things.

 

1. Dietiticans know _some_ things but not everything. YMMV.
   
2. Fiber from whole grains, brown rice, flax seed, etc. _DOES_ have a measurable effect, in our experience, on how the body metabolizes a food's carbs. The harder the body has to work to digest it, the fewer effective carbs it has. White rice, white flour, white sugar all have a dramatic detrimental effect on our blood sugar levels.
   
3. Nuts and seeds are your friends; I have had very good results from a modest intake of almonds and similar nuts.
   
4. If you like sweet things, wallow in fresh fruit--my wife makes a sugar-free strawberry/blueberry shortcake (yes, the cakes and the whipped cream are sugar-free, too!) with sugar-free pudding that made the sugar-eaters at the barbecue where she served it green with jealousy!
   
5. Find out what _your_ body does with various foods and learn how to deal with them. Keep your test strips and meter handy.
   
6. And for God's sake, don't mourn the "loss" of your favorite foods--unless it's cotton candy, there are ways of getting around the more harmful aspects of most recipes. Stop looking back and start exploring the possibilities before you. And enjoy what you can have!:)
   

[sandesurf]

Thank you for this thread. I was just diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes three weeks ago. I saw a nutritionist last week, and leave for our 7 night cruise next weekend!

I've already lost 5 lbs., from eating healthier, so know what/how I have to eat. But...was so looking forward to pigging out on this cruise! :(

But I won't! :p

 

Thanks for all the words of encouragement! :D

[goldengrain]

Sorry to hear your diagnosis, but you are lucky that they caught it instead of just going on with the condition. My husband is also recently diagnosed. It appears as though different diabetics will react differently to any one food. My husband no longer eats fruit, nor will he drink. He does snack on a small amount of nuts during the day, mostly almonds and walnuts. He tests, tests, tests. His doctor told him that anything under 140 is tolerable, but my husband has read up on it and is trying to eat to keep his readings in the low 100's. He does not want to have a more varied diet if it means taking more drugs. Many of the drugs (not metformin) are involved in controversies (some causing cancer, others causing strokes and heart attacks). He has weight to lose, too, and perhaps he can cut his drug dosage down if he loses weight, too. At most, once the weight is lost, he hopes to have more wiggle room in the diet. We live in the US, though my husband is a UK citizen.

 

There is a diabetic forum from which my husband has gotten much good information, and you might enjoy it, too. It's called Diabetics Daily.

 

Please don't be discouraged about the diagnosis. My Ralph now has more energy and positive spirit than he did before he started the diabetic diet. It can affect your mood if uncontrolled, you know. He's lost weight and I suspect he will outlast me. If you control your diabetes well, you could very well end up in a healthier state than most around you.

[capncarp]

Sorry to hear your diagnosis, but you are lucky that they caught it instead of just going on with the condition. My husband is also recently diagnosed. It appears as though different diabetics will react differently to any one food. My husband no longer eats fruit, nor will he drink.

<SNIP>

Please don't be discouraged about the diagnosis. My Ralph now has more energy and positive spirit than he did before he started the diabetic diet. It can affect your mood if uncontrolled, you know. He's lost weight and I suspect he will outlast me. If you control your diabetes well, you could very well end up in a healthier state than most around you.

 

Goldengrain: if your hubby gets a real craving for fruit, berries give the best "bang-for-your-carb/buck" than almost any other type of fruit. Our best to him and to you!

[Mezzaluna]

I have to watch carbs too and test my blood sugar but don't take meds. (I tested four times a day for six years and for various reasons it's now twice a day.)

 

If you have real concerns about your meals, begin your cruise by having a chat with the maitre d' of the main dining room. Have him/her select a wait staff that is most helpful for diners who are watching their food and who know the menu best. Those are the people who can answer your questions about what's in a particular sauce, how something is prepared, etc. and who are willing to ASK when they don't know.

 

To be perfectly honest, some lines are better at this than some. I've seen this in action on one particular line most often, as my travel agent is a very good friend with whom I have cruised numerous times. One line is very responsive to dietary needs (food allergies like gluten, dairy, etc.) and even codes all its menus given to every diner at every meal; no one has to ask for the "gluten free menu" or the "diabetic menu". They also will honor most special requests and have made a commitment to continuing to improve culinary service for guests needing special dietary changes. I have personal experience with only one line, but I bet some others are trying as well. My friend has celiac disease and must eat gluten free. She has NEVER been ill on this line's ships.

 

As for myself, I've always had a great variety of delicious options in the main dining room and in the buffets and other venues because I've been at this for years and know what to choose and avoid. Once you're "at home" eating a healthy carb way, you'll see how really, really easy it is to eat well at sea.

 

Happy cruising!

Edited April 21, 2014 by Mezzaluna

[donswife]

I have not noticed any reference to lentils and other legumes/beans on this thread. They are a good source of fiber and protein. Lentils are in many Indian dishes, which also tend to feature a lot of veggies and a nice change of pace in the spices.

[capncarp]

Check and doublecheck, Donswife--DW keeps telling me that "beans are superfoods" that combine fiber, protein and other benefits with low/no fat and reasonable carb burden. And yes, lentils are excellent in Indian spices, and are easier to cook than most other beans, not requiring overnight soaking. You can also sprout them!:)

[marshhawk]

Thank you for bringing this topic up, and back. I was diagnosed about three weeks ago, and this is basically how that conversion ran on the phone with my doc, while I was at work.

 

her-you are now diabetic. do not eat rice, pasta, potatoes, or sugar, and we will see you in 6 weeks to train you .

 

me- hunh?

 

so rice-we switched to brown rice, pasta, we haven't had any, potatoes, well I have had 1/2 potato one night, had the second half two days later, sugar, I switched to agava syrup (read about this on the American Diabetes web site)

 

now, the thing is I am allergic to most artificial anything, so I do steer clear of "fake" desserts.

 

Have lost 5 pounds in three weeks (I know this is not much). But you all seem to know so much, so why do they wait so long before actually helping you create a diet? Or is my doc a dud?

[brillohead]

But you all seem to know so much, so why do they wait so long before actually helping you create a diet? Or is my doc a dud?

 

It depends... sometimes it takes that long to get in to see the Registered Dietitian. Sometimes they just have a "class" every now and then, so you have to wait for the next class.

 

But you should NOT be waiting six weeks to get info -- go to your library or bookstore, or surf around the web. There is a TON of info out there to be had, you just need to pick it up and read it.

 

Also, remember that FIBER IS YOUR FRIEND. The higher the fiber content, the more carbs you can get away with eating without it having as much of an impact on your glucose levels.

[capncarp]

<SNIP> ...and this is basically how that conversion ran on the phone with my doc, while I was at work.

 

her-you are now diabetic. do not eat rice, pasta, potatoes, or sugar, and we will see you in 6 weeks to train you .

 

me- hunh?

See my previous mention about dietiticians.:rolleyes:

 

so rice-we switched to brown rice, pasta, we haven't had any, potatoes, well I have had 1/2 potato one night, had the second half two days later.

Ditto on the brown rice. Whole grain breads in moderate amounts. For pasta you might try low-carb pasta, or Dreamfields pasta (some debate on its claims of carb-limiting), or shiritake noodles which are made of yam or tofu, which have some carbs but a lot fewer than wheat-based pasta. My wife and I each splurged on Easter with a real baked potato each, but Mr. Potato and Miss Spud come around here a lot less often.

 

sugar, I switched to agava syrup (read about this on the American Diabetes web site). now, the thing is I am allergic to most artificial anything, so I do steer clear of "fake" desserts. <SNIP>

Stevia powder is a natural sweetener that may not cause a reaction in you. Might be worth a try. Also, check out any Atkins/low-carb lifestyle message boards--we got some great recipes off several sites.

Best of luck and good work--5 pounds lost means you're heading in the right direction!;)

And just one more thing--don't panic, and don't be afraid. As Brillohead said, there is plenty of info, and the ADA website is indeed helpful. Start digging!

Edited May 15, 2014 by capncarp

[RoxnDox]

Your doc should have spent some more time on that conversation, yes... One of the problems most docs (my wife included...) face is the pressure to see more patients in less time, so I can also understand their end. But still, there shoulda been more time spent. And 6 wks seems a long time to get in with a dietician (unless your coverage is really restrictive).

 

Anyway, I got to make the same sort of lifestyle changes last fall. In my case, we already had most of the info (since DW is a doc too) on hand, it was just making the change. Joined Weight Watchers (again) and started a gradual loss - 40 lbs and at my goal last week. :) Dietary changes, metformin oral meds, and slimming back down got the diabetes under good control, in fact I was able to drop the meds a couple of months ago.

 

Depending on how bad the diabetes is, you may or may not have to take drastic action as far as watching the foods. Mine was pretty mild, so I can get by with portion controls mostly and not worry about the glycemic index very much. Lots of fruit and veggies. Substituting a yam for a baked potato (really good microwaved!). Learning how my body reacts to specific foods (everyone's different - do not believe the people who say EVERYONE MUST DO ___ because it may be true for them but NOT for everyone...).

 

If you have to wait for a dietician, go online for your own research. Look at the ADA website, tons of great info and forums. Weight Watchers has lots of info and users who will know what you're going thru as well. And another half-bazillion sites around the web, some great and some totally bogus of course...

 

Jim

[lahlah57]

Oh pooooey! I am a type 1 insulin dependent and have never felt deprived nor needed nothing special! Your choices are your choices. Being hypoglycemic just means eat your carbs with your proteins! Junk....sure should be limited but desserts can be shared with significant other! Don't ever put yourself in a category of "I can't" Dangerous position to put yourself in!

[Kitekat]

I have been low-carbing for 3+ years. Cruise ships are no problem for low-carbers at all. There is even a cruise with specialist speakers dedicated to this topic.

 

You really do not need to eat carbs, they are not necessary. Look at DJ Foodies website for great menu ideas.

As for cruising, if you can resist the bread and desserts, you can always switch out carby foods for more veg or salads in the dining room. Also, if you like two starters, I have been able to have one as a main course portion. Steak tartare was wonderful! Buffets are easy, providing you have the willpower!

Good luck, it is much easier than you think!

[sandesurf]

Hi, and thanks for the tips.

I was newly diagnosed when I first posted my question, back in March '14.

Made it through the cruise with no problems, and only gained back 3 lbs. of the 6 I lost pre cruise. Since then, I've lost 10 more and my blood work is good!

Looking forward to our first Alaskan cruise, May '15! :)

[capncarp]

WTG Sandesurf!!! :)What tempted you and what did you eat instead? And which line did you cruise on? Were they helpful in your efforts to keep you bloodsugar lower? Conspiring Mimes want to know!:rolleyes:

[Langley Cruisers]

You really do not need to eat carbs, they are not necessary.

 

Oh dear. Sorry but this is absolutely incorrect and potentially dangerous advice. Everybody needs some carbohydrates. Please look this up online; there are countless articles and websites concerning this. Some carbs are necessary - it's the over-indulging that becomes a problem.

[Kitekat]

It is impossible to avoid carbs as even cabbage contains some! However, the body will convert proteins and more importantly, fats, into ketones. A ketogenic diet is extremely healthy - it is what our ancestors lived on before we started farming 10,000 years ago. You will also lose weight without feeling hungry. There are many reasons for becoming diabetic. It is very insulting to imply that this is caused by over indulgence. Insulin resistance causes carbs to be turned to sugars and then to fat. This is a symptom of the disease not the cause!

NB ketogenic is mot the same as ketoacidosis. I know many who live on very low carb diets - <30g per day and are perfectly healthy.

[Langley Cruisers]

It is very insulting to imply that this is caused by over indulgence.

 

I did not imply that over indulgence leads to diabetes. I did not imply that or say it. Sometimes, on a message board, the written word may be misconstrued. I'm sorry if my comment was misinterpreted. I have diabetes myself and I know full well that simply "over indulging" in carbs does not give someone diabetes.

 

I know many who live on very low carb diets - <30g per day and are perfectly healthy.

 

Yes; my concern was when you stated, "You really do not need to eat carbs, they are not necessary.". It was your sweeping generalization to which I was replying. :) Carbohydrates are necessary.

 

.

[Kitekat]

Some carbs are necessary - it's the over-indulging that becomes a problem.

 

I am well aware that indulging in anything does not cause diabetes. And I am so sorry that you have this awful disease. But you really don't need carbs - and there are plenty of websites supporting this view too! And this diet is really helpful at keeping BG close to normal levels!