In a randomized study conducted in Naples, Italy, in 2009, researchers concluded that people who followed a low carb Mediterranean type diet(<50% of each days calories from carbs) as compared to people who followed a low fat diet (<30% of each days calories from fat), were less likely to have to begin taking medication for diabetes. At the end of the 4-year study, only 44% of the respondents on the low carb Mediterranean diet had to be put on anti-hyperglycemic medications, whereas 70% of those who followed the low fat diet required the diabetes drugs.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in April of 1988. I tried the American Diabetes Association diet. My blood glucose kept getting worse. I was put on anti-hyperglycemic medications that were constantly being adjusted. It seemed like no one knew exactly what to do because the “guidelines” just didn’t work.
Much later, I switched to the Atkins low carb diet. Within two weeks my blood glucose levels were normal and I started to taper off on my medications. Eventually, I was able to stop taking any medicine for diabetes control. I also begin to lose weight. My doctors were amazed at the results of my HbA1c tests and told me to keep doing whatever I was doing. They were skeptical about the Atkins diet, but they couldn’t ignore my results.
The Mediterranean Diet is, without a doubt, a healthy way of eating, but for a diabetic it includes too many carbohydrates, such as pasta and rice, and alcohol beverages. When I was first diagnosed, I was told that drinking an alcoholic drink was the same as drinking a cup of sugar. This is a pretty bold statement, but it has stuck with me all these years.
In 1997, Dr. Richard K. Bernstein came out with his book, Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution. Many people swear by his program and are able to control their blood glucose levels and their weight, without the need to take any diabetes medication.
Both the Atkins Diet and Dr. Bernstein’s program can be found online. Everything on the Atkins website is free and you even have the option of charting your progress and keeping a personal diary.
Dr. Bernstein’s site has a link where you can order an HbA1c self-test for under $15.00 and it gives you results in just 5 minutes, without the need to mail a blood sample anywhere.
So, listen to your doctors, but take responsibility for your health yourself. Look at the options and make the choice that works the best for you. It’s your health!
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