I have a friend who has diabetes. She isn't sure on what foods she can and can not eat.?

Question

Her doctor wasn't very much help. I'm not sure if she is type 1 or type 2. She is just on a daily pill for it. I know this isn't very helpful. But are there foods that she can eat that apply to all diabetics. If so what are they or is there a site I can go to and get more answers. Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

If she is "just on a pill for it" she is a Type 2 diabetic. While some type 2s use insulin (self-administered shots), virtually all type ones use insulin.

I know that you said her doctor isn't much help, trust me I've been there. First, she should change doctors. If her current doctor is a family practice doctor then she really needs to see someone that is more attuned to her condition. If you want to help her, look for an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in diabetes. If her insurance won't pay for a specialist, per se, she should then look for an "internal medicine" practioner. This is second best.

Next, ask whatever doctor she sees for a referral to a nutritionist. In most counties, the local hospitals, in conjunction with the ADA (American Diabetes Association) offer a program that will teach your friend the basis of what she needs to know as far as the medical and nutritional information. These programs come with a nutritionist that can take her specific medical history (THIS IS VITAL AND THE REASON NO ONE HERE CAN ACCURATELY ADVISE YOU) and will also factor in what all medications she takes, her current weight, etc into account and only after that, will advise your friend on the proper diet.

There is definately not a one size fits all approach to nutrition. Each of us has different needs. Having said that all most type 2s that I know are on a "lower carb" way of eating (notice I didn't say diet?) but not nearly Atkins low carb. Not all carbs are created equal and diabetics should lean toward what they call good carbs and stay away from saturated fats, etcs. (Here again, it is vital that your friend begin to get educated as to what she needs to do).

There is a LOT of information on the internet. Some of this information is based in fact, some is speculation and other is just plain old (dangerous) snake oil salesmen trying to get your money like the aloe vera post above. She might start reading at www.diabetes.org and go from there.

Last but not least, you are a good friend for trying to help your friend. She has a long road ahead of her but getting control of this disease is one of the most important things she can do to live a long and healthy life.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Type 2 Diabetes - is pill - diet controlled -

Type 1 - you have daily shots or an insulin pump

NOW - her insurance should pay for a seminar for new diabetics - like Joslin - AND she can bring a friend at no extra charge - so check with your insurance and get signed up

I would recommend a great book - The Glycemic Index -
a carb is a carb is a carb - some go quicker into the body - like sugar - rather than beans which are lower on the scale

I ate rice - three helping - and two hours later my sugar was on the moon - got to learn which carbs are the HIGHS and mitigate them - with the lows

and BTW - some dieticians pooopooo the Glycemic Index

so bottom line - you can have almost anything - just not EVERY day - now sugary things -= yeah - those are once a month - one treat - and that's it - rice I now have 3x or less a week (one helping) - but I get it - and I don't feel deprived

Once you get a handle on this - you really don't mind it
because sugar hides your taste buds - and things taste so much better!!!!

best of luck!

and check with your local hospital or a registered dietician
about those diabetes classes - her Doctor may have to write the script for it - but it should be free! (and yeah - the family Doc may not want to give too much info)

Answer 4

Your friend should consult a professional dietician for a tailor-made food plan. Also, a referral to an endocrinologist would be in order as well. Asking questions like this on Y!A sometimes provides conficting / crackpot answers. About the only safe thing I can tell you is to avoid all sugar, especially refined sugars. For anyone with diabetes, these should be avoided like poison! There is no safe "moderate" amount of sugar.

As an example, I am diabetic and hyper responsive to fruit. An apple can set my blood glucose to danger levels. One of my colleagues at work, also diabetic, can eat fruit, but not bread.

By the way, since your friend is on a pill, it is probably type 2 diabetes.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

A normal healthy diet is suitable for most diabetics as long as they are aware of high sugar foods and only eats them in moderation. Steer away from foods that are specifically aimed at diabetics as most of these are just a rip off. If she contacts Diabetes UK they will be able to send her leaflet on diet and a whole range of other complication associated with diabetes. Your friend might also want to consider joining a local support group.

Answer 7

Seeing on how your friend is on a pill, and not injecting insulin, it would appear that she has Type II DM. The pill is used to get her blood glucose levels under control. She would need to eat foods that are low on the glycemic index. I agree that Y! Answers is not the best place to get nutritional advice for a diabetic patient. Your friend should find another doctor if her current one isn't answering ALL of her questions.

Answer 8

Gedday Brittany, This is a very serious issue for your friend as the wrong type of food or even the right type of food at the wrong time can cause problems with your friends BSL (Blood sugar Level). http://www.adea.com.au/index.aspx is the website of the Australia diabetic association and has info on it you can source and there is an email for you might be able to request some brochures or other things. Good luck

Regards Joe

Answer 9

She is type 2 if taking a pill.
All diabetics cut down on carbohydrates and sugars.
Keep in mind the importance of exercise.
She must monitor her blood sugar regularly in order to know if she has eaten correctly. And what to eat for the next meal.
She must get a hemoA1C every 6 months in order to know if she is doing the right things to keep it under control over the long term.
Some doctors expect their patients to know more about diabetes than they do. Google lots of sites and compare information. Individuals vary enormously in this disease.

Answer 10

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