What kind of diet do you have to follow when you're diabetic?

Question

My father in law is type 2diabetic. His doctor has told him not to eat any simple carbohydrates. He's only allowed to eat meat and vegetables, and as a result, he's lost a lot of weight, and he keeps on losing.
Is it necessary for him to be on such a strict diet? Any suggestion on anything else he could eat, possibly with higher calories?
Please I'd like advice from people who have experience on the subject. T
Thanks in advance.

He is 5'5, and 140pounds. He's lost about 20pounds or more.

Answer 1

First, perhaps his doctor WANTS him to lose weight. Often losing weight helps bring blood sugars down. You'd have to ask the doctor to be sure, including asking if there is a higher calorie diet he should be on, about exercise, etc.

Second, I am curious as to what kind of doctor he's seeing. Sounds like a family doc and not a specialist to me - only eating meats and veggies is NOT a standard approach to Type II diabetes, although your doctor may have reasons for it. If he is seeing a family doc, seeing an endocrinologist, diabetic nutitionist, etc. will help.

Third, there are lots of websites out there that will help with what he can eat. There are very few things that have to be avoided completely, as long as his blood sugars are normal and the diet is balanced. The American Diabetes Org. website is a good one to start with, and looking in Yahoo Diabetes Best Answers can also help. Caution though - you want reputable websites, not fly-by-night ones.

Fourth, if you talk to the doc and disagree with what he says, you might consider a different doc. The standards right now for Type II diabetics are exchange list or glycemic index diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

Good luck! (:

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

It would pretty much be the South Beach diet. No Sugar and very low carbs because being diabetic your body doesn't know how to use the carbs in a good way and it just turns it into sugar. If he wants to keep healthy then yes...it does need to be a strict diet. Diabeties shows no sympathy...you either make the right changes to stay healthy or you pay for it in the long run, and having family members that have gone through it, going on the strict diet is worth the trouble. Everyonce in a while its okay to treat yourself but it needs to be a life change.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I would suggest having him meet with a dietician to set up a diet. His diet should not be so strict. You said his doctor told him no simple carbs but it seems like you are also eliminating complex carbs if you say he's only allowed meat and vegetables. It is ok to have bread (preferrably wheat), pasta, and fruit in moderation. I'm sure there are other complex carbs he can have that I'm not thinking of right now. It is also ok if he has sugar every once in a while but take it easy. I have been doing this for almost a year now and I have had no problems with my blood sugar.

Answer 7

Most Starch turns in to Sugar when processed by natural chemicals in our bodies.

I am also a Type 2 Diabetic for past 3 years now.

Is your father in-law complaining of less energy? If yes he needs to exercises to keep his body toned.

He can take Egg Whites with Whole Wheat bread but the kick again is exorcise.

You did not mention how tall, old and his current weight.

I am 6' 1" and 185Lbs I need to be at 180Lbs for Ideal weight, when I was diagnosed with Diabetes 3 years ago I weighed about 205Lbs. and I am 37.

If he was recently diagnosed and is on oral medication it is OK for him to loose some weight.

Answer 8

Go to Google.com and type in "Low Glycemic Eating Chart" and that will give you a list of what type 2 diabetics should be eating. In fact, everyone should be eating that way to prevent diabetes.

There is a documentary revealing Type 2 diabetics on a very extreme diet who became insulin free in 2 weeks. You go to Google.com and click on Video and type in the search engine, "Raw for 30 Days" and you will see every race and weight and age of Type 2's getting off of insulin.

Answer 9

A diet low in fat (especially saturated fats), low in sugar, high in fibre is the best. Follow the low GI diet that helps control blood sugars so they do not fluctuate rapidly.
No way is he getting adequate nutrition from this diet.
Plenty of bran rich, wholemeal and whole grains foods and cereals, breads and pastas are great to add to his diet.
Fruit, veg, grilled meats and low fat dairy are the foods he should be eating, which will also help his cholesterol and blood pressure levels which are vital to a diabetics life.
Any food in moderation is ok as an occasional treat too.
I hope this helps.

Answer 10

Contact the American Diabetic Association. The ADA diet has complex carbs on it like whole grains that are good for him. Above all consult with doctor is best. Would think a good doc would have given him the ADA diet. If he is under weight things may need adjustment... Don't self treat do it with a doc.