FRESH food, not processed

Q: Ginny,

I am a recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetic being treated with heavy exercise and Metformin 500 mg. 1 per day. I have not been able to find anything advising me on the correct balance of Fat, Carbs and Protein ( as grams please) I should strive for each day. My doctor advised a high protein diet, but I'm questioning that suggestion.

Also, so much food has sugar in it and my goal is to try and eat fresh as it is possible, but how many grams of sugar are safe in a diabetic diet.

Thanks so very much for the help.

J.

A: J., Your physician may have suggested a high protien/low carbohydrate diet to help your body manage your response to carbohyrate metabolism (all carbohydrates turn into glucose).

We think it is importat to have a healthy diet and the basis is cutting down on highly processed foods, especially highly processed carbohydrates---not all carbohydrates. Generally people can begin with 45 grams of carbohydrates per meal---healthy carbohydrates like fresh fruit and whole grains.

I am going to forward your note to a great dietician, Lisa, who will probably give you more information as well as ask you for more information:

• what are your lipid levels,
• what is your blood pressure,
• how much do you weigh?

The amounts that would help you lose weight are very different than the amounts that you need if you are at a normal weight. As you begin your meal plan, think FRESH food, not processed food in boxes.

The meal plans for people with diabetes aren't diets per say---it is a healthy life style. They are meal plans that would be healthy for any human being. You want a meal plan that makes sense. You do not need a degree in chemistry to be able to make healthy choices.

Good luck to you. I will forward Lisa's response to you.

ginny

Byetta & Treating Diabetes

Q: Have a question that i would like to ask you about diabetes. What is the downside of using byetta for treating diabetes?

Thanks, B.

A: Dear B., After working with many patients that are taking Byetta, there seems to be just a few downsides:

1) This medication needs to be injected twice a day. (Even patients who did not want to inject any medication, have found that the injections do not hurt and are not hard to do) and

2) The biggest side effect seems to be nausea. (Many patients look at the nausea as a positive because they then don't eat as much). Nausea time varies from just the first few injections to several weeks, but for most patients it decreases over time. A very few patients have stopped the medication due to vomitting. Other side effects that have been noted are diarrhea, dizziness, headache, jittery feelings and an acid stomach.

If you also take an oral medication that contains a sulfonylura, be sure and discuss your dose and any possible low blood sugars with your doctor before you start your Byetta.

If you want additional information, also look at www.Byetta.com, check with your pharmacist or certified diabetes educator.

Take care, ginny