Christine T.
I love to hear from fellow medical professionals like Christine, who have shifted their way of thinking based on their personal experience with a changed diet/lifestyle. – Dr. Perlmutter
I have battled my weight all my life. In my early 20’s, an allergist warned me that I was sensitive to many grains and that I should eat them sparingly. I ignored it. At 49 I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
I continued eating my usual diet and my blood sugars continued to rise, as did my insulin doses. When I was told I needed four injections a day as well as oral medications, I had just about had it. I was overweight significantly, felt terrible and awoke every morning with nausea and aching bones and joints. On the advice of a friend, I decided to give up carbohydrates.
I weighed 236 at the time, which was three weeks ago. I cut out all grain and sugar products and concentrated on protein, fat and vegetables. I noticed the difference within about 5 days. I no longer felt terrible in the morning. The nausea, generalized discomfort and aching bones resolved. As I proceeded with my dietary changes I felt the cravings for carbohydrates disappear. I no longer wanted potatoes, pasta and sugar. I had more energy and my restless leg syndrome disappeared. I talked with my endocrinologist who had told me that sugar was toxic to the nervous system and told him that I was undertaking a very low carb diet and he was supportive.
In less than a week, I eliminated mealtime insulin. In another few days, I was able to stop the long acting insulin injection I was taking. I continue to take oral Metformin and my blood sugar is between 110 and 130 every morning. I no longer suffer the symptoms of high blood sugar spikes. I test in the morning and the evening and last night before bed I was 101. Prior to my dietary changes, I was always in the low 200’s. I no longer have trouble falling asleep due to restless leg syndrome. I’m sleeping better, awakening feeling better than I have in months, and I’ve lost 17 pounds in three weeks. The first thing a dietician said to me was “You can’t do this…you have to have whole grain in your diet.” I cancelled my next appointment with her. My body is not designed to use grains and sugars.
Update: I’ve continued to do well on this diet and I’ve lost 30 pounds total.