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Posted 8/17/2007 3:29 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone.  I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for a few months.  I take metformin to help control my BS.  I have been reading some posts and decided I like you guys and want to join in on the chats tongue  

I have a couple of questions at this time. (1) If I were going to buy a book to read to get info on diet, what book would you recommend?  (2) I have been reading about dreamfields pasta and some other products that will list a number such as 26g for the total carbs but then will say that there is a net carb of 2g.  Does this mean that if I am counting the carbs that I count it as 2g?

I have really gotten some good info from this site.  Thanks to all you moderators and other members.

Posted 8/17/2007 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bamabrave. Welcome to the Forum. I'm glad you like us guys! We're all dealing with diabetes I or II, some on meds, some not, so you'll find that we may follow different diet plans. "The Insulin Resistance Diet" is one book which pairs some carbs with protein. This works for some people. I am trying to follow a no carb plan and have bought the two books by Dr. Bernstein. The bottom line is how the food you eat affects your blood sugar, so you'll have to eat and test. Several members love the Dreamfields pasta, so I'm going to let them chime in and answer those questions.
Keep checking back for responses.
Posted 8/17/2007 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
The total carbs vs. the net carbs works like this:

Anything over 5 gm. fiber you may subtract the fiber grams from the carb grams

For example:

Carbohydrates = 38 gm
total fiber = 7 gm

The net carb contained for your counting purpose would be 38 minus 7 for a total of 31 net carbs. (this is about two servings of carb) For that meal you would count 31 gm carb for that item.

Other things will affect the carbohydrate absorption as well. Fats slow down stomach emptying time and delay or even out spikes in your blood sugar. You should always have some kind of monounsaturated fat with each meal. (peanut butter, olive oil, avocado, nuts, olives)

Metformin will help stop absorption of some carbs and this is why "If you overdo you go pooh!" The diarrhea side effect of metformin is most pronounced if you are eating too many carbohydrates. If you are having this problem you should examine your food plan and cut back on carbs, especially grains and grain products except for oats. HOpe this helps.
Posted 8/17/2007 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Bamabrave,

I follow the Insulin-Resistance eating plan. The approach works very well for me. I also eat Dreamfields pasta. It is loaded with fiber, which is indigestible, so you only count the net carbs/per portion as listed on the box. I have eaten 3 portions of elbows at the same time with no effect on my BG (close to 2 full cups in macaroni and cheese).

One book that really helped me out after my diagnosis is Gretchen Becker's book: The First Year - Type 2 Diabetes. The author recounts her own journey after diagnosis; the tests we need and what the results mean. I probably read it once a week for about the first 4 months! I still refer to it often.  I also read the Dummies book - it is easy to understand and helped me prepare for my first couple of follow-up doctor visits.

Hope this helps!

sandy

Posted 8/17/2007 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much you all. I have not had any trouble with my metformin and diarrhea so I can be thankful there.
I try to keep the carbs I eat to 20 or less per meal, but I am sure that I am eating some carbs that I am not aware of. I miss pasta thus the question about the dreamfields . . . I think that I will try it.
My doctor told me about being sure to eat lots of protein. In fact he told me not a ever eat a meal (or snack it possible) without eating at least 2oz. of protein.
I am going to look for the two books mentioned.
Again thanks for the info
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