Hi.. new member

[Luscious]

Hi all,

I am writing from Sydney Australia. 2 days ago I bought the Atkins book after having been asked to commit to it for 3 months by my new Doctor.

I am a diabetic, talking oral meds. I have had no long term success at losing weight since I became insulin resistent. I have had a lot of problem controlling my blood sugar levels.

I just moved to a new area and found a new doctor, and went for a full blood work up. Everything is good except my weight and blood sugar levels. The doc's recommendation was Atkins. I was a little surprised, as my diabetic educator when I was first diagnosed told me to eat carbs (low GI). When I aksed wouldn't it be better to cut carbs she was HORRIFIED that I should suggest such an unhealthy course of action. My new doc has said the jury is still out and that there is still a very split opinion.

Anyway, here I am. I agreed to commit to this for at least 3 months to see how my weight and BGL is impacted.

I have read the book, and it seems straight forward enough. I have looked through the forum a bit, it looks like a good place to get support and hints and tips. Coming into summer here, so sure am going to miss my summer stone fruits though :(

I'm going to post this on the Diabetic and Australian site too, as they are the places I will likely hang the most.

Hi to everyone.

Luscious.

[sambalam]

hi lucious, wow i think that's the first time i have heard of a doctor who actually goes against the mainstream med thinking!! fantastic. i think you will be pleasantly surprised, i've seen a few diabetics go on low carb and end up lowering their meds or even going right off them.
here's a link that has some studies on it about low carb and it's effects on various people. you might want to print some out and give to your doctor.
http://www.lowcarbresearch.org/lcr/results.asp?catid=201

[jaddles]

You are lucky to have such and open minded doctor. Your nutritionist has a more 'traditional' view of carbs. Although on Atkins you will not be cutting out carbs, just limiting them to healthy carbs. The whole LC philosophy is to reduce the amount of insulin in our bodies, so it has the potential to help someone like yourself a great deal. Because you wont be eating sugar you should find that your blood sugar improves too.

I agree with you on missing stone fruits, we have a couple of great trees and have to give the fruit away.... Still, I'd rather look great and be healthy than eat that nectarine :rolleyes: .

Feel free to ask any questions of us - we're a pretty friendly group!!

Jaddles

[Luscious]

Well, I just tested my blood sugar levels (BGL) and weighed myself for end of Week 2.

BGL = 7.6 (down from 17.0). This is amazing to me to have more than halved in 2 weeks. woohooo.

I am 12 pounds lighter. Now I know a lot of this is likely water and glycogen, but its still 12 pounds less that my body has to carry around. I'm sure a few pounds of it is fat.

I feel so optimistic about this eating plan. Actually, I am feeling good generally.

[zedgirl]

Well done!! Sounds like this WOL will really make a difference for you. Hope you stay with it.

[jaddles]

Thats really great news!! Congrats and I hope you can keep on improving!!