1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

PALEO Diet for weight loss and diabetic management

Posted by savannahjones @savannahjones, Dec 25, 2017

I am over 70, a diabetic (Type II) and obese. I have been following a PALEO diet(high protein, low carb) for over a month and a half. I have LOST weight, been able to maintain so-so blood glucose readings (160 average); been less tired, happier; and am no longer hungry ALL the time. If I am hungry, I eat. I do still take a number of medications for diabetes. If I can maintain this regimen, I will be ecstatic.

My question: why does the American Diabetic Assoc. recommend 40 grams of carbs with each meal? I felt so discouraged when following this rule and was unable to lose weight, no matter how hard I tried and how much I starved myself.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 26, 2017

Hello @savannahjones and welcome to Mayo Connect!

We appreciate your post regarding diet, weight loss and diabetes. I'm happy that you found a diet plan that works so well for you.

In response to your question about carbs, I went to the American Diabetes Association website and found this information about carbs, http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/carbohydrate-counting.html.

I am wondering if the 40 grams of carbs was meant to be for the whole day, rather than with each meal?

I am going to invite @lisalucier into this discussion. Lisa is a moderator with Mayo Connect and perhaps she can offer some other thoughts. Also, @kdubois and @dawn_giacabazi are volunteer mentors with Mayo Connect and perhaps they can offer some suggestions as well.

Teresa

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 26, 2017

Hi SavannahJones,
Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that may interest you about the evidence:
Paleo diet: What is it and why is it so popular? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/paleo-diet/art-20111182
Fellow members @danmlee @saucy @wottone and @doron have all mentioned following the Paleo diet, but not specifically for weight loss, but rather to manage symptoms of various digestive or auto-immune conditions.

I'm glad that you have found success with the Paleo diet both for weight management and for controlling blood glucose levels. Fantastic that you're also reaping side benefits of being less hungry, less tired AND happier. That sure sounds like a win-win.

Was maintaining your diet difficult during the holidays?

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mlmcg | @mlmcg | Dec 26, 2017

If you have stayed on your "diet" for over a month, feel better, lost weight you should be able to remain on your new "life style" as long as you want. When we try something new the first 40 days are the hardest. If you are able to get your family and loved-ones to help you can make it. Do not give up!
mlmcg

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JACK SIMKHAY | @fair2all | Dec 27, 2017

I am 64 years old, and I have absolutely no experience with the Paleo Diet, and my comment is not about this particular Diet, but rather about Obesity in General. Unfortunately I had a lifelong struggle with Obesity until 4 years ago. Every person is different, but 5 years ago, I realized that for me 50 years of trying a long list of Diets, some with great success, and with the ability to keep the weight down for some years, eventually failed, and the weight went back up. I decided to make an appointment at the Mayo Clinic's in the Endocrinology department, with one of the Doctors specializing in Weight management. My intentions were to learn, what their thoughts were about "Bariatric Surgery", and how can I find out if I am a good candidate. Long story short, I went through a very conservative evaluation that took about 5 months, and was approved by the team of Physicians, Dieticians, Therapist, and of course the surgeon, that I was a good candidate. I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery, and after 16 months I lost 110 pounds. Today I feel like I have never felt in my life, my cholesterol level, blood pressure, glucose level, and other vitals, are like a young man, I sleep better at night, never had so much energy. Every person is different and I dont know if what was right for me, works for someone else. But I would encourage people with Obesity problems to check with an Endocrinologist, if they are a good candidate. But you have to make that first move, and make an appointment with the Doctor. The proof that overall Bariatric surgery has become one of the better solution in the fight against Obesity, is that Insurance companies looking at the results, today encourage Obese people that decide to go into the program. I think that I am considered a success with my results and the way I changed my habits and maintain my weight, because I understood very well, what the procedure is about, and what should be my part in this lifelong change. I truly feel as if I was slim for my entire life. I will be more than glad, to answer any questions, and to the best of my ability guide whoever is interested to consider Bariatric Surgery.

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2 replies
njcarolnjn | @njcarolnjn | Dec 27, 2017

What would make anyone think they can trust anything from American Diabetes Association I recommend that anyone with illness reads or listens to the book undoctored. I am about to Paleo diet myself....ug feel so deprived. Sad to be so distrustful of Doctors but the truth is with my illnesses I have become more knowledgeable then they.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 27, 2017
In reply to @fair2all "I am 64 years old, and I have absolutely no experience with the Paleo Diet, and..." + (show)
@fair2all

I am 64 years old, and I have absolutely no experience with the Paleo Diet, and my comment is not about this particular Diet, but rather about Obesity in General. Unfortunately I had a lifelong struggle with Obesity until 4 years ago. Every person is different, but 5 years ago, I realized that for me 50 years of trying a long list of Diets, some with great success, and with the ability to keep the weight down for some years, eventually failed, and the weight went back up. I decided to make an appointment at the Mayo Clinic's in the Endocrinology department, with one of the Doctors specializing in Weight management. My intentions were to learn, what their thoughts were about "Bariatric Surgery", and how can I find out if I am a good candidate. Long story short, I went through a very conservative evaluation that took about 5 months, and was approved by the team of Physicians, Dieticians, Therapist, and of course the surgeon, that I was a good candidate. I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery, and after 16 months I lost 110 pounds. Today I feel like I have never felt in my life, my cholesterol level, blood pressure, glucose level, and other vitals, are like a young man, I sleep better at night, never had so much energy. Every person is different and I dont know if what was right for me, works for someone else. But I would encourage people with Obesity problems to check with an Endocrinologist, if they are a good candidate. But you have to make that first move, and make an appointment with the Doctor. The proof that overall Bariatric surgery has become one of the better solution in the fight against Obesity, is that Insurance companies looking at the results, today encourage Obese people that decide to go into the program. I think that I am considered a success with my results and the way I changed my habits and maintain my weight, because I understood very well, what the procedure is about, and what should be my part in this lifelong change. I truly feel as if I was slim for my entire life. I will be more than glad, to answer any questions, and to the best of my ability guide whoever is interested to consider Bariatric Surgery.

Jump to this post

Hello Jack @fair2all

I see that this is your first post - welcome to Mayo Connect!

We appreciate your sharing your experience of weight loss by surgical intervention. I am glad that it worked so well for you and that you shared your experience. You are certainly right when you say, what works for you might not be right for someone else, however, your input is great and I'm sure that others who are considering this type of surgery will be encouraged by your experience.

It sounds as if you took a long time to make this decision and that you had a lot of good medical support which is so important. We are glad that you are willing to help others who may have questions regarding this procedure.

Teresa

REPLY
rridgway | @rridgway | Mar 1, 2019
In reply to @fair2all "I am 64 years old, and I have absolutely no experience with the Paleo Diet, and..." + (show)
@fair2all

I am 64 years old, and I have absolutely no experience with the Paleo Diet, and my comment is not about this particular Diet, but rather about Obesity in General. Unfortunately I had a lifelong struggle with Obesity until 4 years ago. Every person is different, but 5 years ago, I realized that for me 50 years of trying a long list of Diets, some with great success, and with the ability to keep the weight down for some years, eventually failed, and the weight went back up. I decided to make an appointment at the Mayo Clinic's in the Endocrinology department, with one of the Doctors specializing in Weight management. My intentions were to learn, what their thoughts were about "Bariatric Surgery", and how can I find out if I am a good candidate. Long story short, I went through a very conservative evaluation that took about 5 months, and was approved by the team of Physicians, Dieticians, Therapist, and of course the surgeon, that I was a good candidate. I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery, and after 16 months I lost 110 pounds. Today I feel like I have never felt in my life, my cholesterol level, blood pressure, glucose level, and other vitals, are like a young man, I sleep better at night, never had so much energy. Every person is different and I dont know if what was right for me, works for someone else. But I would encourage people with Obesity problems to check with an Endocrinologist, if they are a good candidate. But you have to make that first move, and make an appointment with the Doctor. The proof that overall Bariatric surgery has become one of the better solution in the fight against Obesity, is that Insurance companies looking at the results, today encourage Obese people that decide to go into the program. I think that I am considered a success with my results and the way I changed my habits and maintain my weight, because I understood very well, what the procedure is about, and what should be my part in this lifelong change. I truly feel as if I was slim for my entire life. I will be more than glad, to answer any questions, and to the best of my ability guide whoever is interested to consider Bariatric Surgery.

Jump to this post

Your experience is very interesting to read. Look up John McDougall M.D. for other success stories like yours.

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