Husband Diagnosed with Diabetes - Meal Planning

Everyone reacts a bit differently to different fats and carbs. He will need to see a nutritionist, monitor his food intake and the timing of his food intake versus his blood sugar numbers and go from there. The Gatorade will probably have to go or be limited,as well. It would help you greatly if you go to the first few appoitments, too.

PLEASE watch the movie 'Forks over Knives'. The website has links to all sorts of information. He caught it early so he can reverse it with diet. Movie streams for free on Netflix.

I don't know much about diabetes, but I do love the cookbook "Fix it and Forget it for Diabetics." It's a crockpot book, and there are some yummy recipes in their. I like it because I have high blood pressure and need to watch my sodium and these recipes help.

I just watched a documentary on Netflix about on a diet changes that cures diabetes called Forks vs Knives. It is amazing and scientifically researched and proven, however it is a very dedicated lifestyle to change to basically a vegan diet, but I still recommend watching it.

Otherwise, there are lots of diabetes cookbooks and websites online with info. Sweeteners such as Stevia are supposed to be safe for diabetes, here is a good link on what sweeteners are supposed to be okay, and which are not:
http://diabetes.webmd.com/artificial-sweeteners-diabetes-...
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/stevia-faq-wha...

My husband is diabetic also and it may not seem too serious but it has progressed to his kidneys failing-he is only 33 years young and not on insulin. I will tell you what his doctors have told him: NO PROCESSED FOODS! Cut out red meat and pork. If you serve bread at meals stop-the carbohydrates are what really brings blood sugar up. My husband is allotted 60 carbs per meal-180 per day including snacks and drinks. Do not drink diet soda as that brings up blood sugar and sends signals to your brain making you think you are hungry. Eat fresh fruits and vegatables-frozen ones are ok. I wouldn't even keep pasta in the house 3/4 cup has 42 grams of carbohydrates. And yes he can use splenda instead of sugar. M ake your own iced tea with splenda instead of sugar. Buy the crystal lite drink mixes to make "juice" if you don't want to drink all water(although that is best). Good luck!

I would recommend talking to a nutritionist. Add honey instead of sugar.
Have him get a blood glucose monitor. This is his job. not yours. He needs to monitor his blood sugar and food intake.

I would google diabetic recipes and see what you get there.

Hello, I have to say that I'm w/S.H. all the way! I have been diabetic for almost 14 yrs (type 2) controlled w/diet & exercise but had to go on insullin during my 2nd pregnancy. By going to speak w/someone they will give it to you straight, the internet offers soooo much information, but sometimes too much. I think that all of the information you rec'd if very helpful, but the first thing you should do is go see a professonial. That way they can guide you on a calorie per day diet & help you understand things a little better. Best of luck to you and your husband.

The BOTTOM line is:
Your Husband (and you, so you will hear the Nutritionist speak too), is that your Husband HAS to see a Nutritionist.
If not, he will be eating incorrectly and, you will not know, nor how to cook for him.
His Doctor can refer him to one.

My late Dad, was Diabetic. He died from it.
He had Type II Diabetes.
He also had Renal failure later.
And a stroke.
And heart problems and blood pressure problems.
ALL if which, are attributed to Diabetes.
And, no, he did not require insulin either.
But had to, monitor himself with a glucose test.

It is not just "sugar" that is bad for a Diabetic. So is:
white rice, potatoes, white bread and any starches as well.
But, COMBINATION food eating and portions are very important.
And you cannot know how to do this, unless you see a Nutritionist or attend some classes.
Just cutting out soda, is not the only thing to watch out for.

You REALLY really really really.... need to both go and see a Nutritionist.
So that, Husband will learn how to eat and what he can or cannot eat. AND you need to attend too, because, otherwise you will not hear a lot of information and/or he might not tell you... about the information.
I know this because, my Dad... didn't like telling my Mom about whatever the Doctors or Nutritionist said. So she didn't know everything. So, I would go to the Doctor with my Dad.

No matter what form of Diabetes a person has... it is still, Diabetes.

Rachel:

It's a big deal. Remember - my dad has Type 1 - controlled by diet and exercise and he went into a diabetic coma. It's scary stuff.

My mom cooks for my dad and his mom (my mom is a saint having her MIL live with them in their golden years and for 15+ years to boot!!) I will ask her what she uses.

I know after my dad's coma they sent him to a dietitian. As they needed to change up his menu. More protiens, less carbs - the trick is to finding out how Jeff's body absorbs and makes the sugars....for example - my grandmother cannot eat corn - it is a starch and her body metabolizes it and her blood sugar will go up into the 200s fast...my dad can't eat peas - they are a starch and his blood sugar goes up.

The sweet tea doesn't need to go - it needs to be done in moderation. If he cold turkeys everything - his body will go into a state of shock - like I did when I quit drinking Coke when I was pregnant - it was horrible. So instead of just taking it away - start adding something like hot tea with honey because his body will still need the caffeine....try honey instead of sugar.

Don't freak - I know it's easier said than done - but don't freak...take a deep breath and start reading labels.

I would get Jeff a blood sugar monitor - this will help in finding out how his body metabolizes stuff.... then get an appointment with a dietitian.

I'd really recommend he or you sign up for the American Diabetes Association's new free program. It's specifically for people who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It's a totally free program that sends you information, recipes, tools over the course of a year so you can learn more about diabetes gradually. You can enroll at www.diabetes.org/living.

diabetes.org (the ADA's website) also has more information about food and recipes. So I'd check that out too!

Any sugar substitute would be good a good change. Splenda, Stevia, Equal, etc and diet sodas are the way to go if he's going to drink soda. Of course water is the best choice, but sometimes you need a little flavor!

Good luck to your husband! I know it's tough being diagnosed with a chronic disease.

There are so many resources for you! I would recommend that you go to dlife.com and sign up for their email newsletter. There are thousands of recipes and helpful articles on all sorts of topics. I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 35 years. Type 2 is different, but if he can control it with diet and exercise instead of insulin, that is definitely the best way to do it. Have him stop drinking fruit juices, Gatorade, and definitely soda. Splenda is a great option, and he can substitute diet sodas, Crystal Light and flavored waters for the sweet drinks. Fruit will raise his sugar, so keep that in moderation (unless his glucose level is too low, in which case fruit and juice are great). Lots of protein and non-starchy veggies are ideal for his daily diet. Carbs are fine, but they should be kept in moderation. That includes starchy veggies like corn and potatoes. The key to good control with diet is moderation!

Please go and see a registered dietician as soon as possible. You and your husband should both go together because he will need your help. If you prepare most of his meals, you will have a lot of responsibility in helping with his food choices. Having diabetes does not mean he can no longer enjoy his favorite things, but it does mean he will have to learn to eat some things in moderation and his food choices will be extremely important to keep him healthy. There are a lot of medications that your doctor may prescribe that can help him keep good control, but the longer he can stay off of insulin, the better. If he can keep his glucose levels in a good range with diet and exercise, his life will stay pretty normal and he will be able to avoid some of the terrible complications people associate with diabetes (kidney failure, retinopathy - which can lead to vision loss, neuropathy, amputations, etc.)

If you have questions, I would be happy to help you. I have 35 years of personal experience and access to some amazing medical professionals. The information can become overwhelming and sometimes it helps to have someone who can help wade through it. Good luck as you begin this journey!

Diabetic Living online is a great resource. You can also get a vast array of healthy and flavorful recipes. My co-workers husband is diabetic and has tried out many recipes from their site and has really enjoyed most of them. I have even tried a few myself and no one in our family diabetic and was impressed.
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/

Type 2 diabetes is different in some ways than the type 1 that you have from a child. One site that is helpful is http://www.diabetes.com/. You can fix the food that is good and hopefully that will help along with exercise. Your husband may need medication along with this but it all comes down to him doing the monitoring and eating right and taking care of himself. I think if he does these things it's possible to correct the problem but your doctor is the one to tell you about that. Sugar goes and they will tell you replace it with artificial sweetners. I don't use anything artificial if I can help it but my husband does. He has the diabetes. This link goes right to the part on planning your meals.
http://www.diabetes.com/healthy-eating-and-physical-activ...

I agree with talking with a nutritionist. when I had gestational diabetes I had to have a nutritionist and they let me know all I could/couldn't eat and also made sure I was getting enough nutrients so I wasn't "starving" myself. There is a diabetes center in Lansdowne where they have nutritionists on staff to help you, they are fantastic. I was told during that time that sweet tea was a big no no because it has a lot of sugar. I drank alot of water. You have to pay attention to more than just sugar, you have to pay attention to carbs b/c they will increase blood sugar so pretty much not too much bread products. I didn't drink soda b/c it has ALOT of carbs in it.

Please go to www.diabetes.org. This is not the same site that someone else recommended earlier, which was diabetes.com; the .com site is sponsored by a drug company which has an interest in selling you medications (there are ads on their site for their own drugs) but www.diabetes.org is the official site of the American Diabetes Association and is non-profit and does not want to sell you any specific medications! You will fiind right on the front page of diabetes.org a link to click labeled "Food and Fitness." You can get recipes and advice here and also look at the "community" links for support groups for newly diagnosed diabetics, community informational events, etc.

Finally -- if his doctor has diagosed him, get the doctor to refer you to an RD (registered dietitian). This medical professional should sit down with you both and work out an eating plan and a shopping list. Don't just take the diagnosis, get the RD's help as well. Your insurance may pay for this visit -- check it out.

Hi! Check out "The New Glycemic Index". It's a book on how to choose foods low on the glycemic index which is an ideal lifestyle choice for people with Type 2 diabetes.

@Cheryl, are you sure your dad doesn't have Type 2 diabetes instead of Type 1? Type 1 can't be controlled by diet and excercise.

@Mom...... Best of luck on your meal planning! No processed foods is a great rule of thumb. Did the doctor give you any resources? Our endocrinologist says that Splenda is more detrimental to people with diabetes than it is helpful so don't feel like you have to go that route.

Do some reading because many websites are stuck in the "old" way of diabetic diets. Ask your doctor if you can talk to a diabetes nurse educator. They are worth their weight in gold!