"ray" wrote in message
news
On Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:48:11 -0600, L. Conrad wrote:

I'm asking this because I have several friends and a brother in law with
diabetes. My BIL doesn't need insulin as he controls his diabetes with
diet
alone. He's on a really low carb diet and is doing great. He also lost
his
excess weight. No, his cholesterol levels are not out of sight, staying
under 200. He is in his mid 70s now. But my friends, ages from 50 to
75
will not eat a low carb diet, one doesn't even seem to realize what foods
are high in carbs or sugars. One says carbs are necessary for health.
The
research I've done so far says that is not true since humans can make
their
own carbs from protein by splitting off one atom or some such (think
Eskimos
and far north peoples). I learned no one ever suffered a carb
deficiency.
They are unwilling to give up the foods they love such as potatoes, peas,
bagels, cereals, corn etc.

The questions a

Can a diabetic, already on insulin control their blood-sugar better by
adopting a very low carb, or near no carb diet?
Can a diabetic who adopts a low carb diet improve their blood values and
need LESS insulin?
Would the need for less insulin be better for their general health?
Can a diabetic slowly lower their carb levels to see if less insulin is
needed?

I would refer you to Dr. Richard Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution". He has
been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 60 years and is in excellent health. His
answer to your queries would be 'yes'. He advocates a diet of 30 grams of
cabohydrates daily for insulin users. Please note I am not affiliated with
Dr. B. - I have a copy of his book which I reread from time to time. I
credit his basic approach to helping me gain control.

One point he makes - there are certainly essential proteins; there are
also certain essential fats; there are no essential carbohydrates.

Good luck.

Thank you for all for your replies. I believe many diabetics would not be
willing to give up the foods they love to keep to a 30g carb a day diet.
That is essentially the problem with my friends. They wont give up what the
love to help themselves. None are really active or into physical activity
of any type beyond the usual shopping or house cleaning. Only my BIL is
willing to do this, plus walk 2 miles most days, and has remained in good
health for years. He said if he went off the strict diet he would eventually
need to go the injectable route and wants to avoid that possibility.

They will see the recommendation of the book above.