Need advice ..how do diabetics maintain a vegetasrian diet?

[cally]

Most diabetic doctors (type 1) recommend a low carbohydrate diet and high protein diet. Basically, protein does not affect blood sugars but carbohydrates do. My husband has much better control of his diabetes since he adopted a low carb diet. I would like to be vegetarian. I basically am but I would like the whole family to be mostly vegetarian. So I'm open for suggestions and help.

Great idea for a Group.

[Elad]

1. Many studies show that

a vegetarian diet is helpful in preventing type II diabetes, and many studies have also shown vegetarian diets to be beneficial in treatment for diabetics. There are many high-protein, low-glycemic vegetarian foods, but I personally am automatically suspicious of any simple low/no-carb (of any kind), high-protein (from animal source) diet.

Soy and wheat gluten can make some amazing dishes, and both are low-carb, high-protein, and if you use high-fiber foods such as whole grains, whole fruits and veggies, nuts, etc, the carbohydrate content is offset (to varying degrees) by the fiber content, which lessens the impact on blood sugar (this is the whole concept behind the "net carbs" as opposed to "total carbs" you see on some food labels, you subtract the fiber content).

This book may also be helpful for you:
http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2003issue2/vj2003issue2diabetes.htm

[DemExpat]

2. Mustn't foget Beautiful Beans....

excellent food for good protein/carb balance if matched with some grain and/or dairy.

DemEx

[DemExpat]

3. I have been looking into this for Veggie versions of lower carb diets

A few sites I have found on this, not specifically for diabetes.
Look into Low GI diets/eating plans too...

http://www.mendosa.com/low_carb_low_gi_foods.htm


http://www.immuneweb.org/lowcarb/

http://www.mizfrogspad.com/South_Beach_Diet/Ph1_Main_Meatless-1.htm

DemEx

[goodhue]

4. Indian food

[JudyM]

5. Supplements that might help

Dr Weil's website has a lot of info on nutrition and other preventive health matters. This is the latest he sent to folks on his mailing list. You might want to check out his site for the answer to your question; the following might interest you in the meantime:

Supplements For Diabetics?
As part of our focus on American Diabetes Month, each week throughout November we will feature tips on diabetes awareness, prevention and treatment.

The following three supplements are ones I routinely recommend for people diagnosed with diabetes. They may help regulate glucose and promote heart health, issues many diabetics face. Talk with your physician about the best way to integrate these into your overall diabetes treatment program.

* Chromium. A trace element that plays a role in blood sugar regulation, chromium works with insulin to help transport glucose into cells. Take up to 1,000 micrograms of "GTF" chromium daily.
* Alpha lipoic acid. This antioxidant can enhance glucose uptake, inhibit glycosylation (the non-enzymatic attachment of sugar to protein), and help promote and maintain eye health. Start with 100mg a day.
* Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant which may help maintain a healthy heart. Take 60-100mg of a softgel form with your largest meal.

[flvegan]

6. Try this msg board

http://www.vegsource.com/talk/diabetes/

Maybe they can help you out.