I have been doing a lot of research, and no, I do not personally have Diabetes, but someone close to me does. Of course there are views from every side of the spectrum as to whether Paleo is good for someone with Diabetes, but more sources say that it is. Having done Paleo for a solid two months, I can tell you that it is definitely something to consider if you have diabetes. Basically, for anyone that is diagnosed with Diabetes, they are told to lose weight…Paleo for weight loss? Check. Fructose…big no no. Paleo has no fructose. For someone on Diabetes, their diet should be high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories, which is all part of living Paleo. Diabetics need to monitor their carbs! Something I read online was this, “MYTH: You have to cut way down on carbs. Fact: Again, the key is to eat a balanced diet. The serving size and the type of carbohydrates you eat are especially important. Focus on whole grain carbs since they are a good source of fiber and they are digested slowly, keeping blood sugar levels more even.” These seemed like a fairly helpful site in case you want to check it out, http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_diabetes.htm.
Paleo won’t cure this, but it will certainly keep it at bay and help you feel better (and probably enjoy life and eating a little more), at least that is what I believe. Luckily, I don’t have major health problems, but I know how I feel living this way, and I think other people who may have health issues, could certainly benefit.
I’m still learning about Paleo, like I’ve said before, but I’ve been doing all my reading and trying to get as much information as possible. My plan is to go completely strict Paleo. I really love the way I feel, and even more, I love the way people perceive me now. People who know me well tell me that I look more awake, and that I have more energy…that’s awesome, because that’s exactly how I feel. I feel so much more productive because my energy levels have greatly increased.
Upon further research, going out to eat and staying strict Paleo, isn’t exactly possible, but you can make it work. 🙂
“If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you do good.”
-Georges St-Pierre-
Let me first off by saying that I am proud of you – full disclosure you have been a close friend for 20 plus years……..
But I have to take a few things to task in the post.
1. While fructose should be extremely limited and likely totally eliminated if you have diabetes – fruit is paleo and fruit sans citrus is primary fructose as is honey. So Paleo does have a minimal amount of fructose in most cases.
2. In the context of the post low fat is mentioned as not Paleo….. well that depends if you are a Kitavan in New Guinea your diet is likely low in fat but if you are a Masai or Inuit your diet is nearly all fat! It is my belief most people will do better on a high fat moderate protein low carb paleo style diet – especially someone who have type 2 diabetes.
3. Fact: if you are diabetic you have to cut way back on carbs!
4. Yes fiber does slow sugar spikes but protein and particularly fat has little to no impact on blood sugar.
5. While “cure” is a tough word to use for any health care practitioner – I believe a Paleo Diet can very likely “cure” Type 2 diabetes and might be able to “cure” Juvenille diabetes as well if caught early enough (mentioned by Robb Wolfe many times)
Looking forward to your response
N
Thanks for your input! I am going to pass this information along.
So, I don’t really think I had any information about fructose, but I think I have a lot of misconceptions about it. Fructose and high fructose corn syrup are two different things? I’m not that into fruits, never really have been because I have an allergy to a few. Do you recommend anything I can do to replace the fact that I don’t really eat fruit? I also had no idea there were so many different forms of Paleo. For the most part, the way I do Paleo is high protein, low carb. I don’t really pay attention to the fat content of the diet, so I couldn’t tell you if it was high or low in fat. This is definitely helpful info though. I hoping that changing to a Paleo lifestyle can help my friend overcome diabetes and get “cured”. It’s a big change, but with a great support system, anything is possible. I have to get more familiar with good and bad carbs, as well. Thanks again for your insight! It’s greatly appreciated. 🙂