• Find Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

dLife Daily Tips

Do you have hypoglycemic unawareness?

Read More View All Tips

Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community.


Can't find the answer you are looking for?
Ask a new question
The Question
06/05/09 04:53 PM

"Is it a good idea for a type one diabetic to try a raw foods diet?"
Asked By: bernadette  
Category: Food and Nutrition

Background Info Hide
I have had type 1 diabetes for thirty four years. I am 51 years old and am currently using an insulin pump. I am very active, have horses and show them. I do have kidney disease and take shots for anemia. I know that meat is hard on the kidneys and possibly other sources of protien would be better. Unfortunately I also have occasional high potassium and suffer from Gastroparesis. I am very careful with my blood sugar control though with my complications it is hard to keep my sugar levels where I would like them. Everyday I seem to learn about new complications with my Diabetes, when I got it 34 years ago I wish I would have taken it more seriously. It is a silent killer, I wish that when a person's blood sugar reached 200 they would get really sick. Unfortunately you don't and it is too easy to ignore the slight discomfort you feel.

Expert Answers (1)

06/09/09 07:00 PM

Dear Bernadette,

Thank you for writing dLife. Diabetes complications can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to food and making dietary changes.

Based on your history you would benefit a great deal from scheduling an appointment with a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in diabetes and is a certified diabetes educator (CDE). An RD will be able to craft an individualized meal plan, taking into consideration your health history, lab values and food preferences. To find an RD, CDE in your area just click here.

You will also be able to discuss the Raw Food Diet in the context of your health history. But in the mean time you might find this review by the American Dietetic Association helpful.

What the diet claims:

Your body can metabolize raw foods more directly, which builds a stonger immune system. Some people claim the diet can help cure cancer.

The Diet:

Dieters eat raw foods: raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and foods cooked at a very low temperature (under 116 degrees Fahrenheit).

Concerns:

  • There is no research to support the diet's claims.
  • People with cancer should not use the diet instead of medical treatment.
  • Some raw foods - like soaked lentils - can cause gas, extreme stomach pain, and other discomfort.

    Bernadette, please be sure to schedule an appointment with an RD before attempting to follow any fad diet. Yes! the Raw Food Diet fits into the classification of a fad diet.

    Good Luck!

    • Answered By: Constance Brown-Riggs
    Accreditations: MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (0)

    There are currently no community answers to this question. Be the first to Post an Answer

    Most Recent Food and Nutrition Questions:

    If I have reduced my a1c levels to 5.5 thru diet and exercise, what amount of sugar is acceptable to stay at this level?
    My husband has type 2 diabetes that we are trying to control with diet. I am having problems trying to find side dishes that are not full of starch
    Why does dLife advertise for Atkins meal and snack bars, as though they are low carb? In fact, they are full of sugar alcohols, and are not low carb.
    What is the best way to incorporate the "good" whole grains into my diet without adding so many carbohydrates?
    I suffer from IBD and type 2 insulin dependant diabetes caused by the cortisone food for diabetes affect my colitis what can I eat. help
    Which is best - wheat-based muesli or oats-based muesli please?
    are carbs affecting my neuropathy endocrinolgist says no carbs i`m too sensitive is that possible ?

     

    *** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

    Sign up for FREE dLife Newsletters

    dLife Membership is FREE! Get exclusive access, free recipes, newsletters, savings, and much more! FPO

    FPO

    Congratulations!
    You are subscribed!
    Congratulations!
    You are subscribed!
    Congratulations!
    You are subscribed!

    dLife Weekly Poll

    Has diabetes made it difficult to get/renew a driver's license?

    View Results
    More Polls
    More Diabetes Information
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    More dLife Information
    Copyright © 2012 LifeMed Media, Inc.    All Rights Reserved.
    This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
    verify here.