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The Question
06/29/09 06:44 PM

"What do you know about Dr. Neal Barnard's "reversing diabetes" plan? It's a vegan diet also w/ low GI foods + minimal foods w/ veg oils."
Asked By: betsycturner  
Category: Prediabetes

Background Info Hide
I'm insulin resistance. Currently, my LDL chol. is 107; my WBC is 3.5 and my MCV is 99. I'd also like to know how to improve these #'s. I currently take 10mg of Actos 1/day. Thanks.

Expert Answers (1)

06/30/09 10:12 PM

I have not read Dr. Barnard's book so can only comment on "discussion" I have had regarding the content and what I know about preventing diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program study, a very large randomized clinical trial (the most accurate study design) showed that you could reduce the development of diabetes by 58% by doing some simple things. 1. Lose 5-10% of your body weight by eating healthy, with calorie and fat reduction (only 25% of calories from fat). 2. Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes five times per week. These changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Other studies have looked at other types of weight loss such as using meal replacements. The global consensus is that if you lose weight and keep it off, you may be able to prevent diabetes as well as improve blood pressure and lab values. So, the question is not which diet you should choose, but what plan makes the most sense for your lifestyle and what can you live with for the rest of your life. If you love meat, then I don't think choosing a Vegan diet is the best option. You will probably want a meal plan that includes some healthy lean meat choices. Diabetes is a life long job, so make decisions that match your life!
Answered By: Deborah Greenwood
Accreditations: MEd, CNS, BC-ADM, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (5)

07/07/09 09:43 AM

QUESTION: For those of you who tried Dr. B's diet......... did you balance protein, and carbs like in the "typical" diabetic diet? I want to try this diet, but can't figure out what the proteins/carbs are........Can you please help? For instance, if I eat a bowl of oatmeal, w/ nuts and blueberries, is this 'balanced'? Do I need more of something. Thanks.
Answered By: betsycturner
FLAG
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07/02/09 05:03 PM

I read the book, took a food for life class (vegan cooking class) and did a trial run of the diet. After 6 weeks, i had lost 10 lbs and was taken off of Metformin. Most importantly for me I had a more steady and stronger energy level. The way I felt after that 6-week trial convinced me that it was worth it to continue on the diet. The diet has some great side effects (improved lipids, improved GERD, better insulin sensitivity). I live alone which makes it more simple to follow. I have been a vegan for just over 3 years now. I do go off the diet purposely at times, like after hunting season and on some holidays. It has worked for me to return immediately to the diet after these occasions though high fat foods are hard on my gut. To stay on this diet It takes menu planning, some research to find new food sources and discovering new way of cooking and eating. I continue to learn each month I am on this diet. My pantry is full of whole grains and beans now, while my fridge is full of veggies. I am familiar with new spices. I recently learned how to make milk from soy, almonds or pumpkin seeds. I have found this challenging diet to be rewarding to my time and efforts. I wish you well and good health.
Answered By: greent
Flagged!

SourcesShow


07/02/09 05:03 PM

I read the book, took a food for life class (vegan cooking class) and did a trial run of the diet. After 6 weeks, i had lost 10 lbs and was taken off of Metformin. Most importantly for me I had a more steady and stronger energy level. The way I felt after that 6-week trial convinced me that it was worth it to continue on the diet. The diet has some great side effects (improved lipids, improved GERD, better insulin sensitivity). I live alone which makes it more simple to follow. I have been a vegan for just over 3 years now. I do go off the diet purposely at times, like after hunting season and on some holidays. It has worked for me to return immediately to the diet after these occasions though high fat foods are hard on my gut. To stay on this diet It takes menu planning, some research to find new food sources and discovering new way of cooking and eating. I continue to learn each month I am on this diet. My pantry is full of whole grains and beans now, while my fridge is full of veggies. I am familiar with new spices. I recently learned how to make milk from soy, almonds or pumpkin seeds. I have found this challenging diet to be rewarding to my time and efforts. I wish you well and good health.
Answered By: greent
FLAG
SourcesShow


07/02/09 02:16 PM

I read the book in a week, went on the diet in full and within a week cut my medicine in half and my sugars were controlled. I lost 20 lbs in 3 months. I stayed on it for a year and felt the best I have felt since I could remember. It is a hard diet to stay on, but fun to try new foods, challenging to eating out, although now there are more choices. A life changing event happened in my family and I was not able to continue the diet, gained 15 pounds back, medicine increased, I feel yucky, and my sugars are not under control. I am planning to start back on it, but like the expert answer it is a life time answer, not a short term. And yes vitamins are essential, check out resources. But, when correctly followed, suppliments, etc. I found that it not only helped my diabeties, it helped with many other health issues as well. It's a life choice with rewards.
Answered By: debhymer
FLAG
SourcesShow


07/02/09 02:15 PM

I read the book in a week, went on the diet in full and within a week cut my medicine in half and my sugars were controlled. I lost 20 lbs in 3 months. I stayed on it for a year and felt the best I have felt since I could remember. It is a hard diet to stay on, but fun to try new foods, challenging to eating out, although now there are more choices. A life changing event happened in my family and I was not able to continue the diet, gained 15 pounds back, medicine increased, I feel yucky, and my sugars are not under control. I am planning to start back on it, but like the expert answer it is a life time answer, not a short term. And yes vitamins are essential, check out resources. But, when correctly followed, suppliments, etc. I found that it not only helped my diabeties, it helped with many other health issues as well. It's a life choice with rewards.
Answered By: debhymer
FLAG
SourcesShow



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*** 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.

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