diabetes

[ryan1972]

Are there any people on the board who are diabetic and experiencing success on the WD?  I would think that the large evening meal would drive sugar levels too high resulting in high fasting glucose levels. 

Does anyone know of any studies specific to the WD and diabetes?

Thanks.

[peter]

Not diabetic, but my guess is that those susceptible should consume a main meal consisting mainly of high fat foods, at the very least, consume protein and fat prior to eating carbs to reduce the insulin spike.

[Okami]

I've been a type 1 diabetic since I was thirteen or so...so that makes for just a few days shy of 13 years of personal experience with the disorder.  I have always enjoyed tight blood sugar control (my avg pre-WD HbA1c was b/w 6-7) but I will say that I have never, never enjoyed tighter control that while on the warrior diet.  I fully expecy my next hemoglobin glycoselate to be in the 5's (that is to say, basically that of a non-diabetic)

In a nutshell, and with regard to your question, the WD kicks your metabolism into such a high gear that you wind up taking less insulin for your evening meal.  Or, perhaps I should ammend that such is the case with me.  Regardless, eating greens and veggies first has what I personally consider to be a profound impact on glycemic index, an unmitigated plus!  Because of the WD I:

1) Have virtually eliminated my "dawn effect" where one's blood sugar rises somewhat inexplicably in the morning.  I attribute this to "re-training" my body's metabolism which was accustomed to eating small meals every 3-5 hrs.  When that time had elapsed, my body would go, "Hey, where's the food?!" and tap into my glycogen reserves, elevating my blood sugar.  I spent years without a full night's sleep because I would have to awaken and administer insulin to counter the inevitaable effects.  So I guess this benefit is twofold.  Because of WD, I can sleep through the night, too!

2) Have also been able to successfully implement fruit into my diet.  I attribute this to the enhanced metabolism.  Frequent blood sugar testing reveals that I have a modest spike after eating, say, a mango or a grapefruit.  It is even less with blueberries.  Eating a mango might take my blood sugar from 100 to 120 and never go any higher.  The same goes for raw, unprocessed honey.  I'd never dream of eating it pre WD but my body tolerates it well now.

3) GREATLY reduce my insulin consumption (and its consumtion on my wallet!)

Anyway, these are my main big three off-hand and I hope that is not too much information out of the gate!  Hope it helps in some way too.  Many docs and nutritionists disagree with me until I share just how well my blood sugars run.  It is my vehement, perhaps even stubborn, (albeit humble!) opinion that WD deserves due consideration as a diabetic's primary eating regimen.

[Okami]

PS, and at the risk of coming off prolific (okay, long-winded ) I've also experienced great diabetic success while on the veggie/almond diet, but that might be a thread for another forum.  The reason I bring that up is that there is/are quantifiable studies going on currently which support veggie/almond as healthy lifestyle choice if you are looking for studies as proof, perhaps that might pique your interest.  The studies I came across were for type 2 or non-insulin dependant diabetic.  Just a thought, Mr. 1972!  In my current understanding, there some areas where the veggie/almond and WD eating principles overlap, so I promise this is at least somewhat relavant to your initial inquiry.    Again, hope this helps.  Please take care...

[peter]

Okami,

That is fantastic! Perhaps a WD and atkins combination would be even superior for diabetics in general. Very informative post. I am curious:

1.) What does a typical days eating and drinking look like for you, that is, what do you typically eat and drink in any given day?
2.) Can you explain the symptoms of morning high blood sugar, that is, what did you experience prior to altering your diet?
3.)What do the studies on veggie/almond meals demonstrate, and do you have any links to them?

lastly, i must congratulate you on your astounding success!

[Okami]

Well, let's see.  In the morning, I'll drink at least 24 oz water, then I'll do a cup of coffee or espresso.  I tend to take organic greens with me to work, both for convenience and portability.  I'll keep almonds on hand in case I feel the need to munch.  Once in a blue moon I'll pack a hard-boiled egg.  If I have time, I'll make a mid-morning snack of greens or celery.  I take a fairly simple organic broth sometimes for lunch, one simmered with a few tomato pieces, minced garlic, ginger and oregano.  Although simple, I find a fair amount of satisfaction in a warm lunch, hence the soup.
In the afternoon I like to enjoy a piece of fresh fruit or berries if available.  Sometimes I will enjoy a raw beet instead.  If I am home and feeling ambitious, I make a veggie juice in the afternoon but I'm usually too lazy/busy to bust out the juicer!
Then comes dinner!  All I can say is that I start with a large amount of greens and generally I eat a HUGE dinner.  Dinner compositions vary though.
My main deviation from the WD formula is before bed I will make a shake of sorts.  It tastes decent to me but let's just say I doubt you'll be seeing it at a convenience store near you any time soon!  Main components are plain, organic yogurt, minimally-processed peanut butter and fresh minced ginger.  The rest varies with what I have on hand.

Whew! 

I guess I drink a lot of water and sip coffee or tea throughout the day/evening too.

Morning high blood sugar symptoms are like any high blood sugar symptoms--generally uncomfortable.  I would alleiviate them by awakening and taking a pre-emptive dose of short-acting insulin.  Unfortunately since I'd previously eaten several small meals throughout the day, my body thought it needed food every 3-5 hours.  This coincided with my REM cycles.  To keep healthy, I would have to interrupt my sleep cycles, of which I've heard two are recommended per night.  Anyway, after a while, my sleep never left me feeling rested.  This has all been laid to rest per the implementation of the WD.

Studies on veggie/almonds noted several positive trends in diabetics.  Chiefly, less insulin was required which lead to less blood sugar fluctuation.  Also, using less insulin is a valid defense against insulin insensitivity which might occur later.  Lastly, the overweight diabetics lost weight.  I regret that I do not have links at this time but when I have time to get my stuff sorted out and post more definitive info on the case study I sure will.

Thank you for your congratulations but the success just a portion of the pleasure I've derived from following the eating principles.  The alertness, the subtle palate, simply being in tune with and trusting myself...these are indispensable additions to the quality of my life  but all I did was read WD and follow my instincts. 

[ryan1972]

I really appreciate the posts in response to my original question.  Diabetes runs in my family.  I am about 100 lbs overweight, and I know that I need to take control of my health to avoid problems in the future.  I have toyed with the WD for a while now, but I've been afraid that the Warrior way of eating could create high blood sugars that could make the situation worse and a diabetes diagnosis more likely. 

I wonder if your doctor has expressed an opinion of the WD? 

[Okami]

Based on my initial description of it, he had reservations.  Based on my bloodwork, he wants me to continue what I am doing.  In his mind, WD is a low-carb diet and the only thing he made sure to add was to drink plenty of water.  The last part of which I totally agree with.

Diabetes is funny in that it can run in families and it can lie dormant for many generations.  There is no one else in my family who has it, just me.  If you are concerned about your own glucose tolerance or your well-being in the future, perhaps you might take advantage of the health you already posess.  If you start walking, you're sure to wind up somewhere, eh? 

[ryan1972]

  If you are concerned about your own glucose tolerance or your well-being in the future, perhaps you might take advantage of the health you already posess.  If you start walking, you're sure to wind up somewhere, eh? 

You're absolutely right.  Thank you for those words.

[Okami]

Its a genuine pleasure.  Best wishes and please take care...