Diabetes diet management -- tips/advice, please

[Anonymous]

I'm looking to find some guidance in helping my relative (in-law) with managing his diabetes (type 2). He's in his 60s, exercises religiously after each meal to keep his blood sugar level in check, and is very careful with diet. He's taking metformin hydrochloride, and that appears to help (so, no need to progress to taking insulin at this time). Unfortunately, it seems he has been conditioned (by an overly worried family member) to be ultra strict with diet. He sometimes eats very little, likely driven by fear of a sugar spike. This of course leaves him hungry and apt to eat too much at a next sitting. His quality of life is suffering because of pressure to avoid eating this or that. It's not a new condition to him, so by now managing the diet ought to be second/third nature. In any case, I'm curious if anyone out there wouldn't mind sharing their tips or resources on where we can find some solid facts to manage diet (e.g., meal planning) for diabetes, and/or what approaches have worked for others. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

OP here, if my question was too specific, then I'd still appreciate hearing from others in general, on what strategies have worked for them. For example, have you followed a particular dietary guidance online for setting diet restrictions?

[Anonymous]

OP, it sounds like a visit to a nutritionist would be really helpful to him. I worked with one when I had gestational diabetes and she definitely kept things in check while making sure I wasn't hungry and got adequate nutrition. Most of them are well-versed in diabetic nutrition. And many times they are covered by insurance.

[Anonymous]

Thanks (OP here) very much, that sounds like an excellent idea. I'll look into that (unfortunately, he does not have coverage because he's visiting this country), but maybe it will be worthwhile to pay for a couple of visits, depending on cost ...

[Anonymous]

I second seeing a nutritionist. Especially, because diabetes can be tricky. It can make you crave the foods that are the worst for you.

[Anonymous]

OP here, in case anyone is following/interested in this issue, in my own research I'm coming across very useful online resources to help with meal planning. For example:
http://www.diabeticdietfordiabetes.com/type_2.htm
http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/sample-meal-plan

Ideally, my in-law will agree to see a nutritionist/dietitian, but in case that won't work, I'll do my best to hunt down info.

[Anonymous]

OP again (I'm a running commentary here, almost (!)) ... Again, for those curious, I have done some more research, and consultations with registered dietitians range in price (e.g., $40-$160/hour). Good news, as a PP mentioned, it often is covered partly by health insurance. (Bad news in my case, that my in-law lacks coverage).

[Anonymous]

You don't just want a nutritionist, you want a Certified Diabetes Educator. Here is a web search engine to locate one; I'm not sure how much it will cost (might be covered by Medicare if he's on that yet?) but it's definitely worth looking into. http://www.diabeteseducator.org/DiabetesEducation/Find.html

In general, he doesn't have to worry about blood sugar spikes if the food doesn't have many carbohydrates. So all you need to do is read the label. (I have personally found that whole 'sugar alcohol' thing to be problematic, so i'd stay away from foods high in that too - like many of the protein bars). For example, FACE whole fat greek yogurt sweetened with splenda - filling and low in carbs. Nuts - always awesome. If he does eat any carbs, he needs to pair it with protein - like peanut butter and apple slices, or salad heavy on the cheese and chicken (with oil/vinegar or low-cal dressing, of course). Cheese, meat, veggies and dip, even sushi...

And NOT eating except for meals can make things difficult; if you eat smaller snacks throughout the day, you are much better off.

[Anonymous]

Hi PP, OP here ... Thank you for the interesting, new viewpoint, and diet advice. I wasn't aware that there is such a category of professional as you describe. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, my in-law is not covered currently at all, so anything we might pay will be completely out of pocket.