Publication Date: 8/13/2006
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I weigh 299 pounds, and my HbA1c is 6.7 with blood sugars in the 150 mg/dL [8.3 mmol/L] range most of the time. My endocrinologist has recommended that I go on the South Beach Diet.What are your thoughts?Answer
Don't just go on a "diet" because it is popular! You have a chronic disease, diabetes, and it needs individualized attention. Please make the time and effort to see a Registered Dietitian/Certified Diabetes Educator (RD/CDE) to devise a meal plan that meets your medical needs and lifestyle. From the little information you provided, you need to lose weight. Blood glucose levels averaging 150 mg/dL [8.3 mmol/L] are too high, and it won't be long before your A1c begins to increase because of your excess weight and progressive beta cell dysfunction.
