I have been type 1 since 1984. I have diabetic kidney disease, starting to have neropathy, intermittent gastroparesis, and had a stroke in my optic nerve (from my blood pressure dropping too low, the docs think).
So, I decided I want to start Bernstein’s Diabetic diet but medical professionals state that these higher protein and fat, lower carb diets cause stress on the kidneys. What do you think? Should I worry and / or ask the nephrologist first? I know any dietician would think I am crazy.
Have any of you type 1’s started the Bernstein diet (the Diabetes Solution one, not the Canadian Bernstein) and had trouble with kidneys or saw kidney damage improve?
UPDATE: I talked to my nephrologist (kidney doc). He said typical protein restriction is a max of 60 grams of carbs per day. He told me to stay below 90 grams/day. He said a high protein diet for a person without kidney trouble is 100 grams per day, unless you are a heavy weight lifter or something.
This would be a great question to ask Dr. Bernstein directly on his monthly web cast. You can sign up at wwwdiabetesincontrol.com. Dr. B’s diet is moderate protein, not high protein. Have you been given any guidelines on how many grams of protein you should eat? In Diabetes Solution Dr. Bernstein discusses that very restricted protein is not necessary with kidney disease.
Bernstein himself healed from kidney failure by controlling his blood sugars. There is some association of higher protein diets with accelerated kidney decline with patients already experiencing renal failure. But even so, Dr. B’s diet does not call for high protein, it calls for high fat. It is certainly appropriate to discuss diet with your doctors and in particular ask for a protein target and you will likely find that is right in line with Dr. Bs recommendation. You will not find many doctors who understand or agree with carb restriction. You can read some more of Dr. B’s view of this online here and here.
If you do find doctors that suggest that a high fat diet is dangerous for your kidneys, I’d like to hear that.
I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, but I believe there is cause for hope.
It's my understanding that much of the improvement in renal function comes from improved glycemic control. Many people also find improved glycemic control helps with neuropathy.
As others have stated, Bernstein is really not a high protein diet, its in fact a high fat, moderate protein, low carb, ketogenic diet. I think when discussing diet changes it will be important to be on the same page as your doctor, as to exactly what type of dietary change you are considering. I would bring a reprint of the study Alan quoted when discussing this with your doctor, this is a new study and many docs may not be familiar with it. Here's another link discussing this study
Wow you seem more at peace then me and I’m only dealing with sugar swings that drive me insane. The only thing I’ve heard is protein is not good for your kidneys so my guess is not a good diet to look into. If possible I’d do whatever it would take to get a transplant pancreas/kidney if I were you. Save yourself.
No. My docs have jumped on the band wagon and think that cholesterol levels increase with fat consumption, except my nephrologist. He thinks that my cholesterol levels are high because of the following:
When your kidneys don’t work, the albumen isn’t filtered properly.
When your albumin level is low, your liver creates extra creatinine to level out the proteins in your blood.
When the liver creates extra creatinine, a byproduct of that process is raising your cholesterol levels.
I think the Nephrologist might be the only one who would suggest I actually do this. He might be curious enough and want me to be his guinea pig, at least for a while.
Gary, I have actually had kidney disease for years. I first heard about Bernstein’s diet about a year or two ago. I thought all of these low carb converts on this website were absolutely crazy and brainwashed. Then I actually read Bernstein’s book, and I was converted. I was amazed that I could eat a salad for lunch adn not have to eat carbs with it. I realized I was brainwashed by docs and dieticians. I finished Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution about 6 months or so ago, and I am just now getting my act together. I’ve been doing this diabetic thing since 1984 and I have my moments of "why me?’ I try not to linger there too long.
I am no where sick enough to need a transplant. Here in California they put you on the transplant list when you start dialysis, not before. I hope to avoid getting that sick. I just want to try to stop the damage before it gets any worse. Perhaps I can reverse some of it. I am just hopign to have the self control to stick with this diet…
Sounds like you have a great attitude and outlook. That is half of the battle. Seems Doctor Bernstein had success with reversing kidney disease-seems it would be worth a try. I certainly would review the book and ask on the webcast. I was told for years that eating low carb was just part of an eating disorder-now it seems that was totally incorrect. I wish all the best for you.
If you are seeking dietary advice on what level of protein is appropriate for your kidneys then your Nephrologist is the only doctor you should be taking advice from on this matter.
A low carb diet such as Dr. B (or Atkins for that matter) goes against standard dietary advice. You will need to come to terms with that conflict, particularly as it relates to cholesterol. You are a smart woman. You can read the evidence on both sides and make your own decision on the matter. In the end, I remain open, I’ll listen to any evidence on the matter and consider that in my decision. But I am entirely comfortable with a low carb diet and eating plenty of healthy fats.
Yes, this is true. I have had type 1 for 57 years. About 10 years ago my kidneys started to fail. I put myself on a very restricted carbohydrate diet. My kidney function stabilized, did not improve, but stopped declining. I have a 24 hour urine check done once a year and my protein and creatine levels checked every 3 months. So far so good. Moderation, moderation, moderation…oh …and of course…exercise !!
Good luck to you all.
Sheila
If your in California check out Viacyte.com They are working with encapsulated stem cells and are anticipating a possible human trial in about two years. BTW I’ve had this ■■■■ since 1975 and hate every F*****G second of it.
I had kidney disease starting in the 70s and was very successful with a low animal protein diet. Any nephrologist will tell you that a diet high in animal protein is very hard on your kidneys. It causes them to have to work harder. You will need to find a balance that works for you, but I would definitely check with the neph before making any dietary changes. They know what is what and what will harm your already damaged kidneys. Keep in mind that the Bernstein diet will not cause the damage, but is contraindicated once you do have it.
I was born with 1 kidney and have done Atkins twice and lost 45lbs each time but i always gain it back. My Family Practice doctor keeps a close watch on my lab work and have never noticed any trouble.
My answer probably will not have any bearing for you, but just in case it might…
I was born (now 62-1/2 yrs old) with a diabetic autoimmune kidney disease. My protein was not limited until the year 2000. I am limited to 5 ouces of protein (any protein) per day. I have to do more carb grams per day and more fat, so as not to become malnourished. This is all as per my nephrologist.
As far as Dr. Bernstein’s diet goes, I’ve no idea, as I’ve never read his book. Having said that, my carb grams per day ranges between 72 and 175 or so, with an overall average of 112 grams of carbs per day.
I would not suggest high protein for anyone with KD, unless their physician ordered it. Have you also considered a CDE that does renal diets?
Well Alan, since it appears that you are replying to my post (by position of your reply), I did not refer to high protein within the same paragraph, as what I wrote about not having read Bernsteins’s book.
As for myself and my issues with it, I go by what my nephrologist suggests for my needs, as far as protein goes. By the way, 5 ounces of protein is far from being high protein.
As to your suggestion on reading Bernstein’s book, have you read anything or know anything about kidney disease?
I think he was talking to me when he referred to “high protein”.
I just misstated the diet in my posting. I misunderstood what people classify what is high, low, or moderate protein levels… I have reread Bernstein’s advice, and so far I have found that he recommends 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass. That puts me at about 55 to 66 grams of protein per day. I guess that is not if I have kidney problems. I am still looking in Bernstein’s book for what levels to maintain if you have kidney problems… His Diabetes Solution is like an encyclopedia, and I get distracted when I am looking for one thing because I am intrigued by something else.
No problem B Tee. The position of Alan’s reply threw me, although I did use the words high protein.
Actually, your nephrologist is the one that will determine your protein levels. Of course, our situations are different, since I was born with KD. I’ve gone this long and haven’t had to do dialysis, and may never have to. I’m very fortunate in that respect.
