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Direct link: Low Carb Does Not Mean No Carb
A low carb diet that is too low in carbs can actually hurt your insulin sensitivity. The exact opposite of what we want.
Could you please cite your sources for this theory?
I’ve been eating low carb, 30-35 carbs daily, for three years. It has definitely increased my insulin sensitity. Why would taking less insulin adversely effect this? It’s larger insulin doses that cause insulin resistance,
I disagree that low carb can’t be maintained long. I also disagree that any diabetic needs beans. My carbs come from vegetables, nuts, seeds & nut flours. No lack of fiber there. There are also other ways to get soluble & insoluble fiber without increasing carbs from inulin, xanthan gum & glucomanan. My diet is quite healthy & varied without beans, grains, or starchy vegetables.
Since about 58% of protein converts to glucose, there’s no lack of glucose eating low carb. After three years, my body has become quite efficient at the conversion.
Sorry about that. I should do better with citing my sources. I got it from an interview from John Berardi who is a sports nutritionist and a PhD in Exercise Biology and Nutritional Biochemistry.
In the interview he said, “Both aerobic and resistance training greatly increase insulin sensitivity through some different and some similar mechanisms. In addition, supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, fish oils, alpha-lipoic acid, and chromium can increase insulin sensitivity. Finally, moderate carbohydrate diets that are rich in fiber can increase insulin sensitivity. On the flip side, the low-carb, high-fat diets that have become popular can decrease insulin sensitivity.”
When I was first diagnosed I followed a 30g of carbs a day type diet for about 2 years and my blood sugar was excellent. The problem was it was just too hard for me to maintain. Keeping weight on was an issue and mentally it just felt like I could never eat anything. My diet is more varied now and much easier to manage with slightly more high fiber carb sources while avoiding starches.
I take issue with John Beardi’s statement. Low carb/high fat does not decrease insulin sensitivity. Many, many low carb diabetics are proof this is not the case. My diet has more than enough fiber. Please check out Dr. Richard Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution. He’s an endo & a T1 diabetic, a pioneer in low carb as the best & healthiest way to maintain BG. You’ve experienced this yourself. With sufficient protein, especially with your actve life, you should be able to maintain weight. Most people are not as active.