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carb counting

I was diagnosed a year ago with Type2, at my education class I was told 45 carbs per meal with 15 carb snack. okay, I did that, stuck to it and didn't lose an ounce. I also started walking and eventually started weights and resistance. still not an ounce lost. I am getting so discouraged, I am on no medication right now, but with all that's going on, I am afraid this time at the dr. I will be on a pill.
has anyone else had trouble following the carb plan and not losing weight? what did you do about it? and can I lower the number of carbs at each meal?
thanks for your response.

  1. Hi ymoewh,
    Thank you for posting your question. I am sorry for the delayed response. Some people find that despite their best efforts they are unable to lose weight on 45 grams of carb + 15 grams of carb at snacks. There are many people that find it helpful to reduce their carb intake even further to 100-130 grams/day (some people even go as low as <50grams of carb per day and increase their fat and protein intake). You may find the following article helpful: https://type2diabetes.com/nutrition/carbohydrates-essential-nutrient-update-can-low-carb-diet-help .
    If you choose to make any additional diet changes I would encourage to first discuss your plans with your physician. He/she may want to monitor you more closely. Keep up all your hard work! Take care. Meryl Krochmal, RD CDE Community Moderator.

    1. A keto diet may be better. The ADA regimen is way too high on carbs and low on fats.

      Even Pale diet will drop your sugars and weight in a pretty short time. I am T2 and close to normal glucose after 3 months. Dropped over 26 pounds and have better cholesterol numbers.

      Good luck on your effort to be healthy.

      1. Hi PC67,

        Thank you for sharing! As Meryl explains in her article, https://type2diabetes.com/nutrition/dietary-fat-carbs-heart-disease , "Individuals who follow a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (typically less than 50 grams of carbohydrate per day), once keto-adapted (about 2 weeks or so after the initiation of the diet), will begin to burn more saturated fat, as saturated fat becomes the preferred fuel for the body." Glad to hear that you are feeling better with this diet! Thank you so much for commenting and being a part of our community!

        Best,
        Margot, Team Member

    2. I was diagnosed with type 2 a few years ago. Now my cardiologist wants,me on a low carb diet in addition to the low sugar diet for type 2. I am very confused as to what to eat

      1. Hi marleneb,

        Thanks so much for your question! You may wish to discuss this with your doctor or a dietitian / nutritionist in addition to comments from the community here! As bodies differ, carb tolerance often varies by individual.

        These low-carb substitutions may really come in handy: https://type2diabetes.com/living/low-carbohydrate-replacements-work

        As well as these pages which have more information on different diets including a lot of low carb information! https://type2diabetes.com/diet-nutrition/meal-planning

        And on sugar: https://type2diabetes.com/nutrition/the-sugar-hiding-in-unexpected-places https://type2diabetes.com/nutrition/eat-only-25-grams-of-sugar-daily

        Hope this helps! Thinking of you.

        Best,
        Margot, Team Member

    3. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago and was offered no guidance whatsoever at that time. I started seeing a different doctor and started asking questions and attended Diabetes Education Classes, as well as attending Diabetes events in my community. It helped greatly.
      Unfortunately, I get Diabetes burn out and my numbers increase.
      I've been proactive again with my Diabetes. I count carbs, protein intake, and watch portion sizes. I also exercise a few days each week, along with lifting 2 to 3 pound hand weights for muscle strength.
      I know my A1C will improve as my daily testing has gotten much better. I have also lost 8 pounds in the past month.
      I have a 'can do' attitude once again!!!

      1. I'm so glad that you decided to see another doctor and attended Diabetes Education Classes and events for more information, it sounds like you've really taken charge of being educated and making changes to best manage your type 2 diabetes, which is so hard! You are not alone in experiencing Diabetes Burnout. When there's so much to do it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out! It's important to remember we're all human and it's okay to slip up with management at these difficult times.

        Thinking of you and congrats on your management successes! Thanks so much for sharing with the community; I am sure your story will help others here!

        Best,
        Margot, Team Member

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