Oatmeal

 OATMEAL IS NOT THE BEST F00D FOR DlABETlCS

We all grew up hearing the healthy benefits of an oatmeal. In fact, we all believed it to a point where anything that's fortified with oatmeal is already considered healthy even if it is a cookie with loads of glucose from table sugar & refined flour, plus toxic oils (shortening).🍪

Because of its high fiber content, it is considered a Low GI (Glycemic Index) food which means, it does not spike up one's blood glucose level as fast as pure table sugar.

If you look at it that way, sure it is "healthier". But have you ever considered comparing it to  NOT having it at all? 

DlABETlCS are always advised to choose whole, unprocessed Low GI food. And indeed it helps to lower their Blood Glucose from baseline, but never down to non-diabetic range.

This is consistent why those who prescribe Low GI Whole Foods are also the same ones who don't believe DlABETES is reversible. It is because there is really no way to reach remission, since Low GI does not mean L0W Net Carbohydrate impact. With required daily caloric allowance of 40-60% still coming from carbohydrates, that is just near impossible, except if it is with medication/s.

In Low Carb and Very Low Carbohydrate meal plans, 2 out of the 9 recommended Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for diabetics published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in 2019, these lowered net carb intake with nutrient-dense food groups showed modest control of blood sugar  as well as

1. Reduction of HbA1c 

2. Weight Loss

3. Lowered Blood Pressure

4. Higher HDL-C and Lowered Triglycerides

This way, chances of remission is higher, and the possible need for more medications will become less and less as the patient improves his compliance. And yes, proper medical supervision is advised.

We understand it may be challenging at first, but that is the reason why we do what we do in our Low Carb communities and put up a support group to help those who need it the most. We believe that with the right knowledge, strong will to live and personal experience of improvement, then adherence will almost become automatic. 

Below is a theoretical diagram showing where common food groups are when it comes to blood glucose impact. The data came from our community members' self-reported BG monitoring with different foods, as well as the corresponding GI and net carb content based on 1 cup serving suggestions 1-2 hours after meal. THIS IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.

Remember, an average normal plasma glucose reading of 70-100mg/dL of an average person is just equivalent to 1 teaspoon or 4g of net glucose in the bloodstream at any given time. Thus, a blood glucose increase of 180-250mg/dL after a cup of Low GI Food containing 20-40g net carbs should not surprise us.

Individual differences may occur depending on the degree of insulin resistance, pre-meal BG level, physical activity, other macronutrient (protein/fat ratio) intake, metabolic health, gender and age. 

Stay Low Carb, stay SAFE. 🥑

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: This is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES only. A proper medical consultation is recommended. Always seek the advice of your trusted physician before trying out anything you are not fully versed with.

Join Life Without Rice and LOW-CARB FEASTING & FASTING Community if your wish to know more :)