New and in a physical mess

[VanessaJ]

I really need some good advice! I am brand new so please be easy on me. I have Type II diabetes with my fasting blood sugars around 170. I also have severe B12 deficiency (normal is 200-1100) and mine is 70. I literally feel like I am about to fall over. I just found this out and the doc is putting me on medications, but I want some advice on what to eat to stay healthy. Any great tasting protein powders out there and what would you suggest on how many times a day I drink the protein? Thanks for your help!

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[Karole]

First let me say welcome to a fellow Missourian. Glad you are with us !!

I don't know much about protein shakes so I won't try to comment on that but I was wondering if eating meat for your protein wouldn't help the B-12 problem? Perhaps you don't enjoy meats or something?? Hopefully the meds your doc put you on will help quickly as it can't be much fun to feel like you are going to fall over all the time.

I'm sure there will be some folks dropping by to mention the protein shakes they enjoy or you can search around as I do remember a large thread about them a while back. It just depends on your tastes and inclinations as we all probably use different ones for different reasons. (like cost, or amt. of protein, amt of carb and etc)

In the meantime however, come visit us at the challenges section --thats where we seem to wind up doing most of our "talking".

[gitfiddle]

Vanessa, I see you've already been to the thread with a protein powder discussion. I use Zero-Carb Isopure, but I throw in cod liver oil and frozen berries, so it's hard to say what it actually tastes like! The only other info I've had is that the clerk at GNC said their name brand gives people intestinal problems. I didn't do any second-guessing with that.

[Belfrybat]

Welcome! :) I'm diabetic as well and use a meal replacement protein powder (Walkers Diet from Vita Cost) when in a hurry or I just don't feel like eating. It has some fat, good fiber, and 1/3 or better of the daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.

I'm curious as to why you want to use protein powders? As a diabetic, I've found it is important to eat real food. The Intervention level of PP -- 40 ECC a day -- is perfect for controlling blood sugars. Also as a diabetic it is important to keep your protein within a fairly narrow range as well as carbs, and I find using protein powders will often take me over that range resulting in higher bgs. Another forum you might want to visit is Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution -- http://www.diabetes-book.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?catselect=general_cat

Some really good information on controlling diabetes with a low carb diet and exercise. At any rate, welcome here, and please join us often.