Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Manny Hernandez on February 28, 2011 at 10:40am

Hi Jen,
I have read quite a bit about the experience of people on insulin following a raw diet (we have a Raw Food Diabetics group here on TuDiabetes; http://www.tudiabetes.org/group/rawfooddiabetics)

I dipped my toe in raw food for very brief periods in the past and was able to see a decrease in insulin needs as you describe. However, I think it is important to be mindful of the difference between leading a raw food lifestyle and healing (or curing) diabetes. This has been my constant thing when I read about raw food and diabetes: regularly it gets labeled as a "cure" or a way to "reverse" diabetes, which it truly isn't. If it were, it means after my brief stint with it I wouldn't need to be on insulin any more or I wouldn't need to be on as much insulin any more.

Know what I mean? :)

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Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on February 28, 2011 at 12:46pm

I think Jen is using the word "healing" in a different sense than what you are thinking. To many people "healing" means making someone feel better, emotionally and spiritually as well as physically. It does NOT mean "curing". I think that accounts for the popularity of "alternative medicine", because the practitioners often concentrate on the patient's psychological state, and it DOES make them feel better, if they believe in the practice to begin with.

I had acupuncture regularly in Japan for asthma, and while the attention was pleasant, it did exactly nothing for my asthma, because I'm not a believer. So no placebo effect for me. It's also why I avoid alternative medicine -- no matter how many of my friends talk about how things like Reiki really help them feel better, I know it wouldn't work for me, because I just don't believe in it.

On the other hand, when there is at least some scientific evidence for something, I am willing to consider it, if it fits into my lifestyle and preferences. I couldn't deal with a vegan diet because I just plain don't like vegetables. And I can't tolerate much in the way of carbs. I've been trying a reduced-carb plan, and it HAS made a marked difference, and it's something I can tolerate. So I guess we all need to investigate and explore and find what works for us. YMMV!

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Permalink Reply by MikeyType1 on February 28, 2011 at 3:12pm

"Heal" and "cure" are very similar which is very different than "feeling better" or "having better control of blood sugar".
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From english dictionary.....
Heal-
–verb (used with object)
1.
to make healthy, whole, or sound; restore to health; free from ailment.
2.
to bring to an end or conclusion, as conflicts between people or groups, usually with the strong implication of restoring former amity; settle; reconcile: They tried to heal the rift between them but were unsuccessful.
3.
to free from evil; cleanse; purify: to heal the soul.
–verb (used without object)
4.
to effect a cure.
5.
(of a wound, broken bone, etc.) to become whole or sound; mend; get well (often followed by up or over ).

--------------------
Either you are type1 diabetic or you are not. I know it's a touchy subject. I often speak before choosing the proper words myself. I'll let you guys decide. Nuff said! =)

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on February 28, 2011 at 3:28pm

Another way to look at it might be to break it down in the manner than doctors do? While your 250.01 (diabetes T1 controlled) might not get "cured", you might very well be able to cure 356.9 (idiopathic peripheral neuropathy) or 362.01 (background diabetic neuropathy) or 563.3 (gastropareisis) by adjusting one''s diet along these lines

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Permalink Reply by MikeyType1 on February 28, 2011 at 4:30pm

So if your T1 blood sugar is better controlled, then you can cure the side effects of T1? That's a stretch since lots of people that are NOT raw-vegan have grrrrreat blood sugar control. I'm still not convinced. I do a LOT of active work (burning carbs) and doubt that diet will supply me enough energy or protein. To me it seems the less insulin I take, than I am more inactive and always hungry. Just my opinion. keep the opinions coming though...I'm stubborn and open minded at the same time. =)

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on February 28, 2011 at 4:49pm

I was referring more to the cure side of things, as I was thinking specifically of recent 50 year medalist Richard157 having reported his eyes clearing up after tightening his control. I think it doesn't take that long to get used to being active on less carbs.. I siad the same thing you did but, after some low carb advocates suggested that wasn't the case, I tried cutting way back for a week, ran about 10 miles more than I had been and seemed ok energywise. I sort of suspect that if we took all the low-carb vegans vs. all the "regular" diet T1s that the LCV folks might win somehow?

I have to add that I am by no means LC or V but think there's some potential to find improvement w/ that approach?

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Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on February 28, 2011 at 5:52pm

Well, I think you need to differentiate between the diet and the control. Jen is apparently getting very good control on her raw-vegan diet, and Dr. Bernstein is also apparently getting very good control on his extreme-low-carb diet. Bernstein has reported the reversal of complications -- he talks about it in his book, and he also said, in a telephone conference, that he gets that kind of result in his patients, as well. I'm hoping that Jen is too young to have had any complications!

As I asked in my earlier post, where is the line between excessive insulin and enough insulin to control your BGs? If, by taking less insulin, you are always hungry and more inactive, it sounds to me like that's just not enough insulin to meet your needs.

A vegan diet CAN supply enough carbs, easily -- grains, rice, cereals, and potatoes, etc. The raw part, I'm not familiar with. And you can get enough protein from plants if you eat a LOT, and a great variety. Me, I could never do it, but there are other people, including diabetics, who apparently can. YMMV

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Permalink Reply by Kaayle on February 28, 2011 at 1:14pm

While I disagree from most Vegan enthusiasts that it is a "cure" for T1... I do agree it is a great way to eat for your body... A cure to me is when I can pig out on ice cream and mexican coca cola and not have to take insulin... I am giving the Vegan diet a go for lent this year... just to see if I can do it. I'm glad you are having such wonderful results!!! That is awesome... My cousins in NJ do the same and love it!

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Permalink Reply by Desdemona on February 28, 2011 at 6:53pm

Good for you Jen!

I look forward to reading your blog and do wish to thank-you for sharing.

I've been eating RAW (not 100% - more like 70% of the time) for over 15 months now and have experienced tremendous results as well. I've been a T1 for 22 years and have never had such great control!

I think the highlight of this 'special' diet was when I was able to show my doctors that I was getting enough iron/calcium/essentials upon my 6 month and 1 year blood tests. I'm also happy to say that after so many years of being on heart meds/blood pressure/cholesterol pills, that I am now pill free :) Even my Endo found that hard to believe until he saw the results.

It's not an easy diet to follow and I really don't believe it is for everyone's body. It has worked for me and my family, and truly that is the most important thing.

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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on March 1, 2011 at 5:23am

Are you doing raw, or raw vegan?

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Permalink Reply by Super_sally on March 1, 2011 at 8:36pm

Raw vegan. Vegan. Possible to do well if you have access to very good quality raw foods, are knowledgable on nutrition, eating a very variable and wide range of foods. Not very feasible for many of us.

I am a follower of Dr. Mercola on his principal that there are different body types and some do well on a mostly plant based diet, others on a mostly meat based diet and others on in-between. This is also agreed by aruvedic medicine which also distinguishes dietary requirements by body type.

According to Mercola's eat right for your type, I am a protein type. This also agrees with my aruvedic type. I personally do well on a more paleolithic approach, completely avoiding all grains, minimising fruits, and eating mostly meats, nuts, eggs, and non-starchy veges. This approach also allows me to minimise insulin and control blood sugars well. I also do better on solid meals (2 or 3 a day) rather than grazing, and snacking.

I did read that it can take an adjustment period for one's body to get used to the vegan diet. I am not in a situation at this time in my life to try that.

My sister has been eating paleolithic, but mostly raw foods (including raw meats). But she was recently tested and found to have a couple of parasites (probably picked up when she was in the middle east a few years back) that actually inhibit her body's metabolism of carbohydrates. These are now being treated. It will be interesting to see how her diet changes once she is fully treated for these problems. But she lives in australia, has her own vegetable garden, and is able to get excellent quality organic foods.

However, i live in Philippines in Manila, and it is hard to get excellent quality raw foods at a reasonable price / at all. Mostly, I need to pick and choose what is in season, wash it very well, and cook it lightly. So I don't really have a choice.

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Permalink Reply by Vivelle Raphael on April 27, 2012 at 10:44am

Good for you!!! In my experience, going raw vegan was (and is) the only thing that has made a huge difference in my health regarding Diabetes. My whole body responded in wonderful ways, including my state of mind. Don't let anybody's cynicism (and lets face it- being cynical is way easier than having a little faith) steal your enthusiasm. It seems clear that those who are critical of your raw vegan lifestyle have never tried it themselves. In other words, who cares what people who don't have the experience think? You are taking care of yourself, and thats what is important! JUst continue to thrive, listen to your body, and keep the faith. Best wishes to you and all of us who are on this journey of healing. Love and Light.

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