Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Celiac And Diabetic--double Whammy

cowrdlyon

By cowrdlyon
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

cowrdlyon Rookie
cowrdlyon
Posted

I was dx with Celiac 5 weeks ago and just as I began to get used to that idea I found out that I am also diabetic. This unfortunately narrows my food choices even more. I am frustrated at trying to find good food choices for both problems. Several of the gluten-free snacks that I found I liked shoot my blood sugar up so I shouldn't be eating them. I then beat myself up emotionally because I have eaten something I shouldn't because of the diabetes. Can anyone identify with me or make any food or diet suggestions as I find myself eating the same thing everyday and beginning to hate it. Help! My wife is extremely supportive but she is getting bored with the same old foods at home also.....

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


L.A. Contributor
L.A.
Posted
I was dx with Celiac 5 weeks ago and just as I began to get used to that idea I found out that I am also diabetic. This unfortunately narrows my food choices even more. I am frustrated at trying to find good food choices for both problems. Several of the gluten-free snacks that I found I liked shoot my blood sugar up so I shouldn't be eating them. I then beat myself up emotionally because I have eaten something I shouldn't because of the diabetes. Can anyone identify with me or make any food or diet suggestions as I find myself eating the same thing everyday and beginning to hate it. Help! My wife is extremely supportive but she is getting bored with the same old foods at home also.....

I know how you feel. I was diagnosed as a diabetic at age 14 and five years ago found out I have celiacs (I'm 47). According to my specialist, the two strike together quite often.

I had the diabetic diet down so adapting for celiacs was a bit easier. You're right though a lot of prepared gluten-free stuff has a high sugar content. I tend to make a lot of own cookies, cakes etc and adapt for a lower sugar content. What food group area are you having the most trouble with?

cowrdlyon Rookie
cowrdlyon
Posted
  • Author
I know how you feel. I was diagnosed as a diabetic at age 14 and five years ago found out I have celiacs (I'm 47). According to my specialist, the two strike together quite often.

I had the diabetic diet down so adapting for celiacs was a bit easier. You're right though a lot of prepared gluten-free stuff has a high sugar content. I tend to make a lot of own cookies, cakes etc and adapt for a lower sugar content. What food group area are you having the most trouble with?

I don't know if it's just one specific food group other than I really miss good bread. I'm running low on ideas of things that are portable...specifically for lunch. I have access to a microwave and a refridgerator but I really can't "cook" per se. I shy away from cold lunch meats because I have no clue what they're preserved and packaged with. I don't know....I guess I'm just being whiney.....

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
I don't know if it's just one specific food group other than I really miss good bread. I'm running low on ideas of things that are portable...specifically for lunch. I have access to a microwave and a refridgerator but I really can't "cook" per se. I shy away from cold lunch meats because I have no clue what they're preserved and packaged with. I don't know....I guess I'm just being whiney.....

Hi I am a newly diagnosed diabetic also who was diagnosed with celiac about 4 years ago. I have a much harder time getting used to the diabetes than I did the celiac. I am afraid I am not too much help but one thing you may want to look into is Hormel Deli Meats in the Brown Wrapper, they are gluten free and marked as so and also have no preservatives or additives. I use them for wraps with cheese, throw the ham in scrambled eggs etc. I find the less artificial sweeteners and processed starches I use the better I feel but I also feel pretty restricted diet wise. Hopefully others will have more advice for the both of us.

Matilda Enthusiast
Matilda
Posted

...

Anteau25 Apprentice
Anteau25
Posted
I was dx with Celiac 5 weeks ago and just as I began to get used to that idea I found out that I am also diabetic. This unfortunately narrows my food choices even more. I am frustrated at trying to find good food choices for both problems. Several of the gluten-free snacks that I found I liked shoot my blood sugar up so I shouldn't be eating them. I then beat myself up emotionally because I have eaten something I shouldn't because of the diabetes. Can anyone identify with me or make any food or diet suggestions as I find myself eating the same thing everyday and beginning to hate it. Help! My wife is extremely supportive but she is getting bored with the same old foods at home also.....

Hi. I know how you feel but can't really help you with food suggestions. I am having the same problem. I was was diagnosed with diabetes 18 years ago when I was 7. I was diagnosed with celiac disease 7 weeks ago and started the diet 5 weeks ago after my biopsy. My blood sugar has spiked from some foods too. It's very frustrating. Sorry to hear about the "double whammy". I feel your pain. Good luck!

tiredofdoctors Enthusiast
tiredofdoctors
Posted

I was diagnosed with "gluten ataxia" and gluten intolerance almost two years ago. I have been gluten-free for a year and a half. I was just diagnosed with hyperinsulinemia -- the precursor to Type II diabetes this past Friday. I'm going to see the dietician on -- haha -- Friday, October 13. Talk about a fated day!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


JennFog Rookie
JennFog
Posted

Hi tiredofdoctors, and I don't blame you at all!!!

I was diag'd 7 months ago with celiac after years of suffering. I do not have diabetes but it does run in my family, however I do have PCOS and as matter of fact I am recovering from surgery as we speak, another persisent cyst. My obgyn says sugars have a lot to do with PCOS.

My doctor recently told me that he believes I am very sensitive to sugars and chemicals and could end up with diabetes. So I recently have switched from soda to seltzer water w/ a splash of orange, lemon, lime or grape juice. Also, dr said to cut back on my rice noodles to 1/2 cup/day, only 1 sugar in my coffee a day. So my diet changed again and I am trying to eat foods with less chemicals and less sugars. Rather than be bummed about it, I have taken a positive approach and now I cook double the meat at dinner 2 ways and eat it one for dinner and the other kind for lunch. Cook 2 veggies with dinner rather than rice noodles or potato. Breakfast is the same everyday, i just love a whole tomato cut into chunks with scallions, salt, pepper and olive oil with a side of cottage cheese (Cabot brand is the best). I love making my mexican salad, lettuce tomato monterey jack cheese onions olive salsa sour cream & a hand full of baked cornchips, yum. I keep the ready to eat shrimp in the freezer thaws in 10 minutes in luke warm water. I also keep individual separated just enough low fat sirlion/hamburger enough for me in the freezer, takes little time to thaw then season it with seasoning (steak style, mexican, spicy anything) and cook, eat with veggies on the side. I by low fat or turkey kielbasa and fry it with lots of peppers and onion, now normal I would serve it on bread or rice, but it is just as good without. My snacks ultimately have changed to fruits and veggies, w/homemade dips made from sour cream or plain yogurt, just jazz them up (I will sautee onions let them cool and mix in the sourcream or for the yogurt i like crushed pineapple no sugar added or crushed strawberries). I still every couple of days cheat and have some chocolate (dark not milk), doritos or potato chips but my energy plummets a few hours later so I do this closer to bedtime.

There is still so much you can do. I use seasonings, gluten free vinegars, gluten free soy sauce, make gluten-free salad dressing, homemade tomato sauce no sugar added.

I know my energy levels are better this way. If you like to read get gluten free for dummies and paleo diet and check out paleofood.com. I like the paleo book but I still eat a little sugar, salt and dairy. I do stay away from potatoes, corn, rice (for the most part) but I stay away from things with too many chemicals and too many sugars.

I hope this helps! If you need somemore ideas, let me know I have plenty. I am a busy mom and i like things easy, difficulty just doesn't fit into my life. I am also on a budget, so going to by gluten-free cookies cakes and breads just don't fit and after 2 months I just don't missed them. Matter of fact in recovery at the hospital they gave me gluten-free toast, I just don't miss bread at all, I would have rather had a piece of fruit.

Good Luck!

ehrin Explorer
ehrin
Posted

Welcome to the club Cowrdlyon!

I've had T1 diabetes for 27 years and Celiac for 1 - are you T1 or T2?

Definitely puts a cog in the proverbial wheel!

I hate to tell you but the gluten-free foods just are not kind to our blood sugars.

Depending on which type you are it could either be mildly irritating or down right irritating.

Being a T1 I can cover any of these high sugar, no fiber, goodies with insulin -

but it's not worth it to me - to take so much insulin for such a little treat.

If you are a T2, managing with diet & exercise (and perhaps metformin or Actos or whatever) I'd see how it could be even harder - since nothing short of 30 min of cardio would help combat one cookie.

My advice is to stay away from them and have them as a treat.

I have ice cream now instead of cookies when I need something (Edy's has many gluten-free flavors!)

And I make my own bread, with a bread machine.

My bread, for some reason, is much kinder to my BG's.

Instead of cereal or toast I have a some fruit and cheese.

You'll figure it out!

It's not easy - perserverance is key.

Good Luck!

Ehrin

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. lil-oly
      - lil-oly replied to Jmartes71's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Gluten tester

      Hey there, have you been tested for allergies? You may not only have celiac disease but be allergic. I have celiac disease and am allergic to Barley, wheat and rye.
    2. JudyLou
      - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Thanks so much!
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      I have osteopenia and have cracked three vertebrae. Niacin is connected to osteoporosis! Do talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with B vitamins. Blood tests don't reveal the amount of vitamins stored inside cells. The blood is a transportation system and can reflect vitamins absorbed from food eaten in the previous twenty-four...
    4. JudyLou
      - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Thank you so much for the clarification! Yes to these questions: Have you consulted dietician? Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies? Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia? Do you take any supplements, or vitamins? I’m within healthy range for nutritional tests, thyroid and am not anemic. I do have osteopenia. I don’t take any medications, and the...
    5. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      @JudyLou, I have dermatitis herpetiformis, too! And...big drum roll... Niacin improves dermatitis herpetiformis! Niacin is very important to skin health and intestinal health. You're correct. dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs on extensor muscles, but dermatitis herpetiformis is also pressure sensitive, so blisters can form...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,155
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Beccad611
    Newest Member
    Beccad611
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • lil-oly
      Gluten tester

      By lil-oly · Posted

      Hey there, have you been tested for allergies? You may not only have celiac disease but be allergic. I have celiac disease and am allergic to Barley, wheat and rye. 
    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By JudyLou · Posted

      Thanks so much! 
    • knitty kitty
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      I have osteopenia and have cracked three vertebrae.  Niacin is connected to osteoporosis! Do talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with B vitamins.  Blood tests don't reveal the amount of vitamins stored inside cells.  The blood is a transportation system and can reflect vitamins absorbed from food eaten in the previous twenty-four to forty-eight hours.  Those "normal limits" are based on minimum amounts required to prevent disease, not levels for optimal health.   Keep us posted on your progress.   B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9662251/ Association of dietary niacin intake with osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women in the US: NHANES 2007–2018 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11835798/ Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/   Nutritional Imbalances in Adult Celiac Patients Following a Gluten-Free Diet https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8398893/ Nutritional Consequences of Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diet https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7422/15/4/61 Simplifying the B Complex: How Vitamins B6 and B9 Modulate One Carbon Metabolism in Cancer and Beyond https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9609401/
    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By JudyLou · Posted

      Thank you so much for the clarification! Yes to these questions: Have you consulted dietician?  Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?  Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia?  Do you take any supplements, or vitamins? I’m within healthy range for nutritional tests, thyroid and am not anemic. I do have osteopenia. I don’t take any medications, and the dietician was actually a nutritionist (not sure if that is the same thing) recommended by my physician at the time to better understand gluten free eating.    I almost wish the gluten exposure had triggered something, so at least I’d know what’s going on. So confusing!    Many thanks! 
    • knitty kitty
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @JudyLou,  I have dermatitis herpetiformis, too!  And...big drum roll... Niacin improves dermatitis herpetiformis!   Niacin is very important to skin health and intestinal health.   You're correct.  dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs on extensor muscles, but dermatitis herpetiformis is also pressure sensitive, so blisters can form where clothing puts pressure on the skin. Elastic waist bands, bulky seams on clothing, watch bands, hats.  Rolled up sleeves or my purse hanging on my arm would make me break out on the insides of my elbows.  I have had a blister on my finger where my pen rested as I write.  Foods high in Iodine can cause an outbreak and exacerbate dermatitis herpetiformis. You've been on the gluten free diet for a long time.  Our gluten free diet can be low in vitamins and minerals, especially if processed gluten free foods are consumed.  Those aren't fortified with vitamins like gluten containing products are.  Have you consulted dietician?  Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?  Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia?  Do you take any supplements, medicine, or vitamins? Niacin deficiency is connected to anemia.  Anemia can cause false negatives on tTg IgA tests.  A person can be on that borderline where symptoms wax and wane for years, surviving, but not thriving.  We have a higher metabolic need for more nutrients when we're sick or emotionally stressed which can deplete the small amount of vitamins we can store in our bodies and symptoms reappear.   Exposure to gluten (and casein in those sensitive to it) can cause an increased immune response and inflammation for months afterwards. The immune cells that make tTg IgA antibodies which are triggered today are going to live for about two years. During that time, inflammation is heightened.  Those immune cells only replicate when triggered.  If those immune cells don't get triggered again for about two years, they die without leaving any descendents programmed to trigger on gluten and casein.  The immune system forgets gluten and casein need to be attacked.  The Celiac genes turn off.  This is remission.    Some people in remission report being able to consume gluten again without consequence.   However, another triggering event can turn the Celiac genes on again.   Celiac genes are turned on by a triggering event (physical or emotional stress).  There's some evidence that thiamine insufficiency contributes to the turning on of autoimmune genes.  There is an increased biological need for thiamine when we are physically or emotionally stressed.  Thiamine cannot be stored for more than twenty-one days and may be depleted in as little as three during physical and emotional stresses. Mitochondria without sufficient thiamine become damaged and don't function properly.  This gets relayed to the genes and autoimmune disease genes turn on.  Thiamine and other B vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are needed to replace the dysfunctional mitochondria and repair the damage to the body.   I recommend getting checked for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  More than just Vitamin D and B12.  A gluten challenge would definitely be a stressor capable of precipitating further vitamin deficiencies and health consequences.   Best wishes!    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.