Not A Gluten Free ? But Maybe Someone Can Help?

[glutenfreeinminnesota]

Hey everyone! I am on here because I have Celiacs, but no other health issues (as far I know). But, I also know some people on here do have other issues, and hopefully someone can give me advice!! My boyfriend is 30 and just found out he has high cholesterol and is pre diabetic. Now, I know how great the gluten free is for me of course...would this be a good option for him as well? I don't pay attention to cholesterol and sugars and such...so I don't know if my diet is good for him or not? I know lots of exercise will help, but I know nothing about diabetic diets, or lowering bad cholesterol, and increasing good cholesterol. Any ideas as to what he can eat now? He always eats gluten free with me at home when I cook of course, but I also want to be sure my gluten-free diet isn't bad for him? Hopefully someone out there can help us! Thank you for taking time to read

[missy'smom]

Carbohydrates are what increase blood sugar levels. So watching carbs is key. And, all carbs are not equal in the way that they are processed in the body. Anything that is white or refined will be converted into glucose easily by the body and hit the blood stream more quickly. It doesn't matter whether it's gluten-free or not.

For those who are catching it early in the game, things like sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, beans(especially chickpeas are better choices. Think things that are slowly digested. As for rices, the darker the color and longer the grain, generally the less impact on blood sugar. White, sticky, short-grained rice had the most. When considering gluten-free flours, think about the grain that they came from, white rice flour- high blood sugar impact, almond meal-low carbohydrate, low blood sugar impact.

Having meter, knowing what are healthy blood sugar levels and testing often after meals will be the best indicator of what he can eat. We have alot of power to control our destiny if we choose. Diabetes doesn't have to be a progressive disease. If he makes some small sacrifices now, he could keep it at this level and not have to take more meds or see it harder to control or make more sacrifices. I eat to meter. If something send my numbers up too high on my meter, I don't eat it. But everyone's got to make their own decisions.

Low carbohdrate diets work very well to control blood sugar for many people, including myself. Many also find a paleo diet to be effective. Both are compatible with being gluten-free so meals planned according to them could be a happy medium for you both.

[glutenfreeinminnesota]

Carbohydrates are what increase blood sugar levels. So watching carbs is key. And, all carbs are not equal in the way that they are processed in the body. Anything that is white or refined will be converted into glucose easily by the body and hit the blood stream more quickly. It doesn't matter whether it's gluten-free or not.

For those who are catching it early in the game, things like sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, beans(especially chickpeas are better choices. Think things that are slowly digested. As for rices, the darker the color and longer the grain, generally the less impact on blood sugar. White, sticky, short-grained rice had the most. When considering gluten-free flours, think about the grain that they came from, white rice flour- high blood sugar impact, almond meal-low carbohydrate, low blood sugar impact.

Having meter, knowing what are healthy blood sugar levels and testing often after meals will be the best indicator of what he can eat. We have alot of power to control our destiny if we choose. Diabetes doesn't have to be a progressive disease. If he makes some small sacrifices now, he could keep it at this level and not have to take more meds or see it harder to control or make more sacrifices. I eat to meter. If something send my numbers up too high on my meter, I don't eat it. But everyone's got to make their own decisions.

Low carbohdrate diets work very well to control blood sugar for many people, including myself. Many also find a paleo diet to be effective. Both are compatible with being gluten-free so meals planned according to them could be a happy medium for you both.

Thank you so much! I have never heard of a paleo diet, but I will look into it and see what I can some up with! The main thing will be getting on him to exercise and lose weight....I guess that means I will have to do the same! I will stay away from white rice for now...and tell him no more carbs! Smaller meals portions as well I am sure. Thanks a lot! Hopefully we can get him going so it won't turn into the real thing

[cassP]

DITTO- as long as he reacts well to meats- then a Paleo type diet can be really good for him!!! and for you obviously.

carbs and sugars can lead to Insulin Resistance in many people- so its def. worth a try for him!

[RollingAlong]

Here are two excellent Paleo sites

Panu Open Original Shared Link

Mark's Daily Apple (this one has a helpful forum)

Open Original Shared Link

[Ahorsesoul]

My GI doctor said my cholesterol is at such good levels because I am eating gluten free. I have a strong family history of high cholesterol levels.