If I would have known what I know now when I was 11 years old, I may not have type 1 diabetes right now. And yes people, there is scientific evidence to support this theory. If you know anybody who is currently a diabetic (of any type), or is in the “at risk” category for type 2 diabetes, you need, need, need to send them this information. And stat. Their pancreatic islet cells may still be salvageable!

I was awestruck when I read this remarkable story on the Paleo Diet blog about a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, who began a Paleo diet one week after diagnosis, and is no longer taking insulin. She’s been off for about 5 months now, and counting.

Again, if you know ANYONE who already has, or is at risk for, diabetes, please send them this article today. Be sure to read the comments as well as the article itself!

http://thepaleodiet.blogspot.com/2010/02/success-story-paleo-diet-and-type-1.html

Check out Michelle’s blog as well – she is a college student who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May 2008. She took insulin injections until January of 2009, when she discovered the Paleo diet. Remarkably, she caught herself in just enough time that her pancreas was still producing some insulin. After just a few weeks of eating Paleo, she no longer needed insulin injections.

Now, I’m in a bit of a different place than the previous girls I just mentioned. I am 30 years old, so I have had diabetes for 19 years. My pancreas is most likely completely shot, but I have been so, so grateful to discover the Paleo diet. Since going Paleo, my insulin sensitivity has greatly increased. I am only taking 11 units of Lantus, and approximately 3 units of Novolog per day. This would be impossible if I weren’t on Paleo. My 3 units of Novolog is based on the fact that I’m only eating 45 grams of carbs per day (all from non-starchy veggies). I used to eat that just for breakfast prior to Paleo!

Also, you’ll notice that I don’t post recipes involving fruits. Yes, fruits are included in the Paleo diet, but due to Dr. Bernstein’s recommendations, I avoid them. Be sure to send Dr. Bernstein’s book (The Diabetes Solution) to any diabetic you know as well. It is a MUST read. He is an engineer, a doctor, and a type 1 diabetic himself. Through his own research, he was able to reverse the complications he was developing from his lifetime of diabetes. All through diet. You’ll find that is recommendations are very similar to the Paleo diet, but absolutely no fruits (and he does allow soy products and cheeses).

So, what I’ve done, is combined the two. I eat a strict Paleo diet, but eliminate the fruits. Every nutritional value that comes from a fruit can also be found in veggies, and I don’t have to worry about blood sugar spikes that do result from fruit. So yes, I’m on an even more strict version of Paleo, but it’s so nice to be able to control my blood sugars without concern.

Please, pass it along!

Happy eating! Joey