“It’s the Sugar Scare!” he said. That’s why he didn’t eat any fruit, bread, pasta and rice. Today let’s talk about what to do when your blood sugar is too high and you don’t eat carbs.
“That orange looks and smells so good,” he added, “but I know it’ll jack my sugar up so I’m trying to stick to keto”. The “Sugar Scare” is when people avoid all fruit and starches (anything with carbohydrate) because they think it will raise their blood sugar too much. Instead, they eat only meat, poultry, fish, leafy vegetables and fats (butter, gravy, sauces, dressing and nuts).
For many, this “no carbohydrate” diet gets old and boring. Thinking it’s best for their health, they carry on the best they can. They miss their favorite foods but still pass on the peas and peaches. Some of these folks found their way to me because things weren’t working for them. They were frustrated because, despite avoiding carbohydrates, their blood sugar is always high when they check it. “I don’t even eat anything with carb and my glucose is high! What the heck?!” one client protested. Another pointed out, “My blood sugar is in the 170s in the morning and I haven’t even eaten anything since last night! It’s so frustrating!”
Can you guess what I suggested as a solution? (Hint: It seems counterintuitive.)
Oddly, when some people with diabetes greatly limit their carbohydrate intake their glucose either goes up or remains high.
Odder still, adding some carbohydrate often helps lower the glucose. Yes, it is true. And while it is scary to try carbohydrate when their blood sugar is already high, in these cases it usually helps to lower the client’s blood sugar level.
For my skeptical clients I suggested an experiment. Add something with carbohydrates to each meal. Remember, they were only eating meat and non-starchy vegetables. They couldn’t believe I wanted them to add a banana, a piece of bread, or yogurt with fruit to their meal.
Fortunately, as what they were doing wasn’t working they were willing to try it. To see if it worked, I had them check their glucose right before eating and then 2 hours after the start of the meal. (Here are the glucose targets as suggested by the American Diabetes Association. You can use them as a reference if your provider hasn’t already given you personalized target numbers).
At the end of the experiment they were shocked! Their glucose numbers improved dramatically and actually hit their target when they added the carbohydrates. As an added bonus they discovered they could eat those that foods they loved but had previously eliminated from their diet.
Are you curious how your glucose level can rise when you don’t even eat? Here’s how:
I am one of those who severely limits her carb intake – and to be truthful, my FBS’s are rising, up to 105 mg% on some days, with few spikes over extended periods of time. Not horrible, but maybe not yer lethal. I can see the possibility of adding a bit of carb to maybe jerk my body out of an insulin sparing mode. BUT – and here is the thing – I am intensely addicted to carbs and sugar highs: one bite and it’s bye bye control. Carhs are drugs for me, like alcohol to the alcoholic. It’s something I need to manage and the real reason I avoid carbs as though they’re poison, although this aversion often feels almost insane.
Thanks for your reply Laureen. You may be able to get help with your aversion to carb to save your sanity. It sounds like it’s hard to fight against this feeling of addiction. I know that everyone is different and I hear what you are saying. I don’t doubt how you feel but carbohydrate does not cause addictions the same way that drugs can. There may be something else going on that a professional can help you uncover. Wishing you peace Laureen.
I have a question… I didn’t know I was a diabetic until some symptoms recently prompted me to check my blood sugar with a simple fingerprint monitor. I discovered I was 181 after fasting 12 hours. For the last three days I’ve done a very low carb diet and I’ve lost 3 pounds, but when I checked my blood sugar this morning, it was 251… I was shocked that after putting less than 20 g of carbohydrates in my body for the last three days that my blood sugar could actually rise! I’ve read some articles online, including your helpful articles… Thank you… About insulin resistance, and about lowering the fat intake and having more healthy fruits and vegetables and more plant-based. I am going to do that… But my question is, should I go to my doctor and be put on oral medication in the short term just to lower it to a more healthy level quickly? I plan on reversing this naturally, but would it benefit me to lower it quickly by medication for a few months while I get my diet footing so to speak? Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated!
Craig
Great question Craig! I’m glad you’re listening to your body and figuring out what it needs.
Diabetes is complex and there’s a lot going on. So yes, contact your doctor and let him know these numbers. Everyone is different and it’ll be important to see your provider for next steps. You’ll probably get some blood work done to see where you stand. If medication is recommended I would take it. Also, as you are beginning to figure out, begin making changes to your lifestyle. Did you see my free guide How to eat when you have diabetes & still enjoy your favorite foods? Highly recommend it for you! 😁 You don’t need to go real low carb, but instead eat a variety of foods, mostly healthy. I recommend stopping any drinks with sugar (other than milk). You’ll be able to find an eating style that works for you Craig. There’s not a special diet that is right for everyone. A registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes can help you tailor a plan. But getting on medication at diagnosis if your glucose is high can help you get your glucose in range more quickly which is best for your health. Thanks for asking such a great question. Be assured—diabetes CAN be managed at a healthy level. Keep learning and asking questions.
I am doing keto, I have the dawn phenomenon…but now since I started doing low carb my morning blood sugar is always over 300..at least previously it was 260 and would lower throughout the day Any ideas to get that morning one down? My doctor won’t listen and am currently trying to find another dr that will.
It’s good you are looking for a doctor that you can work with for help in getting your glucose down. You note that your blood sugar was too high even before keto. You likely need medication/insulin or an adjustment to bring your morning glucose down to a safe level. Diabetes CAN be managed at a healthy level. Glad you are looking for your team. Take care Sandra.
1 week ago, I discovered my A1C was 13.0. I had suspected it was high so 2 weeks ago, I started exercising and eating low carb. This is actually a huge change for me, but my blood sugar is still in the 200-300 range. It seems crazy.