insulin resistant and cutting carbs completely.... thoughts

SuperSizeMeNot

insulin resistant and cutting carbs completely.... thoughts on that? good or bad? what do you think?

Dragonwolf

Look through the archives, there are several threads on zero carb that you'll probably be interested in.

In short, it's a fine choice, though be aware that you can't technically cut out all carbs. Even meat has trace carbs in it. Additionally, it may not be completely required. Many people with insulin resistance and even diabetes do well on higher levels of carbs, especially if they're consuming primarily low-GI carbohydrates, so don't feel like you're obligated to completely cut out all carbs in order to change things.

Regardless of how low carbohydrate you go, make sure to get plenty of fat. As you reduce carbs, fat becomes your primary fuel source. The body doesn't run well on just protein.

Naughty_ZOOT

Long time type 2 diabetic here just relating some of my journey to date.
I began very LCHF in late January 2014 & got off all meds by the first of March 2014. I lost 32 lbs consuming only 20 carbs per day because I was so highly carb sensitive that I couldn't tolerate any more than that without a bump (without meds). I started with Dr. Bernstein's book. I still couldn't reliably get into ketosis even at 20 carbs (blood testing). Didn't exercise regularly (your absolute best friend, as important as the dietary guidelines). Tested every single food, logged every reaction, ditched all grains, most dairy and root veggies. If it exists I have tested it. I plateaued after 6 months (blood glucose, energy levels and fat loss) and just cruised for another 6 months with occasional tweaking (became more Primal, Paleo). 100% whole foods, zero processed foods (donated it all to a food pantry), mostly organic produce, grass fed and pastured meats only. Read every book out there from LCHF to vegan (at least 50 so far) and watched a ton of documentaries (still researching). Two weeks ago I decided to shake things up just to see what would happen, if anything. This latest experiment has been to ramp up veggies per Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live & End of Diabetes books which I admit freely were not my preference nor particular philosophy. I also incorporated a few tips from The Blue Zones book.
So here are the last 13 days:

Raised veggie consumption from 50% to 75-90% always beginning with greens. 50% raw, 50% cooked. Green smoothie for lunch most days makes this easy.
Nut meal muffin for breakfast most days.
Added berries and worked up to current 1 1/3 cups per day; still increasing.
Added back beans (24 hour soaked and cooked) 1 Tbsp per meal then increased to current 3/4 cup per day; still increasing.
Reduced meat consumption to about 4 ounces per day maximum. Amazingly not missing it (I am a meat lover).
Added one glucomannan fiber cap 30-45 min before each meal per Dr. Mark Hyman. Started today testing without now to see if it made a difference or not.
Walking 2-6 miles a day, lifting weights 2-3 times a week (just started). Walking 1 mile before breakfast in the house (or bouncing on mini trampoline with pedometer). Trying to get all walking in between meals to drive down insulin production. Fasting exercise, especially AM keeps glucose levels more stable all day (Blue Zones).
Consuming 80-120 carbs (45-65 natural fiber so net carbs average around 60-70). This will increase a bit more with more berries and legumes. Not sure where I will settle out on those, I am pushing it deliberately. I plan to stay under 100 if this proves effective in the long run which is in line with Mark Sisson's ideas except less meat.
Zero grains, zero dairy (only using Ghee). (I experimented with 1/4 cup steel cut oats last week. They were soaked, not cooked to preserve the resistant starch. My glucose spiked to 250 so even gluten free grains are still out for me).

Results to date:
Blood glucose down an average of 10-20 more points.
Feeling very "healthy" and well nourished. Cravings for veggies now gone. Very positive mood despite a lot of life stress atm.
Good sleep maintained (that began with LCHF).
Still not hungry despite eliminating extra added fats (used to do coconut oil shots to help ketosis).
Lots of energy akin to starting LCHF a year ago (that plateaued, too).
I want to exercise now. This in itself is an amazing feat for me.
Lost 2.5 lbs.

A year ago there is NO way I could have consumed that many carbs and especially NO fruit, even berries. I credit LCHF then primal and paleo for helping my body to heal by removing physical stressors and I am going to continue with this current experimental protocol to see where it goes. As you can see, I have both a healthy sense of curiosity and experimentation. It took a big leap of faith nearly two weeks ago to try turning things on their head and I categorically expected complete and utter failure. I was and remain shocked. Everyone is unique and you need to educate yourself, be willing to experiment and be patient. You need to allow time to heal and your process probably won't be nearly as time consuming as mine since you are not a long time diabetic like me. I had much more work to do. The time will pass anyway and you might as well be making yourself healthier. Find your motivation and curiosity. They will serve you well.