Mer..

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I love that Atkins diet. However, I did learn a little bit more about it being in a nutrition class with a bonafied nutrionist (yep...that's what she has her degree in).

Atkins is a great program and one that I live by. I am a healthy 20 year old female.

Just a word of CAUTION for anyone with TYPE 1 DIABETES:

Atkins is generally not reccomended for anyone who has type 1 diabetes, UNLESS STRICTLY monitored by a doctor and a registered dietician. It can be very dangerous for people with type 1 diabetes because Atkins promotes the development of what is called ketone bodies (hence a state of ketosis). Ketone bodies are formed by fatty acids that flood into your blood stream. It can cause DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) resulting in a coma or even death.

I am NOT dogging Atkins. I am still on the Atkins program. But I am saying that some people should not start this program without an okay from a doctor.

hmmm i thought atkins was highly recommended for diabetics... the state of ketosis is far different from ketoacidosis... but i'm not sure. anyways as you said, you should really see a doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions and want to try it, or if you want to lose a significant amount of weight on it...

I don't think it's good for diabetics.

supposedly its real good for type 2 diabetics because the food is so low on the gylcemic index... but i have no idea about type 1. type 1 in insulin dependant since birth right?

I can't sleep tonight...so I'm about looking around to do something.Actually there are three major types of diabetes. Type 1 used to be called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes and was mainly diagnosed in children and young adults. In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas can no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed the beta cells. Treatment of course is taking insulin, controlling your cholestorol and blood pressure, etc.Type 2 was formerly called adult onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes. While found mostly in adults it can be found in children too. This usually begins with insulin resistance (where fat, muscle, and your liver do not use the insuling properly). Being overweight and inactive increases your chances of getting this. Once you get it you have some of the above as treatment...only no insulin.The last one, that I know of mainly occurs in women who are pregnant. And normally it clears up after the baby is born BUT it also means that she is at a greater risk for Type 2 later in life.Ketone bodies in a type 1 diabetic can be very deadly. Ketoacidosis is caused by ketone bodies. And ketone bodies are produced by being in a state of ketosis. Type 1 diabetics have to monitor their insulin levels closely and by restricting their carb intake and increasing their protein intake like Atkins does it makes their insulin levels plummet. That's why a doctor needs to monitor it VERY closely should a type 1 diabetic decide that they would like to try it. I personally would NEVER reccommend this diet for anyone who is a type 1 diabetic. I believe it's too risky.I have more on this stuff if anyone's interested but now I'm fried and am going to bed.

thanks very interesting info.... In reply to:Ketoacidosis is caused by ketone bodies. And ketone bodies are produced by being in a state of ketosis. yes this is true that ketoacidosis is caused by ketone bodies, and that ketone bodies are produced by ketosis but one doesn't necessarily cause the other. i think the atkins book addressed this. i don't know if it effects it or not but i know that ketosis and ketoacidosis are two very different things even though they do produce ketones in the urine.

I haven't been here in a few weeks so I hadn't noticed that you replied.Yes you're right ketoacidosis and ketosis are two very different things. However, a byproduct of being in a state of ketosis is ketone bodies. So although ketosis itself doesn't cause ketoacidosis the byproduct (ketone bodies) does. Atkins is a great program for people who have a healthy kidneys etc. But because of the risk for ketoacidosis in Type 1 diabetics it's not something I would reccomend unless strictly (not to mention very closely) monitored by a doctor and a dietician. I say dietician and doctor because both parties can see something the other can't. A dietician is more aware of what foods would be better suited for a patient because that's their sole purpose is to know nutrition. A doctor may only take basic nutrition (that's all that's required) and is better equipped to tell you whether or not you're healthy enough to start a program like Atkins.

oh ok i'm glad you cleared that up. and if someone is absolutely adament about doing atkins and they have a health condition such as diabetes there are ways to modify the diet and they should see a doctor like you said.