Q: I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for 36 years, and for the past five years, I have cut back on carbs and processed foods.  I had struggled for years trying to keep my blood sugar from going to extremes despite being on an insulin pump or multiple daily injections.

When I went low carb (25 grams or less per meal), it made such a difference in my control.  I had spoken with my former endocrinologist about going low carb, but she discouraged it.  When I decided to try this anyway, she was absolutely furious with me and told me I was going to get sick.  That was the last time I saw her.

My HbA1c measurements are lower and my blood sugars are more controlled than they have ever been.  I’ve not been sick, and I use less insulin.  Cutting carbs may not work for everyone, but it certainly has been good for me.

A: A study published in the journal of Pediatrics (May 2018) found that children and adults with Type 1 diabetes who followed a very low-carb diet had exceptionally good blood-sugar control.  This flies in the face of conventional dietary recommendations.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times