Is Three Meals Per Day The Only Answer?

Is basic information too simplistic? Or in this case, the correct answer? This is one time I feel very strongly that a basic discussion leaves more unanswered questions than it answers. While the information given makes sense, it stops by not covering any of the real variables and leaves one statement hanging in the wind.

This statement should have been included – in all cases, be sure to talk with your doctor about your meal plan so it can be tailored to your needs and the size of your medication dose. Simple, but effective in direction for the medication the doctor may prescribe. Many people just do not eat breakfast and this can be a problem for some medications to prevent hypoglycemia (lows).

If you are on a dose of medication that can cause low blood glucose reactions, your doctor may be able to decrease the dose of medication to avoid hypoglycemia or change medications. I can agree that three meals per day is good for most people; however, there are many people with diabetes that do not eat three meals per day whether it is breakfast or another meal. If the doctor is not aware of this, problems may be created that can be avoided.

Then the blog really makes you think when they talk about insulin. Is this the only time you should talk with your doctor? I think you must communicate with your doctor whether you are on no medications, oral medications, or insulin. Even one of Joslin’s own blogs discusses the three choices for insulin injection for type 2. Why was this not linked to this blog?

Also missing was several other key points. Many people with type 2 diabetes have found that grazing (5 to 8 small meals per day) works very well with some oral medications. Others have found that low-carb is the way to go and others have settled on the medium range of carbs per day that works best for them. This is not a “one size fits all” world that medical people seem to dream exists.

Please read the blog that started this thought. I have one more thought before leaving this. Basic information may work, but do not leave gaping holes in the information.