<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Carl:

Welcome to the list. Unfortunately, there are few dietitians and medical
professionals that are well-versed on both celiac and dm. Keep looking
for a dieitian that knows about celiac disease, hopefully one will
surface somewhere not too far from home. If you come up zip - let me
know. I know of a dietitian of in Columbus, OH that is well-versed in
celiac. I am sure if you called her she would be willing to talk to you.
She knows this is difficult.

I have a degree in nutrition, but I worked in product development for a
major food manufacturer. I have all the background, but I am not a
licensed dietitian.

Most definitely in the beginning you feel like it is all can'ts. (And it
is!). What I tell people is to keep your diet really simple and healthy.
This keeps your stress level down in the beginning. It may be a little
boring, but until you get your bearings on what you can't and can eat
you will be less likely to accidently eat gluten. This means virtually
no processed foods unless you are absolutely sure they don't contain
gluten. On the up side, many of the gluten-containing foods also are
high carb foods that you wouldn't eat anyway being a diabetic.

Things to eat, proteins, veggies, fruits (ones that don't make your bg's
skyrocket - everyone's body is different). Occasionally, gluten-free
breads - like Energy breads, Van's Gluten-free waffles (16 carbs per
slice or waffle which is equal to an exchange). Many gluten-free
products can be found at healthfood stores and some grocery stores. The
gluten-free products are going to lean toward the high carb category and
you may have to adjust your insulin accordingly. I am sure you know how
to do that since you have had dm so long. I have celiac disease and my
daughter was diag. with celiac at 10 mos., and as a diabetic (type 1) in
Jan. '98. I have discovered with Brittany we have to increase her
Humalog to cover gluten-free grains. These products are so dense that
even though the carb count is 16 (equal to 1 exchange) it can make the
bg go through the roof. You will eventually learn to adjust this. You
are going through the hardest part right now. Things will get better.

I believe Lynn Samuels gave some book suggestions a day or two ago.
These books that would help you through this transition.

Pan Nylander

Carl Douthit wrote:

> I was diagnosed with celiac disease a couple of weeks ago and am just
> getting started with the diet.  I'm 46 and I've been insulin dependent for
> almost 25 years....I would be interested in any help in getting started on
> the basics of a combination diet.