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Suggest Diet For Diabetes And Crohn's Disease

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: Hi! I have Diabetes and Crohn's disease. The diet that's good for one is bad for the other, and vice-versa. Do you have any suggestions for me? My current A1C is 6.3, but I am already crippled from neuropathy. The docs say there is a 50% chance the neuropathy is idiopathic, and not necessarily from Diabetes, given my good test markers. I am having a Crohn's flare, and am getting scoped in two weeks. I also have RA. Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Causes of neurropathy

Detailed Answer:
Good day,

Noted your concern.

Crohn's disease can cause malnutrition and deficiency of many vitamins and minerals. This can cause neuropathy. Besides, many medicines used to treat Crohn's disease cause neuropathy.

With the Hba1c of 6.3%, it is hard to believe that diabetes caused it. But I must say that HbA1c has its own limitations. It is largely based on your hemoglobin levels. With Crohn's disease you could have anemia ( low Hemogobin). This will cause spuriously low HbA1c even with uncontrolled diabetes. It is best to check blood glucose at fasting using a glucometer at home.

You also check for Thyroid blood works, Vitamin B12 level, Folate levels and CBC. This will give clues for neuropathy
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 hours later)
Thank you! My daughter has been verbally annihilating me for giving myself diabetes, which has resulted in neuropathy. Your answer will give me much needed ammo.

About my diet...How do I eat? Foods good for diabetes are bad for Crohn's, and vice versa.any suggestions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Expert dietician is a must

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
The best diet for diabetes is one which is low in simple sugars and rich in fiber. Include green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.But limit intake of juice. Reduce processed foods as much as possible. Have an early dinner. Reduce saturated fats and oils as much as possible. HAve atleast 8-10 pieces of nuts a day ( walnut/almonds etc).

The diet fo Crohns need to be customized based on your profile. Not all patient with Crohns disease are same. You may need to consult a dietician attached to gastroenterology unit in the hospital to plan a diet for you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (38 hours later)
Thank you, doctor. Your answers will inform my management of these two major diseases.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Balanced healthy diet

Detailed Answer:
Wish you good health.
Please feel free to ask further if you have any more questions.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1439 Questions

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Suggest Diet For Diabetes And Crohn's Disease

Brief Answer: Causes of neurropathy Detailed Answer: Good day, Noted your concern. Crohn's disease can cause malnutrition and deficiency of many vitamins and minerals. This can cause neuropathy. Besides, many medicines used to treat Crohn's disease cause neuropathy. With the Hba1c of 6.3%, it is hard to believe that diabetes caused it. But I must say that HbA1c has its own limitations. It is largely based on your hemoglobin levels. With Crohn's disease you could have anemia ( low Hemogobin). This will cause spuriously low HbA1c even with uncontrolled diabetes. It is best to check blood glucose at fasting using a glucometer at home. You also check for Thyroid blood works, Vitamin B12 level, Folate levels and CBC. This will give clues for neuropathy