Diabetes Prevention - Vegan, but Italian

[Bbbbbbbbb5195]

Hi, I hope I am asking this in the right place. I am a female in my mid-twenties, and diabetes and breat cancer both run in my family on my sides. I am italian, so pasta is a staple food for me. Also, I am vegan and have been for 16 years. I have read online that cutting out carbs is important for diabetes prevention, but carbs are a large part of my diet and I am pretty skinny already, so whenever I try to cut out carbs or cut down on carbs, I end up getting sick. Maybe it is coincidence, but I feel like it significantly impacts my immune system when I don't eat carbs. What should I do? I really do not want to provide an environment that would encourage diabetes, since it is in my genetics, and I have seen my dad and grandparents have to struggle with it. Also, please don't answer if you are going to suggest to eat meat, because that is not an option I would consider. Thank you for an feedback!

[auntiejessi]

Your body needs carbs. They are an important part of how your body gets energy.

Since pasta is a big part of your diet, try balancing it with protein. Go for the whole grains.

It might be a good idea to meet with a nutritionist (make sure they are properly licensed for where you live) since you have the family history of diabetes, and you are vegan, to make sure you're getting everything you need.

Here's a decent article for you about carbs - https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/carbohydrates--good-or-bad-for-you

[specialmom]

I think that you are aware is terrific.  You sound to have a healthy diet over all.    You are a healthy weight, I take it?  So, another way of controlling diabetes is the DASH diet.  These things are involved:     Boost your intake of vegetables and fresh fruit.     Eat more low-fat dairy products and beans.      Choose whole grains more often.      Choose fish, poultry, and lean meat instead of fatty red meat or processed meat.      Reduce the amount of sweets you have.  So, assuming you will still have carbs, these things can be managed and still be considered a good diet for preventing diabetes.