[Emm]

Originally Posted by HiImDan

Nerve cells need carbs, your diet should consist of about 50% carbs or more, and they should be natural (apple or banana over a twinkie, for example). Insulin should be one unit per 10-20 groms of carbs, depending on metabolism (higher metabolism, higher carbs each unit will effect)..

Have to disagree with Dan here (lovely chap that he is). I don't think anyone needs a diet consisting of 50% carb, especially a diabetic. I'm not telling you to go low-carb (tho that does work for a lot of people) but I do think anything that high is asking for trouble. I can't deny that our bodies need carbs (tho I've still never seen proof that explains it to my satisfaction) but get to know your carbohydrates and stick with the stuff that doesn't spike your BG.

Carbs are best found in natural slow acting sources - things like carrots and other vegetables. Fast acting things like pasta, potatoes, cakes etc are best saved for treats, or had in very small amounts alongside extra low carb foods for balance.

The amount of insulin you need is entirely personal. Some of us still produce a little, so don't need much. Some of us have insulin resistance to the max and need a truck load every day. You need to spend a little time experimenting and testing often til you're comfortable with the amount you're taking.

As MJM said, I think the best method is to learn to count carbs, know your insulin to carb ratio, and work from there. In time when you're used to some foods you'll end up working from educated guesses, it's really not hard work at all and makes for a better balance in your numbers.

But what if I have a meal thats really low carb? Do i just take a minimal amount or any at all?

I still need a small dose of insulin for any low carb meal - some proteins need insulin (albeit less, and over a longer time) and just the fact that your tum is full means you need insulin, as a full tum brings on a little glucagon secretion. Go easy on the insulin for a low carb meal, and maybe jab after eating to catch the slower acting stuff.

Do be aware that carbs are everywhere - even eggs and lettuce have a tiny amount, though you'd probably never notice any spike from them unless you ate piles in one sitting!

There's a lot to learn with T1 D but you'll get there - and this is a brilliant place to start. It wasn't that long ago I was a learner and the people here gave me the confidence and curiosity to learn more about D than I ever thought possible! Ask anything, any time, and let your DF addiction grow