Restaurant Bolusing

[Busy Betty]

Almost every time I eat out my BS is messed up. I know how to count carbs and calories and I can give the correct humalog bolus, but I still have trouble. Sometimes the problem is my food choices, but other times I have no idea. When I eat a very high carb meal, I have tried DOUBLING the units of insulin that I would normally take and that sometimes works.

Any Ideas??

[poodlebone]

Whenever I eat out I use a dual bolus - part delivered right away, the rest delivered over time. No matter where you go or what you order it's guaranteed to have more carbs and fat than you think. I just do my best guess. If I end up programming too much insulin I can always cancel the remainder of the square wave before it's finished.

I can't tell you how to do it. It all depends on your individual insulin:carb ratio, what you're eating and how your body responds to different foods. But I would definitely recommend a dual wave and take more than you need based on just the carb count. Fat tends to really do a number on most people's numbers!

[Nifr]

It takes practice and lots of testing. I still haven't perfected it, but I have definitely gotten better. You'll learn as you go and get better too, I'm sure!

[kgm0612]

Betty............

It may help if you picked up a pocket size carb counting book that lists fast food restaurants and major chain restaurants. I pretty much stick to the same menu items at restaurants such as Apple Bee's, Outback Steak House, etc, because I know what my blood sugar will do (rise or fall) from past experiences.

The only time I use the dual wave feature on my pump is when I'm eating pizza or Chinese. I usually give 60-65% up front and the rest over a 4 hour period.

Karen

[Alice]

Hi Betty! Another thing I like to do is look at restaurant menu's online (easy for chain restaurants) and know before I go out what I'm going to order. This just takes a few minutes and has really helped me plan those restaurant meals.

Panera Bread was a real eye-opener! I don't even go to Olive Garden but if I did, I'd be armed and ready....most likely I'd split my meal bolus into an "appetizer" dose and a "finished" dose. Then check at home a few hours later to make sure you are not running too high...or too low which happens when I "over guestimate"!

I love restaurants...I can plan my portions and leave the rest on my plate. I don't eat everything put in front of me...but sure like to sample most things! A taste or two still needs to be counted into the big total.