Advice on tracking calories to correct low blood sugars

valeriedent2

I'm a type 1 diabetic, and haven't methodically tracked calories consumed for a low blood sugar correction. Now, if I really fall into the "My blood sugars really low and I'm going to eat whatever I can get my hands on" trap, then yes, I track all but what was absolutely necessary.

Generally a glass of OJ or one of those little applesauce cups is enough for me - so about 100 calories, give or take.

Any thoughts or advice? I know, I know, a calorie is a calorie, but in this case, is a calorie really just a calorie?

Enigmatica

Not sure what you mean. Are you saying that you don't log it if you have to eat/drink something in order to control your blood sugar?

valeriedent2

Right, I haven't been logging it.

Unless I eat more than the OJ or applesauce to bring my blood sugar back up again.

SaraTonin

In your case, a calorie isn't just a calorie, but a carb is a carb. If your blood sugar dips low, those calories are definitely necessary, and your body needs it. I wouldn't try to limit what keeps your blood sugar normal!

It's also great that you use real sugars to spike your low and not a candy bar or soda. That'll help you in the long run.

My brother is Type I diabetic and recently did P90X to get in shape. He knows that his blood sugar is going to dip when he exercises, but those are usually calories burned during exercise anyway. Plus exercise helps his sugars stay regulated on their own.

If your Diabetes is really severe I know a girl who really benefited from the insulin pump. It allowed her to exercise for the first time in her life - her spikes were so extreme that she'd be over 200 before exercise and then pass out low during a bike ride.

Edit: Saw what you said. Personally I'd log it but not worry about it if you go over.

SaraTonin

Ooh, you can also make a custom category on MFP in your food log. I'd call it "low blood sugar" and then you know where it came from.

Enigmatica

I'd log it but not stress about being over on the calories in those circumstances. Your HEALTH is the important thing here. You may just have to lose weight more slowly in order to work with the diabetes. Nothing wrong with that! But definitely log it so you have a solid record of your nutritional info as you go along.

tsimehc2000

Hey, type 1 diabetic here. I always record the sugar I intake to correct a low. It may be frustrating, but also if you are dropping too much then you may need to contact your doctor or diabetes nurse and get your insulin (or pump) regimen changed. My old blood sugar adjustment that I used to take was Starbursts. Once I saw how many of those I was taking, I was motivated to contact my nurse. We changed things around and I also went back to glucose tabs (I changed from my candy to those). I also have a box of raisins if I'm a little od'd on glucose tablets. But I still record everything.