Type 1 Diabetes Diet ideas?

DiabeticJournaI
DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
edited November 22 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi there!

My name is Lilly. I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year. Since then, it has been a huge struggle for me to find some way to balance out my sugars. It usually ranges from 160-360. I exercise and do yoga when I can; I am also currently a vegetarian and wanted to see if that would help me with my blood sugar levels. So, I was hoping if any of you would have an idea of a low-carb diet that I could possibly start? Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

Replies

  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    What is your endocrinologist doing in terms of your insulin?
  • DiabeticJournaI
    DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
    He's having me take 33 units of Lantis (long acting) in the morning and 10 units of Humalog as needed before meals (fast acting)
  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    edited October 2017
    Have you told him that you're seeing spikes?

    Type 1 isn't like type 2. You can tweak your diet until the cows come home, but you've still got to match the insulin to what your body is doing, and to what you're eating.

    I know it seems like I'm probably being harsh. But although you can *maybe* reduce how much insulin you need if you cut back on carbs, it doesn't actually address those postprandial spikes unless you're matching what you're eating, and when, and what your natural rhythms are for glycogen release.

    Exercise may make you more sensitive. It can also make you spike. What you do or don't eat might influence it, too, but it's hard to tell because it's so individualized.

    Like, you're on almost twice the amount of insulin that I am in a day. I don't do low carb. But I'm incredibly insulin sensitive. The idea of just doing a same amount of insulin per meal with no consideration to what you're eating seems to be such backward thinking on your doctor's part. Has anyone talked about carb counting with you -- not from a diet perspective, but from an insulin perspective?
  • DiabeticJournaI
    DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
    edited October 2017
    Yes I've mentioned the spikes and he just told me to go to diabetic conferences and meetings which are in the morning and I can't attend. That is why I've already tried doing my own research online and now I'm asking for help within the community here for a low-carb diet since that might help me a ton.

    Edit:

    No, you're not being harsh I understand. I guess I can tell you a little bit more about me then. When I exercise for about 45 minutes, my sugar levels begin to drop super low so I have to make sure that I have something like coconut water for example, since that doesn't have much sugar, but it's enough to kick my sugars back in place.

    I only eat plant based foods, beans, nuts, pasta (sometimes) and rice. Yes, I realize that those have a lot of carbs, but that's why I'm trying to seek for any alternatives to control my levels. I stay away from sweets as much as I can, and on an occasion I'll have a slice of cake.

    I try to have at least 3 meals a day but I sometimes skip breakfast (I know thats not good on my part, but I just never have time in the morning) unless I'm lucky and have some sort of breakfast shake that I can drink, but thats very rare since it gets quite expensive.

    No, no one has talked to me about carb counting. I had to learn that on my own; and I know it's bad to say, but I just started learning how to count carbs since I never realized how important it was to count my carbs.
  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    Go back and tell him that you've learned at these conferences that carb counting is a better fit for a young woman. And then get him to deal with the care instead of pawning you off. If he won't do anything, then find a new endocrinologist who actually practices patient care.

    A white lie won't hurt him, since he's not giving you good care anyway.
  • My4happykids
    My4happykids Posts: 124 Member
    Look up Dr Bernstein he is a type 1 diabetic. He does low carb and in his books he talks about diet, insulins, exercise, all facets of living with diabetes
    even good places to inject yourself. He is also on YouTube.
  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    Your endocrinologist is failing you. No one should have to learn on their own how to match insulin to carbs, and come up with that precise number -- and frankly, it would be irresponsible for anyone on an internet forum to tell you how much to take. The model of "take X amount before a meal regardless of what you do" is antiquated, especially when dealing with someone who is active, and who is young.
  • DiabeticJournaI
    DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
    @collectingblues

    Yeah, you're right. It's just that my insurance isn't the best, but thankfully I'm changing that soon so that my options can vary! Thanks so much for trying to help :)



    @My4happykids

    Thank you so much!! I'm definitely going to look into him and see what he's all about. Means a lot!
  • DiabeticJournaI
    DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
    Thank you again blues; & yes, I know it'd be completely irresponsible for anyone to tell me how much insulin I should take over the internet. However, that wasn't what I intended my question to be. More so, if there were any low-carb diets? I'd just really like to try some to see if it'd make a difference. That's all.
  • CynthiasChoice
    CynthiasChoice Posts: 1,047 Member
    If you're really dedicated to a vegetarian diet, you'll have to work extra hard to find high protein, low carb foods. Do you like plain Greek yogurt? I eat it sprinkled with chopped walnuts and blueberries, and I really like it that way. Egg whites might also help you meet your goals.

    I changed my diet a few years back from vegan to omnivore low carb because that's what my body really needed to keep my blood sugar balanced. Good luck to you, whatever you decide!
  • DiabeticJournaI
    DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
    I do love plain greek yogurt!! I wouldnt mind trying the egg whites in the morning too, just have to make time for them, haha.

    But thank you so much, it means a lot!
  • Idontcareyoupick
    Idontcareyoupick Posts: 2,854 Member
    My bf does 15 units per carb and sugar combined for the food he eats and he's t1. He actually finds protein to be great because it is very low carb. Do whatever works for you, but beans and such in a can have a lot of carbs and sugars. Also watch out for ketchup, spaghetti sauce, etc for alot of sugar
  • CynthiasChoice
    CynthiasChoice Posts: 1,047 Member
    Idontcareyoupick wrote: »
    My bf does 15 units per carb and sugar combined for the food he eats and he's t1. He actually finds protein to be great because it is very low carb. Do whatever works for you, but beans and such in a can have a lot of carbs and sugars. Also watch out for ketchup, spaghetti sauce, etc for alot of sugar

    LOL! I thought I read that your boyfriend was 11! I need new glasses!

    It's hard to find a low sugar spaghetti sauce. I like Trader Joe's Organic Marinara with 3 grams sugar.

    And Lilly, you can add eggs or egg whites to veggie dishes for lunch or dinner. I'm with you - turning on the stove in the morning isn't appealing!
  • DiabeticJournaI
    DiabeticJournaI Posts: 8 Member
    Hahaha!! I thought the same thing for a second there Cynthia!

    But yeah, I will definitely try my best to have breakfast in the morning, especially eggs! I'll just wake up much earlier so I won't have to rush.

    Now to get my sleeping schedule on track, LOL....see, that might take a while. :sweat_smile:
  • mabearof6
    mabearof6 Posts: 684 Member
    if you cant find a new Endo talk to your endo about getting a carb to insulin ratio, and a correction factor. Typically a Type 1 will determine their dose at meal/snack time based on how many carbs they are eating, Do you have a correction factor to figure out dosing for when your blood sugar is higher?
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    Before you write off your endo, why not make the time to prioritise attended the education sessions they have recommended, even of the time is inconvenient for you.

    If that is impossible, ask the specialist for specific resources that would be applicible to you.

    http://www.diabetes.org has good, reliable information.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    1. Learn to count carbs and match your insulin.
    2. Never skip breakfast again and eat at the same time every day.
    3. Protein and fat will help reduce spikes and dips.
    A simple primer; overly simple really:
    http://www.diabetes.ca/CDA/media/documents/clinical-practice-and-education/professional-resources/carbohydrate-counting-resource-english.pdf
  • dsboohead
    dsboohead Posts: 1,899 Member
    Me being a type 1 has its challenges. I have to say the only tool, like a captain of a ship uses his compass is your glucometer.
    What affects some peoples blood sugar may not affects others. I truly feel that some of the worst of ignorance are physicians when it comes to balancing out their type 1 patients.
    Classes led by diabetes educators are the best....but "diabetic educate yourself"
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    edited October 2017
    Just a suggestion, but you can look up recipes for egg white "muffins" (like these )to make ahead of time (say on the weekends) and then you'd only have to reheat them in the microwave in the morning. That would be a time saver for you.

    I'm sorry I don't know anything more specific to help you.
  • jasummers76
    jasummers76 Posts: 225 Member
    I am type two, when I started eating healthier it became apparent that most fruits were just not going to work for me as they caused crazy spikes. Spoke to my doctor who just pushed more insulin. I didn't want that, went to another Endo who recommended a registered dietician who was familiar with diabetes. The RD helped a great deal. I no longer take insulin premeal but rather two hours after my sugar has regulated itself to the best of its ability then I will add the insulin if needed. Totally backward of what both Endo's said to do. But once my A1C was recently checked and was 6.1 they could no longer argue the results. Now I understand the two types are different this is what helped me. I suggest talking to your Dr about a registered dietician who is familiar with type 1.
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