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Diabetes Management as a Carer

E

ev123spr

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes
Hello everyone,

I have had a particularly hard day as a carer for someone with Diabetes.
I wasn't aware that there was such a big jump in carbs between uncooked and cooked pasta.
Please could everyone advise other foods that i need to be aware of that are different in carbs when cooked?

Thank you :)
 
Pasta is one of my pet-peeves - or rather how all the info for them on the sides of packets is based on cooked weight - well I'd like to know how I'm supposed to weight the lasagne (pasta) once its cooked ........
Anyways, they do normally say how much uncooked pasta turned into when cooked - though you do need a calculator to work it out cos they normally do not use useful amounts.

I don't think there are too many things that differ that much (I cant think of any offhand), but its good to check on the nutritional info whether it states the amounts for uncooked or cooked - if there a big difference it should give some clue as to how to convert (though you may need a maths degree to work it out)
 
Rokaab said:
I don't think there are too many things that differ that much (I cant think of any offhand), but its good to check on the nutritional info whether it states the amounts for uncooked or cooked - if there a big difference it should give some clue as to how to convert (though you may need a maths degree to work it out)
Click to expand...
Rice and dried beans both absorb a lot of liquid when you cook them, so you need to be careful to calculate based on the correct carb per100g, whether that is cooked or uncooked...

Basically, you'll need to be careful with any dried carby foods...
 
Rokaab said:
Pasta is one of my pet-peeves - or rather how all the info for them on the sides of packets is based on cooked weight - well I'd like to know how I'm supposed to weight the lasagne (pasta) once its cooked ........
Anyways, they do normally say how much uncooked pasta turned into when cooked - though you do need a calculator to work it out cos they normally do not use useful amounts.

I don't think there are too many things that differ that much (I cant think of any offhand), but its good to check on the nutritional info whether it states the amounts for uncooked or cooked - if there a big difference it should give some clue as to how to convert (though you may need a maths degree to work it out)
Click to expand...
I'm glad i'm not the only one.
Thank you so much - i massively appreciate your words of advice!
 
EllieM said:
Rice and dried beans both absorb a lot of liquid when you cook them, so you need to be careful to calculate based on the correct carb per100g, whether that is cooked or uncooked...

Basically, you'll need to be careful with any dried carby foods...
Click to expand...
Okay that makes sense, thank you. I will definitely keep that in mind.
Thank you so much!
 
Interesting that you refer to yourself as a ‘diabetes carer’….This is also how I label myself despite the fact that it is my husband who is diabetic. I’m sorry to hear you had a hard day-days are often hard as the ‘outsider’. There is support for parents of diabetic children (and rightly so) but little out there for partners. I am often accused of ‘not understanding’ despite a long time together, because I get frustrated, misinterpret highs/lows, or get woken throughout the night by the dexcom beeping…Does anyone know of a support group near them that offers emotional support to ‘carers’ of diabetic partners? I can’t talk to him about my feelings as it would be an unwanted burden when he’s fed up with it himself.
 
Hi @Flis44 & welcome to the forum :)

I don’t know of any specific support groups for carers of a person with diabetes but there is a carers association that may be able to point you in the right direction of support in your area, I’m a member as an unpaid carer (not diabetes related) & they do have a lot of useful info & what’s available in your area

www.carersuk.org

Carers UK homepage

We’re here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice & support and also campaign to make life better for carers.
www.carersuk.org www.carersuk.org
 
There's things like carers trust. I don't unfortunately know if any diabetic specific carers group however if research above charity they might be able to signpost you in the right direction.

Depending on caring responsibilities and if needing a wee break or whatever there are other charitable organisations which can take carers out for a wee break eg luncheon or a day trip every so often if that's if use let know will post some details of what I know is available in my county live in.

I used to occasionally get some advice/support looking after late mother from charities free phone numbers could be worth asking your GP if they know of any or his diabetic team if they know something which could be of assistance
 
Can you arrange to talk to a diabetic Nurse regarding this if there is one at your GP's
they could give you a ist of general foods to avoid
not every one reacts the same though
 
ev123spr said:
Hello everyone,

I have had a particularly hard day as a carer for someone with Diabetes.
I wasn't aware that there was such a big jump in carbs between uncooked and cooked pasta.
Please could everyone advise other foods that i need to be aware of that are different in carbs when cooked?

Thank you :)
Click to expand...
There is no difference in the carbs - the weight is different as it absorbs water, but if you start off with X gm of carb before cooking there's more than likely going to be X amounts afterwards - you might lose some into the cooking water, which you then throw away, but there is no magic involved.
 
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