Carb counting etc

[L3wisr]

I'm at a loss.
How do you go about administering how much insulin to take based on what you're eating? is it just trial and error?
and if so how can you compare one meal to another?

I've been told to not look into it too much yet as i've not long been diagnosed but i'd like to get an idea.

At the moment i've just been sticking to the prescribed units and having an occasional rich tea


Yet to see the dietician also so i'm just following leaflets, how strict do i have to be when it's saying don't eat fried foods etc


Cheers

 

[noblehead]

Take a look at the following, it's based around the DAFNE carb counting course:

http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/

 

[L3wisr]

I'll have a read now, thank you.

 

[yingtong]

Good advice from noblehead.

 

[iHs]

Carb counting isnt just about counting the carb content in the food. Its also about using targets and calculating the bolus insulin correctly to achieve those targets using an insulin to carbohydrate ratio. Most peeps start with a 1u to 10g carb so if eating 30g carb, a dose of 3u would be needed. If the ratio is not correct, it can be adjusted. I use a ratiò of 1u to 8g carb so if I eat 30g, I would need 3.6u bolus. Look at the NICE bg targets to work out your ratios. Also, get GP to prescribe an insulin pen that delivers in 0.5u increments.

Good luck with BDEC........carb counting using ratios is not hard once you get the hang of using them

 

[ArtemisBow]

You may want to also ask your DSN if you can be given a BG meter with insulin calculator such as the Accuchek Aviva Expert, you still need to count the carbs in food but it can help with working out your dose if maths is not your strong point.

Also as you mention you are newly diagnosed, you will likely find these ratios change over time as you may go through what is known as the honeymoon period, so if you find your ratios are not giving the right results work with your DSN to adjust them.