Hiya,
I have two daughters who are Type 1 (ages 14 & 7), both now on pumps, but previously on basal bolus (multiple injections), and previous to that on mixtures (2 injections a day).
I have asked the dietician, the diabetic nurses and the consultant at different times about reducing carbs. Always, I get the same reply: don't do it! Although when pressed, the consultant conceded that there was something in the theory of diminishing numbers that Fergus talks about ie. the fewer the carbs eaten, the less insulin needed and therefore any mistakes made are smaller (either hypers or hypos).
My personal opinion is that lowering my daughters' carb intakes is to be encouraged. My older daughter especially has occasionally low-carbed for a day or two ( by this I mean eating fewer than 50g carbs spread throughout the day), and without fail her BG stays in single figures, mostly 5's and 6's. I think this is made easier with the pump because her basals are so finely controlled.
This can only be a good thing imo. She doesn't get lethargic or sleepy or lacking in energy, in fact she says she feels better on these days. BUT she is very attached to her carbs, esp big bowls of cereals, and finds it difficut to give them up!!
The 7 year old looks at me as if I am mad if I even suggest she goes easy on the carbs, but I still cunningly try to encourage her to snack on ham, cheese etc rather than biscuits, cakes, crisps etc - it doesn't always work!
I think there is a lot in what Rich said about HP's being afraid to okay low(er) carb for children. I mean, if they will not accept it's good for adults, they're surely not going to for children are they?
So really I think it's up to parents to research and think for themselves. Maybe try a little experimenting and see what happens. After all, if low(er) carbing does in fact carry health risks for children(and nobody knows that for sure), so too do long term high blood glucose levels, and that we know for a fact!
Anyway, that was just my ha'porth's worth as my Gran used to say!
Best wishes
Sue
PS How did Inuit children used to get on when they had no carbs at all for months on end?
PPS I would say that the further along the regime trail you go ; ie from 2 injections, to 4, to the pump, the more flexible things become and the easier life gets.