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Cutting the Carbs

megan2002

megan2002

Well-Known Member
Messages
87
Location
Derry
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello ,

I am being informed by my medical nurse the need to cut out carbs to help try and lose weight.
My mobility is now limited and are in constant pain especially lower right side of back knees , legs and feet.
I am reading up on low carbs etc however are very scared as my diet has been so poor for so many years and I find change extremely difficult to stick to.
I am looking for some advice from type 1 diabetics that are going through or have been through this process and any help they may have.
I am determined to try and feel better as the last few years have been a nightmare.
I am very worried :(
Greg
 
Hi Greg,

While I haven't been told to cut the carbs I do tend to stick to a fairly low carb diet so may be able to offer some advice.

I'd suggest you reduce your intake slowly. Firstly so that you have time adjust your insulin safely. It also means that you're not making huge changes all at once. You'll find that your insulin requirements fall. In my case they fell quite drastically.

Typical breakfast for me is fruit, occasionally scrambled egg whites. Lunch is egg White ommelette (unless I have had eggs for breakfast), salad, soup or something similar. Dinner I usually have some carbs, albeit a small amount. I have carbs in the evening as I go to the gym most nights and find I need the carbs to keep my sugars up.

If I have a carb-heavy day now I really suffer for it - my sugars are all over the place the next day and I feel generally groggy.

Try and make small changes to your diet this week so you get used to them and the changes will hopefully stick.

Good luck with it all. Hope it all works out :)
 
Great advice from Elc112, I low carb too, at first you will find your insulin needs will taper right off.You may find over time if you decide to stick with it for the long haul that your insulin levels creep back up.I found this.
At first you seem to shock your body into becoming super insulin sensitive when you cut out a lot of your daily carbs.

Make sure you test a lot, certainly at first a couple of times between meals to see how your body is processing the protien and fat content of your diet, you will start to see patterns and can adjust your doses accordingly.

Make sure you have plenty of stuff in to treat Hypos in case the first week or so is rough until your body adapts, and BG levels out.

Try and get inventive with your cooking/eating if not already,and maybe at first have some meal plans you can work to that are healthy ,so you have worked these out first as to how much Bolus you will need for them, then expand your meal repertoire from there. You may find this easier in the get go.

Look in the low carb diet section on here,ang look online,there are some great recipes in around, just remember to try and buy the best quality meat you can afford,it does not have to be the expensive cuts if you do a good recipe with it. Also as much color fruits and veg wise as you can...get inventive with roasting and stir frying veg...with lovely marinades.

The weight will fly off, there is no better way to lose or maintain weight IMO. I hope it works for you

Good luck :D
 
Thank you so much for your advice much appreciated.

What food ideas would be good to start slowly with as l hate eggs and vegetables which is a worry
 
Try things like salad, grilled chicken or salmon, soups. You've got to find something that you like otherwise you won't stick to it. There are load of recipes online that you could try. If I were you I'd try substituting some of the ingredients in your normal meal with low card alternatives. That way it won't be such a big shock and will be easier to stick to :)
 
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