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Hi All, 'Seasoned' Type 1 Diabetic but new to this ;0)

R

Rich73

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Hi All,

Just a quick note to introduce myself. Im Rich, 36 from Coventry. Been a diabetic since the age of 12. For one reason or another Ive never been one to dwell on 'misfortune' (for want of a better word) and have pretty much just got on with my life with no real idea of what was best in terms of controlling my Type 1 diabetes. Until recently (last year or so) I didnt really check my blood and as a result ,though I class my self as being active in terms of fitness etc and my weight isnt an issue, my long term blood levels have been high (Hb1Ac: 8.5 - 10). As a result I've had both eyes lasered due to 'cotton bud hemorrhaging' . I need to sort myself out once and for all to be honest.
My biggest issue is diet, what I can and cant eat etc. Im aware of the obvious stuff with regard to sugar but when i was first diagnosed it was all to do with how many 'lines' you could have. (in my case 27 at the time). I know things have moved on alot since then but any advice on how to get the right diet / level control would be great.

Thanks in advance

Rich
 
Hi Rich,

I'm a Type 1 as well. Have a look at the Success Story thread and have a think about going low-carb, it really helped me and could do the same for you.

There's a lot of information on here and a lot of people who I'm sure will help; in particular pursue the posts of Fergus for some excellent advice.

All the best

Dillinger
 
Rich,

I have had diabetes just a little longer than you (27 years) and can relate to what you have written. Its good that you have overcome the first obstacle and admitted that you need to tighten things up a little, that's the hardest part sometimes!

Notice that your hba1c is rather high at 8.5-10. Sometimes a small adjustment is all it takes to improve these figures. I don't know if you know how to carb count correctly and match your insulin accordingly, have you attended a course to learn these skills? Should the answer be no, perhaps it may be worth your while asking your diabetes clinic about DAFNE courses in your area. The DAFNE course teaches patients the principles of matching insulin to the food you eat, often with big improvements in hba1c's.

A reduction in the carbs you eat could be something else to consider. Many of us on the forum have reduced our carb intake to levels which have given us stable control together with improved bg readings. Read through the forum and look at diet advice, low/reduced carbs, low-gi/gl diet etc.
I use the reduced carb and low-gi/gl approach with great results, this means that you can still enjoy most of the foods you eat now, except that you are eating reduced quantities and foods that are kinder to your blood glucose overall.

Should you have any queries, do feel free to fire away or you can pm should you prefer.

Nigel
 
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