Well since the first test after diagnosis I have never had an HbA1c above 6% so it appears that according to an earlier post that I am allowed a say.
Actually I don't think that is a valid test and belies many problems which some T1s have and that may result in higher glucose levels. I'm lucky, I think my alpha cells and counter regulatory system works well still .
Hypo unawareness which may result from a non working counter regulatory system means you can't keep your levels too low. The effects of a serious hypo can be more immediately deadly or damaging to the brain than possible complications in the future.
This is me,
I've just come back from a walk, it was about 10km , moderately hilly. I ate 40g carb at lunch with a smallish bolus (2.6U). Just before the walk I reduced my basal to 0.1u an hour, I didn't test after but sensed that I needed to take some glucose (just one tablet) at about 4km and again at 6km . Finished the walk with a blood glucose of 73mg/dl (4.05mmol/l) As far as I'm concerned that worked well for me.
I want to eat a diet that gives me enough energy to enjoy the things I like to do but also since I'm old enough not to need large numbers of calories to give me all the nutrients I need. Food has to be nutrient dense otherwise I'm just eating empty calories.
High sugar foods are empty calories, likewise lots of fat. The nutrient profile of coconut oil, or even butter which is better, show that they have a lot of calories but few nutrients.. Take coconut oil one of the low carb favourites , it has miniscule amounts of Vit K and E, absolutely nothing else in the way of vitamins and minerals and not much in respect to essential fatty acids. Fine as a trace in a pan for cooking but by the tablespoon full, as a food?
I prefer a diet that as well as some meat and fish includes lots of vegetables, fruit, dairy produce and even those dastardly real whole grains and also legumes.(the latter brilliant for non meat meals) I think that they add up to far more varied and nutritious diet than one that may restrict many of these foods .
( of course depends on your definition as to what is a low carb diet
More carbs, more insulin ? Firstly, should I actually worry about that since I'm actually replacing a natural hormone? Perhaps, but it really depends on how much we are talking about.
As Nigel says lowering carbs doesn't necessarily result in lower insulin needs. An egg and bacon breakfast will for me need as much insulin as a bowl of porridge with berries and almonds.
Most authorities suggest that complete replacement of insulin normally requires 0.5u per Kg - 1 u per kg per day Well I take under 0.4 per kg . it's risen as my own insulin (as a LADA) has reduced but it is certainly not high
If you need larger amounts than normal then it suggests insulin resistance. Hopefully that can be reduced by losing weight.
My insulin resistance did rise, as did my weight when my thyroid was out of synch. so my insulin needs rose marginally. Once that was under control by taking another 'medication' thyroxine ( another hormone which I am grateful that I can replace )
I found that by watching the calories quite carefully and keeping active I was able to lose the weight I had gained. I measured exactly what I ate and how much I moved with a pedometer + for exercise a heart rate monitor. This enabled me to eat at a calorie deficit and lose weight.
From my own experience, I say eat a diet that contains the right amount of calories and carbs to reflect your activity level. I woud recommend real foods with minimal processing. . Leave more processed foods for the odd occasions such as social situations , times where it's junk or nothing or where you have used or will use so many calories that calorie replacement is the most important thing .
