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I feel like I'm pumping too much insulin?

B

backarini

Member
Messages
10
Location
Bristol, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi everyone!
Ive been pumping on novorapid since December 2012 and have noticed that my average daily dose (basal of approx 30units per day) is about 65-70 units in total...
I have put weight on in the last year especially (about a stone)- would this mean I need more insulin? I'm desperate to reduce this but find it hard to say no to carbs! Even though I know they make me feel rough.

I am now using My Fitness Pal and have reduced my calories and am trying to watch my carb intake. Since January ive lost about 5lbs. I have hypothyroidism too which doesn't help! I'm now 73kg (about 11 stone 6) and I'm 5 ft 4 in.

So any help regarding whether my totals are too high, if they might be contributing to weight gain etc and any tips for cutting carbs would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks in advance.
 
By reducing your calorie intake you should be reducing your carbs, 5Ib is a fantastic weight loss so you must be doing something right.

What you will find is once you lose weight your insulin requirements should go down, as being overweight can cause insulin resistance, try and get out and exercise too as this will help immensely.

They say that your basal/bolus split should be around 50/50 but it doesn't quite work like that, my own are 45/55.
 
As you dont want to give up carbohydrate, just try to eat less of it by adding more vegetable to your food intake and a bit less starch. A smaller dinnerplate works wonders as it take less food to fill it, whereas a larger dinnerplate will require more.
 
I was trying to lose weight several years ago but found it practically impossible until I reduced my carb intake. Obviously, the less carbs you take, the less insulin you'll require.

My total insulin is less than your basal but I am insulin sensitive and therefore wouldn't compare our insulin totals (not that we should anyway!)

It is true that the more weight you put on, the more insulin you'll require. It is difficult to reduce carbs when you really enjoy them but, as far as I'm concerned, reducing carbs and alcohol is a good way of losing weight.

It is easier if you like vegetables, as you can fill up on them. Having soup as a starter helps to make you feel full. I tried to lose one or two pounds per week and eventually managed to lose two and a half stones.

It is difficult but you do get used to it. I found porridge with berries for breakfast filled me till lunchtime thus cutting out the mid morning snack.

When the weight drops off, your insulin requirements will fall. Good luck!
 
Totally agree with iHs ref the smaller plate. There are plates around that are inbetween the big plates and the side plates. I use the inbetween size plates to put my food on for as long as I remember. Hubby still has full size plate and I don't notice the difference.

With pumps if you do teduce your carbs you will need to keep a close eye on your basal rates too.

I eat very little normally but if we go out For a meal and I have a starte and a pudding then I also need to run my basal a tad higher even though normally my bolus is spot on. It's because our bodies are used to running on a ratio of say 50/50 bolus/basal and even for 1 meal for me that then throws my 50/50 ratio out as my bolus then would be doubled at least.

So if you are lowering your food, your bolus qty will be less each day and your 50/50 ratio or whatever yours is may go out of kilter so worth keeping an eye on it.
 
Everyone is different, my basal has always dwarfed my bolus. I'm 26 Levemir on basal, and typically >15 on bolus, mainly because I don't eat much in the morning, or lunchtime as I just feel a bit urrgh.

My problem is I have a dinner which has most my carbs, and I know this is why I'm not losing the half stone I need to, but hey ho.
 
Have you had your thyroid levels checked lately?
 
Hi everyone. Thanks so much for your help and I will try the smaller plate option!
I have my thyrpid checked every month or so and my last reading was normal apparently- though I still always feel exhausted and tired!
 
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