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I feel silly asking but

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zarasdreamz

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I am going to appear very silly now, but I want to find out more about carb counting to control my diabetes. I have been diagnosed type 2 for 18 yrs now (never been stable) and been on insulin for nearly 10 yrs now. My diabetic nurse has been adjusting my insulin regime after it went a bit nuts , now I have hypos all over the place. After reading a lot of the posts I have come to the conclusion that many people have been taught to carb count so that they are able to take control over their own diabetes and know how much insulin they need with their meals. How come I have never been taught to do this? :x and more to the point , how come no one at the hospital or diabetic team or GP has ever, ever mentioned it? :x And, while I am on a rant :wink: how come the hosp/nurse has a hissy fit if I mention going on a low carb diet? Soooooooooooo, can some one tell me where I can find out more about carb counting and also about low carb diets to help treat diabetes.

Thanks Zara x
 
The best way to learn about carb counting is probably a face to face course, where you'll get to meet other type 1s. This is often called a DAFNE course (dose adjustment for normal eating) but in some areas goes under different names.
There is also a carb counting course online (from Bournemouth hospital) which is an excellent place to start.http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/
(these courses are designed to be used with a basal/bolus not mixed insulin regime)
I can't help you with low carbing, I count carbs, taking into account the glycemic index and any exercise I've done, am about to do, adjust insulin and try to eat a balanced diet.
 
Zara
Have you considered just reducing your carbs drastically?
You'd need to test frequently and adjust your insulin doses, but it could be your answer.
My T1 husband has recently followed this method and his control is much improved.
 
Thanks for your help u lot xx will def look at the online course. I have looked for that same course here in Southport but seems no local NHS facility does it near to me. zara
 
You wouldn't be accepted for DAFNE course if you're a T2, it's for T1s only. I think the same principles would apply to T2s who take both basal and bolus insulin, you could do the same things yourself, just that you wouldn't be enrolled on DAFNE officially. There are programmes for T2s but some are more about basic understanding of diabetes than adjusting carbs etc for what you eat. People have commented here about the quality (or not) of the teaching on some courses. Carb couting is definitely the way forward.
 
zarasdreamz said:
Thanks for your help u lot xx will def look at the online course. I have looked for that same course here in Southport but seems no local NHS facility does it near to me. zara
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Hi Zara.

As LittleSue says, you will not get a DAFNE course as these are for T1's only. The course for T2's which is only open to newly dignosed (0 to 9 mths max) is also probably closed to you ?

What is available in most areas is the X-Pert Patient course which is a free course which gives T2 Diabetics an opportunity to improve the way they manage their Diabetes. Usually 2 and a 1/2 hr sessions one day a week for six weeks. Ask at your surgery or contact your local PCT for more information.
 
Alternatively start to read up on it yourself. Check out things like kids guides (don't laugh, I'm serious - at the end of the day they'll be the simplest you'll get).
 
sorry, I read your origial question too quickly and had answered as for type 1 so DAFNE isn't available.
If you use a basal/bolus (ie a longterm insulin +injections of rapid insulin) the same principles apply, though often people with type 2 take bigger doses of insulin, indeed there many people with type 2 managing their diabetes with pumps in other parts of the world.
As Lion said, reading up about it will teach you... thats how I learned.
 
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