Increasing my carbs

[plantae]

I notice that there's quite a few topics discussing moderation of CHO foods, but I've found that I'm adding more carbs to my diet just so I don't go too low. For example, up until the last few weeks my carbs with dinner were typically less than 10g (from zuccini, carrots, peas which I like). I'm now adding potato and other starchy vegetables to my diet (especially dinner) just "for the sake of" not going low (I don't actually like potato haha, but I'm having mashed potato or a bread roll most nights now even though I don't enjoy eating them). Is this common and maybe something I should discuss with my diabetes educator and/or dietician?

 

[catinahat]

Hi plantae
I would definitely talk to your Dr or diabetic educator.
taking insulin to lower your sugar levels then eating foods you don't particularly like to raise them back up. Sort of suggest to me that maybe you need some help working out the correct insulin dosage for the amount of carbs in your diet.
Not too sure about talking to a dietitian though, in my experience they can tell you the difference between a carrot and a pizza. But know very little about diabetes, better to get your advice from a medical professional.

 

[Antje77]

I notice that there's quite a few topics discussing moderation of CHO foods, but I've found that I'm adding more carbs to my diet just so I don't go too low.

Many of our members are T2 and treated with diet only, or diet and tablets. So they don't go low because they're not on insulin. It's always worth seeing if a thread is posted from the perspective of an insulin user or not.

That said, many T1's on here find it easier to eat lower carb as well, myself included, but not all of us.
As a T3C on insulin, your treatment is the same as a T1 in most ways.

You're newly diagnosed and not yet adjusting your doses yourself, is that right?
In that case, yes, eat the carbs if you need them to prevent hypos!

Is this common and maybe something I should discuss with my diabetes educator

Definitely discuss, it can be as simple as a short email or phonecall to discuss an adjustment of your doses.
What insulins are you on?

 

[Garak]

I notice that there's quite a few topics discussing moderation of CHO foods, but I've found that I'm adding more carbs to my diet just so I don't go too low. For example, up until the last few weeks my carbs with dinner were typically less than 10g (from zuccini, carrots, peas which I like). I'm now adding potato and other starchy vegetables to my diet (especially dinner) just "for the sake of" not going low (I don't actually like potato haha, but I'm having mashed potato or a bread roll most nights now even though I don't enjoy eating them). Is this common and maybe something I should discuss with my diabetes educator and/or dietician?

Give yourself some time to adjust and find what works for you. I did low carb for a couple of years and it worked, but found it too restrictive to keep up. Then I switched to the Mastering Diabetes method (basically low fat and high fibre) for a couple of years, which also worked, but again was a bit too restrictive if you strictly adhere to it. Basically, if you tell yourself you can’t have something, you’ll end up wanting it more, at least I do. Be kind to yourself, have the occasional treat, just don’t think of it as a treat and except that some days are better than others. It’s more about the overall picture rather then each day. As your using Libre 2 sensors, keep an eye on your ‘average glucose charts’, it helps you see the bigger picture. Fibre is massively underrated. It smoothes out how your body absorbs carbs. Exercise if you can too. The science suggests strength work is best, but I find walking is easier to fit into my daily routine, and I have better BG control on the days I can get out. Hang in there, it will get easier. All the best

 

[plantae]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

@catinahat Yes, I've been recording my carb intake even though I haven't been asked to yet so I can show them to the Dr and/or educator

@Antje77 You're right that I'm on fixed doses at the moment (5, 5, 3 bolus and 8 basal), so adjusting food and exercise are the only ways I can easily, and relatively predictably, influence my BG. I bought some herbs and spices yesterday to at least make the mashed potato more enjoyable for me (I apologise to the mashed potato lovers out there who I might offend my adding herbs to it). I've managed to get a phone appointment with my educator so have a list of questions written down now

@Garek thanks for all the great tips. That's interesting regarding the fibre and probably explains why my BG has dropped for breakfast even though I've increased total carbs -- by switching to a cereal that has about twice the amount of fibre. Treats are a good idea and probably something I should incorporate. As for exercise, I'm walking after lunch, but not breakfast or dinner. Weirdly although lunch is probably the meal with the most carbs in it (40 grams just from the bread) it spikes my BG the least of all meals... maybe because of the multigrain fibre like you mentioned