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Reducing Carbs = Increasing hypos?

shedges

shedges

Well-Known Member
Messages
432
Location
Hampshire, Uk
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I'm embarking on reducing my daily carb intake, going from average of 250g to 100-150g per day. 1 week in and I'm doing ok. But I appear to be having more hypos, especially in the hour before mealtimes, i.e. around 6am, midday and 6pm. Has anyone else experienced this?

I remember my daily basal rates being calculated based on my overall carb intake, so will probably have to go back to the nurses for re-calculation.

In the mean time, was just wondering if it's fairly normal?
 
You need to reduce your total insulin intake when you low carb, without a doubt. If your basal rate was calculated taking into account your previous carb consumption, it will need to come down.

Are you on a basal-bolus insulin regime, or just long acting? Do you carb count for bolus insulin doses? It's also possible, though less likely, that your insulin:carb ratio (if you use one) is too high.

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Thanks Spiker,

I'm running a Paradigm Veo, pumping novorapid insulin. I carb count and have 6 different basal rates depending on what time of day it is.
 
Great stuff. OK so you probably need to bring your basal rates down. Really, your basal rate should never be calculated on your typical carb intake. It should be calculated based on your fasting requirements of insulin. Everything else should be bolus. This suggests your basal dose is too high (too much insulin) but also your insulin:carb ratio may be too low (not enough insulin).

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I remember thinking it was strange to take into account daily carb intake, but they have to start somewhere, I guess. Obviously, we reviewed fasting basal rates too when starting on the pump, but things have changed a bit since then. Less sleep (due to baby) and lower carb intake. Fine time for a review.
 
I think at this time of year, bg levels will start to change moreso with a pump than on mdi. I often think basal testing is unnecessary but then again, I realise to get anywhere with a pump workinb accurately, its important with the combo pump fot sure, to do some bssal tedting and start altering the rates. PITA during the night unfortunately, but still necessary

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I agree with the others that Basal should have little to do with carb intake; that's what Bolus covers. Basal should relate more to fasting sugar levels as a measure?
 
donnellysdogs - yes I have. Fasting basals and bg levels seem to work fine when I don't eat. Maybe the carb:insulin ratio needs addressing too.

I'll phone the nurse to see if there's a quick answer.
 
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