Type 1 diabetes: Is it possible to eat whatever you want if you inject enough insulin?

[piklas007]

Im currently trying to gain weight. I have to eat about 2600 calories a day. I currently inject 9 units of insulin(humulin) in the morning, noon and night so I can have my main meals and eat small meals in between. But now I have to eat a lot more. So If I increase my insulin to a point where I eat more, maybe have some foods that I wouldnt eat if I was still at 9 untis and still see my blood sugar at normal levels before each main meal, there wont be any problems, right?

 

[AlexMBrennan]

That is basically correct, and what most carb counting regimes are based upon (if you eat twice as much carbs you need twice as much insulin).

 

[noblehead]

As long as you match your insulin to the carbs you eat then there shouldn't be a problem provided the increased insulin doses don't lead to more hypo's, but you could try eating healthy sources of protein & fat to make up your on the calories, try snacking on food like nuts. If your unsure about working out your insulin-to-carb ratio's take a look at the following:

http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/

 

[Daibell]

A agree with the others, but don't go beyond a sensible BMI otherwise you will add insulin resistance and your BS control will take a dive.

 

[nikkid]

You are right with the insulin- just adjust to the number of carbs. I am on the thin side myself and have been injecting insulin for 5 year now. I was told by my nurse when I started insulin that if I continued to eat the amount of calories I consumed at the time then I would be huge in a years time....5 years later I am unfortunately still stick thin! I hope you weight gain regime works.....and if it does please pass on any pointers

 

[Dazza1984]

This depends on the type of insulin you are taking. You say Humalin; is that Humalin M3? A mixed insulin is a different regime to say a basal-bolus.

For example, Humalin M3 is a short and long acting insulin combined. So lets say you have a big pizza and chips and inject a lot more insulin. That will be fine with the short acting to deal with the meal, however, you will overdose on long acting and likely end up with a big hypo several hours later. Basal bolus reduces this risk.
I am on Humalin M3 twice a day and sometimes tweak it myself; trial and error experience. But this is within reason; and if upped it for evening meal I make sure I have a little snack before bed. In the past I once awoke at night all tingly and itchy. Tested myself and 1.9mmol/L !!!! In fact, I was lucky to wake up!

Speak to ur Diabetes nurse first