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Type 1: New to carb counting.

gall1980

Member
Messages
16
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi all hope everyone is well, I really need help been having alot of problems last few yrs I had a DKA last yr and now on bolus treatment however yesterday on went to the hospital and things ain't progressing as well as hoped so now been told to carb count and I won't lie I am so confused about it all I have ordered a book from diabetes UK but I can't carry it around everywhere I go so I really need tips and what are the best foods plz help as so confused how it all works.
 
Hi @gall1980 . There is the book 'Think Like a Pancreas' which is well worth a read to help broaden your understanding. For carb counting on the go I use Carbs and Cals App on my phone - really helps as it gives you pictures of the different portion sizes to help improve the carb guesstimate on your plate.

If you are generally having problems then try and avoid having really big carb meals for a while to settle life down. Smaller carb portions means smaller bolus doses and hopefully smaller swings in BG. Treat yourself with things like Roast Almonds, 85% dark chocolate instead of snacking.
 
Is it the Carbs & Cals book by any chance? That is a very handy book, but more importantly - it's available as a smartphone app.

Have your diabetes team put you through (or mentioned) any carbohydrate counting courses? There are a few available via the NHS, they all have different names and tend to change depending on country and region.
 
Yes it was. I have been trying to find one for my phone but some are not as gd so please if you use one please can you share the name. I am waiting to hear back from my diabetic team, I just wanted to get a head start as I know these things take time on the NHS which I do understand I just worry about my levels staying up for to long as I don't want another DKA.
 
Hi @gall1980 , I don't know what you've been taught about carb counting, but it's worth taking a look at www.bertieonline.org.uk to explain how it all works. From this, hopefully you'll gain a better understanding and be able to work out what you need to do next.

Carbs & Cals is a good place to start, and myfitnesspal can also provide some useful carb information, but the BERTiE course will teach you what it means.
 
Hi @gall1980

Tim's recommendation is good. Put on a very simple level, 'carb counting' means assessing the amount of carbs you're about to eat and then injecting a suitable amount of insulin. For people who don't have Type 1, their body will do this automatically. But we need to take on the job of our pancreas and do that job now.

Do ask if you have particular meals or foods that are confusing you.

Have you been given a ratio - how much insuoin to inject for a certain amount of carbs?
 
Not been told anything tbh hence why I need help from the beginning so any help is gratefully received
 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chello.carbsandcals&hl=en_GB

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/carbs-cals-count-your-carbs/id388459613?mt=8
 
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