Is there a certain level that my blood sugar should be for me to have a 1 carb snack?? Please help:)

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Permalink Reply by Brigitte on November 5, 2009 at 4:51am

hello Stephanie, I'm an old type 1 but I take Levemir ( when I wake up in the morning, at 7.) All our friends told you very good ideas! yes we must count carbs; I learnt it with members of TuDiabetes and American books... not easy but it's very well. And yes , as MelissaBL said we are all different. Don't worry, we are all here to help you.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Atkins on November 5, 2009 at 12:09pm

Thanks :)

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Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on November 4, 2009 at 7:15pm

Depending on Stephanie's individual insulin sensitivity ratio, 15g could raise her any number of points. 15g of carb will raise me considerably higher than 75 mg/dL, personally.

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Permalink Reply by Gerri on November 4, 2009 at 8:30pm

Same here. 15 carbs, without insulin, would send me at least 150 pts higher. I need only small amounts to correct lows.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Rawlings on November 5, 2009 at 12:34pm

Great examples of why each individual needs to figure out his/her rapid-acting insulin to carb ratio!

Stephanie, do you have access to a certified diabetes educator? To learn carb counting, you also can ask about a referral for Medical Nutrition Therapy with a registered dietitian.

I think it is good to meet with an established health pro in addition to what you find online. That way, you get the clinically proven advice and the real-life advice. Most of us end up using a mix of suggestions from all sources plus our own little tricks.

Keep in mind that the professionals will start you out with basic guideline ratios to try (such as 1 unit rapid to 15 grams carb) but over time you will fine-tune the amounts to match your body, your situation, your activity levels, your food choices, etc.

Don't be surprised if it takes a while (as in months) to figure out your needs. Compared to Kristin, below, I take 1 unit of rapid for every 8 grams of carb in the morning but 1 unit for every 12 grams of carb for any food/meals after breakfast! And I also dose small amounts of insulin to cover the other nutrient groups in the meal.

Carb counting is like learning to ride a bike. You will wobble and need training wheels at first. Over time, you will get speedy and agile!

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Permalink Reply by Kristin on November 4, 2009 at 10:53pm

Stephanie,

I was started on the exact same insulin regime that you are on. With time I was able to change it (with my doctors) to a system that Melissa described. Now I take 1 unit of insulin for every 13g of carb. That means that if I want to have one piece of toast with breakfast, I can (and I take 1 unit for a 12g piece of bread). If I want to eat 2 pieces, I can do that too. It's nice to set the insulin to the food rather than "feeding" the insulin.

I would highly recommend the book Think like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner or Using Insulin by John Walsh. They are both available at this link, as well as other books that have been recommended by this community.

You will get more and more comfortable with this and have more flexibility in your diet. There is just so much to learn! So take things one step at a time!

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Atkins on November 5, 2009 at 4:08am

Thanks:)

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