Connect
I recently started on the insulin pump
I recently started on the insulin pump after taking shots for over 20 years. The hardest part for me is watching the carbs. I understand how carbs work, but was more focused on the actual sugar content. Sugar free is certainly misleading to diabetics - you need to count carbs and also beware of sugar alcohols. Does anyone have any good tips for counting carbs?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.
Connect
Hi Julie! I'm hoping someone has personal experience with counting carbs that they can share, but in the meantime, I wanted to share a few resources. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic about a diabetes diet- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295. And here is an expert answer to a question about diabetes and carbs- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes/faq-20058545. Hope this helps!
Hi Julie, This is my first post. I have been on the pump and CGM for a few years. Now on the Pancreas transplant list as of yesterday after 40 years of this pain. As far as carbs, you would think it would be easy. all the books and packaging show carbs, but when you add stress or any other complex factors of life your body complicates everything about your BG. I can go for a few days of being ok, than anything I do is all messed up.
Your not alone.
Bob
Hi @bszychow. Welcome to Connect.
Congratulations on the pancreas transplant list. That's a big step after 40 years. How long is the wait now?
@juliaroberts221 How are you doing with the carb counting?
There are a number of apps that help you track carbs prior to each meal. I use "My Fitness Pal", but that is not an endorsement, simply the one I have used for years and become familiar with. I am also disabled, so having to make decisions on the fly are not as common for me as for people who are working and always on the go with children, activities, etc...I also tend to eat from a limited number of items and have learned how much the different combinations of the foods will add up to. Not the best method for everyone, but it works for me and can work for others with some adaptation.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI would love to hear some feedback on your use of the pump. I am considering a Total Pancreatectomy with Autologous Islet Cell Transplant. I believe I would be much more comfortable with a pump and it's ability to add both insulin and glucagon as needed because I will likely be a "brittle" diabetic. I believe this type of pump is the one they refer to as a bionic pancreas.
Welcome to Connect @gman007. My apologies for the late welcome. Somehow your message got buried in a flurry of activity. I'm tagging @bszychow to ensure he gets your message too.
You might also be interested in this discussion about pancreas transplant http://mayocl.in/25xeSXn
@irvkay312 do you use an insulin pump?
No, I do not. Diabetes and insulin resistance never were brought to mind by any Primary Care doctors, nor was the matter noted by my Oncologist; since the drop in glucose was most recent. A lot of these items and information came from my personal research and study on all of my conditions and medicines.
Kay
There are a number of apps available at no or little charge. I personally use "My Fitness Pal", but only because I stumbled on it first after learning I had diabetes and would probably change if I were not so used to it - they were recently bought by a large fitness apparel company and there are more quirks and bugs in it than I have ever been aware of. I also stick to a pretty consistent list of staple foods, so I can guess about how many carbs a meal will have. I 1/2 cup serving of veggies will be about the same regardless of vegetable, unless you get into a few higher carb ones like corn. Some of this stuff you just learn over repeated calculations.