I am trying to figure out how many carbs other people allow for themselves at each meal. I am trying to lose weight this year, and I don't know how to manage this. Since I have been using insulin (and lots of it) for the last 10 years or so, I have had a very hard time with weight loss. Does anyone out there have any experience losing weight while taking insulin? I use a pump and a CGM; I need to lose 50 pounds. I wonder if low carb is the way to go?
Hey there,
I'm Ginger, from Diabeteens.com. I'm a competitive powerlifter, Type 1 diabetic, and personal trainer.
I have to manage my weight closely for the sake of being in certain weightclasses for powerlifting, etc.
EVERYONE - diabetic or not - is "on insulin," we need it to live. What you do want to do is reduce the amount of insulin your body needs by reducing carbs but increasing protein and fats.
Check out this article, it'll give you the right calculations to get started:
Creating the ideal nutrition plan for weight loss
I hope this helps!
When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a little over three years ago, I was told by my dietician at the time to aim for 180 grams of carbs a day. That was either three main meals of 60 grams of carbs each or three main meals of 45 grams of carbs and two snacks of 15 grams (roughly) each, I have to be honest and say I no longer stick to this. However I do track my carb intake and try to keep in around the 180 a day range. I also exercise regularly. I have found that healthy eating, portion control, and regular exercise is the way to go. One good tool that I use to keep me motivated is taking dares on livestrong.com. Just a few suggestions.
Hi Ginger, The information you gave me is just what i need. I am going to try the experiment for 10 days and see what happens. Thank you so much for the help. I am one of the few people I know that just doesn't care what I eat. As long as it is working for me. Do you maintain the low carb, hi protein hi fat combo all the time? Also, do you bolus 6 units in a combo bolus or all at once? Do you use the pump? If you are using the combo bolus, please tell me the % over how much time. Today I began the experiment. I have had very little insulin. I have had to correct 3 times today to minor rises by less than 2 units each time. I use U500 Humalin R, so it is 5 times as strong as anything else. The reason I use it is because I have become so resistant. Anyway, I use .525 U per hour as my background (which you need to multiply by 5 for sake of comparison to Lantus). Then, my insulin to carb ratio is 1u:10grams cho. Multiply that and it is really 5 units (of like Humalog) to 10 Grams of cho, or 1:2.
Now, calories always count. So, do I maintain a 2000 cal diet during this test period, or what? I am guessing at that because protein and fat is so much more caloric
than most other options. Thanks again! Cathey
Jason, thank you so much for responding to my post. I am already doing less carbs per day than your educator recommended. It is good to know that I am at least staying within the lines. I am going to take a look at livestrong.com. Thanks!
Hi Ginger,What good information !! Thanks :)