Carbohydrate Counting for Diabetes : The Basics | She's Diabetic

[@ForgottenCovers]

It always amazes me how much thought and planning people with T1D have to put into eating compared to those of us without T1D. You are all seriously so strong and focused to be able to deal with this disease on a daily (even minute!) basis. I have so much love and respect for everyone dealing with this ❤

[@donna3765]

Yes, we are! 😄 Thank you

[@jessicam3814]

My older brother just got diagnosed with diabetes :( and I have just been nonstop looking up videos to find ways to help him. Yours have been really helpful so thank you

[@ChrisSims-kf5hq]

carb counting??? utter garbage. ignorant "science". I went on KETO (designed in early 1900s to HELP diabetics) and intermittent fasting. Ive lost 15 lbs and have cut my insulin doses in half in just 6 months. carb count? h*ll NO!!!!!!!!!!!! use KETO and IF!!!!!!!!! your health is more important than ADA lies.

[@scottyanke655]

When I was first diagnosed a T-1 (over 20 years ago) I was taught to watch the labels and count carbs. Been doing that ever since. But... My own experience has shown that just counting carbs is not enough, I also have to factor in protein/fat to the ratio, and what activities I plan on doing. The protein/fat part really affects my rate of carb absorption which I can verify with my CGM. Carbs are just the start, and keeping in mind how the carbs are presented to the body is also important. As a T-1 you are probably aware that some carbs are "fast" and some are "slow". This all affects how I do my boluses (all at once vs. extended). Two products might have the same carb count, but absorb very differently in my body. I agree wholeheartedly with you on the carb to insulin ratios. They are very personal, and can be "interesting" to nail down. Trial and error, and a really good CGM help. Can't emphasize that enough. Thanks for doing all that you do.

[@anthonycarter4360]

Hi Andrea, I was diagnosed with T1D in 1966 at the tender age of 7. Yes, 54 years ago. I have never been taught to carb counting. Thank you for posting this video.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - you're a WARRIOR!!!!! You can see me right now, but I'm tipping my internet hat to you!! Absolutely amazing!! I'm SO glad to know you learned something here today - and what an honor it is to have you here!! Thank you so much for sharing and happy carb counting! I truly hope it helps you!!

[@johnhood578]

I'm a RN and I must say you are a great educator. You explain everything clearly and on an understandable level. Thank you.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh wow - I take that as such a huge compliment - like the biggest. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And thank YOU for all the work you do, and undoubtedly the incredible lengths you’ve had to go to in the last 18 months to keep us all safe - truly I salute you and am very grateful 🙏

[@BirdyGurdy]

You have the greatest energy! I love it! Always makes me smile :)

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh that is such a compliment!! Thank you so much!!! :)

[@ericjames266]

@Dick Hedd He is not a witch doctor He truly helped me cure my diabetes

[@julianycnerska8723]

I've been diagnosed 5 years ago and I haven't been able to understand this, it very helped thank you! And love your videos 🥰

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh I'm so glad this was so helpful to you! Sometimes I just think it's a matter of timing and how you're told - this was the case for me too! I'm just so glad it's helped you!!! YAY!!

[@antiqueantics]

Thank you so much for creating this sort of content and presenting it in a bite size and understandable way. My partner has T1D and we're working together to start carb counting. it seems so daunting the way his provider explained it but you make it seem simple and doable. Off to binge your videos ! Wish us luck on our journey

[@chrystalm-g9324]

Hi Andrea, my daughter was diagnosed a bit ago as T1D. Our Endocrinologist team went over carb counting with us, they told us to subtract the Fiber and Alcohol sugars from the carbohydrate total as your body doesn't digest those/break them down to sugar. So if you see 15 Carbohydrates in a bar but there is 3g fiber listed you would subtract the fiber from the carb total and there would only be 12 net carbs in the item of food.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Thank you so much for your comment Chrystal, and I'm so sorry for your daughter's diagnosis. I'm sure this is overwhelming for her, but also for you too. I hope you're both doing okay! 💙 Yes - many people do subtract fiber! I've never found this personally useful, but you're absolutely right- it's something I will for sure mention in my follow up video - I wish I had mentioned it here in hindsight, as many people have mentioned it. Thank you for bringing it up and reminding me and all of us!! 💙🙏🏻

[@christinewelch4918]

It’s just so strange that you continue to make videos that seem to have me in mind!! I started long lasting insulin at the beginning of October and now it looks like I will need to be starting on short acting before meals. That means carb counting! I have been doing a bit of that but now it gets serious. Thank you so much for this video. It all helps!

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - I'm just so very pleased they're so helpful to you Christine!! I can't tell you how much joy that brings me!! I'm sorry to hear of your need to introduce insulin/have to carb count, but I truly hope this makes it all a little easier for you, and hopefully this will a good step in a new, more healthy direction!!! So much joy to you my friend!!! 💙💙💙

[@jojosanrio3966]

Thank you I have two type1 children and have found this very helpful for them

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - you're a SUPERPARENT!! Thank you so very much for your kind words - I'm so glad this video helped you and your kiddos!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@steffendavid2304]

Usually you would get a nutritionist when diagnosed with type 1, well in the u.k anyways, my daughter has been newly diagnosed and she's almost 3. But we have a great team around us that helps us, love your videos thank you!

[@D3athly._Hal0s]

I definitely need this... I never knew how to carb count till now!

[@ShesDiabetic]

I hear you loud and clear! I was in the same boat!! I'm glad to be able to help in any small way! ❤️

[@GulliversCovers]

Half my class were Food technologists, to other half half were Nutritionists way back in Uni days. Now I finally understand in detail what they were talking about , thanks to this post. A great one! Hugs and subbed SD!

[@perfectangel7786]

Carb counting and a food scale are a must when carb counting. I only started carb counting within the last few years. Also pre bolusing is a must.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Yes yes YES! You sound like a PRO Tracy!! :)

[@RedPetrol76]

For me pre-bolusing is a must in the morning, about 30 minutes. On other meals, I find it safer to pre bolus maximum of 10 minutes or even on first bite If I'm on low 4 side.

[@JT74]

Great video and really informative. I've been a type 1 for 15 years and was only made aware of carb counting last year when I went on a course for the Freestyle Libre. It wasn't ever explained to me during my 6 month diabetic reviews, so I wonder how many other diabetics aren't aware or fully understand it

[@RedPetrol76]

Oh dear. When I was diagnosed last year they gave me some sheets and I was taught carb counting in a very primitive manner. Like "you have one slice of bread, that's one and cup of juice that's also one and it equals two". Nothing about do I count protein if I don't eat carbs on a meal, how to fix stress-related spikes etc. I'm basically self-taught and with a CGM I've learned almost everything by trial and error.

[@queenbgaming7746]

My son was diagnosed two days ago. Thank you ❤

[@ShesDiabetic]

I am so so so sorry to hear this.I hope you guys are doing as well as possible. Please know this will get easier - I promise...one step at a time! We're here as a community (here, on insta, reddit) to help you in whatever way we can!! Sending you ❤️❤️❤️

[@queenbgaming7746]

@@ShesDiabetic thank you!!! We are getting through the rough patches daily. He’s confused (just turned 8 a week after being diagnosed) as to why this happened, but we are trying to support with love and trying to show him people like you who aren’t “afraid” (like he is) but who are strong (like we know he is). Thank you!

[@ejustin37]

Learned something new about insulin unit counting. Thank you for the video. Have a great Day.

[@ShesDiabetic]

YAY! I'm so pleased!! :)

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I was diagnosed around 3 years ago- I’m 62. As soon as I was diagnosed my doctor sent me to a diabetic educator. She went over portion size and carb counting. We just adjusted my ratios and I’m doing much better!! PS- she actually wrote down the ratios and doses so I don’t have to do math.

[@mariamsatar4141]

Hi Miss Andrea ! thank you so much for the amazing information Iwas diagnosed as a type one diabetic nine months ago and I had a hard time counting carbs this video made me educated I am looking forward for the rest of my carbohydrate count when eating out. appreciate it thank you so much I am watching your channel all the time you were info is better than my DR.🌹

[@Ba1ster]

Great video for beginners Andrea! Look forward to your next one on eating out or food that doesn’t come with labels like takeaways. I call them nightmare items and mostly guess!

[@Spid3Y-TD1]

thx lovely Andrea! i have t1d for about 30 years...never did carb counting, i will try it out now!

[@MarkandeyaCollective]

Thank you so much! Just getting started familiar with the T1D 🙏🏽

[@ShesDiabetic]

You are so very welcome, please take it all one step at a time - and know that we’re all here for you my friend!! 💙

[@MarkandeyaCollective]

@@ShesDiabetic oh thank you thats so sweet to hear, our daughter (8yrd) just got the T1D diagnose, she also had a critical appendicitis..its been a rough two weeks at the ICU but today we brought her home from the hospital. Your videos are REALLY helping me to get to grips about the practical day-to-day of relating to the T1D. Again, thank you so so so much! Big love from us!

[@faye707]

Thank you so much for this. Yo have done this in a way I now understand

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh than you for saying that - and I'm so glad!! It's honestly my pleasure!!!

[@noorahn7892]

Thank you for the video Andrea. My T1 daughter is going through puberty at the moment and her insulin sensitivity changed dramatically because of hormones and insulin resistence. from 1 unit for every 12 carbs, to 1 unit for every 7. Many factor can affect the sensitivity. So the Carb to insulin ratio that was first calculated for you is not a fixed number, it will change over the years depending on many factors.

[@dervlamurphy1236]

I like how Andrea says this too, everyone is different ... In the morning and during the workday, I need 1 unit fast acting insulin to 15 to 20 grammes carbohydrate. Once 5pm hits, everything changes! 2. 5 units fast acting to 10 grammes carbohydrate.

[@AkaiMiso]

Please cover, how you adjust your count depending on fiber/fat content.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I will try my best to cover this in the next video!! Thank you!! :)

[@Veggieandveganjourney]

carbs and cals app is a life saver it does it for you

[@mokopanebohlale2498]

Super useful my word this made everything extra simple thank you so much ☺️☺️

[@ShesDiabetic]

Thank you!!! I'm so glad you've found it helpful! YAY!!

[@genchandler5208]

I'm a type 1 diabetic too. I've had it since I was 1 in a half. I ALWAYS try to keep my glucose balanced and am super careful on what I eat.

[@soulsaw]

I became diabetic after a liver transplant. In the hospital, the nurses all did and taught me carb counting. When they sent me home from the hospital I went sent home with a sliding scale. I was so confused because what the nurses taught me from my hospital bed was completely different from what my medical team sent me home with. Working with my team, I do kind of a combo sliding scale + carb counting. It helps me keep my A1C in the low 6's.

[@geo34south]

Thanks for bringing up a very important concept, Andrea. Despite being T1D for over 40 years, this was never introduced to me, with one very recent exception when I raised the point with my endo myself, no doubt spurred on by your channel, and where my ratio was roughly ball-parked within a few seconds and I was sent on my way. All us long-timers have are diet sheets that have long been shown to be inappropriate and there must be many like me that are in the same boat in having, well, missed the boat. I do practice carb counting, sort of, but I think diabetics fall into three groups. The first are astute people like yourself who expertly calculate their dose and eat healthy, balanced diets. The rest of us are either chasing highs or chasing lows, myself more frequently the latter. I only really eat when I’m forced to and where I understandably fail to learn the knee-jerk reaction of reaching for my insulin pen like a gunslinger from the West. When I uncharacteristically do eat a snack or light meal while euglycaemic, this learned trait persists and I fail to bolus with the consequence being that later, when my CGM starts rudely reprimanding me, I am obliged to bolus but then do so with an amount in excess of what was dictated by that meal as I want to force my BG down. Having too much insulin on board is problematic for weight loss, despite my ridiculously low daily carb intake of less than 30g. I’m usually not badly controlled, but my eating habits are hardly healthy and carb counting and knowing one’s ratio is without doubt, the sensible way to go. BTW, I do spend an inordinate amount of time reading those labels when purchasing food but I have a rule of not buying anything that has more than 10% carbs by weight. Those thins you showed had almost 100%. I do realise that this depends on weight consumed and here self-restraint is key of course. Thanks for another superb video!

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh I HEAR YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW PAUL!!! Please please PLEASE do not think I'm so expert perfect calculations diabetic with only healthy things going into my diet - it's just not the case! Over the last few weeks/months actually I've become extremely brittle and unable to really control things - which has taken its' toll massively. I'm trying, day by day, step by step, but I am in absolutely no way perfect and truly feel you on so many of your above points!! Keep the faith, and I shall try to do the same! As ever and always, I'm so grateful for your kindness and support!!

[@annabanana9863]

This is so helpful for myself. My son sadly has been diagnosed with T1D and it's a real shock but hes a tough cookie. Thank you ❤

[@whitir20]

Looking forward to the follow up videos! I always seem to get it wrong when I eat out, which can be a little disheartening. Loving your content as always! ❤️

[@ShesDiabetic]

I ALWAYS SEEM TO GET IT WRONG TOO!!!! Please please please know you are NOT alone in that feeling!!! Diabetes has a mind of its' own, pretty much 99% of the time! You are so welcome, and I'm really grateful to you for your kind words of encouragement my fellow diabuddy!!! 💙💙💙

[@whitir20]

@@ShesDiabetic Of course! It's great that you're putting yourself out there and raising awareness of the condition. Stay safe and wishing you good blood sugars!

[@SpaceTurkey_33]

Cool beans!! Great video. My ratio is changing a bit with all the COVID stress. Never realized how much stress can mess with my diabeetus. Keep up the good work and be safe.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - I HEAR YOU ON THE COVID STRESS!! And I totally hear you on that wrecking havoc on numbers...I am RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!!! I think we're all doing the very best that we can and that's pretty darn awesome, and all you can ask for!! Sending you relief from the stress my fellow diabuddy!! 🙏🏻

[@Buldozerr7]

your cheerfullnes makes me happy. more power to u girl.

[@kemaloz8615]

Hi Andrea, Thanks for the video. Very informative and straightforward. If it's your first time trying a different food, it may be safer to take small steps. In addition, fat and protein also affect the cgm balance. Some products' values may not be correct. Or metabolism doesn't like to express everything in numbers. Still, this method is definitely useful. Because you can add many alternatives to your menu. This makes a huge difference in your life. And... Our 3th check went very well. Ha1c is still 5.8. It has been like this for the last 6 months. I can not tell you how happy I am. But I can tell you that what you are doing is really amazing and really useful. If you were here right now, We would give you a big hug. Thanks again...

[@pickledrick5158]

Hi Andrea I just got my HbA1c results as a T1D two weeks ago, it came back as 4.7% average plasma glucose of 86 mg/dl in the USA. Carb counting is ok, but I find the best way to deal with carb is to avoid them as much as humanly possible. Low insulin, low carb leads to normal BG and less lows and highs 😃. Its another option for diabetics! Best part my EGFR rose 12 points by achieve normal glucose levels and the level of albumin in my urine dropped by half. Sounds like normal glucose levels can reverse complications at least in the kidneys!

[@RedPetrol76]

Limiting the overall amount of carbs is OK and mostly beneficial, as long as you don't overdo it. I mean it reduces the need for bolusing so there's less chance of miscounting. But I if you don't know how to count carbs, or don't know your carb-insulin ratio or basal-bolus ratio or are ashamed of the condition (why one should, type 1 is not caused by lifestyle) then there's a problem that's not really fixed. And the dangerous part: there are lots of 'gurus' who tell you it is possible to quit basal. And they do it just to sell paperbacks or 'consultations'. You can reduce your bolus close to zero with low-carb and that's fine. But you should never quit basal, not all blood glucose comes from carbs, there are lots of other factors. I know insulin is very expensive in United States and poor people mostly rely on out of date pens from free clinics etc. In my country we pay an annual lump sum of 50 € and 4,50 € for every package of 5 pre-filled pens and supplies (needles, strips, lancets, sensors etc.) for free.

[@pickledrick5158]

@@RedPetrol76 knowing your carb to insulin ratio is quite beneficial, unfortunately at least for me the ratios vary depending on whether I am fasting or the time of day. Another important metric is insulin sensitivity or how much would one unit of insulin drops your blood glucose. For me aspart insulin drops me 55 mg/dl per unit, during late hours or fasting and around 35 mg/dl in the early hours of the morning. Generally the heavier and taller you are the more insulin you would need, people around 25 kg lighter would go up to 100 mg/dl per unit of aspart. I am fairly tall and 84 kg. Low carb reduces bolus insulin intake, but not basal. All assuming you are using the appropriate basal dosage. If you need to be snacking every 3 hours because of low blood sugars, then most likely your basal intake is high. I could go all day without a meal and I don’t get hypoglycemic, generally if your blood sugars drop > 5 mg/dl per hour throughout the day your basal is too high. Hence why after 3 hours you are hypoglycemic. The formula for correct basal insulin intake is 0.2 u/kg x mass (kg) assuming you are not insulin resistant. People with insulin resistance may be as high as 0.4 or 0.6 u/kg. (ADA diagnostic basal dosage for new type 1 diabetics). I take 16.5u and it appears to keep me 90 mostly all day, so I generally do 17u for / target of upper 70s. With that being said, unfortunately all meals do require so type of bolus insulin. Protein does require insulin to metabolize as a partial amount of the amino acids are converted to glucose. I would take 6u of R insulin for a 8oz steak. A common lie told by endocrinologists to type 1 diabetics who use their high basal dosage to metabolize protein. My endocrinologist asked me why I was taking insulin with low carb meals and I explained the formulas and metabolic pathways of amino acids, she seemed to agree and say well if it works for.. I urge any diabetic to read on gluconeogenesis and insulin dosing, would save them from hypoglycemia and constant over eating!

[@albertosbrolla8424]

Thank you for the video, always helpful!👍

[@ShesDiabetic]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@Ba1ster]

I’m part of a uk diabetic community and going to share ure video on there as there’s loads that would benefit from your channel. Hope u won’t mind😊x

[@tomross1408]

Great lesson, my life changed when I started counting carbs... Hey like your new background, you remain a minimalist. Your focus is on what you say... don't be afraid to try a whiteboard or a large tablet to add visuals to your short lessons. Great job, you have a lot to be proud of in your video's.

[@huahua8chan420]

Well done thanks

[@ShesDiabetic]

You're welcome - thank you for watching!

[@Nasserist1969]

Thank you for this video. I've been recently diagnosed and I'm still learning. My question is do you round up the IU numbers with decimals?

[@besttunes8613]

Excellent.

[@trygvepet]

Very nice video, Andrea. Logical and clear. Two ideas for future videos: What about the issue of subtracting the fiber values from the carb total? (What's up with that?) And what resources (online or cell phone app) can you use to get carb numbers for raw foods (especially fruits)? Best regards again from California...and I voted! Yeah, me!

[@munasharif3300]

Hi 👋 can you please 🙏 explain what temp Basal is ?and how to use it?

[@ShesDiabetic]

Hi! Temp basal is the setting on an insulin pump that allows you to temporarily reduce or increase your background insulin rates for a set period of time. It’s different on every pump so I would suggest speaking to your doctor to find out more about how to use it. I hope this helps! 🙏🏻☺️

[@ЗашеќеренаПриказна]

Hi Andrea! Always enjoying your videos. Really nice topic and also very complicated one. I am carb sensitive and somewhat insulin resistant, two of which are different, different periods of the day. As newly diagnosed it is very complicated for me. When I count carbs I subtract fiber content from total carbs and if I'm eating low carb high protein foods I dose for half of proteins I eat. I still didn't know what to do with alcohol sugars, as some of them rice my BS, so I try not to use them. Also fat is important, but I still didn't figure how exactly it works. Hope for more videos from you on this topic. I really appreciate what you are doing! Best regards from Macedonia 🇲🇰

[@brucepatrick2380]

Thanks Andrea. I now have a heap more questions to ask my health care professional s. I will be doing this in around a week or so. Why is it going to take so long? Well it is because I live in a small community which only has visiting services and they only visit once a month or one day a week

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh Bruce, I'm glad this is giving you fuel for your next appointment! Fantastic! And I'm glad it came in time for you to catch your doc this go round! :) Good luck!!!

[@redfieldchris998]

I actually do the same checking work before buying foods, so i think your suggestion is necessary and helpful, i just don't eat energy or protein bars like you do Andrea, haha.

[@thebetterlifeguru]

Very clear and informative as an introduction to bolusing! So thank you! I’ve been a T1D for about 9 years but have LADA so I’ve only ever used basal insulin and stuck to a very strict low carb diet. Up until recently it’s always kind of worked. My a1c went down to 6.1 but lately it’s been in the 6.8-7.2 range, which I am not happy with. Definitely feel like I could do better. The problem is my doctor never really explains how to carb count and bolus. Just to take a unit with a high carb meal and go from there. I understand some people just wing it and they’re pretty much fine, but going hypo really terrifies me, and I want to be more exact with measuring my insulin (as much as possible anyway). So my question is when you end up with a number like 1.3 units of suggested insulin do you take just 1 unit? What if it’s 1.6? Round up? Sorry for my long winded post, I just don’t get very much information from healthcare professionals and most of what I’ve learned has been through online avenues! Again, nice video!

[@duane2608]

Hi Andrea, I am also a T1D. Most T1Ds don't understand that you must also count for protein as protein also converts to glucose. Sadly we are not taught everything we need to thrive.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I think everyone does it slightly differently, but you're right protein does indeed need to be considered. It's so complicated. I hope this is a good entry level basic video and hopefully we can elaborate from there!

[@duane2608]

Andrea, you do a great job!! It is complicated. In reading the other comments it needed to be noted as again sadly there is a lacking in proper education. Again, keep up the great work Andrea!!

[@jadelynn3576]

you need to add protein to the carb counting ??? I have been diabetic for 6 years and no one taught me this.

[@sdav9843]

@@jadelynn3576 my understanding is it’s only important if you have very low, or no carbs in your meals. If you’re regularly having carbs with your protein it doesn’t mater so much as the body gets the energy from the carbs, when there is no carbs it converts protein in to glucose for the cells that need it.

[@giamitchell6189]

Nope. I can eat a piece of chicken that's been baked, not dose for it and it has zero effects on my blood sugar. So that's not true for everyone!! We're all different and like I always say, diabetes is not a one size fits all disease❤

[@teabean7]

Looking forward to the advanced carb counting video. I’m at a loss without a nutrition label

[@ShesDiabetic]

I hear you! I'm working on this and will get it up asap my friend! In the meantime check out the app Carbs & Cals - it's a great way to look up foods sans nutrition labels and get a little more info! I hope this helps!

[@teabean7]

@@ShesDiabetic Thank you! My 11 year old son was dx on Christmas and we are still in a major learning curve. Thankfully I have a background in nutrition so I have that on my side. I watched your day of what you eat video and that was helpful. I had downloaded the carbs & Cals app but hadn’t really dug in to see what info it had. Played around with it last night and am feeling better about fruit and veg counts already.

[@zekkez]

Great information, thank you. If you tailor your dose by calculating each meal, including snacks, would this mean that you would have to pin insulin a lot more times during the day? Kind of microdosing. I'm a couple of weeks in to being type 1 and I've been given set doses 4 times a day regardless of meals/snacks. 12 units of Degludec and X3 6 units of Novorapid.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Basically yes - microdosing - but because I’m on an insulin pump this means I can do it without having to poke each time. It works well for me - but honestly we all have to find what works for our bodies and the ways we enjoy eating, etc! If your way is working for you - that’s great too!

[@Learninggether]

Great information!

[@ShesDiabetic]

Glad you think so! Thank you for watching!

[@tom-harley]

Fantastic videos...can I ask a quick question, trying to get to the bottom of pasta. Do you know if the pasta itself has a delayed absorption rate or does it depend on the ratio of carbs and fats? eg if pasta is accompanied with low fat high protein would there still be a delay? My daughter has type 1 and so far our experimenting has seen spikes after she has gone to sleep! Many thanks, T x

[@ShesDiabetic]

Hi Thomas! Oh yours is a fabulous question! So, though I can't tell you exactly, I can say that as a rule fat does delay the absorption of carbohydrate, therefore in high fat and carb meals (like pasta with meat sauce, or pizza) you may not see a spike initially (like you might expect), but you may see a delayed stubborn rise that then leads to a spike. If your daughter is on a pump you can do an extended bolus, so that it gives you a higher rate of insulin (over for example, 3 hours post eating), or just keep an eye on the blood sugar and chase it down over time. It's hugely a trial and error procedure, but you're absolutely right in that you've identified the correlation. I really hope this helps you and your daughter and I wish you all the very very best!!

[@tom-harley]

@@ShesDiabetic Thanks for the reply. Yeah pizza on its own is a right little rascal because of all the fat we split insulin dose 1/2 before and 1/2 when libre says bg is starting to rise (which is often hours later) we've found that a slice or two as a part of a meal is fine - my conclusion is that the ratio of fat to carb must be low otherwise the carbs get bound and can't be released. Plan with pasta next is to try it with minimal fat, eg pasta, chicken, veg, tomato based sauce and see what results we get with that. Pasta and pizza are the only things we've come across that cause a delayed spike...so far!

[@windflower2141]

Hi Andrea, I was wondering about the licorice tea you drink that you showed in a previous video. How often do you drink it? I have heard of people overdosing on licorice, and wanted to know if you drink it regularly or had any issues related to it?

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh It's the Pukka brand Licorice and Peppermint tea! :) I don't drink it all that often - maybe a few cups a week, but other week's I'll go without and have a different type. I go in fits and starts with teas 😂. I too have heard issues with Licorice, but I can't say I've ever experienced anything myself!

[@arroyobaby38]

This may sound like a silly question but I’m going to ask 😊 I know you can eat fruit but do you have to watch your intake of Dates?? I was just wondering because even though there’s no sugar added its pretty sweet. Sorry if the question sounds odd. I was just curious to know. Be safe out there. Love your videos ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@dervlamurphy1236]

To BABY A - Yes(I've no medical training, just diabetes lived expérience). I love dates, the ones I buy have 67grammes of carbohydrates per 100grammes. Each date of the brand I eat weighs about 10grammes, so I expect 6ish grammes of carbohydrate per date: I don't expect these dates to release carbohydrate sugars quickly. I eat 2or3dates about 2 hours before my blood sugars are expected to go lower. I know when my insulin will need to find sugar to put in my cells when I'm exercising for hours. They help me. Others will have a different story. Oranges release their sugars really quickly, within half an hour, I feel.

[@Scorpio112166]

Quick question, I understand the carb counting, are you referring insulin ratios to insulin injections?? On the pump you put the number in and it automatically gives you the correct bonus.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Great question! Pumps tend to have an automatic calculator that takes into account your personal insulin to carb ratio and you plug in the carbs you're having and it will give you the correct amount of insulin. But you can also do this yourself, if you don't have a pump just by doing the math, say if your ration is 1 unit of insulin for every 15 grams of carbs and you're having 30g of carbs you'd take 2 units. But I can't stress enough that this is unique to every individual and should be worked out with your doctor! I hope that answers your question and makes sense! 🙏🏻

[@dvdv7777]

From what I recall, you do a plant based high carb diet? I've noticed that those who heat high amounts of carb tend to need less insulin for carbs than low carb eaters do. 1:15 is the ratio I've heard from high carb people, while low carbers tend to have something like 1:5 - 1:8 from my experience. It sort of balances itself out, since with high carb, you may need less insulin per gram of carbs, but you eat more carbs, while with low carb, you may need more insulin per gram of carbs, but you eat fewer carbs. This is independent of basal though.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Yes, you are correct! I eat mostly high carb, plant based, so as to increase my insulin sensitivity. I like and it and it words for me, though not every day is that same of course!! I just find that every body is different and what everyone needs is different too, but very interesting observation of yours there - thank you for sharing!!

[@dvdv7777]

@@ShesDiabetic Yea, this is a normal physiological adaptation that you can also find in non-diabetics who eat low carb / keto. So, from what I gather, a truly pathological insulin resistance as found in type 2 diabetics is characterized not by the I:C ratio, but by the TDD, and especially by the amount of basal required. Both low fat high carb and low carb high fat eating people who don't consume too many calories will not have a high basal requirement unless they have some other issues. Quite the opposite, really.

[@supriyakavali639]

Thanks so much!!!

[@ShesDiabetic]

You are so very welcome!!! 💙

[@NicoletteRoux]

i would love to know how many times a day you take a "bolus" Our dr is basically looking to do the 3 main meals and then have enough lantus ticking in the background that my guy gets his 3 snacks without insulin. What about bolus overlaps?

[@ShesDiabetic]

Hi! Since I'm on an insulin pump I bolus anytime I eat anything or need to take a correction (if I'm running high). I bolus several times a day - at least 3 meals and a few snacks, so maybe 7-10 times? When I was on injections I was always taught to take enough Lantus to keep myself stable without eating and then take insulin with snacks, but everyone is different! Just what I was taught. I hope this answers your question!

[@isadoralimas]

Can you make a video talking about your experience with NHS?

[@Mhadyourfriend]

Can you share your opinion about Mastering Diabetes book ?

[@video128]

Hi I found you through olga kurylenko actress Wikipedia. I'm also t1d, so will be binge witching your videos:)

[@bluesky5587]

Perfect

[@ShesDiabetic]

Thank you!

[@zincman1995]

In some elementary schools I found some will figure in Fiber and sugar alcohol grams. Do you figure any of these in or are these facts only used with more critical diabetes? thanks

[@ShesDiabetic]

That's a great question - so the short answer is, I do not. However, many doctors recommend doing this. I've found this doesn't make much of a difference for me in terms of my control but it's something I'm looking further into as I've gotten a lot of questions like yours. I will cover this more in a follow up video for sure!

[@zincman1995]

@@ShesDiabetic Thanks you for the help, God bless

[@haqzahoorul]

Thanks for the video. However you didn't subtract fibre content from total carbs.

[@ShesDiabetic]

You're welcome - some people do, some don't. I've found for me personally I don't tend to and that works well for me, but everyone is different! But there have been a lot of comments about this, so I will absolutely cover this in my follow up video! Thank you for flagging this! :)

[@nithilabts7023]

This was such a informative video.. amd im looking forward for the nxt.✔️ Im 15.. and I've been a type one diabetic for almost a year now and im gonna have my first diaversary in 2 days..🖤 And u have been a great inspiration for me this whole time.. would be lovely if u can share how ur first diaversary was like.. and ur diagnosis story in the upcoming videos... Btw.. lovveeee ur content..🥺💜 Sending loadss of love and warm hugs from india..🇮🇳 Loveee uu...❤️

[@marinakiell1069]

I’ve begged for her diagnosis story too lol 😊

[@nithilabts7023]

@@marinakiell1069 haha.. let's make a petition.. cuz im sure and lot of us are interested to know her diagnosis story.. lol..

[@nithilabts7023]

@@marinakiell1069 but i do know that she was diagnosed with t1d cuz her dad also was a t1d andd her bro too...

[@monicabernardino6166]

Hello! I'm 28 years old and I'm also Type One too. So, you're saying like how much the insulin you take while you're counting the carbohydrates and then you calculate it? Was that correct? My friends and family heard about me especially like I'm having diabetic. They're sometimes, always strict me because they don't want me to allowed to eat food with sugar in it. The insulin dose is working to lowering my blood sugar especially when I'm allowed to eat with carbs and sugar. Not my blood sugar, just the carbs. Am I right? Thumbs up if you're agree with that or not sure.

[@munasharif3300]

Hi please tell me what is good standard deviation number

[@elizabethv1559]

Informative video! I do have a question when calculating carbs do you not remove fiber to equal net carbs or is this not the norm?

[@shirleyelliott5074]

I think in the UK the values they provide have already factored in the fibre aspect, so we just go off the carb numbers. I'm only 6 months in to this and not carb counting yet, but that's my understanding of things 😊

[@elizabethv1559]

@@shirleyelliott5074 Thanks!

[@doxasnob8137]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)

[@ShesDiabetic]

You are so very welcome!!!

[@curiousgeorge1556]

welcome back sunshine

[@tanyaforbes9459]

So happy to learn with you but what about soups and stews you make at home or eat at a restaurant 😢 this is so confusing for me help

[@Veggieandveganjourney]

Also you can add your own foods to the data base. So if you have a packet you can write the information into the app and then it will be there for the next you eat it

[@diabeticsassemble7328]

Great video! 👍

[@rexhowells7015]

Thankyou Andrea, I am now 69 and have never carb counted. Just estimate. I shall give it a go. But I was wondering how does this fit in with GI ( glycemic index) this is pretty big in Australia ?

[@jackwood5883]

Use the MySugr app and it’ll take all the stress out of carb-insulin counting, Happy International Diabetes Day!

[@christinahinojosa9104]

Do you have to subtract the fibre from the total carbs??

[@ShesDiabetic]

Yes, I do. But this is only something I've started doing recently as I was not really taught to do it before and there are some discrepancies with medical professionals as to if you should do this from what I understand. But now that I'm doing it works well for me, and I should have covered it in this video!!

[@christinahinojosa9104]

@@ShesDiabetic thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment. I’ve heard discrepancies as well :) your video is very well done. Thank you.

[@michaelpierce9731]

Have u heard/tried that eversense cgm yet?

[@paulbell5374]

Is Insulin Sensitivity linked to Insulin to Carb Ratio? Can one be used to calculate the other? Thanks for the video Andrea!

[@izaskunazconasaldias214]

I´d say insulin sensitivity and carb ratio refere to the same thing: they relate the amount of insulin your body needs to 'process' certain amount of carbs o in other words, how much glucose you get out of the system with a certain amount of insulin, don´t you think?

[@izaskunazconasaldias214]

to get the ratio, we use this formula: insulin units you need to process 10 gr of CH, when normal BS (100-160). Insulin units/number of rations of CH you take. For example: if I have 35 gr of CH for breakfast and I put 2 units of insulin, my ratio would be 2/3,5=0,57 units of insulin, for every 10 gr of CH.

[@paulbell5374]

@@izaskunazconasaldias214 But insulin sensitivity is how much 1 unit will drop your blood glucose level right?

[@mushycloud4353]

Hello, i was told that your insulin to carb ratio could be found out by the pump, is it true?

[@ShesDiabetic]

Only if you or your doctor has programmed it in. The pump will not 'automatically' know your ratio. I hope this helps! :)

[@Shadows4_life]

Thanks

[@ShesDiabetic]

No problem! Thank you for watching!! 💙

[@colacola3522]

Simply just being surprised by your carb to insulin ratio haha 😬 I knew it differs from ppl to ppl but my is like 40g carb to 7 u of insulin haha .BTW, although I’ve just discovered ur channel BUT it’s AMAZING ❣️

[@northyland1157]

as a type 2 I don't really dose my insulin off of carbs, I'm more worried about eating meals that don't cause spikes, I don't count carbs, but I do understand why type 1 count them.. so they can bolus properly..

[@ShesDiabetic]

I hear you - however we can blunt those spikes - that's the way forward and makes like so much easier! :-)

[@clisaa6974]

Can you( or anyone else) explain what long-acting insulin is vs fast-acting for people using pens? Like I understand the concept of pre-bolusing before you eat a meal. I read online you can take long-acting anytime( of course i could have read wrong ). But, what confuses me is that can you take your long-acting in the morning and then eat your breakfast? Also, I look forward to your vid on eating out- especially in other countries( if u talk about it one day too). Like in the US and UK I feel like many restaurants these days(, i studied abroad in London and remember at least there are a lot of places i ate at had nutritional info but then again smaller places didn't) have the nutritional values of their foods on their website, which I only thought was great for dieters, now i see how amazing they are for type1's). But, like what if you are traveling to other countries in Europe that have foods that are super carb-heavy like Italy or if you are traveling somewhere and they have street foods. Anyhow, i love your vids because they are super informative. ( I am learning about type1 because i have a newer friend who told me she has it and I decided to work on a project about type-1 that I hope one day will be successful to raise awareness about type 1 and also chronic diseases in young adults. so we shall see)

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh wow - what a wonderful firmed you are to look into this and start a project on it!!! Absolutely AMAZING!!! :) So the difference between long acting and short acting: long acting is taken one a day (usually) and gives a background rate of insulin to keep you in range between meals (known as your basal rate). The fast acting is taken with meals (so if you take your long acting in the morning, you will still need to then take a fast acting dose before breakfast). I hope this helps and wish you so so much luck on your project!!! I'd love to hear more when you have it up and running!! All the very best my friend! :)

[@clisaa6974]

@@ShesDiabetic thank you! yes that makes sense. They both do different things so i get it now. At first i thought why would you double dose on 2 kinds of insulin. And, yes one day when its up and running I will let you know more:).

[@Nasserist1969]

Still waiting for your video about eating out Andrea. Blessings

[@gulnurelcik]

For me, the real problem about carbs have to do with the ones that I am eating at home or restaurants. I use two apps to calculate but they suggest totally different figure. Plus, every detail makes a difference (like if the food is cooled or not). At first I tried hard but eventually have given up

[@douglasharrislane2748]

I was just wondering what do you think about the cell phone app MY SUGAR ? GOOD OR BAD

[@mongol-w2n]

hello thanks u

[@marinakiell1069]

How were you treating your diabetes if you didn’t know about carb counting? I’ve always known it was all about the carb counting for the amounts of insulin at meals. This makes me really curious as to how you treated your diabetes between 2001-2009 before the knowledge of carb counting. Starting to think this is also why u were “eating for your disease as supposed to treating your disease” as you said in the Honest Truth video

[@loverboyjmac]

Hello can type one diabetics eat chocolate. My daughter is 13 and just been diagnosed, she really sad that she cant eat chocolate anymore.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Your daughter can eat chocolate for sure!! You'll have to figure out how to dose insulin for it so it's a little tricky and burdensome in that regard, but I eat chocolate all the time!!! Sending you and your daughter strength in this no doubt difficult time - I promise you it gets better!!!

[@izaskunazconasaldias214]

Hi Andrea! Thanks again for this video, I´m sure that is so useful, now that I read in your comments there´s so many people that don´t know how to count carbs! I´m a mum of a T1D girl, 11 years now, diagnosed 1 year ago, and I simply don´t know what would I do if I didn´t count carbs...it´s been so helpful and important for us, almost like the A of the ABC of the treatment: carb counting, insulin and activity. Reading labels is fundamental, but we like to cook and we usually have our meals at home/school. For me, it´s been so helpful to use this kind of tables: www.fundaciondiabetes.org/upload/publicaciones_ficheros/71/TABLAHC.pdf This one is based on a typical Spanish diet, with many products that we all know, but I´m sure there will be something similar in every country? I cannot live without it. At first it can be overwhelming, but after a year, I almost know them by heart... Hope someone finds it helpful. About insulin ratio, our insulin sensitivity changes during the day, is not the same in the morning before breakfast, for instance, than for dinner before bed. So we use different ratios for different meals... After this tough year, the most important thing I´ve learned, however, is the importance of smiling like Andrea does. That´s the best treatment. Thanks Andrea!

[@marinakiell1069]

next video should be low blood sugar: the basics including the after low snack

[@nithilabts7023]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ3SZ6yqas93i8k She already has a vid on this.. but not as detailed as u asked for.. Leaving it here just incase u need it..🙂 Have a lovely day/night..🥰

[@marinakiell1069]

@@nithilabts7023 yeah I know about that video “3 ways to treat low blood sugar” I want one in this format that’s also explains the hard carb after low snack

[@nithilabts7023]

@@marinakiell1069 Truee..💯❤️

[@marinakiell1069]

@@nithilabts7023 I’ve watched The Dale Tribe and that’s where I found out about the after low hard carb but I feel I need a more concrete version of how to know what to use for a hard carb

[@nithilabts7023]

@@marinakiell1069 yeaa.. even i watch dale tribe..i agree, having more creative and backup option is always best...

[@jennylyncapacia6609]

HI

[@nithilabts7023]

Petition for andrea to make a video on her diagnosis story and her first diaversary.. lol.. 👇

[@ericjames266]

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[@philmarquez8707]

im male this helped

[@ShesDiabetic]

I'm so glad!

[@benwahhhh]

It goes more complicated when you don't just eat bars and packed food but when you start cooking.. And need to take in account absorption/digestion time also.. And the cooking time🍲 that makes the food more digest or not too What a mess 😂

[@ShesDiabetic]

AMEN AMEN AMEN!!! I'm no expert - so making a video on the above slightly panics me beyond belief - but RIGHT YOU ARE....MESSSSS!!!!!!!!

[@giamitchell6189]

Yes!!! Gastroparesis screws everything all up just by itself!!

[@megante38]

Jesus loves you all! He lived, died, and rose again for you! He is the great healer! Be very blessed and believe in Him! Nothing is impossible for God!

[@gotaigo]

Thanks, Ms. Pretty. You’re a lot less boring than these registered dieticians!

[@Esmaa_Nurrr]

Hi its me im back, do you do shoutouts? Cus if you do id like one please im a big fan!!