Number 3 – Bev’s Big Night In!

Diabetes management and food are inextricably linked, whether you are on insulin, tablets or controlling your levels by diet and exercise. What is also apparent is that no two people with diabetes are the same, so reactions to different types of meals can vary enormously. There are some general guidelines we can follow to try and reduce possible spikes and hypos, but our tools are crude – even an insulin pump can appear clumsy in comparison to the reactions of a healthy pancreas.

Nevertheless, we do try to have as much variety in our diets as possible! The current thinking is that we can eat anything, as long as it is in moderation, and we shouldn’t deny ourselves the odd ‘treat’. Member Bev came up with the excellent idea of forum members attempting to apply the diabetes ‘guidelines’ to a number of popular, but notoriously difficult to predict, meals and recording blood sugar levels over a period of up to five hours after eating. The results were very interesting, and remain as a useful record for others to refer back to and maybe pick up some tips and tricks when trying the meals for them selves.

We got through a variety of meals: Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese, Fish and Chips, Baked Potatoes, Fahjitas, Curry, Shepherd’s Pie and Lasagne, and it was very interesting to see the huge differences in blood sugar levels recorded by people, especially when different treatment regimes applied. Even pumps proved difficult to get right with some of the meals, despite the extra precision they ostensibly provide! Some people came to the conclusion that there were certain meals that were off the menu for good, others were pleasantly surprised at how they had reacted. Overall, an excellent addition to the forum, once again strengthening the sense of friendship and community that is one of the hallmarks of our forum.

Post link: http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=7311