Carb counting for type 3c

[Joe Fairclough]

Greetings. I'm 74, 165cm tall, 71kg and fit. I had pancreatitis about 25 years ago. No operation to remove bits of the beggar, but I did develop a Pseudo cyst that had to be drained through the stomach. Diabetes was later identified about 15 years ago in the aftermath of testicular cancer. (Good, innit?) I posted some time ago concerning extreme variability of bolus intake with occasional but still fairly frequent wild swings. I received invaluable advice about my diabetes probably being type 3c, and on how to check my basal insulin intake. Consequently I successfully stabilised my basal levels. I still keep an eye on that on a regular basis, but the level I set then still comes out fine. Recently, I've been swinging between about 25 and 35 units of Humalog a day, without significant change in my food or exercise, which is tricky (and ****es me off) but is sort of manageable. I'm looking more closely at Carb Counting, but if as I understand it Type 3c means that my pancreas's performance with regard to lots of other digestive enzymes is "erratic," will that help? Other info on Carb Counting refers very much to Carb Counting for Type 1 and Type 2. Cheers. Stay safe, everyone. Joe.

 

[Toucan]

Hello @Joe Fairclough
I am copying in @eggyg to this message, and hopefully she will be along soon and help with your questions.
She is also Type 3c

 

[grovesy]

I belive she found the carb counting course for Type1 helpful, I know she is not Type 1.

 

[eggyg]

Hi @Joe Fairclough. I went on a DAFNE course ( dose adjusted for normal eating) to learn carb counting. I just learned along side of Type 1 patients. There’s no carb counting for type 3c. There’s no difference to the basic method regardless of type. You will find all types of diabetes will have different ratios for different times of the day, type of food, if exercise is involved, or if you take Creon. It’s a case of trial and error I’m afraid. I would speak to your DSN or whoever deals with your diabetes. We can’t give specific doses unfortunately as we all react differently. A general rule of thumb is 1 unit of bolus insulin to 10 units of carb, but because of the factors mentioned above that can vary enormously on a daily basis. You may be very insulin resistant on a morning, like me, and need 2 units per 10grms of carbs, for example. There isn’t a one size fits all I’m afraid.

 

[Joe Fairclough]

Thanks eggyg. I'll speak to my GP about it. It was you who directed me towards sorting out my bolus dose, so I'll happily take your advice again. Stay safe, up there. Joe.