when trying something new/different

[Kaylz]

Do you guys keep your 'normal' pre bolus timing? x

 

[Robin]

Do you guys keep your 'normal' pre bolus timing? x

You must know what we're going to say by now, Kaylz! 'It all depends.....'
If I'm trying out something that I think might get into my bloodstream quite quickly, I'd pre Bolus as I do for normal fast acting carbs, if it was something instinct told me might be a bit slower, I might do my Bolus a bit nearer to eating. Then having recorded the results, I'd adjust the timing and try again.

 

[Kaylz]

You must know what we're going to say by now, Kaylz! 'It all depends.....'
If I'm trying out something that I think might get into my bloodstream quite quickly, I'd pre Bolus as I do for normal fast acting carbs, if it was something instinct told me might be a bit slower, I might do my Bolus a bit nearer to eating. Then having recorded the results, I'd adjust the timing and try again.

I know I'm just scared I hypo or whatever x

 

[Robin]

I know I'm just scared I hypo or whatever x

Yes, I know! (((hugs)))) I always plot a two pronged defence. Do an extra test, say, one hour then two hours after, it's worth the extra test strip if it gives you info that will then go into the permanent store of experience. And decide in advance what you're going to do if a) you start to feel hypo symptoms. b) your test results don't look as good as you'd hoped ( either lower or higher) or c) you need to do a correction dose after four hours. You have all the resources and knowledge to deal with all these situations, so, once you've reminded yourself that you know what to do, go for it! ( and remember the switch to porridge in the mornings, you worked that one successfully!)

 

[Kaylz]

Yes, I know! (((hugs)))) I always plot a two pronged defence. Do an extra test, say, one hour then two hours after, it's worth the extra test strip if it gives you info that will then go into the permanent store of experience. And decide in advance what you're going to do if a) you start to feel hypo symptoms. b) your test results don't look as good as you'd hoped ( either lower or higher) or c) you need to do a correction dose after four hours. You have all the resources and knowledge to deal with all these situations, so, once you've reminded yourself that you know what to do, go for it! ( and remember the switch to porridge in the mornings, you worked that one successfully!)

Thanks, it's just that as I've stuck with 'safe' stuff I'm so uncertain of what things are going to hit faster than others x

 

[Robin]

Thanks, it's just that as I've stuck with 'safe' stuff I'm so uncertain of what things are going to hit faster than others x

I think as a working starting point, it would be safe to assume that the higher the ratio of carbs in anything you're trying in proportion to other stuff in the dish, (eg, fats, protein, and fibre) the faster it's likely to hit your system, also, you could try comparing it with another meal that you eat, and if it seems similar in proportion of carbs, fat, etc,( roughly) treat it the same to begin with. If it's more or less carb heavy, adjust the timing of your insulin to earlier ( if it's carbier) or later ( if it's higher in fat or protein)

 

[trophywench]

Well it isn't actually a big problem if the carb arrives quicker than the insulin - cos although we'll be higher than we wanted to be for a bit - we won't be forever and it doesn't case harm when it only happens occasionally - the insulin always gets there so it's only an hour or so out of the rest of your life.

I have more trouble with slower carb myself but we have to experiment to see how to split our bolus for such meals - nobody can tell us exactly what our body will decide to do - only the theory of what ought to work. The practical side of everything from screwing a needle on a pen or inserting a test strip in a meter - is completely and utterly down to us!

We truthfully have all had to do it Kaylz and as people have always been told, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Please don't be too scared to even try it - if it all goes Pete Tong or whatever the latest euphemism is for a complete ball(oon)s up is - you'll very definitely know you don't wanna do that again - so it's part of the learning curve with diabetes mate!

 

[khskel]

Aye it's a case of suck it and see.

 

[Kaylz]

Well it isn't actually a big problem if the carb arrives quicker than the insulin - cos although we'll be higher than we wanted to be for a bit - we won't be forever and it doesn't case harm when it only happens occasionally - the insulin always gets there so it's only an hour or so out of the rest of your life.

But then this is where we are different, you seem to be much more at ease with spikes after eating and don't really seem to mind whereas due to my DMO high levels/spikes really do bother me so I want to limit anything like that as much as possible x

 

[trophywench]

You're wrong there Kaylz - of course I'm bothered, and I'm concerned about you and why you worry about these things - but I've learned to relax about stuff, otherwise I'd spend my whole life worrying and that isn't the life I want to lead - life really is short you know and of course the older I get the more I am constantly reminded that it is.

So I do understand - but absolutely no-one can tell you (or me or anyone else) whether we actually will get one or won't - the only possible way to find out is try it. (Not just you - all of us) So just have a VERY small portion of it to begin with so that any possible effect is comparatively small too. If no bad effect, next time try a bit more of it, etc.

Otherwise - you are going to be stuck forever with a limited diet - and you are trying to broaden your horizons.