Carbohydrate Counting - My experiences.

Daniel explains that meal planning for him is both easy and tricky! Meal planning at home for him and his family is easier as he is able to accurately measure and control the amount of Protein, Carbohydrate and Fat they are using. He's also very clear on this is not only for him but results in healthy eating for the whole family. Eating out is much more complicated - especially Pizza. He shares his ways of coping.

Salma Mehar, Consultant Diabetes Dietician, explains that Carbohydrate Counting is different from Calorie Counting. She gives advice on to how to estimate or measure the amount of Carbohydrate is in the food you are eating. Salma also talks about the link between the amount of Carbohydrate you are about to eat and how much Insulin you need to give yourself.

Donna van Zyl, Specialist Diabetic Dietician advises that people with Diabetes should focus on achieving good Glucose control rather than just limiting all Carbohydrates.

Donna van Zyl, Specialist Diabetic Dietician gives expert advice on how to manage blood sugar levels long term with attention to diet. She mentions different types of Carbohydrate and how to choose food types well.

Chris talk candidly about his first experiences of being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. His parents tell him that he has lost weight and was passing a lot of urine. He talks about starting insulin and having urine tests for sugar levels. His first blood sugar testing machine used to be the size of a brick! A key theme he talks about is balance - balance between diet and exercise. He tells about having a regular 'clockwork' lifestyle to be able to use insulin predictably. A major change for him was doing a DAFNE course which allowed him to vary his diet and vary his insulin dose accordingly. Chris describes the Expert Patient programme as a major step in acknowledging his learning over his life. Finally he talks about more flexibility being possible in this day and age.

Donna van Zyl, Specialist Diabetic Dietician explains in a very balanced way if there are any immediate problems with eating Carbohydrates and how to manage your Carbohydrate intake.