January 21, 2006
Daily Care, Meal Planning, Food and Diet
Question from Atlanta, Georgia, USA:
I am currently taking 39 units of Lantus, and am “bolusing” at all meals on a 1:8 insulin/carbohydrate ratio. Is there any way to avoid taking insulin at meals? Are there certain low carbohydrate foods that I could eat to keep from having to take four or five shots a day? I am willing to sacrifice all that good food if it means less interruptions by having to go to the restroom and take my insulin. If this is possible, is it safe or is it not healthy? Surely there is SOME way around all these shots! I have tried an insulin pump, but my sites were always getting infected. I think my skin was allergic to the tape or something. Is there anything I can do?
Answer:
There is not a realistic way to cut carbohydrates completely out of a healthy and well balanced diet, thus avoiding all rapid acting insulins. You may wish to re-explore using a pump. There are several hypoallergenic tapes you can use to help avoid any skin irritation. One of the benefits of a pump is discrete insulin taking at mealtimes.
MSB
