Having Hard Time With Pump Classes

Hi All,

I have the minimed 508 and now going thru the intensive training classes.
I am at the nutriton classes with 1 to go then my one-on one to set the pump
on etc…

My problem is learning the carb thing. I have a grasp on it somewhat but
I have been told that anything under 5g is not to be counted. And basically
you can eat anything you want but must count these CARBS. I thought the
idea was to watch the sugar intake and calories to so that you would not
have to bolus yourself more than what you would need.

Earl

13 Responses to “Having Hard Time With Pump Classes”

  1. Cynthia Penni Says:

    Hi All,

    I have the minimed 508 and now going thru the intensive training classes.
    I am at the nutrition classes with 1 to go then my one-on one to set the
    pump on etc…

    My problem is learning the carb thing. I have a grasp on it somewhat but
    I have been told that anything under 5g is not to be counted. And basically
    you can eat anything you want but must count these CARBS. I thought the
    idea was to watch the sugar intake and calories to so that you would not
    have to bolus yourself more than what you would need.

    Earl

  2. Cynthia Penni Says:

    Hi All,

    I have the minimed 508 and now going thru the intensive training classes.
    I am at the nutrition classes with 1 to go then my one-on one to set the
    pump on etc…

    My problem is learning the carb thing. I have a grasp on it somewhat but
    I have been told that anything under 5g is not to be counted. And basically
    you can eat anything you want but must count these CARBS. I thought the
    idea was to watch the sugar intake and calories to so that you would not
    have to bolus yourself more than what you would need.

    Earl

  3. jerrold16 Says:

    Earl, it’s not the sugar, but carbs, which sugar is just one. If you’re a
    long time diabetic, forget what you were told 20-30 years ago. Carbs include
    sugar, but also starchy vegetables, fruits, and several other foods.

    The carbs are what affects blood sugar. In other words if you eat a plain
    steak with no sauce, it would not have any effect on your bg, because steak
    is a protein. That’s why they don’t tell you to eat a steak if you’re having
    a low!

    Calories are not a problem per se, unless you have weight issues. CALORIES
    THEMSELVES DO NOT AFFECT BLOOD SUGARS. And of course, you want to eat a
    balanced diet. An unbalanced diet may not affect your bg’s, but it is good
    for your overall health, diabetic or not. And we already have one strike
    against us as far as heart disease, etc., so we don’t need to add any
    problems with a poor diet.

    Patrick.

  4. jerrold16 Says:

    Earl, a follow up to my first message with a bit of trivia. A large baked
    potato (like you get at a steak place) requires more insulin (higher carb
    amount) than a regular size Hershey candy bar. So learn to count those carbs!

    Sorry about these steak references, I had a T-bone for dinner tonight! :-)
    Patrick

  5. Dane Karlene Says:

    Earl, it’s not the sugar, but carbs, which sugar is just one. If you’re a
    long time diabetic, forget what you were told 20-30 years ago. Carbs include
    sugar, but also starchy vegetables, fruits, and several other foods.

    The carbs are what affects blood sugar. In other words if you eat a plain
    steak with no sauce, it would not have any effect on your bg, because steak
    is a protein. That’s why they don’t tell you to eat a steak if you’re having
    a low!

    Calories are not a problem per se, unless you have weight issues. CALORIES
    THEMSELVES DO NOT AFFECT BLOOD SUGARS. And of course, you want to eat a
    balanced diet. An unbalanced diet may not affect your bg’s, but it is good
    for your overall health, diabetic or not. And we already have one strike
    against us as far as heart disease, etc., so we don’t need to add any
    problems with a poor diet.

    Patrick.

  6. Dane Karlene Says:

    Ok now Patrick I want to go to the outback!! I have to have my beans and rice
    instead. <sigh>

    Earl, a follow up to my first message with a bit of trivia. A large baked
    potato (like you get at a steak place) requires more insulin (higher carb
    amount) than a regular size Hershey candy bar. So learn to count those carbs!

    Sorry about these steak references, I had a T-bone for dinner tonight! :-)
    Patrick

  7. jerrold16 Says:

    Does this mean we have a date? :-)
    Patrick

    PS: Watch those beans and rice. Those ARE carbs!

  8. Dane Karlene Says:

    Does this mean we have a date? :-)
    Patrick

    PS: Watch those beans and rice. Those ARE carbs!

  9. Dane Karlene Says:

    The closest Outback is 50+ miles away so I will have to plan this no matter
    what. Maybe on my way home from work this week. OHHHH I bet they have one
    near the dog show I am going to. If we win in the breed ring, I will do it and
    bring the fuzzy kids back some bites! Ok that is the plan!

  10. colin_140 Says:

    << My problem is learning the carb thing. I have a grasp on it somewhat but
    I have been told that anything under 5g is not to be counted. And basically
    you can eat anything you want but must count these CARBS. I thought the
    idea was to watch the sugar intake and calories to so that you would not
    have to bolus yourself more than what you would need.

    Earl >>
    Hi Earl: part of the carb counting is to learn just what your insulin
    sensitivity factor is so that you take adequate amounts of insulin as a basal
    rate without overdoing it. Same time, gives you more freedom and choices
    once you really get the hang of it all. There are a lot of sources for info
    on carb counting. And hope you invested in John Walsh’s book Pumping
    Insulin. Joan:)

  11. Donovan Cooke Says:

    My doc says as yours does, Eat what you want Count the carbs, watch the fat and
    don’t go overboard.

    Keith
    —– Original Message —–
    From: Earl Bookheimer
    To: insulin pumpers messages
    Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2001 5:32 PM
    Subject: (Insulinpumpgroup) Having Hard Time With Pump Classes

    Hi All,

    I have the minimed 508 and now going thru the intensive training
    classes.
    I am at the nutriton classes with 1 to go then my one-on one to set the pump

    on etc…

    My problem is learning the carb thing. I have a grasp on it
    somewhat but
    I have been told that anything under 5g is not to be counted. And basically
    you can eat anything you want but must count these CARBS. I thought the
    idea was to watch the sugar intake and calories to so that you would not
    have to bolus yourself more than what you would need.

    Earl

  12. patience_15 Says:

    << Sorry about these steak references, I had a T-bone for dinner tonight! :-)
    >>

    Yum sounds good. Chrissy

  13. patience_15 Says:

    << The closest Outback is 50+ miles away so I will have to plan this no
    matter what. Maybe on my way home from work this week. OHHHH I bet they
    have one near the dog show I am going to. If we win in the breed ring, I
    will do it and bring the fuzzy kids back some bites! Ok that is the plan!

    Catie >>

    Hey you guys are making me hungry. Bring me a steak!! We have an Outback
    here in Tucson. Ive only been once but really liked it. Hmmm…..maybe my
    dh and I will have to have a date to the Outback!!! :) Chrissy

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