IS is True?

[Michele's Mom]

Hiya all,

As you know i have a 14 year old with diabetes type 1 and just went on the minimed pump a week n half ago. Since then i told the doctor that in the beginning my daughter was afraid to eat anything as the nurse that installed the pump said michele should try to be near 120 as a goal number. She was low all the first week trying to stay at that number. I spoke to the diabetes doctor they said Michele can eat whatever she wants to now that she is on the pump. Is that True? Others say no be very careful and thats wrong of them to say that. Michele loves to eat Waffles and Pop Tarts and Toast after school. She always counts the carbs but i'm worried its just too much Carbs even though she counts all her carbs well. We been counting her food since she was 6 years old. Thanks all.

Hugs to All :confused:
Michele's Mom

[rachabetic]

She CAN eat whatever she wants. But just like anyone, D or no D, it is about what is healthy for her nutritionally. But regarding carbs and insulin, as long as she counts how many carbs she is having, and boluses for them, then she should be ok.

[hawkeyegirl]

Going on the pump shouldn't change your daughter's diet at all. Even diabetics with the BEST control are only in range 50-75% of the time.

That being said, I wouldn't be too thrilled if my son was eating a Pop-Tart every day. Not only are they really processed and lacking in any nutritional value, but they play havoc with sugars. But that's your decision to make.

[MrsBadshoe]

My son is a junk food junky and has been on the pump for 4 yrs and is doing fine. Do I wish his eating habits were better yes but he's a teen and is eating what his friends eat. His target is 110. His last A1C was 6.7 which is an average about 161. He is in range I'd say about 60% of the time which is fine with his Dr.

I have a well adjusted teen with diabetes, the more I let him be normal the less I'm afraid he will rebel against his D...so far so good.

If your D wasn't to eat junk every now and then and her metabolism can handle it, meaning she doesn't gain a lot of weight from the junk then I say go for it. Now if because she is a female and her metabolism is different then my rail thin teenage boy I say she should probabaly eat junk with a little moderation.

[rj'smom]

the great thing about the pump is that they can eat what they want to when they want to... with in reason.. our exp.. with MDI's you had to be very regimented about what your child ate and when they ate... you had to match the carbs to the insulin where with the pump you match the insulin to the carbs. Yes it is good to make sure they eat healthy but everyone needs a yummy treat especially kids... good carb counting is the key since the insulin is short term you don't have to worry about the delay effect like with actrapid or others. I am all in favor of letting kids live as normal of a life as possible with diabetes. Our DS is only almost 3 and has been T1 over half of his life and being on the pump has been wonderful. if he is over a a cousins or friends house and the other kids are having cookies or what ever we have the freedom to let him join in and not worry about how it will affect his BG in a hour or so time

Hope this helps...

[twodoor2]

High GI and high fat foods will affect your blood sugars regardless of whether you're on the pump or not. You can make adjustments to counteract the effects of those types of foods, but it takes experimentation and that can lead to overdosing. What you can do on a pump is give corrections closer together and eat meals and snacks closer together; however, even that is not foolproof on the pump. If you're no longer honeymooning, it's an even bigger challenge.

[Mama Belle]

The pump is supposed to enable us (or those with type 1) to be able to mimic the way the pancreas functions. We will never get there completely, nothing works as well as the real thing, but if you would allow your daughter to eat whatever she wants (within reason of course) if she didn't have D, then in theory she should be able to eat the same way using the pump. The one thing to keep in mind is that sugar drinks still cannot be consumed with the pump. She can't go out and consume a 32 oz. Slurpee and not see super high BGs, even if she boluses for it. There are other similar food choices out there (they are usually different for each person) that with time you guys will discover really wreak havoc with her BGs. Sometimes she'll choose to eat them and deal with the consequences. Other times she will make the decision that it isn't worth it. But to answer your question, my daughter eats a normal diet aside from avoiding sugar drinks and certain candy. She eats pop tarts sometimes, she eats ice cream and pizza. I am actually more worried about her making good choices about fat content than I am about her eating a low carb diet.

[twodoor2]

I am actually more worried about her making good choices about fat content than I am about her eating a low carb diet.

Yes, fat is our nemesis as well. I worry about that more than carbs, even with the pump, and it's so difficult to figure out how to use the dual wave to it's best effect on various high fat meals.

[Mama Belle]

Yes, fat is our nemesis as well. I worry about that more than carbs, even with the pump, and it's so difficult to figure out how to use the dual wave to it's best effect on various high fat meals.

Actually, I'm not really worried about the effect it has on her BGs, I am more worried about the effect it will have on her health in general, her heart specifically. Heart disease is a pretty common complication with diabetes and I'd like to do anything preemptively to prevent that.

[twodoor2]

Actually, I'm not really worried about the effect it has on her BGs, I am more worried about the effect it will have on her health in general, her heart specifically. Heart disease is a pretty common complication with diabetes and I'd like to do anything preemptively to prevent that.

I think monounsaturated vegetable fat (canola oil, olive oil, etc. . . ) is much better than saturated animal or vegetable fat, and the worst of all, trans fat. Trans fat also plays havoc with her BG's as well. Our pediatrician told us to start giving skim milk products because recent studies have shown that dairy fat has proven to lead to heart disease later in life. Oils like olive oil are actually heart healthy.:)

Anyways, don't want to hijack the thread, but you make a very good point.

[Michele's Mom]

Thanks everyone. You all are awesome and glad to be part of a wonderful and honest group of people.

The nurse noticed that michele is using a lot less insulin now that she is on the pump then before on the needles. See Michele eats something small before school at 630am then she has lunch at 1pm then comes home at 3 and pigs out. poptarts waffles then will have grapes or apple with it to balance it. I tell her everyday michele i think your eating way too many carbs there. She drinks water all day long.

She also has a thyroid condition. I do stay on top of her even at school i am always calling the nurse to check up on her or keep an eye on her. She just loves the pump and i'm glad. Thanks everyone once again.

Micheles Mom

[wendyc]

As pp have all said, yes you can eat anything while pumping. Have you had to meet with a nutritonist yet? Maybe have your daughter go in by herself and talk to them. Maybe they can come up with some other food options to help make her diet more balanced.

I think the key is Moderation and wise choices as often as possible.

[zimbie45]

Ok here is how i think of it.... just because they have diabetes it does not mean they are diffrent from us who dont.. If i can eat it.. SO can she.. For me my pancreas will give me my insulin.. FOR her I give her the insulin... If it where type 2 has more of the restriction or the more controled diet.. THEN as a parent I choose what is to much sugary stuff, just because it just to much sugar for any one..

Well that is my 2 cents

[Charmed7]

It almost sounds like your daughter misunderstood the pump. There is a setting in the pump that asks, "What is your target bg?" The nurse must have put 120 in. My son's is set at 100. This does not mean she has to obsessively try to keep her sugars at 120. This means that when she checks her bg and gives correction, the pump is going to factor how much insulin she needs to get her sugar to 120.

And this goes both ways. So lets say she checks and is 200. She puts 200 in the pump, and it will give her more insulin. The next day she checks and she's 100, the pump will give her less insulin to bring her up those 20 points.

Eating should no longer be a concern. Counting carbs should be all she has to worry about. She counts them, enters them in the pump, and let the pump do the rest of the work. Please explain this to her before she develops an eating disorder. :(

Charmed

[liasmommy2000]

Lia eats the same as before she was diagnosed. The only time it was different was when she was on NPH and had to be very regimented in regards to amounts and times. NPH is generally the only reason a child with diabetes might need to eat very differently from how a child without diabetes should eat.

No child should be eating junk all the time. All kids should be eating lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, low fat dairy etc. And all kids can have the occasional pop tart, chips, cake etc. I don't limit Lia on anything because of D (unless she is high at that moment and wants something like watermelon etc). I do limit things at times because they are junk. I do not limit carbs unless they are from junk and that's because the food is junk, not because of the carbs. Same as I limit fatty foods etc. And like I said, even those in moderation. At most meals Lia eats 45-60 grams of carbs. Sometimes as little as 15. Sometimes as many as 80. I don't worry about it.

[Lee]

Is there a nutritionist in the practice with your endo? If so, I would make an appointment and ask for a totally daily carb range - ours is 200 -250 and we shoot for 225. We try and keep it right around there becuase her Dad is concerned about her being chubby, even though she isn't, he is concerned about her getting there :rolleyes: so we watch the carbs - and that works for us.

If you have no weight concern, then I wouldn't worry about carb intake - she is 14 and eating like a horse cause her body needs it. So, if there isn't any fear of her being overweight, I would stop mentioning - gee, that's alot of carbs, and just make sure that she balances it out like you are doing. If there is a weight thing going on, ask for a total daily carb range for your daughter and try and keep it there, knowing that somedays you will go over, and somedays you will go under, and be happy she is bolusing :D

[valerie k]

We left the hospital on MDI and was told matt could eat anything and everything his heart desired as long as he got insulin for coverage.
The pump has only made is much easier, but hasnt changed the eating habits, his dr gave us strict orders upon release, matt can eat everything and anything, he is a growing boy,

now, I have to admit, before D, we had way to much junk food laying around the house...and I put a lid on it after diagnosis, just becouse, ITS NOT NEEDED! its bad for your health... Bad for the healthy ones health... And, I have found, they dont miss it. I now have plenty of healthy snacks to munch on, and believe me, my waistline appreciates it....

We have a container in the fridge, it has matts free snacks in it, those he can grab and eat and not worry, sugar free jello, meat and chease sticks, nuts, hard boiled eggs. We have the "carb" snacks in the cupboard. But, in our house, you dont get a snack after school, becouse they get home at 4 and dinner is at 5-5:30...

Searving size is also key... if you think she is eating to many carbs, its becouse she is eating to much food, which, probably isnt nessesary. unless you eat at 10pm, there is no reason to have so much food after school, hungry or not. She is training her brain to not shut off when she is "full enough" and that leads to overeating... snacks taste great.. but one serving size of one snack is all that should be required... if not, there is free food. Want a waffle, a serving size is 2, and that should be that, not go into poptarts becouse they are also our favorite, then apples and grapes...

I would also look at where she eats the snacks, doing homework? vegging in front of the TV? maybe changing her daily habits would also help curb the eating, it sounds as if it could now just be habit.

I have to say, I probably have a defective part in my own brain, I dont shut off like I should, I dont feel full, till Im over full. Its very delayed, and it is also happening in my son. I have found out, that eat a normal meal, and if I wait, 15minutes or so... the brain catches up, and I feel full and fine, not over full and sick. Changing my habits was key. Changing my sons habits was also key. I make up plates, he/I are still thinking we are hungry when the plate is done. Instintively, that means I think we should load up more and chow down... however, we both wait 15-20 minutes or so... if still hungry, eat a piece of fruit or popcorn... I have found out, we really are not hungry, brain has had its chance to catch up with our mouths, and its been very benificial to our health. Try having her eat a snack, and doing something totally different, not her same habits... she may be delayed as well, and wants to eat till she feels the fullness right away


my last trick, is when they hunt in the fridge and freezer for snackage, and its not there... they ask, I say, darn, forgot to get it, next store visit... just cant eat what isnt there... and having an over abundance of other foods, makes then have to eat them if truely hungry instead... beef jerky, cheese sticks, jello...

[Michele's Mom]

I got alot out of all the information that was just given to me... I was just gonna post that Do you all have a Snack Bowl around with all candy and snacks in it? I been noticing empty wrappers around a lot... Shes afraid of going low while she sleeps. Cause of the first week. I am tossed from taking the bowl away or leaving it there to help her build self control but as i can see she doesnt have that right now. She does sit there and do her homework and watch her shows and eats after school at 3pm while dinner is at 6pm. During week she gets up at 630 eats something small then doesnt eat lunch at school until 1pm then home at 230. Thanks again everyone.
And yes we do have a nutrionist we work with. But, i'm learning more from you all then her. You guys are great... Thanks

Michele's Mom

[Thoover]

My daughter eats basically what she wants but I always say did you plug that in..

[Caydens_Mommy]

My son takes MDI's and he eats what he wants.. I don't let him just go on overload with sweets but I don't tell him he can't have anything.. If he is hungry he eats.. I just make sure to give him more insulin if needed..

[Hollyb]

Hi there,

Sorry to come in so late and I'm glad you''re daughter's liking the pump. My son switched at 14 too and I do think it gives teens the ability to live a more "normal teen-like" life.

Teenage boys eat a lot and we don't restrict my son's carbs at all. We do try to eat a reasonably healthy diet as a family, and no, I don't keep a "snack bowl" with candy but we do keep a magnetic container on the side of the fridge stocked with candy and glucose tabs only for lows. And I try to have crackers, cheese, fruit, granola bars, salad fixings, etc. always on hand. But we also have dessert, cookies, easter candies, etc. What we find is that Aaron can eat a moderate serving without too much trouble, but somehow no matter how much insulin you take or how fancy a program you try on the pump, two big pieces of cake or a whole bag of candy is just too much to handle.

One thing I wanted to add -- when my three boys were in high school, they all fell into a pattern of eating small lunches and HUGE after school snacks. They are often rushed at school, or want to walk around with their friends rather than sit around eating. They don't much like what's in the lunchbag anymore. So it's almost like they had 3 small meals plus dinner, with lunch being closer to the "snack". If your daughter's like that, you might think in terms of suggesting a poptart OR a waffle, plus a little fruit and something with protein like a glass of milk. Maybe the odd grilled cheese sandwich or bowl of soup instead of the waffle.

You don't say if there are weight concerns. My son is slim, and while he likes his sweets he is past the junk food mania stage, so it's pretty easy to let him eat what he wants.