To Carb or Not To Carb?

This is the fourth installment of Diabetes Blog Week. Today, I blog about what I eat, as that's what Karen asked us to do in setting the foundation for this whole thing. The point in her mind is that some believe a low carb diet is important in diabetes management, while others believe carbs are fine as long as they are counted and bolused for. She wants us to talk about meals, snacks, special occasions... Whatever we deem food and bolus worthy.

To Carb or Not to Carb? That is the question Shakespeare didn't ask, but should have as it would have given us food-calculating diabetics some guidance.

In my opinion, the problem with so many in this country is that we don't respect the mantra of "good in moderation." Whether we're talking about food or alcohol beverages, this is a key. Yet, so many are afraid of things all together. Carbs are evil, I've heard some say. Just stay away. It's an old-school thought that doesn't deserve a place in our modern times where insulin pumps and CGMs are so mainstream. We can eat those tricky carbs, bolus for them with our fine-tuned pump options, watch the trends on our continuous monitors, and tweak as needed. Sure, everyone's D-Lives differ and a change in the sun's position can mean a variation in D-Management. Still, the philosophy is the same. Granted, I'm no CDE or dietician or medical professional with training in this area. But it doesn't seem that complicated to me, as someone who's now lived with Type 1 for more than a quarter-century. It may be easier to not have carbs, but that's just a personal train of thought to avoid the hassles of calculating or adjusting for what's eaten, in my opinion. Plus, isn't it a fact that carbs are the best source of energy for athletes or really for anyone? Again, this is the non-medical professional rambling about something I once heard or read in literature... Whatever.

Now, I'm not meaning to shoot down anyone who doesn't eat carbs or prefers the no-carb Atkins Diet - to each their own. I just don't care for it, and love my carbs. Love my pasta. Love my crackers. My bread and dinne rolls. Keep em coming, and I'll bolus for them as needed.

Obviously, life was different before carb counting. Back on the pre-MDI days even when it wasn't multiple injections with "boluses," but a couple shots a day with R and L mixed in together. Then, the predictability of anything - especially food and carb-heavy meals - was even more of a challenge. But those days are gone for this man, and I personally find carbs nothing of a danger outside of the usual issues.

For me, the answer to that big Q Bill Shakespeare didn't answer is clearly: To Carb. Of course, moderation is the key so I don't develop that Oh So Familiar Hoskins Family Potbelly passed down the line... My diabetic metabolism solves that issue, but I still keep an eye on the carb intake to not go overboard.

Let it Be, I say. Bring on those carbohydrates!