When you're out and about it can be harder to get information about the food you want to eat. And if you’re drinking alcohol, there are a few extra things to think about.
But that shouldn't get in the way of having a great time.
This video will help you understand which carbohydrate foods are more likely to have a big effect on your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, how alcohol affects your blood glucose levels, and hints for what to do when no carbohydrate information is available.
Key points
Counting carbs while out and about can be a pain, but with a bit of experience and a couple of these tips and tricks, nothing should come between you and the joys of eating out!
- Most restaurants can provide nutritional information, so speak to staff.
- Look online for brochures with nutritional information.
- Take note of the insulin doses for your favourite meals for future use. Use apps and reference books to help estimate portions you have when eating out.
- Higher fat and protein meals may need split doses of insulin because the fat can delay absorption of carbs. Chat to your diabetes team about this. Checking your blood glucose levels more regularly can give you useful info on how these foods affect you.
Then there’s alcohol…
For people with Type 1 diabetes, alcohol interferes with the normal release of stored glucose from the liver. It means blood glucose levels can fall if no extra carbs are eaten, causing an increased risk of hypos through the night and part of the next day too.
Preventing hypos when drinking alcohol:
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Eat carb containing snacks before going to sleep, without taking extra bolus insulin.
- Have extra carbs the following morning, and talk to your diabetes team about how much insulin to take with your breakfast, as you may need less than usual.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels.
- Carry hypo treatments with you.
- Make sure the people with you know you have diabetes, and what to do if you have a hypo.
Find out more
BERTIE – Online Type 1 education programme
Learning modules and information that cover a wide range of topics for people living with Type 1.Try a different carb
Fed up with the same old thing day in day out? It’s time to experiment and introduce some new tastes and flavours into your diet.Alcohol and diabetes
So, you are planning on going out for a drink…Carb & Cals – book
Book (£14.99) – covering healthy eating, nutrients in food, and carbohydrate and calorie counting.Carb & Cals (Pocket Counter) - book
Book (£12.99) Quick reference companion guide to Carb and Cals.Book (£12.99).DAFNE – Type 1 education course
Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating – Type 1 diabetes education programme delivered by the NHS to give you the skills you need to estimate carbohydrate in each meal and to inject the right dose of insulin.CHOICE – Type 1 education in NI
Education course in NI for young people with Type 1 (up to age 19).Can’t get on a diabetes education course?
An information pack that sets out your rights and explains what you can do if you experience difficulties getting on a local course.
Get support
Type 1 Events for adults
Come on a Type 1 Awayday to chat, ask questions and leave with new tips and knowledge to make life with Type 1 that little bit easier.Support forum
Connect with other people living with diabetes and tap into their knowledge and experience.Online communities
There are loads of online diabetes communities out there that can be a great source of information and support.Local groups
Find a friendly and welcoming local support group near you.
