Insulin dosing for meals shouldn't focus solely on carbohydrate counting, say researchers who studied the effect of fat on insulin needs. Seven adults with type 1 diabetes spent two days eating at a medical center with specially created meals, frequent blood glucose checks, and a "closed-loop" system that automatically started and stopped insulin delivery based on a person's glucose level. While participants' breakfasts and lunches were low in fat, their dinners differed. Though they were matched in carbohydrate and protein content, one was a low-fat meal while the other was high in fat. Researchers found that participants needed an average of 42 percent more insulin for the high-fat meal than for the low-fat one. Despite the additional insulin, glucose levels were higher for five to 10 hours in participants who ate the high-fat meal. The researchers say the finding underscores the need for a way to account for fat content—in addition to carbohydrate—in insulin dosing. Check with your health care provider before making changes in your regimen.
Source: Diabetes Care, April 2013