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    • 12 hours, 46 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Have you ever been told you couldn’t physically do something because you live with diabetes?
      Long time ago - told there were certain occupations I would not be allowed to do because if T1D. Pilot, air traffic controller, military, etc.
    • 12 hours, 48 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I have been told many times "YOU CAN'T EAT THAT!" ONLY to frustrate them and eat it anyway and then bolus accordingly.
    • 12 hours, 49 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I think it is a common experience for most people with T1D. People do not understand anything about it. I do not take it personally. I try to educate when appropriate.
    • 12 hours, 50 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Lol hell when haven't they. Lol
    • 12 hours, 58 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 14 hours, 50 minutes ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was only 2 when Diagnosed 70 years ago. My small town doctor admitted he didn't know much about T1D, and fortune for my parents and I he called what is now Joslin Clinic, and they told him how much insulin to give me. He taught my parents, who then traveled over 350 miles to Boston, to learn about how to manage T1D. My doctor learned more about T1D, and was able to help 2 other young men, that were later DX with T1D in our small town. I went to Joslin until I turned 18 and returned to become a Joslin Medalist and participated in the research study, 20 years ago. Still go there for some care.
    • 14 hours, 51 minutes ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was 7 when things changed in my home. My older brother was hospitalized for 2 weeks. When he came home, we no longer ate the way we had before. This was 1956. Dessert alternated between sugarless pudding or sugarless Jello. I learned that bread and potatoes had carbohydrates and that turned to sugar. There was a jar in the bathroom. It seemed my brother was testing his urine every time he went in there. There was a burner and pot on the stove designated for boiling syringes. I watched my brother give himself shots and I remember how hard it was to find someone to manage his care if my parents had to travel. Diabetic Forecast magazine came in the mail each month and there were meetings of the local diabetes association that my mother attended religiously. My brother got a kidney and pancreas transplant at age 60 and before he died lived for 5 years as a non-diabetic. A few years later I was diagnosed. Sorry he was not able to make use of today’s technology. I often wonder what he and my late parents would think about me, at age 66, being the only one in the family with type 1.
    • 14 hours, 53 minutes ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 18 hours, 54 minutes ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      My brother was type 1 since an early age. I was only diagnosed in my late 40s
    • 20 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 21 hours, 38 minutes ago
      Anita Stokar likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Ironically, I was a 10 year old "before" my diagnosis. BUT, one day I was over my friend's house (on what they call a playdate in today's parlance) and we went to the pharmacy to by candy. I remember vividly a video playing on a loop on a little TV on the counter describing what diabetes was and insulin injections every day. I remember thinking to myself that those poor people must feel like pin cushions. Fast forward to two days after my 11th birthday and my doctor telling me that I had diabetes. I remember my mother being fully unaware of what it entailed. I remember telling her that it's ok, all I need to do is take shots every day. She looked at me puzzled, like how do you know this? The doctor was also a little perplexed but added, it's a little more than that, but correct. Then he explained it based on his two-three hours of training in medical school. It's funny how prompts trigger strange memories.
    • 21 hours, 41 minutes ago
      Bill Williams likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 22 hours, 5 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was diagnosed in 1976 at the age of 18 while in college. One weekend, I was drinking a lot of water and peeing frequently. I remembered having read a Reader's Digest article on diabetes, and I told my friends I thought I might have it. Two days later, the diagnosis was confirmed.
    • 22 hours, 6 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 22 hours, 6 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I knew I couldn’t or shouldn’t have my two fav things in the world: Pepsi cola and chocolate. I was 42, and suspected very strongly that I had it, and ate a large piece of chocolate cake before my doctor’s appointment (sounds more like I was 12). Fast forward 25 years later: I never had a real cola again, but do occasionally have chocolate. I’m way healthier than I was back then in terms of diet. I no longer have irritable bowel, and I’m lucky to be able to afford what I need to combat the ill effects of this chronic disease. I’m blessed, and grateful for insulin.
    • 22 hours, 7 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      It was 35 years ago for me. I had no experience with T1d. I was starting to show symptoms and my sister-in-law quickly researched T1d and told me what she found. I went to my GP a week or two later. My BG was over 600. He sent me to the hospital right away. Blood test confirmed it.
    • 22 hours, 7 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I only knew a little . That is why I give grace to others who do not know anything or have misconceptions.
    • 22 hours, 11 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Ironically, I was a 10 year old "before" my diagnosis. BUT, one day I was over my friend's house (on what they call a playdate in today's parlance) and we went to the pharmacy to by candy. I remember vividly a video playing on a loop on a little TV on the counter describing what diabetes was and insulin injections every day. I remember thinking to myself that those poor people must feel like pin cushions. Fast forward to two days after my 11th birthday and my doctor telling me that I had diabetes. I remember my mother being fully unaware of what it entailed. I remember telling her that it's ok, all I need to do is take shots every day. She looked at me puzzled, like how do you know this? The doctor was also a little perplexed but added, it's a little more than that, but correct. Then he explained it based on his two-three hours of training in medical school. It's funny how prompts trigger strange memories.
    • 22 hours, 12 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 22 hours, 14 minutes ago
      KCR likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Ironically, I was a 10 year old "before" my diagnosis. BUT, one day I was over my friend's house (on what they call a playdate in today's parlance) and we went to the pharmacy to by candy. I remember vividly a video playing on a loop on a little TV on the counter describing what diabetes was and insulin injections every day. I remember thinking to myself that those poor people must feel like pin cushions. Fast forward to two days after my 11th birthday and my doctor telling me that I had diabetes. I remember my mother being fully unaware of what it entailed. I remember telling her that it's ok, all I need to do is take shots every day. She looked at me puzzled, like how do you know this? The doctor was also a little perplexed but added, it's a little more than that, but correct. Then he explained it based on his two-three hours of training in medical school. It's funny how prompts trigger strange memories.
    • 22 hours, 15 minutes ago
      KCR likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I knew I couldn’t or shouldn’t have my two fav things in the world: Pepsi cola and chocolate. I was 42, and suspected very strongly that I had it, and ate a large piece of chocolate cake before my doctor’s appointment (sounds more like I was 12). Fast forward 25 years later: I never had a real cola again, but do occasionally have chocolate. I’m way healthier than I was back then in terms of diet. I no longer have irritable bowel, and I’m lucky to be able to afford what I need to combat the ill effects of this chronic disease. I’m blessed, and grateful for insulin.
    • 22 hours, 27 minutes ago
      Gary R. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 22 hours, 41 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 22 hours, 57 minutes ago
      eherban1 likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      NANCY NECIA likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I think it is a common experience for most people with T1D. People do not understand anything about it. I do not take it personally. I try to educate when appropriate.
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    If you drink caffeinated beverages, do you bolus for the caffeine itself (in addition to any carbohydrates in the beverage, such as sugar, milk, etc.)?

    Home > LC Polls > If you drink caffeinated beverages, do you bolus for the caffeine itself (in addition to any carbohydrates in the beverage, such as sugar, milk, etc.)?
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    Which healthcare provider have you used in the past 12 months for your non-diabetes health needs? (Please do not include your diabetes care providers in your responses.) Select all that apply.

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    If you were misdiagnosed with another condition before being diagnosed with T1D, were you experiencing diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) when you were eventually diagnosed with T1D?

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

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    36 Comments

    1. StPetie

      I drink various caffinated drinks but the only one that requires a bolus is regular coffe.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Kim J

      Only in the morning for my first cup of coffee

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Steve Rumble

      I drink several cups of black coffee daily and have never noted an increase in blood glucose levels due the coffee, so I do not bolus for it!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Jane Cerullo

      I answered yes but not sure if it is caffeine or just morning cortisol. I only drink coffee in the morning. My BS is starting to rise normally and I bolus. So could be either or both.

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. ConnieT1D62

        Thanks, Jane, for sharing most realistic example in answer to this question, imho.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Annie Wall

      I never bolus for my coffee even though I have half and half in it!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. GLORIA MILLER

      I am one of the weird people who can’t stand coffee. I do drink iced tea and once in a while I will drink hot tea but even if it is caffeinated, I do not bolus for it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Lawrence S.

      No. I have never bolused for caffeine in any drink. Generally, I try to stay away from caffeine. But, occasionally indulge.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. KIMBERELY SMITH

      Sometimes spirit or Orange juice

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Danny

      Anytime I drink caffeinated beverages, my sugar level goes high, which seems like it is from caffeine. I do not consume them anymore.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Tina Roberts

      Yes! Caffeine raises my blood sugar. I have to enter 25 carbs for 10 oz of coffee or tea.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. TEH

      I usually have a coffee for breakfast lunch. When I was on a Minimed G3 sensor it would report a sizable bump in my BG. With that I bolised for it. That may have led to poor BG control.
      Since being on Dex 6 sensor sinse February, I haven’t seen the bump in BG. So I stopped bolising for it.

      0
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Edward Geary

      One unit particularly if I drink a coffee without food.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. William Bennett

      I have one cup, first thing in the a.m., lifetime habit. Splenda, not sugar, and light cream not half and half or milk, so virtually no carbs to speak of. But early on after dx I found I have to bolus for it quite a lot–like 32 carbs!–or it hits like a carb freight train. Time of day may have something to do with it: I have always had pretty severe dawn phenomenon. Seems like a lot, but it works, so that’s what I do.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. David & Kaleo of Team Nani

        Coffee, even black, consistently launches 20-40 glucose jump for me. Espresso is better. Flavored coffees are even worse than dark, black.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Shelly Smith

      I have never bolused for my coffee!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. T1D4LongTime

      I’m a heavy coffee drinker. Never had to bolus for coffee. I drink it strong and black. If I have coffee that is flavored from a coffee shop, I will ask about carb additives or bolus a 5-10g if it tastes sweet and then carefully watch my CGM values.

      0
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Patricia Kilwein

      I count caffeine no matter if it’s in diet soda or coffee. I have to guess when it comes to meat. Everything has carbs in it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Janice B

      I drink black coffee or herbal tea, nothing added so no need to bolus

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Wanacure

      No, I do not bolus for coffee or green tea caffeine, because it does not contain any calories. Like others have commented, humans are hard-wired to secrete blood-sugar-raising hormone(s?) at dawn. If I get up, get dressed & make breakfast BECORE 6 AM, then take my Lantus (glargine) and Humalog (lispro) exactly at 6 AM, & then wait no longer than 15’ to eat about 30 grams net carbs…I can contol for & preclude dawn phenomenon. If I wait longer than 15’ to eat, bg will go too low after eating. This usually works. 😎

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Wanacure

      I really need that 200 mg caffeine to feel energized along w/ my antidepressant. To counter caffeine side effects like dry-mouth or dehydration,
      I sip water through the day. Side note: 10 cups of coffee + 2 packs of cigarettes per day helped us “win” WW Ii. That much was consumed by a US military honcho during a critical battle. 😎

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Amanda Barras

      I only add 10 g of carbs to my breakfast total when I drink coffee in the morning. Otherwise for soda etc, no.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. kim bullock

      I only drink diet soda so I never bolus for the caffeine. It’s not s carbohydrate.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Janis Senungetuk

      No and I add 1/2 & 1/2 in my AM coffee. I’m no longer drinking as many caffeinated beverages as I did prior to my Chronic Kidney disease dx because of the need to limit potassium. Now I have a 2 cup max on coffee, down from 6 a day.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. lis be

      rarely

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. KarenM6

      After lots of experimentation, I don’t believe the occasional spikes in BS in the morning are related to hormones and not caffeine… so, I don’t bolus for caffeine!

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. KarenM6

        My grammar is terrible!
        I meant to say I believe the spikes are due to hormones, not caffeine. *sigh… I think I need more caffeine!

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Jan Masty

      I drink regular coffee in the morning. And, yes I bolus but it could just be because just getting up and getting ready makes my glucose fish. Not so sure it’s the coffee.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Jeff Balbirnie

      The caffeine issue appears to be bad/pseudo science. Unless the beverage has sugar in it, there is zero need to bolus anything extra.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Ernie Richmann

        The carbs come from glycogen stored in the liver. Not bad science.

        1
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Mick Martin

      I don’t take milk or sugar in my caffeinated beverages, and I do NOT bolus anything extra for the caffeine I imbibe.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. ConnieT1D62

      I am a real deal coffee drinker and generally don’t bolus for the caffeine content. Occasionally I will have a flavored coffee and will give an extra unit or two for the additive ingredients that usually contain some kind of syrup and/or sweetener added to enhance the flavor. Otherwise I drink unsweetened medium or strong dark roast with a slice of lemon or a wee bit of milk.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Ernie Richmann

      Yes- in the morning only. I drink black coffee. While black coffee has no carbs, caffeine can cause the liver to release sugar and raise blood sugar.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Becky Hertz

      I only bonus if I drink coffee, caffeinated or decaf, and I quit drinking coffee years ago. Not worth the insulin nor acidic stomach.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Trina Blake

      I love coffee. I drink it fully-caffeinated and black. I dose (0.57u per mug). I know it is the coffee because I need the bolus throughout the day (so it isn’t morning hormones). I am very. very aggressive in my T1D mgt, considering everything that is pant-based a carb – so I count things like broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus in my meal boluses.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Jen Farley

      Zero is the way to go!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    If you drink caffeinated beverages, do you bolus for the caffeine itself (in addition to any carbohydrates in the beverage, such as sugar, milk, etc.)? Cancel reply

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