Erin, do you keep a log of your daily readings? Brian goes through his meter history every night and writes all his numbers on a log sheet. Obviously this can be done on the computer if you have a meter that is downloadable, but I like being able to look at a hard paper copy. (I'm still old school when it comes to stuff like that!) If he is having too many lows or highs we'll look at his log and try to find a pattern, and using at least 3 consecutive days of readings is best.
Do you use the same insulin to food ratio all day long? How about basal rates? Could you post your BS readings for a couple days prior to yesterday? Just looking at your readings, it seems like you need more insulin in the afternoon and evening. Did you correct the 190 at 3:15PM or the 197 at dinner? What rung are you on? And just how much is way too much dip?
You may very well have answered your own question about why you haven't lost any more weight. I would cut back (or eliminate) the nuts, limit the dip (hopefully you've checked ingredients and all are legal) to 1-2 TBS per day, and watch the intake of cured meats such as sausage, bacon, ham, hot dogs, cold cuts, etc. These are all quite high in sodium which can make us women retain water.
This is probably the 8th time (or more!) that I've done Atkins. Have always had some success (best year was 60 lbs lost) but never managed to make it to my goal weight. After 3-6 months, I'd resort back to my old habits (chocolate, ice cream and just overall unhealthy eating) and gain back all the weight (sometimes more
). And during each attempt, I found that I simply could not go over 25-30 carbs per day and continue to lose weight. Mostly I found myself doing extended induction with an occasional serving of almonds or sunflower seeds. Very rarely I had a few berries. Since we are both on the "shorter"
side, it may very well be that we are not able to go past that 25-30 carb point. I'd give it a couple more weeks, especially since you mentioned that you are starting an exercise program, and if still no weight loss, try cutting back to 20 carbs. Is your coffee decaf? Caffeine has been known to stall some people. I don't drink coffee but do have diet pop and try to have the caffeine free variety as often as possible. And yes, drink more water! I know the rule of thumb on the ADBB is to drink half your body weight in water (oz), so if you weigh 177 they would say have 88.5 oz of water. I don't necessarily follow that rule, but instead simply drink water whenever I'm thirsty, which is quite often.
Brian swims laps 3-5 days a week at his community college pool, but other than that has no exercise plan. I've been encouraging him to get into the weight room for some cardio, but he's been resistant (too many "buff" guys in there I guess). I don't think you'll need to suspend your pump while walking or exercising, but from Brian's experience and what I've read, you may need a lower basal rate approx 6-12 hours after heavy exercise. Just check BS often until your body adjusts.
Again, I don't think you need to wait until you see your endo before making any insulin dosage changes. Brian upped his basal rate (1.1) and insulin/food ratio (1/9) again yesterday, and finally started getting better numbers. Small increments is the key. Have you read any of Dr Bernstein's books? If you haven't, be sure to check out his website.
Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. A Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars. Official Web Site Lots of good stuff and a forum there too.
I know it's not easy living with Type 1. But with this WOE you will be using so much less insulin and that is THE key to good BS control. Insulin is so unstable and variable in how it reacts in your body. And until we have a cure, the low carb lifestyle is the best treatment plan out there. Stay strong and keep me up to date with your progress!
Theresa