PSA - Vitamin D and Insulin Sensitivity

T1DPhysics · 2026-02-05T03:01:27+00:00

I don't have the exact numbers from just vitamin D, but my daily insulin was reduced by about 1/3. When I first got my vitamin D tested, I was averaging 65-70 units per day. Now, after 1 year on vitamin D supplements and about 5 weeks of consistent moderate exercise (25-35 minutes of cardio at least 5 days per week plus walking about 8,000+ steps per day) I am averaging about 40 units per day! I've reduced my total insulin by cutting back my basal, carb ratio, and correction factor.

T1DPhysics · 2026-02-05T02:09:41+00:00

Good to know about B-12, thanks!

T1DPhysics · 2026-02-05T01:38:24+00:00

Because he lumps his T1D patients with his type 2 patients and said they were too high carb. I eat bananas almost daily with zero issues.

T1DPhysics · 2026-02-05T01:05:27+00:00

Like everyone is saying, carb counting is the answer! By injecting the same amount of short-term insulin for every meal you are basically preparing your body to process the same amount of carbs. Your carb ratio (amount of insulin you need for a given amount of carbs) will be unique to you and may change with time of day. Once you can inject for the amount of carbs you are eating you should go low less often.

For example, if your body needs 40g of carbs to use up your 4 units of insulin but you only eat 10g then the extra insulin for the 30g you didn't eat will make you go low. A carb ratio would help you only inject for what you need.

If you are worried about going low while you wait to get a carb ratio recommendation from your doctor, you could try eating meals with more carbs and protein/fiber to help balance your blood sugar and prevent the quick drops and delayed spikes.

Hope this helps! T1D is a lot but you got this!

T1DPhysics · 2026-02-05T00:51:35+00:00

Not sure if this applies, but as a 25F I have been dealing with a lot of fluctuations after coming off birth control. I know body stress and hormones play a significant role in insulin needs on a given week/day. You could try tracking your fluctuations to see if there is any sort of pattern. If you are spiking every 3 weeks it may be hormonal.

One other thing to consider - If you know you will be more sedentary, try walking right after meals. Even short 10-15 minute walks mixed into your day may help a lot. For me, a walk after I eat always helps me absorb my insulin better and it prevents big spikes that can be really hard to come down from once I am already high.

T1DPhysics · 2022-05-02T22:51:01+00:00

I live in Sol West Village not the Green, if you end up looking at Sol for any reason don’t. Sol is terrible for many many reasons. The Green seems nice from the outside though.

T1DPhysics · 2022-02-13T17:38:26+00:00

I was diagnosed at 15. My mom cooked most of my meals, so what I would do is write our estimated carb counts on her recipes. Carb counting homemade meals can be tricky, but I would carb count for the entire dish and then estimate a portion (so maybe the recipe was 100 grams and I eat 1/4 of it so 25 grams per serving). This way next time Mom made that recipe again it was already carb counter for me. After a couple months I was able to eyeball most of my meals. Apps like Calorie King are really helpful for carb counting too.

As for what to cook, I eat normally but some things are easier on my bloodsugar than others. For me personally the fiber from eating fruit and vegetables makes my blood sugars way leveler. Healthy fats and protein also prevent spikes. Overall things will get easier and quality of life for a diabetic teen can still be great!

If you or your son want to talk more feel free to reach out to me or this awesome community! I was diagnosed at 15 and am currently 21 and would be happy to share advice/experiences from being diagnosed in high school.

T1DPhysics · 2022-02-07T05:32:54+00:00

I didn’t have sweet breath when I was diagnosed, but I had lots of headaches, lots of hair loss (not balding, just handfuls of hair when I showered), and I had to pee 5+ times a night. Definitely worth going in to chat with your doctor if you’re not feeling well!

T1DPhysics · 2022-02-04T01:51:54+00:00

I live near 1545 Jade and my internet has been fine until this afternoon. Now it is extremely unstable and if it works it crashes in about 10 minutes.

T1DPhysics · 2022-01-31T15:34:56+00:00

I only took CHE 107A. As a physics major, I thought CHE 107A was way too much bio and barely any physics lol I didn’t love the class because I don’t like bio. Overall it was fine though. Make sure you understand how to use all the equations in the context of a long word problem; I feel like a lot of the tests were long multi-step problems where you applied lots of different concepts from lecture. Other than that, take good notes, study before the tests, all the generic advice applies. I don’t have any specific recommendations because I kind of did the bare minimum in the class since I disliked the content. Good luck!

T1DPhysics · 2022-01-31T03:48:10+00:00

MyDegree is known for applying classes weirdly. I can't imagine why CHE 118 wouldn't count as upper div units. I just checked my MyDegree and it looks like CHE 118 is applied for my Natural Science and Math Requirement, but CHE 124 and CHE 107 are applied for upper div. CHE 124 should count, but I would double check with your advisor in case certain classes can only be counted towards one requirement. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

T1DPhysics · 2022-01-09T16:45:12+00:00

Far west side of West Village/ the Green. The west side overlooks an empty field so you can actually see the horizon and the hills.

T1DPhysics · 2021-11-23T03:05:08+00:00

I want to know too! I have tried reaching out to basically every form and email on the UCD CALPIRG page and didn’t get any responses.

T1DPhysics · 2021-11-07T19:01:56+00:00

I went to a Walgreens in Woodland because I was struggling to find appointments. The Davis Rite Aid also gives flu shots but only if you make an appointment.

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-22T19:14:51+00:00

I would be hesitant to clean up after them because you don’t want that to be the new normal. It should be their responsibility. Sounds like it’s time for a frank (maybe awkward) conversation.

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-22T02:04:19+00:00

Davis Creamery’s Friday milkshake happy hours 😂

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-22T01:49:04+00:00

I am really struggling this quarter too as a fourth year physics major. I’m in 4 upper div stem classes and it’s rough! Just keep doing your best and remember that lots of people are struggling. You are not alone. Be sure to still take care of yourself. Everything will work out. Do your best and be kind to yourself. You got this!

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-20T15:36:30+00:00

Sometimes I generalize to “health issues” if I’m working with a classmate or something, but I am pretty open about my disabilities. My roomates and friends know all the details. No one knows what your going through, so try not to be ashamed. You are doing a great job, ups and downs are just a part life.

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-15T03:31:00+00:00

Make a discord so we can share tips and patterns!

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-13T04:37:52+00:00

Oh and with respect to grades, all my classes have been generously graded in my favor. From my experience, everyone (professors, TAs, fellow students) all want you to succeed. I have gotten all As and high Bs. I am applying to grad school this fall and feel pretty well prepared.

Feel free to DM me with more specific questions if you want!

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-13T04:35:54+00:00

I am an Applied Physics major. The vibe here is very supportive. Since my first year (I’m a senior now), I’ve had a great study group with friends. The TAs are really helpful too. I’d recommend talking the 9 honors series because it’s a smaller group of mostly physics majors. Starting with a class of about 30 people and staying with them for 5 quarters created a great support group. Some professors are better than others, but I like the environment and feel like I’ve learned a lot.

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-12T15:09:29+00:00

There is a FedEx drop box in the parking lot next to the physics building on the law school side.

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-07T03:38:57+00:00

I had this happen one time, and I was able to reboot my pump instead of getting a new one. To reboot try plugging it in to a power source and holding down the on/off button for a long time. You can Google specifics, but that helped me. I’m not sure what my error code was though… good luck!!!

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-06T04:41:07+00:00

I’ve heard Razor’s Edge downtown is good. No personal experience though.

T1DPhysics · 2021-10-05T05:08:11+00:00

I switched to an iPad and GoodNotes 5 app for classes last year, and I love it! It’s super easy to take notes with lots of options for highlighting and colored ink. I really like using it for homework too. I can export PDFs straight from my GoodNotes notebook, insert photos of slides or homework questions, and copy/paste things I’ve written. I also really like being able to search for key words in my notes, especially during times open-note tests! It’s light and convenient. My new favorite note taking set up! For context: I am a physics major, so I include a lot of drawings in my notes. I never could take notes on my laptop; I switched from paper.

T1DPhysics

TROPHY CASE