Hello everyone.
I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on May 17, 2002. I was 26
years old. I was in the U.S. Navy at the time. On May 22, 2003, I was
medically retired from the military.
I currently take Lantus at bedtime, and Novolog for meals and
corrections. I use the Novolog Flexpen.
Lately I have been taking alot of correction doses. It is very
frustrating. I try to keep a level head and be analytical, but that
can be hard at times. In fact, a few minutes ago I was going to eat
lunch. I checked my sugar, and it was 182. That was at 1:10pm PST. At
noon it was 146 and I took two units of novolog. All I had between
the two tests was some coffee with powdered cream and Sweet&Low. I
don’t understand the rise from 146 to 182. After the 182 reading I
took another two units. I was so mad I almost threw my meter at the
wall. I WOULD like to eat sometime today.
Anyway, I just joined this group. I’m hoping to get advice from
other type 1’s on how to better control my BG’s. Thanks.
Barry Fallon, Nevada
January 18th, 2004 at 1:39 am
Hi Barry,
However, don’t be too complacent either. If you
Welcome to the group. I have had similar experiences of unexpected
highs and lows (even though I am on a different insulin - Humulin
70/30). Personally, I don’t think this has much to do with the
type/brand of insulin one uses. I have had experiences where eating
the same meal on two different days has resulted in completely lop-
sided sugars - the first time above 300, and the second time below
100!
Technically speaking, your sugars might rise even when you have had
no calorie-intake at all, or something like coffee as you said,
which is termed as a “free food” (anything below 15-20 calories is
a “free serving” and should ideally not affect blood sugar levels).
Your sugar levels might also rise because of stress or if you took
any medications that elevate the glucose levels. The liver in our
body stores surplus glucose (or whatever term they use…glucagon is
it?) and if it is released in the system, then the blood sugar
levels will rise. The time at which the liver releases it, depends
entirely on your physical condition. If you are stressed, sick etc.
the liver will release more glucose for energy.
I suggest that you not worry too much. More stress will only worsen
things.
experience this regularly, then you should consider consulting your
doctors. (And that’s my disclaimer. ;))
Hope that helps.
Good luck,
Atul
January 18th, 2004 at 7:49 pm
Barry, another point I forgot to add. If your A1C’s are below 6,
unless it goes beyond 200, which is theoretically more of
Short term bursts
then I don’t think you have to worry at all. My case is sort of
similar to yours. My A1C’s were 5.3 and 5.1, and I too have the same
highs and lows at times. Moreover, 182 is not a frightening
figure,
a cause for concern. My doctor once remarked that even he might not
have an A1C as low as mine. That said it all.
in your glucose levels are not alarming, if your A1C is great!
My question in my first introductory mail was in a way related to
this point. Do low A1Cs guarantee that there would be no long term
complications? Nobody will have a firm “yes” to that. The only thing
we ought to do is to continue the good work.
I think you are doing good enough!
A
January 21st, 2004 at 3:33 am
HI Barry,
I think what’s frustrating to all of us at some points is that even
though we’re doing everything right the sugars sometimes go out of
whack for no reason at all. I’m on the pump so my sugars are pretty
good unless I underestimate my carbs. But there are times when I
haven’t changed a thing and my sugars will be in the 200’s for no
reason at all. I’ve asked my doctor about it and she said that
sometimes it just happens and we don’t know why. We just need to try
and get them where they should be. I know it frustrates me because I
am trying my best to keep good numbers. Maybe the insulin you’re on
isn’t working for you or the pen isn’t. That could be something to
discuss with your doctor. I think it would be great if you could get
on the pump. It has been great for me since I started this year. I
wouldn’t skip meals either. I would continue to eat but just make
sure you cover your meals. Being on the pump I have to count carbs
so I take 1 unit of Humalog for every 15 units of carbs I eat. It
varies per person but I would say this is about average. Good luck
and hope you can get back on track!
Michelle