Comments on: Hello everyone.

By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Wed, 21 Jan 2004 00:33:07 +0000

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

By: Denise Bethann

Denise Bethann — Sun, 18 Jan 2004 16:49:05 +0000

Barry, another point I forgot to add. If your A1C’s are below 6,
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, unless it goes beyond 200, which is theoretically more of
a cause for concern. My doctor once remarked that even he might not
have an A1C as low as mine. That said it all. Short term bursts
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

By: Denise Bethann

Denise Bethann — Sat, 17 Jan 2004 22:39:29 +0000

Hi Barry,
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. However, don’t be too complacent either. If you
experience this regularly, then you should consider consulting your
doctors. (And that’s my disclaimer. ;))
Hope that helps.
Good luck,
Atul