I was diagnosed around 7 months ago and put on insulin. I have had controlled bg levels all the way throughout with very little insulin as I am very sensitive to insulin and would go hypo with very little, even for a week I didn't need any insulin at all. Now all of a sudden for the past 4 days my levels have been going into the 20s, 19s, 18s and insulin will not bring it down. Tonight I tried taking 11 units of humalog with dinner and 2 hours later I'm still in the 18s. Could anyone give me any advice? I have made sure my insulin pen is fresh and in date and correct temperature. I have been rotating injection sights but still not working.
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Insulin injections not responding ?!
- Thread starter Paul88
- Start Date
Daibell
Master
You are not alone. I have good days and bad days with no rational explanation. Today has been good with my BS generally below 10 but some days it edges up to 20 and no reasonable amount of Bolus will bring it down. I have to do extra Basal as well to help. I keep reasonable control of my carbs and am not overweight. I'm afraid for some of us the 'normal' rules don't apply.
Hi. Firstly I am not a medically qualified diabetes expert and it would be remiss of me to not say you need to call your diabetes team. However, I have experienced similar in the past and there may be things to consider. Most importantly have you checked ketones? If they are out of safe range you will need to take in both carb and insulin (quite a lot - follow your sick day guidelines and if they don’t come down seek medical attention immediately). Your insulin may have died (even if it’s in date this can sometimes happen) so you could change it. Most newly diagnosed T1s have a honeymoon period where your own beta cells still work a bit; eventually they stop and suddenly your insulin requirements increase. Have you been less active/drunk less fluid? Both of these can make your sugar levels rise and not exercising if you’re usually active increases insulin resistance. Or it’s just one of those things. But 4 days of it suggests you really should chat to your diabetic team x
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Is there any chance you could have an infection? In the past I've had UTIs without symptoms, and of course there's always covid. Illness can spike your insulin needs massively and sick day rules can be very helpful.
At 4 days of 20s I'd phone my clinic and/or move to sick day rules and, of course, check those ketones. (Disclaimer, I am not a doctor and that is just what I'd do in your situation.)
High bgs accompanied by high ketones are a medical emergency.
At 4 days of 20s I'd phone my clinic and/or move to sick day rules and, of course, check those ketones. (Disclaimer, I am not a doctor and that is just what I'd do in your situation.)
High bgs accompanied by high ketones are a medical emergency.
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- Type of diabetes
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Hi,
I seem to remember you posting a few weeks back regarding a period of not needing insulin.
Are you using your basal as well? Could your basal requirements increased since your early diagnosis?
Hi everyone. Thank you for all your help and concern, I ended up having an infection which I think contributed to my bg spikes. I was put on antibiotics and steroids and I also am awaiting a c peptide test result. I also got a letter 2 days ago from DVLA saying I need to have a medical driving license which is a bit of a pain but it is what it is.
