I was diagnosed with type 1/ Lada in January but apart from taking small amounts of insulin 5 times a day and testing my BS it has had very little impact. I have only had 3 hypos (around Spring) and feel that I've had a very easy time. Therefore, as an experiment I've stopped my insulin for a week. My BS is creeping up and I'm averaging between 12 - 16 in the day but I feel no ill effects and when I don't eat my blood sugars gradually reduce down again. I know about the honeymoon period but it all seems too easy and it seems I can manage without. Has anybody else had a similar experience?
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Has anybody else taken a week off insulin?
- Thread starter Andy41
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TorqPenderloin
Well-Known Member
I'm currently doing something SIMILAR. However, what you're doing is downright dangerous. You may not feel the effects now, but that doesn't mean you aren't doing irrepairable damage to your body.
Like you, I am still in the honeymoon phase. In the past month, I've reduced my daily insulin intake from 24-28 units/day down to 5 units of basal and 0 bolus. Tomorrow, I will lower that number down to 4 units/day.
HOWEVER....My two week average glucose level is 6.2 mmol/L and it's been more than 2 weeks since I had a single reading above 11 mmol/L.
To get down to 5 units a day, I've had to reduce my carbohydrates to 30-40g/day. I also run ~15 miles a week and lift heavy weights 5-6 days/week.
Not only that, but I have a Dexcom CGM that allows me to closely monitor my glucose levels as I safely lower my insulin intake.
Long story short, to answer your question: Yes, I have a similar experience. However, I'm trying to go about it in a much safer way than you are.
Side note: I don't intend to sound mean, but it's very concerning that you're making a conscious decision to allow your glucose levels to get that high. My first thought is to wonder why you're doing that to yourself.
Like you, I am still in the honeymoon phase. In the past month, I've reduced my daily insulin intake from 24-28 units/day down to 5 units of basal and 0 bolus. Tomorrow, I will lower that number down to 4 units/day.
HOWEVER....My two week average glucose level is 6.2 mmol/L and it's been more than 2 weeks since I had a single reading above 11 mmol/L.
To get down to 5 units a day, I've had to reduce my carbohydrates to 30-40g/day. I also run ~15 miles a week and lift heavy weights 5-6 days/week.
Not only that, but I have a Dexcom CGM that allows me to closely monitor my glucose levels as I safely lower my insulin intake.
Long story short, to answer your question: Yes, I have a similar experience. However, I'm trying to go about it in a much safer way than you are.
Side note: I don't intend to sound mean, but it's very concerning that you're making a conscious decision to allow your glucose levels to get that high. My first thought is to wonder why you're doing that to yourself.
Andy - have you tested for ketones? With high blood sugars you may have ketones and they can be dangerous.
I have Type 1 and I'd be worried and feeling rough if my blood sugar was 12 - 16. If you can keep your blood sugars within range with a small amount of insulin that's fine, but to take none at all and have highs like that isn't advisable. High blood sugars can damage your body.
Can you speak to your diabetes team and get some advice and support from them?
I have Type 1 and I'd be worried and feeling rough if my blood sugar was 12 - 16. If you can keep your blood sugars within range with a small amount of insulin that's fine, but to take none at all and have highs like that isn't advisable. High blood sugars can damage your body.
Can you speak to your diabetes team and get some advice and support from them?
I don't feel rough at all; I felt a bit weary and very thirsty when I was diagnosed in January and my bs was 29 then. I only found out because I was talking to my school nurse... I'm a teacher... And she took my blood sugar. I only missed an afternoon of work and I didn't have ketones. When I read what everybody else goes through I keep thinking that I'm not diabetic... Or at least I'm not type 1 or LADA. The main symptom was blurry eyesight as my bs came down which lasted for a few weeks. I have spoken to my diabetic nurse who told me to just take the basal and she has arranged another HS1.... and peptide blood test... Not sure of the names.
I'm glad you've spijen to your nurse - always wise to check when your health is involved 
My blood sugar was around 25 when I was diagnosed (Type 1). At first I could manage on small doses of insulin, but those then increased gradually. I did experiment with not having my fast acting breakfast insulin once because I was having hypos. When I tested two hours after eating my blood sugar was high, but then came down by lunch. I asked my consultant about this and she said my islets were failing and this could happen sometimes.
It's not so much about feeling ill, more about the insidious damage high sugars might be doing to your body over time. It's that worry that stopped me experimenting with missing insulin again.
It could be that your insulin can be adjusted, but it's definitely wise to do this in consultation with your team. Keep testing and best of luck
My blood sugar was around 25 when I was diagnosed (Type 1). At first I could manage on small doses of insulin, but those then increased gradually. I did experiment with not having my fast acting breakfast insulin once because I was having hypos. When I tested two hours after eating my blood sugar was high, but then came down by lunch. I asked my consultant about this and she said my islets were failing and this could happen sometimes.
It's not so much about feeling ill, more about the insidious damage high sugars might be doing to your body over time. It's that worry that stopped me experimenting with missing insulin again.
It could be that your insulin can be adjusted, but it's definitely wise to do this in consultation with your team. Keep testing and best of luck
I'm not a self harmer if that's what you're suggesting... It's more about convincing myself that I have it... Reading the posts of others I gather that it really effects lifestyles whereas as for me, I've hardly suffered except for always missing the start of dinner, (I always forget until my wife reminds me). I have two young kids and we both work full time so finding time to arrange and follow programmes like yours would be difficult, although I admire your dedication!
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mrspuddleduck
Guest
Hi @Andy41, this sounds fairly typical of the honeymoon period. Quite often people reduce or even temporarily come off the insulin again, I believe the initial insulin given at the onset can sometimes 'kick start' ones own pancreas for a while. BUT your levels are too high to do that! You may be feeling OK but you need to realise that diabetes control is not just about controlling today its about preventing the long term damage that your untreated high bloods WILL (not may) cause. Bottom line for me - you are a teacher, so do the research!!! 
Sue xxx
Sue xxx
TorqPenderloin
Well-Known Member
I look at it this way: stage 4 cancer is more advanced than stage 1, but that doesn't mean you ignore stage 1 cancer until it progresses into later stages.
Diabetes certainly isn't cancer, but I see the honeymoon phase as "stage 1" of diabetes. It's a time to learn how to manage the disease and develop a routine so when the time comes that your pancreas no longer produces any insulin you're able to manage the bigger effects it can have on your lifestyle.
Making a conscious decision not to take your insulin and allowing your glucose levels to get that high is, by definition, self-harm. A smoker doesn't develop lung cancer after his first pack of cigarettes. Just because you feel fine now doesn't guarantee that you aren't doing irreparable damage to your body.
Also, my routine is what works for me, but its not exactly easy. I wake up at 4am during the week and 5am on the weekends so I can go to the gym, cook breakfast, and prepare my lunch for that day. My girlfriend and I both work full-time and every Sunday I drive her to the airport as travels 150+ days a year (her office is in NYC; 2000 miles away). Unlike you, I don't have children, but that's why I implemented my routine....because I eventually want kids and I want to do everything I can to ensure I live a healthy life and have the ability to watch them grow up into adults.
I think you need to figure out what motivates you and what will help you realize that you do apparently have this disease. I can empathize with how you feel about comparing yourself to other people's situations. My lifestyle has yet to be affected by this disease, but that's because I've already made the decision not to allow it to run my life. I hope you can eventually find a way to make that decision for yourself.
Diabetes certainly isn't cancer, but I see the honeymoon phase as "stage 1" of diabetes. It's a time to learn how to manage the disease and develop a routine so when the time comes that your pancreas no longer produces any insulin you're able to manage the bigger effects it can have on your lifestyle.
Making a conscious decision not to take your insulin and allowing your glucose levels to get that high is, by definition, self-harm. A smoker doesn't develop lung cancer after his first pack of cigarettes. Just because you feel fine now doesn't guarantee that you aren't doing irreparable damage to your body.
Also, my routine is what works for me, but its not exactly easy. I wake up at 4am during the week and 5am on the weekends so I can go to the gym, cook breakfast, and prepare my lunch for that day. My girlfriend and I both work full-time and every Sunday I drive her to the airport as travels 150+ days a year (her office is in NYC; 2000 miles away). Unlike you, I don't have children, but that's why I implemented my routine....because I eventually want kids and I want to do everything I can to ensure I live a healthy life and have the ability to watch them grow up into adults.
I think you need to figure out what motivates you and what will help you realize that you do apparently have this disease. I can empathize with how you feel about comparing yourself to other people's situations. My lifestyle has yet to be affected by this disease, but that's because I've already made the decision not to allow it to run my life. I hope you can eventually find a way to make that decision for yourself.
As many have already said, if blood glucose levels of 12-16 don't already convince you you have diabetes then there are broader issues. Keep running at that level and you risk loss of sight, loss of limbs, heart disease and a bunch of other unpleasant side effects including death that will result in you not being able to see your children grow up.
You don't need to follow a programme, but you do need to recognise that it isn't going away and currently, at the levels you are at, it is killing you slowly. Don't underestimate how quickly eye damage can kick in. It only takes a couple of years.
No matter what you might think, your levels tell you with no uncertainty that you cannot do without insulin. If looking after yourself for your family and kids doesn't motivate you then I don't know what will.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I've started insulin again and my blood sugar went straight down to 5.2 ... easy! But I have learned that I'm still producing insulin - last night I dropped from 17.6 to 8.2 this morning with no insulin taken, that morning eating seems to have more of an effect that lunch time and that rice, bread and weetabix have more of an effect than chocolate or sweets and that you should never be flippant about diabetes on a diabetes forum! I also see that I must be LADA rather than type 1. Sorry if I did appear a touch flippant and I have taken all comments on board.
Does anybody know if a LADA diabetic becomes a type 1 or is always LADA. If they always stay LADA, what is the difference once they lose all of their insulin making cells?
Does anybody know if a LADA diabetic becomes a type 1 or is always LADA. If they always stay LADA, what is the difference once they lose all of their insulin making cells?
Glad you're taking your insulin again. Good control is very important, and a high blood sugar doesn't have to be at dangerous levels to cause harm to,your body. I'll tag @daisy1 as she has info about the levels you're aiming at.
Have a look round the LADA section of the forum or ask specific questions there. Have you been told you have LADA?
Have a look round the LADA section of the forum or ask specific questions there. Have you been told you have LADA?
I had been told it might be LADA when first diagnosed as I tested positive for GAD antibodies, I'm 41, slim and have no family history of diabetes. It's now 11 months since they said I had diabetes and I'm still producing insulin so it must be LADA. The DB I spoke to today agrees and said that this easy experience of diabetes could continue for many years. Fingers crossed. Give it another 6 months and I'll probably have doubts again. It's the way my mind works.
Thanks. I appreciate any input.Interesting, Andy. There are a number of members here with LADA. I'll tag @LucySW for you as she has LADA, I believe.
I have Type 1
By the way, if you're a moderator, does that mean you work for diabetes.co.uk?
No, all the moderators are normal forum members, not employed.. If you have a query or something you want to contact the forum admin about, you can PM @Administrator
Claire007
Well-Known Member
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I really don't wish to pee on your bonfire but........
I'm 45, slim
I have no family history of diabetes
I tested positive for antibodies
I was diagnosed 8 months ago
I'm still producing insulin (I only take 1.5 units of background AM, 3.5PM and around 6 units of quick acting a day)
I'm type 1. Have you heard of the Honeymoon phase?
I'm really interested to know how we can both be so very similar but with a different 'type' diagnosis.
M
mrspuddleduck
Guest
I really don't wish to pee on your bonfire but........
I'm 45, slim
I have no family history of diabetes
I tested positive for antibodies
I was diagnosed 8 months ago
I'm still producing insulin (I only take 1.5 units of background AM, 3.5PM and around 6 units of quick acting a day)
I'm type 1. Have you heard of the Honeymoon phase?
I'm really interested to know how we can both be so very similar but with a different 'type' diagnosis.
Aren't you both late onset (LADA) type 1??, and sounds like you are both honeymooning! Sue xx
My stats are almost exactly the same...you're right. So has anybody said LADA to you? I never have hypos and I don't suffer too much when by BS is high. Don't you wonder when you look around this site why you're having such an easy time with it, if indeed you feel you are? I take only 6 lev pm and 4lev am and 4 -6 novorapid before each meal. Thanks for this... It's great to see somebody else having a similar experience. Why are you so sure you are type 1 by the way?
