Type 2 with 1 dose insulin - daily range plus hypos

[Bobby105]

I use a fingerprick device to check readings about6 times a day with a monitor, occasionally i get caught out with a hypo even tho I took a good reading b4 leaving home. i.e a drop from 7 or even 9 within 90 mins to 2.6 - 3.9.
My GP is ringng me, a nursing friend suggested a body monitoring device, as easier to take in a public places . Would this help. .........? From the with experience, Thanks

My nightime readings improved after a doctor suggested having more carbs in the evening. I need to go to bed with a reading of 11 - 14 as readings can drop by 50 - 60% during the night . Prior readings were having to be taken at the time when a bathroom visit was taken

 

[EllieM]

My GP is ringng me, a nursing friend suggested a body monitoring device, as easier to take in a public places . Would this help. .........? From the with experience, Thanks

Hi I'm T1 and not T2 but I have lots of experience with hypos through the years. Cgms (continuous glucose monitors) made a big difference to me when they came out, because they can be set to warn you before you go low and they give you a reading on your phone. They are expensive though and I have my doubts that you'll get one on prescription if you're only on one injection a day.

As a diabetic you'd be entitled to a free trial of the libre

Sampling Maintenance

www.freestyle.abbott

and the dexcom

Dexcom | Dexcom One Plus Sample Programme | Dexcom

Dexcom One Plus Sample Programme

www.dexcom.com

My nightime readings improved after a doctor suggested having more carbs in the evening. I need to go to bed with a reading of 11 - 14 as readings can drop by 50 - 60% during the night . Prior readings were having to be taken at the time when a bathroom visit was taken

I've got to wonder if you'd be better off on a slightly different insulin regime so that you don't have to take carbs to feed the insulin rather than taking the right insulin for your carbs, but suspect that that might necessitate multiple injections a day. I take it your doctor didn't want you to reduce the insulin to reduce the overnight drop?

Can I ask what insulin you are on?

 

[Bobby105]

Hi I'm T1 and not T2 but I have lots of experience with hypos through the years. Cgms (continuous glucose monitors) made a big difference to me when they came out, because they can be set to warn you before you go low and they give you a reading on your phone. They are expensive though and I have my doubts that you'll get one on prescription if you're only on one injection a day.

As a diabetic you'd be entitled to a free trial of the libre

Sampling Maintenance

www.freestyle.abbott

and the dexcom

Dexcom | Dexcom One Plus Sample Programme | Dexcom

Dexcom One Plus Sample Programme

www.dexcom.com

I've got to wonder if you'd be better off on a slightly different insulin regime so that you don't have to take carbs to feed the insulin rather than taking the right insulin for your carbs, but suspect that that might necessitate multiple injections a day. I take it your doctor didn't want you to reduce the insulin to reduce the overnight drop?

Can I ask what insulin you are on?

Insulin is Levemir - 1 x 20units on waking ..... oddities;-
by 9.30 after egg or fish breakfast with small slice of wholemeal bread Iusually have hungry feelings. Reading has gone up 4 - 5 points from waking . To 12 - 14.
overnight readings drop by 50% to 60% - advised to have more carb early eve - works
my weight is around 7st 7 (45 kg?) and has been for past 3 years I would like to add weight as Im scrawny - 75yrs , but look older

 

[Bobby105]

My GP phoned me re a hypo. After a discussion she assured me that she still believes my diabetes is under control. Re insulin testing . There are 4 rules to be sent to the hospital . I only have one. The GP wants me to co tinge with the regular finger prices,monitoring the 90 day average. Treat any hypo as I do now and to notify her of a new one.
Im happy with that, So far all has been well. Im increasing my protein, including carefully chosen protein powder drinks with yogurt. And to eat as many carbs as the testing permits.
Over the past year my weight has risen about 9lbs - 4kg. Im hoping it will rise another 2kgs. I've given up my wish to weigh 57kg for now.
Thank you for posting and sharing your experience. It would seem I'm an unusual case n several respects. But Im happy to receive comments from members, there can be useful advice

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Like many, I split my Levemir which helps manage both day and night. Normally I would challenge regularly having carbs to avoid a hypo with insulin but as your weight is low it's not a problem.

 

[Bobby105]

Hi. Like many, I split my Levemir which helps manage both day and night. Normally I would challenge regularly having carbs to avoid a hypo with insulin but as your weight is low it's not a problem.

Out of interest how do you split your insulin treatment.

 

[AloeSvea]

I must admit - I am puzzled. If you are going so low as to be having regular hypos on the 20 mls of insuln - why on that particular dose? ie - as in is it perhaps too much for you. What does your team/doc/clinic say to this? I thought adjusting meds was something the medical community does very well - to keep you nice and safe and alive!

Myself - I would get on the blower to your doc and ask to to have a good deep dive into my meds, and have specialist attention, with view to having my dose adjusted, These wonderful diabetes clinics! That's what they are there for... (theoretically...) My guess is specialists would wonder why your doc who orginally prescribed your dose ? wasn't adjustng the amount in light of those hypos... But just in case there is something more complex going on... that's what one sees specialists for? Just my thoughts.

 

[Bobby105]

I will send a message to the doctor re the timing of the Levemir dose. I don't recall being told anything about this dose. In fact ,the nurse who told me nothing about anything, has left. It would be worth a message. My GP insists the diabetes is under control. Id prefer to go up to 8 st weight (50 kg ?). Must add i only very occasionally get a hypo, Recognise it, treat it and its gone.