Little bit depressed

[Travelling enthusiast]

I've had diabetes for 20 years and always had reasonable HbA1c results <7.
I just feel sometimes it drives me mad. Today for example it's been high all day, no reason at all. I've only had breakfast all day and been constantly pumping my body full of Novo rapid. This happens every few weeks/ months and I was wondering if anyone else gets days when sugar levels seem to bear no relationship with food or insulin.
I've asked my doctor and she just says my control is good and not to worry myself. I am worried though and feel a complete lack of control.
Feel I'm letting myself down and don't know how to fix it.
Any advice would be great
Thanks
Xx


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[mrman]

Change your needles before EVERY injection.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[mrman]

Also, not advisable to keep needle on pen after use, remove and discard.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Travelling enthusiast]

I changed them last night, and every time today. I'm sure it's not needles. Even changed all my insulin after reading the forum.
Thanks for the tip though.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[lizdeluz]

Just checking in to say that I sympathise, and that, yes, this does happen to me and it's maddening, Your control is good <7. For me, a few months ago, that would have seemed an understatement, I'd have said <7 is brilliant.

Just wondering if you're starving yourself on the days that seem out of control? Might you be getting spikes a a result of blood sugar allowed to go too low? Why did you only have breakfast on that day you mentioned?

My bs swings are becoming better controlled since I started low-carbing. A low carb high fat diet would give you energy and the chance to reduce your levels and your insulin. I'm certainly no expert on this, but check out all the info on the Low Carb thread of this forum. I hope it helps.

Also it might be a good idea to talk to your DSN or clinic as well as your GP.

 

[Travelling enthusiast]

Just checking in to say that I sympathise, and that, yes, this does happen to me and it's maddening, Your control is good <7. For me, a few months ago, that would have seemed an understatement, I'd have said <7 is brilliant.

Just wondering if you're starving yourself on the days that seem out of control? Might you be getting spikes a a result of blood sugar allowed to go too low? Why did you only have breakfast on that day you mentioned?

My bs swings are becoming better controlled since I started low-carbing. A low carb high fat diet would give you energy and the chance to reduce your levels and your insulin. I'm certainly no expert on this, but check out all the info on the Low Carb thread of this forum. I hope it helps.

Also it might be a good idea to talk to your DSN or clinic as well as your GP.

Thank you, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels like this.
I don't eat because I don't want to increase my sugar levels, I had lots of herbal tea.
Sorry for my ignorance, what is a DSN. The only person I've ever seem in the UK, 2004 is a GP.
Thanks again

 

[noblehead]

Try changing the insulin cartridge when you get days like this, insulin begins to deteriorate after 4 weeks from being out of the fridge, if exposed to a heat source even sooner than that.

 

[Crimsonclient]

Thank you, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels like this.
I don't eat because I don't want to increase my sugar levels, I had lots of herbal tea.
Sorry for my ignorance, what is a DSN. The only person I've ever seem in the UK, 2004 is a GP.
Thanks again

It's not ignorance a DSN is a Diabetic Specialist Nurse. Keep changing your. Needles will help things, it may be a strange one but when your bg is high it not because of that time of month, I know this may seem personal but I have heard that that can cause high bs


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, Simvistatin.

 

[runner2009]

I've had diabetes for 20 years and always had reasonable HbA1c results <7.
I just feel sometimes it drives me mad. Today for example it's been high all day, no reason at all. I've only had breakfast all day and been constantly pumping my body full of Novo rapid. This happens every few weeks/ months and I was wondering if anyone else gets days when sugar levels seem to bear no relationship with food or insulin.
I've asked my doctor and she just says my control is good and not to worry myself. I am worried though and feel a complete lack of control.
Feel I'm letting myself down and don't know how to fix it.
Any advice would be great
Thanks
Xx


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

Have you tried some high intensity exercise when this occurs? In my case it always seems to work.

1. Jumping jacks
2. Pushups or wall pushups
3. Squats
4. Wall sits

20 to 60 seconds as fast as you can depending on your fitness level. There is an app Max Capacity Training that can give you some ideas - there are others too.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[lizdeluz]

Thank you, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels like this.
I don't eat because I don't want to increase my sugar levels, I had lots of herbal tea.
Sorry for my ignorance, what is a DSN. The only person I've ever seem in the UK, 2004 is a GP.
Thanks again

Well, it's possible you'd benefit from a review with a Diabetes Specialist Nurse and/or the consultant for diabetes in your area. It's difficult for us to advise without knowing your blood sugar readings and foods and your insulin doses. So, probably a good idea to take all that data with you when you see a diabetes specialist.
Not eating because you don't want high blood sugars is completely understandable, but drinking herbal tea as a substitute for the food you need isn't a long term solution. As mentioned above, exercise will help, but may actually increase your blood sugar if you aren't giving yourself enough insulin.
You say that your control is good, though, and that it's only occasionally that you get high blood sugar that you can't reduce. Maybe at those times, you take less exercise, or are affected by the menstrual cycle (also mentioned above) or are affected by stress, or it could be that you are ricocheting from low to high. These are topics that can be discussed when you get your review. It sounds like you're not getting sufficient support though, so don't just battle on with it on your own. Get your GP to refer you to a diabetes specialist.
Best wishes, let us know how you get on.

 

[runner2009]

I changed them last night, and every time today. I'm sure it's not needles. Even changed all my insulin after reading the forum.
Thanks for the tip though.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

Well, it's possible you'd benefit from a review with a Diabetes Specialist Nurse and/or the consultant for diabetes in your area. It's difficult for us to advise without knowing your blood sugar readings and foods and your insulin doses. So, probably a good idea to take all that data with you when you see a diabetes specialist.
Not eating because you don't want high blood sugars is completely understandable, but drinking herbal tea as a substitute for the food you need isn't a long term solution. As mentioned above, exercise will help, but may actually increase your blood sugar if you aren't giving yourself enough insulin.
You say that your control is good, though, and that it's only occasionally that you get high blood sugar that you can't reduce. Maybe at those times, you take less exercise, or are affected by the menstrual cycle (also mentioned above) or are affected by stress, or it could be that you are ricocheting from low to high. These are topics that can be discussed when you get your review. It sounds like you're not getting sufficient support though, so don't just battle on with it on your own. Get your GP to refer you to a diabetes specialist.
Best wishes, let us know how you get on.

This is such good advice. I've never been a consistent eater, but one thing that has helped me is eating a 'consistent carbohydrate' at regular intervals.

It just made one less variable to consider when things aren't going well BG wise that is

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Travelling enthusiast]

OK, I did not add enough detail at all, so here goes.
When I say hi, I mean HIGH, yesterday it ranged from 16 to 23 for most of the day. Runner 2009, I agree 100% I always do pushups and squats and even went for an hour long walk yesterday, when I did that I went from 16 to 23. Soul destroying!!! Normally my levels range from 4 to 10. I eat porridge with cinnamon and pear for breakfast, or a natural yogurt with fruit and nuts. Lunch is always a salad or soup, I'll try and include beans and pulses or fish and then dinner would be veg and beans and lentils, or meat with veg or if its something quick bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado, or avocado and peanut butter. I generally don't tend to snack very much, but if I do its nuts, fruit or natural yogurt. I do eat out and when I do I eat what I want and I enjoy the occasional treat too. I do have hypos, but not often, every few weeks, but generally it will be because of too much insulin (by mistake), more exercise or something that I can attribute it to, so I’m too worried about drastic highs and then drastic lows.
I take 14 lantus in the morning and 6 before bed, as I found splitting it meant I got not morning hypos. If I'm eating carbs it’s about 2 units of Novoraid to 10grams of crabs.
I'm going to take note of my menstrual cycle because I think Crimson client may be right, as I have the coil I don't ever really know, but yesterday I was an emotional wreck and spent about 2 hours crying on and off. So Ill keep track of my moods and sugar levels in my diary and see if that gives some insight. It probably doesn’t help that when I do get highs I get stressed which I know does make my BG levels higher too.
I never realised that not eating can make BG go up too, so I’ll make a point of eating something even if it’s low carbs.
Good news is today everything seems to be back to normal. Which is what I find so distressing, it doesn’t happen often but when it does I really can’t explain it at all. The joys of diabetes I guess.
Thank you all for your advice, I’ve definitely learnt a few new things which is fantastic.

 

[runner2009]

OK, I did not add enough detail at all, so here goes.
When I say hi, I mean HIGH, yesterday it ranged from 16 to 23 for most of the day. Runner 2009, I agree 100% I always do pushups and squats and even went for an hour long walk yesterday, when I did that I went from 16 to 23. Soul destroying!!! Normally my levels range from 4 to 10. I eat porridge with cinnamon and pear for breakfast, or a natural yogurt with fruit and nuts. Lunch is always a salad or soup, I'll try and include beans and pulses or fish and then dinner would be veg and beans and lentils, or meat with veg or if its something quick bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado, or avocado and peanut butter. I generally don't tend to snack very much, but if I do its nuts, fruit or natural yogurt. I do eat out and when I do I eat what I want and I enjoy the occasional treat too. I do have hypos, but not often, every few weeks, but generally it will be because of too much insulin (by mistake), more exercise or something that I can attribute it to, so I’m too worried about drastic highs and then drastic lows.
I take 14 lantus in the morning and 6 before bed, as I found splitting it meant I got not morning hypos. If I'm eating carbs it’s about 2 units of Novoraid to 10grams of crabs.
I'm going to take note of my menstrual cycle because I think Crimson client may be right, as I have the coil I don't ever really know, but yesterday I was an emotional wreck and spent about 2 hours crying on and off. So Ill keep track of my moods and sugar levels in my diary and see if that gives some insight. It probably doesn’t help that when I do get highs I get stressed which I know does make my BG levels higher too.
I never realised that not eating can make BG go up too, so I’ll make a point of eating something even if it’s low carbs.
Good news is today everything seems to be back to normal. Which is what I find so distressing, it doesn’t happen often but when it does I really can’t explain it at all. The joys of diabetes I guess.
Thank you all for your advice, I’ve definitely learnt a few new things which is fantastic.

Maybe this will help Travelling enthusias, but perhaps our OCD traits that help us gain good control over our BG can be a hindrance to our happiness.

It's a complex disease and it is understandable that you want to have complete control - this action produces this reaction - because in away the opposite no control is so unacceptable and then it produces complications.

Perhaps there will always be days where we can't control our BG for whatever the reason which is beyond our control and maybe we should just accept it - much like the inevitable cold - and note it, take a big breath and relax and go on enjoying our lives.

As my Dad used to tell me when I was a boy and worrying too much 'sometimes things just happen'.




Sent from Runner2009 Burt

 

[Travelling enthusiast]

Thank you, I think you and your Dad are very wise. I'll try and remember this the next time I have a blip and not beat myself up too much.
Sometimes things just happen

 

[KPass]

OK, I did not add enough detail at all, so here goes.
When I say hi, I mean HIGH, yesterday it ranged from 16 to 23 for most of the day. Runner 2009, I agree 100% I always do pushups and squats and even went for an hour long walk yesterday, when I did that I went from 16 to 23. Soul destroying!!! Normally my levels range from 4 to 10. I eat porridge with cinnamon and pear for breakfast, or a natural yogurt with fruit and nuts. Lunch is always a salad or soup, I'll try and include beans and pulses or fish and then dinner would be veg and beans and lentils, or meat with veg or if its something quick bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado, or avocado and peanut butter. I generally don't tend to snack very much, but if I do its nuts, fruit or natural yogurt. I do eat out and when I do I eat what I want and I enjoy the occasional treat too. I do have hypos, but not often, every few weeks, but generally it will be because of too much insulin (by mistake), more exercise or something that I can attribute it to, so I’m too worried about drastic highs and then drastic lows.
I take 14 lantus in the morning and 6 before bed, as I found splitting it meant I got not morning hypos. If I'm eating carbs it’s about 2 units of Novoraid to 10grams of crabs.
I'm going to take note of my menstrual cycle because I think Crimson client may be right, as I have the coil I don't ever really know, but yesterday I was an emotional wreck and spent about 2 hours crying on and off. So Ill keep track of my moods and sugar levels in my diary and see if that gives some insight. It probably doesn’t help that when I do get highs I get stressed which I know does make my BG levels higher too.
I never realised that not eating can make BG go up too, so I’ll make a point of eating something even if it’s low carbs.
Good news is today everything seems to be back to normal. Which is what I find so distressing, it doesn’t happen often but when it does I really can’t explain it at all. The joys of diabetes I guess.
Thank you all for your advice, I’ve definitely learnt a few new things which is fantastic.

I have been a diabetic for 19 years and noticed a few years ago that a week prior to menstruation I am more insulin resistant. I would have 2-3 days where I barely ate but my BS would be high. Then once it was over or during -- my BS would come down. Also I was told that if you get dehydrated it causes BS spikes.

 

[KPass]

OK, I did not add enough detail at all, so here goes.
When I say hi, I mean HIGH, yesterday it ranged from 16 to 23 for most of the day. Runner 2009, I agree 100% I always do pushups and squats and even went for an hour long walk yesterday, when I did that I went from 16 to 23. Soul destroying!!! Normally my levels range from 4 to 10. I eat porridge with cinnamon and pear for breakfast, or a natural yogurt with fruit and nuts. Lunch is always a salad or soup, I'll try and include beans and pulses or fish and then dinner would be veg and beans and lentils, or meat with veg or if its something quick bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado, or avocado and peanut butter. I generally don't tend to snack very much, but if I do its nuts, fruit or natural yogurt. I do eat out and when I do I eat what I want and I enjoy the occasional treat too. I do have hypos, but not often, every few weeks, but generally it will be because of too much insulin (by mistake), more exercise or something that I can attribute it to, so I’m too worried about drastic highs and then drastic lows.
I take 14 lantus in the morning and 6 before bed, as I found splitting it meant I got not morning hypos. If I'm eating carbs it’s about 2 units of Novoraid to 10grams of crabs.
I'm going to take note of my menstrual cycle because I think Crimson client may be right, as I have the coil I don't ever really know, but yesterday I was an emotional wreck and spent about 2 hours crying on and off. So Ill keep track of my moods and sugar levels in my diary and see if that gives some insight. It probably doesn’t help that when I do get highs I get stressed which I know does make my BG levels higher too.
I never realised that not eating can make BG go up too, so I’ll make a point of eating something even if it’s low carbs.
Good news is today everything seems to be back to normal. Which is what I find so distressing, it doesn’t happen often but when it does I really can’t explain it at all. The joys of diabetes I guess.
Thank you all for your advice, I’ve definitely learnt a few new things which is fantastic.

So when you are saying 17 to 23 what is that a measurement of? In the US our meters read from 70 -120 as normal and 150 up to 300 plus is high. So the measurement must be different.

 

[Indy51]

So when you are saying 17 to 23 what is that a measurement of? In the US our meters read from 70 -120 as normal and 150 up to 300 plus is high. So the measurement must be different.

This is a UK based site, so the measurements here (and on our meters) are mmol/L whereas in the US you use a different system. If you divide yours by 18 that gives you the approximate measurements for the UK.

 

[Spiker]

I never realised that not eating can make BG go up too, so I’ll make a point of eating something even if it’s low carbs.

While liver glycogen dumping is one reason why BG can go up when you don't eat, another very common reason is that your basal dose is too low and you are covering basal rises using bolus injections. Which only becomes obvious when you skip the bolus injections. My hunch is that your quite low total Lantus dose of 20 doesn't fit with your quite high insulin:carb ratio of 1u:5g. So I suspect your true basal rate might be higher and your true insulin:carb ratio might be lower. Just a hunch.

 

[Spiker]

I've had diabetes for 20 years and always had reasonable HbA1c results <7.
I just feel sometimes it drives me mad. Today for example it's been high all day, no reason at all. I've only had breakfast all day and been constantly pumping my body full of Novo rapid. This happens every few weeks/ months and I was wondering if anyone else gets days when sugar levels seem to bear no relationship with food or insulin.
I've asked my doctor and she just says my control is good and not to worry myself. I am worried though and feel a complete lack of control.
Feel I'm letting myself down and don't know how to fix it.
Any advice would be great
Thanks
Xx

You are doing really well, so don't worry. Yes we all have bad days or a bad few days where nothing makes sense and nothing seems to work right. Unless a persistent pattern emerges you just have to say "c'est la vie diabetique" and move on.

 

[Travelling enthusiast]

While liver glycogen dumping is one reason why BG can go up when you don't eat, another very common reason is that your basal dose is too low and you are covering basal rises using bolus injections. Which only becomes obvious when you skip the bolus injections. My hunch is that your quite low total Lantus dose of 20 doesn't fit with your quite high insulin:carb ratio of 1u:5g. So I suspect your true basal rate might be higher and your true insulin:carb ratio might be lower. Just a hunch.

Hi Spiker, I actually did raise my lantus over Christmas 2013, I changed it by 1 unit in the morning and 1 unit at night and I ended up having quiet a few hypos, I then cut the 1 unit at night but I was still having hypos during the day, so I think my current lantus is ok. Do you mind me asking what the ratios should be based on? I've always just gone with checking levels and then alternating my insulin accordingly, I didn’t realise there was a method. Maybe my novo rapid rate is a bit wrong, if I have an apple I’d use 2 units or a sandwich would be 4 units, I’m not sure really.