Advice on shift work

[chrissargent]

I'm about to start a new job that will involve working shifts. The rota is a 12 hour shift from 6am to 6pm for 4 days then 4 off and then 4 nights 6pm - 6am.
I'm after any tips both on how to handle T1 in this situation but also more general tips about how to successfully change from days to nights and back again.
Thanks in advance
Chris

 

[noblehead]

Switching between the shifts shouldn't be an issue, you just have to adjust your meal timings and be aware that you'll have active insulin on board if doing a manual job.

It's a good few years since I've done shift-work but it was never a problem, if your basal dose is correct you can sleep through meal-times (for example sleep through lunch when coming off nights and get a good days sleep).

Just be sure to test regularly until your settled into a routine as you may have to make some adjustments to your insulin doses, also carry plenty of snacks as they do come in handy where there's no food facilities available. Good luck.