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Advice

J

Jess1D

Well-Known Member
Messages
137
Hi
I have been back on the pump for about 5 weeks now
Today at work, had a snack(half grapefruit/ 4 Nairn’s cheese oatcakes) gave a little more bolus than needed- numbers were 6 before. Shortly after it was 7 & slightly rising - so I gave 0.5, later they reached 10, gave 1 unit- ended up at 15
I don’t understand why they climbed like this when I gave more than enough to cover the carbs?!!

Does this mean my basal is wrong? Or is it my
Insulin to carb ratio?

Many thanks
 
You don’t say if this is following a pattern or not. However, I wouldn’t attach too much importance to just one incident (“a snack”) as there could be several variables at play here e.g. the amount of exercise you took following your snack could have been less than usual, you may have been on a rebound from an earlier hypo, or possibly an infection (hopefully not!).
If you see the same trend over a few days then you’re probably right and adjustments may need to be made, but I would advise you to refer to your Diabetes medics if you’re unsure. Good luck
 
Hi, so had good numbers though the night, this am - gave insulin for coffee-gave about 25%more insulin than needed- to cover it
After about 25 mins I was climbing Dexcom read 10 & rising (1 arrow) I am confused as to whether this is partially the dawn phenomenon or my basal??
Also had a low carb breakfast sausage,bacon, scrambled eggs- sausage had 5g carbs- bolused for 10g- numbers at 9& level- after breakfast - walked the dog
Now it’s sitting at 10 -

Does anyone have any thoughts what corrections I need to do here please?
 
I'd suggest you start with basal testing, because if that's wrong, it will be throwing everything else out, and you'll be doing corrections all the time.

Which insulin are you using in your pump?
 
Hopeful34 said:
I'd suggest you start with basal testing, because if that's wrong, it will be throwing everything else out, and you'll be doing corrections all the time.

Which insulin are you using in your pump?
Click to expand...

I am on Medtronic pump- this is kind of what I thought
Just tricky with work to do the basal testing
 
Hi Jess1D. May I ask you which Medtronic pump you are using?
 
Sorry you feel rubbish @Jess1D . It's a horrible feeling when your levels are high.

If you can't do basal testing, could you manage some no carb meals at all, which would give an indication if your ratio's are wrong?

How long before you eat are you giving your insulin?

Hope tomorrow is a better day. Take care.
 
I agree with @Hopeful34. Trying no carb breakfasts for a few days is safe and could be very revealing. Without this it could be risky to start adjusting ratios as you would be doing it ‘blind’, particularly if you’re at work or travelling. You will get it sorted.
 
Thank you both for your reply’s
Yes it starting rising yesterday about lunchtime
I bolus about 15 mins before I eat
 
Yesterday started pretty good- for lunch had a wrap- 15 grams of carbs- with chicken, lettuce & small bit of coleslaw-
So I bolused for 25 units to cover it & as you can see didn’t work
So is it my insulin to carb ratio could be wrong?
 
Hopeful34 said:
I'd suggest you start with basal testing, because if that's wrong, it will be throwing everything else out, and you'll be doing corrections all the time.

Which insulin are you using in your pump?
Click to expand...

I'd look at basal testing if this was a repeat pattern as that would indicate something is off.

As this is a one off then firstly start with changing your insulin/infusion set in case there's an insulin/absorption issue, correct manually with a pen too, so always make sure you have a back up in the fridge, you'd need one anyway in case of pump failure.

If still running high then possible illness/infection ? this time of year is rife for viruses/bugs/illness. So corrections with sick day rules until levels come back into range and lots of water too.

Hope you're ok today Jess ?
 
@Hopeful34 whilst I agree basal testing is important, there are a couple of things that you have mentioned which maybe different with a pump.

- You suggest only focusing on overnight (if not possible to eat no carbs during the day). As the advantage of having a pump is being able to have a different basal for every 30 minutes, overnight will cover little of the basal pattern. With a pump, we need to bsal test for all times of the day.
- You suggest having carb-free meals. In the absence of carbs, our body can break down protein which will result in blood sugar rise if you take no bolus. Carb-free meals are not useful for basal testing.
 
Thanks
Not a great start this am- woke up Dexcom - 12.6
Gave 3.6 to correct & cover breakfast- 22g carbs
Have risen to 15.9
 
All this feedback is debatable and well intentioned, including mine.
I would strongly recommend you referring to your diabetes medical support team for guidance if possible.
 
Jess1D said:
Thanks
Not a great start this am- woke up Dexcom - 12.6
Gave 3.6 to correct & cover breakfast- 22g carbs
Have risen to 15.9
Click to expand...

I am guessing you have done a set change and are using fresh insulin ? Do you think you could be coming down with something ? Are you due on ?

When insulin turns to water, these are the 2 things that make me insulin resistant. When running high I try to avoid carbs and I correct every 2-3 hours, however just take care as with corrections there can be a point at which insulin does start working, so just keep an eye on your levels and try to take it easy today.
 
Thank you Juicyj
Yes changed my set & insulin this am
Do feel a bit under the weather- I’m drinking plenty of water - but did have a milky coffee when I came back(a treat) numbers are 7 & level at the moment
Spoke with my nurse- she wants to see pump data before we make any changes - trouble is my laptop is broken
So trying to arrange to get clinic - so they can upload it
 
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