Anyone with no Pancreatic function?

I was not shown how to deal with Type 1 Diabetes properly. I felt the Diabetic Nurse rushed through showing me how I should inject. I did make brief notes and, luckily, I managed to just get on with the injections. Diet was very briefly mentioned. This is where I feel I am lacking correct information. I still have problems trying to work out carbs in relation to how much insulin I need. I have just had a NovoPen Echo delivered. It came without any cartridges or needles. I have got that sorted out now though through help on this Web site.

I am 63 and only put on insulin after I had an attack of Ketoacidosis. Luckily, one of the GP's who I rang acted quickly and I went to the Hospital. After being put on fluids I felt better and was discharged the following day.

I have never seen the Hospital Consultant, the surgery prefer to deal with Diabetic patients in house with the Diabetic Specialist. She holds annual Diabetic checks.

Most of my Pancreas was removed a few years ago. The remainder does not function anymore. I take Creon for the diet problems I have with no Pancreas.

I would appreciate a straightforward carbs regimen I can follow.

Thanks for the replies.

One of the GP's received a report from my Panc specialist who advised I must have a Glucagon injection kit. I have had this for a while, so thank you, you have given me a reminder to have it renewed.

There is a history with my treatment for Diabetes, too long winded to explain here. Basically, I find it very difficult to get an appointment now to see one of the Diabetic Nurses. My Primary care say I must work with the Nurses as opposed to going to see the Consultant at the local Hospital. My Panc problems were dealt with in a Specialist Unit miles away and my follow up for that is in the next County.

So, as you may see, I have been muddling along and I do have to constantly monitor my sugars, which is good in one way, but a bind in another..

I am looking online for courses as I really think it is the answer as far as carbs and the rest of my diet are concerned.

By the way, I did leave a message for one of the Diabetic Nurses, working in the Community, to ring me yesterday. I will just have to wait. It will be interesting to see when I receive a response.

jack412 said:

I would ring the nurse and tell her you need some help
I would ask your Dr to refer you to the hospital diabetic team, I think you can get better care. ask to go on a course or 2
as Jules said, a lower carb diet tends to work out better for BG control, but it's a matter of trying what works for you

There is an online course for background and an idea to it all. Free to register
http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/
a childs carb count, so I can understand it too
An Introduction to Carbohydrate Counting , Carbohydrate Counting – The Next Steps Carbohydrate Tables , Carbohydrate and Blood Glucose Diary

Click to expand...

I have just downloaded the 2 Carbohydrate Counting links you gave me - thank you very much, I have had an initial quick glance at both and they certainly are going to be easy for me to understand.

It's not that I am stupid, but I just could not get my head round carb counting.

I went to my Surgery this morning because I had not heard from any of the Diabetic Nurses.

I was having a problem trying to load my brand new NovoEcho Half Unit Pen. It will be very useful because I am extremely insulin sensitive. I had the Pen and some needles for it delivered to me. I already use NovoRapid but that comes as a complete Unit. The NovoEcho is rather like my Lantus Pen where you have to attach a needle to the cartridge.. Anway, I inserted the insulin cartridge into my new NovoEcho but could I fit the part of the unit that goes onto the main part of the pen - no. I found out I was twisting the top of the pen instead of twisting then clicking! I had the booklet but I was tired so decided a Nurse might be able to help me. The Nurse did exactly the same things as I had done at first until suddenly the top fitted with a click. My point in writing in such detail is that a Diabetic Nurse would (hopefully) have been able to advise me on what to do, even over the 'phone. Whilst I fully appreciate that the Diabetic Nurses' workload has increased in my area, and there have been financial cutbacks, I am pretty certain this is not an isolated problem. I suppose in hindsight I could have gone to the Pharmacy, if I need to query something again I think I will either 'phone the Pharmacy, or, if I am feeling up to it, go there.