Avoiding refined sugar while having a hypo

[EllieM]

I really don't understand what's going on here but I need to get it sorted because I'm exhausted. I'm under a lot of stress at the moment but don't see how that could be causing all these hypos.

The obvious answer is that you are taking too much insulin. Have you done basal testing to see if your basal is correct? Another thought, are you sure you were hypo in the night? Libre is renowned for compression lows which can give fake hypo readings at night.

 

[Atrack]

The obvious answer is that you are taking too much insulin. Have you done basal testing to see if your basal is correct? Another thought, are you sure you were hypo in the night? Libre is renowned for compression lows which can give fake hypo readings at night.

I would usually take that amount of insulin for that kind of meal and it would be fine. That's just one of the confusing parts.

I haven't done basal testing but have taken the same amount of basal for more than twenty years, all I've done in the past year is increase it by one unit, which I've now reversed.

Compression lows are a new one on me, but I had two hypos in the night so I wouldn't understand how that works either. I'm tired enough as it is without doing additional tests in the night to be honest, but will do whatever it takes to get this sorted out.

 

[Juicyj]

Last night I had no carbs for my tea, just a big bit of salmon and vegetables & tomatoes which I covered with 4 units of insulin. I ate it about 6pm. I had nothing else to eat and went to my bed about 11pm, with bg at 5.7. I had two hypos during the night which I took some lucozade for. Bg was 5.7 when I woke up.

I really don't understand what's going on here but I need to get it sorted because I'm exhausted. I'm under a lot of stress at the moment but don't see how that could be causing all these hypos.

Hi there,

Just checking how you arrived at 4 units of insulin for Salmon and veges and where was the carbs in this, it seems like a lot of insulin to take for a low carb meal, hence no surprise you ended up hypo.

Once you get into a hypo state you can easily wind up having another later on as per my message above, from what i'm reading here you are not taking your foot off the gas at all so it's no surprise you're feeling worn down, what's your fear with managing your diabetes ? We all have them, mine is suffering ill health as I get older and possibly losing my sight, but rather than micro managing my diabetes I have adapted a routine which works for me, including changing my alarms so they don't beep so often which takes the pressure off, I run 2 businesses now and run 3-4 times a week, am a mum too, but I have to prioritise life over my diabetes, if I didn't I wouldn't be able to function, it can rule your life but only if you let it. Going low carb doesn't mean restriction though, I can still go out and have a meal with people without my t1 getting in the way, it's how I manage insulin for these events which is key.

Can you get any support so firstly DAFNE (dose adjustment for normal eating) great course for everything t1 and to meet others, are there any local groups to meet other t1's and make buddies ? Also what about some mental health support from your diabetes team, they run courses to help diabetics with the emotions attached to managing the condition, each trust will have their own programs but speak to your diabetes team.

It is possible to live a 'normal' life, yes there are good and bad days and it's not smooth for any of us, but its about finding your happy medium that allows you to enjoy your life without feeling restricted or worn down, as you shouldn't have to feel this way. Happy to chat on PM if you need support.

 

[Atrack]

Hi there,

Just checking how you arrived at 4 units of insulin for Salmon and veges and where was the carbs in this, it seems like a lot of insulin to take for a low carb meal, hence no surprise you ended up hypo.

Once you get into a hypo state you can easily wind up having another later on as per my message above, from what i'm reading here you are not taking your foot off the gas at all so it's no surprise you're feeling worn down, what's your fear with managing your diabetes ? We all have them, mine is suffering ill health as I get older and possibly losing my sight, but rather than micro managing my diabetes I have adapted a routine which works for me, including changing my alarms so they don't beep so often which takes the pressure off, I run 2 businesses now and run 3-4 times a week, am a mum too, but I have to prioritise life over my diabetes, if I didn't I wouldn't be able to function, it can rule your life but only if you let it. Going low carb doesn't mean restriction though, I can still go out and have a meal with people without my t1 getting in the way, it's how I manage insulin for these events which is key.

Can you get any support so firstly DAFNE (dose adjustment for normal eating) great course for everything t1 and to meet others, are there any local groups to meet other t1's and make buddies ? Also what about some mental health support from your diabetes team, they run courses to help diabetics with the emotions attached to managing the condition, each trust will have their own programs but speak to your diabetes team.

It is possible to live a 'normal' life, yes there are good and bad days and it's not smooth for any of us, but its about finding your happy medium that allows you to enjoy your life without feeling restricted or worn down, as you shouldn't have to feel this way. Happy to chat on PM if you need support.

Thanks for your help here and offer of support.

I based it on my experience, albeit probably in a flawed way, you're right. I thought there was protein in salmon and that seems to make my bg go up over time, not down. That might happen for me only with steak though, so I might be havering.

It's not so much that I'm afraid of diabetes, I'm more afraid of what I preceive to be failure right now. I, like so many, have had a terrible couple of years and it's really knocked my confidence. I barely have any at all left which is very hard for me to admit, but it is true. To your points, your fear is valid, and given how capable you come across will no doubt be used to protect yourself from the outcomes you want to avoid. I also have alarms vibrating but that bugs me plenty enough anyway. I think it's putting me on edge far more than a wee daft alarm should.

I did Dafne years ago, and I'm not convinced I believe in it. There are too many variable involved in their approach and I believe the only way to cope is to eat low carb. I understand why they take the view they take, mostly to give people hope, but false hope doesn't help in the long run I find. My best pal is diabetic, also type 1, and while I blame him for giving me it as a joke, we can support each other sometimes. He's more in denial than I am on how it really is, but I think his approach helps him, so why not.

I have in the past spoken to a psychologist/counsellor through the diabetes clinic, and found it helpful up to a point. My issues are deeper than they have the time to fix however.

My post should probably be in a depression forum or whatever, as diabetes is not my main problem I don't think, it's just making everything much worse right now.

Thanks again for your kind words.

 

[Deleted member 527103]

I understand why they take the view they take, mostly to give people hope, but false hope doesn't help in the long run I find.

I am sorry you feel this way.
The biggest thing I learnt when I did the local equivalent of DAFNE is that we are all different and no single method of managing Type 1 diabetes suits everyone. I saw the course as a kitbag of tools to use to manage our lives as best fit our body and our lives.
Maybe I am lucky, but I know I am very analytical and very stubborn. I have continued to eat a "normal" diet (minus meat but that is unrelated to diabetes) without restricting my carbs. After nearly 20 years, with careful carb counting, I have no complications from my condition and live a very full and active life.

Sorry, I realise I am coming across as ranting. This was not my intention. I am sorry you are struggling at the moment. As @Juicyj suggests, maybe it is time to revisit DAFNE (or the online Bertie course). Our lives and our bodies change so following the same regime we have done for twenty years may not be appropriate. I know my insulin needs vary greatly at different times depending what is going on in my life.

 

[Ipodlistener]

Whenever you get a low reading on Libre2. You should always follow that with a finger prick before acting. I've had 3's when it's really been 5.9 through the night.