Back pain, codeine and insulin with type 3C diabetes

[Alan Playford]

Hi guys!
My double-cracked spinal disk started playing up a couple of weeks ago. Basically, every few years, it oozes fluid against the nerves, resulting in back pain, severe leg and groin pain. Taking paracetamol or sometimes codeine for the pain.

But I've noticed that my BG levels remain much higher than usual now, around 12-20 mmol/L most days rather than being in the much better and normal 3.9 to 10 levels. I've read that pain can increase BG levels, unsure whether the pain killers do.

I'm on Humulin M3, the fast and slow mix, twice a day. I can increase the insulin, obviously, but I don't want to go too far (only up it by 2 units, usually). I obviously can't do any exercise with this back and leg pain either, walking for more than 5 minutes becomes too painful.

Anybody had experience of similar? And if so, any suggestions for lowering my BG levels?
Any suggestions gratefully received by a frustrated type 3C sufferer tearing his hair out!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lakeslover]

Pain can increase blood sugar levels as can stress. The recent hot weather has also affected some people (raising and lowering blood sugar levels in different people).

The forum rules don’t allow us to suggest changes to insulin, but it sounds as if it’s definitely worth trying to have a chat to your diabetic nurse to see what they think.

 

[Lainie71]

I used a tens machine on my back and it was a godsend for me. I had pain radiating in all areas it was like child birth again! I took paracetamol and codeine and it would wear off and my sugars went haywire but when I used the tens machine in conjunction with the par/codiene it really took the edge off and I was taking less pain relief in the end. Might be a suggestion, I don't know, but it worked and still works for me when I am reminded of the degenerative disc I have!