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Basal Rates on pump

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Krisjan

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HI, I am just a week on the Vibe, and just trying to work out my Basal rates at different times of the day etc - I know this can take some time. But just a quick question, i would usually go to the gym a couple of times a week, but the DSN told me not to exercise till we had correct basal rates then to bring the exercise into the mix. My only issue with this is that it means my basal rates might change again etc, should i not be adding in the exercise now as it is a weekly routine for me - or is she correct is saying lets find the rates that work for now
 
No I would set basal rates and then use a tempary basal for the gym otherwise what if you skip a gym session or change the time you go?

set normal basal rates first :)
 
HI En
Engineer88 said:
No I would set basal rates and then use a tempary basal for the gym otherwise what if you skip a gym session or change the time you go?

set normal basal rates first :)
Click to expand...

HI Engineer 88 thanks for that - when you use a Temp basal rate for exercise, is this enough to cover the exercise and afterwards or do you still need to take extra carbs on
 
No you shouldnt need to take carbs on once you have a good handle on how it affects you.
 
Krisjan said:
That great thanks - ball park do you know how long it takes to get your Basal amounts right on the pump - sorry for all the questions just all new to this
Cheers
Click to expand...


I got up to 3 different basal rates in the first week or so then weeks later was up to using 7, I've adjusted them since and only made some changes to my night basal rates late last week, the more experienced pump users will say basal rates are work in progress.......meaning they change quite frequently.

Good advice by @Engineer88 about getting your everyday basal rates right then use TBR's when exercising as that is what I was told pre-pump.
 
I started off on 1.0u/H across the board and then went from there...........

you may be on something similar but it will be the same for a 24 hour period........

what rate you start on is usually calculated from your previous basal doses, ultimately though you should see the amount of basal you need drop....so it will change......

and as previously mentioned, it tends to change all the time, but not by much, its the big changes that requires more testing when the occasions arise.....

i hope it comes quick for you.......
 
I find that with my gardening job and the regular times of this that I have tweaked my basals to cope.
I am now allowed down the gym as well!! (Banned before without a GP referral). Again set times of doing this I can tweak my basals so much now.
However, my pump can fine tune to 1/4hrly slots, and the vibe cant do this... So it will be harder for you.
I used to have 1/2 a yumyum before gardening but not needed now.
I think with the vibe and if you are going to exercise at adhoc times/days then a temp basal rate would be the way to go.
This though I would do after getting my base line bgs correct....and then tweaking...

If you tested everyday for a week and made correct changes at correct times and did the same old routine day in day out you could get levels tweaked within 3 weeks.. It is a **** hard slog to do that though to be honest and they still need tweaking a little with progessing on.... It depends hugely on your lifestyle and understanding... I think to get really good baseline figures it would be at least 6 months to be honest. As even the summer to winter weather, type of sets, illness etc changes things... 5 years on and I'm still learning...but there is no time limit with setting up as such....its the analysing and understanding of how you react to your lifestyle that will make the differences...ie have you tested hourly during the night, hourly during the day, have you changed your time blocks for getting up if you get DP, is your acting time correct, have you checked corrections bring you down to target at 5 hours?

There us so much to look at and you do not want to be altering basals and bolus's together. As you won't know which alteration is right or wrong. Get basals right first. You can always try certain exercises whilst basal testing as such whilst at home. Try running up the road for 10 mins and build it up and test....

Have you got the books recommended for pumpers?

It's about you and your routines. As iHs says she does totally different to me. So its finding your own way that you find easiest for you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I try to get my bg up to 10mmol before doing strenuous exercise by reducing my basal down by 30% 3hrs before and halving my bolus dose for any meal. If I haven't been able to plan for the exercise, I usually eat 2 or 3 jellybabies just before I start as that gives a quick rise that doesnt tend to last for more than 2hrs.
 
Krisjan said:
HI, I am just a week on the Vibe, and just trying to work out my Basal rates at different times of the day etc - I know this can take some time. But just a quick question, i would usually go to the gym a couple of times a week, but the DSN told me not to exercise till we had correct basal rates then to bring the exercise into the mix. My only issue with this is that it means my basal rates might change again etc, should i not be adding in the exercise now as it is a weekly routine for me - or is she correct is saying lets find the rates that work for now
Click to expand...
I only have a single basal rate and use a TBR for exercise. I thought I would be using the pattern capacity on my pump but since my daily routine is the same every day, apart from exercise, it hasn't been necessary.
 
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