Chaotic control with new job

[isjoberg]

Hey all!
I've just started my first ever job after graduation, one which involves a lot of travelling and odd working times. I am really struggling with getting any form of control, was up all last night trying to get my blood sugar down, and had a very low blood sugar (1.9) first day on the job. Currently I am working 2-8pm in Sweden, here for three weeks before travelling back to the UK to the next location. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on dealing with continuous change? Any suggestions for how to stay in control or what to eat // when?

Feeling a bit lost right now

 

[Juicyj]

Firstly congratulations - job sounds very exciting.

The only answer I can only give you is to test test test, stress/work can affect BG levels so monitoring really is the key to good control, have you thought about buying a libre, its easier to test when at work as you can just keep scanning and it will let you see patterns with your BG levels, will also be easier to see when you do start heading south so you can take evasive action. I would also try and watch what you eat too, try and avoid eating lots of carbs to help keep your insulin levels down which will also help your control. Try not to put your diabetes on the back burner too, keeping an eye on things is essential with continuous change

 

[isjoberg]

I have the libre! After leaving all my sensors at home and having to order them to the office - thanks to v helpful colleagues. The main thing I find difficult is no routine, or not being able to establish one as shifts change so often. Probably a good idea to start with packing snacks in preparation. I was thinking about trying to reduce carbs (or trying to only eat rye as a carb whilst here) and starting to try and exercise around the shifts.

 

[Juicyj]

Hey glad to hear you are already using one, that will help. Trying to plan ahead with food/snacks is also a good idea so you can get some structure with food and eating patterns. Exercise will help not only with keeping BG levels more manageable but also with your stress levels so a great one to add in. It will be about trial and error to start with, just keep doing what you're doing which sounds great

 

[AgaRosa]

Hi guys, I also have a hectic job with completely no routine answer have been struggling a bit. This is the first time I heard of libre- would love to try it but it's expensive so would really appreciate your feedback - is it comfortable and doesn't catch on clothes etc? Is it not painful or cause bruises? I have a huge bruise after every blood test. Can you at least get the sensors on NHS? Do you double check your levels anyway with traditional meter? Thanks in advance!

Sent from my SM-T710 using Diabetes.co.uk Forum mobile app

 

[pinewood]

is it comfortable and doesn't catch on clothes etc?

Extremely comfortable: painless insertion and you don't even notice it's there once it's been applied. You do need to be a little careful to avoid it catching on clothes/doors etc.

Is it not painful or cause bruises? I have a huge bruise after every blood test.

Not painful at all. Not experienced any bruising (or heard any reports of the same) but I (and many others) experience an allergic skin reaction to the adhesive which necessitates using a barrier (e.g. a Compeed plaster).

Can you at least get the sensors on NHS?

Generally no. A very small handful of people have successfully got it on prescription, but I understand it is not yet NICE approved and so very difficult to get it NHS funded.

Do you double check your levels anyway with traditional meter?

Yes, the first day of the sensor can be a little inaccurate so it's wise to check. After the first day I'll typically finger-prick once or twice a day. The "official" advice is that you should still finger prick before bolusing and driving.

 

[Diakat]

Do you know your shifts in advance? If so could you plan a routine with each to try an reduce risk of highs/lows? Although tbh, I have a regular hours week job and still find I get lows just sitting typing some days. Do you get regular planned breaks or are they as box? Planning a snack or correction dose for a break could help.

 

[AgaRosa]

Do you know your shifts in advance? If so could you plan a routine with each to try an reduce risk of highs/lows? Although tbh, I have a regular hours week job and still find I get lows just sitting typing some days. Do you get regular planned breaks or are they as box? Planning a snack or correction dose for a break could help.

Thanks so Much! Incredibly useful. I'll give it a serious thought. I don't really do shifts, rather running around sites to meetings, inspections, up and down scaffolding. Try to plan and carry food but sometimes too exhausted in the evening to cook or prepare...

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[Diakat]

Meetings pretty much always take me low! Huge hug as it sounds very full on for you. If you can avoid the swings you will feel less exhausted though so it is worth sticking with trying to cook/plan. X

 

[AgaRosa]

Meetings pretty much always take me low! Huge hug as it sounds very full on for you. If you can avoid the swings you will feel less exhausted though so it is worth sticking with trying to cook/plan. X

Thank you and back at Ya! I am determined to plan and cook will have to be brave and just snack in meetings, too x

Sent from my SM-T710 using Diabetes.co.uk Forum mobile app