Danger High readings

[jodi93]

I need some help. I've really struggled for the past 2 years to get my levels back under control!
I would be in the green have hypos never in the red.
Since I had a miscarriage December 2021 and d.c operation..
I've just lost all control and panic to much
I had a low after my miscarriage but i injected with my food and couldn't bring it up I was being sick and just kept dropping. Biggest scare.
I really need to stop panicking and take control but I don't know how!
I'm back on lantus 2 times a day at 10 units each and novorapid for meals but I'm only giving my self 5 or 6 units per meal out of pure panic of dropping into a low.
I work 5 days a week and I guarantee I drop into a low due to the physical work. But I panic at home!
Help me my hba1c is calculated at 14.4% ‍

 

[EllieM]

Hi @jodi93 and welcome to the forums.

I am sorry you had and are having such a difficult time.

I'm back on lantus 2 times a day at 10 units each and novorapid for meals but I'm only giving my self 5 or 6 units per meal out of pure panic of dropping into a low.

I guess the first thing here is to ask what your team are doing to help you? Hypo anxiety is quite common and they should be used to helping people with it.

14.4% corresponds to 134 mmol/mol or an average blood sugar of 20mmol/L .... Does that match up with your blood sugar readings? (Hba1cs can be inaccurate for a number of reasons).

Do you have a glucose sensor (eg libre or dexcom)? UK T1s are entitled to them and they should warn you before you go low. I have had hospital inducing hypos in the past but my cgm gives me the confidence to manage my levels without panicking about them in the present. (Plus my friends and family know about hypos so they provide extra back up).

It's good that you are seeking help.
Can you also ask for help from your GP or diabetic team on the mental health (panic) side of things?

Can I ask whether you live alone or with family? Hypo fear is easier to manage if you aren't living alone, but cgms are wonderful devices.

Lots and lots of virtual hugs. I am really sorry about your miscarriage.

 

[becca59]

Hi @jodi93 A miscarriage is a very disabling event emotionally. (Have had 4 myself) I suspect that the root cause of your diabetes struggles are tied up with your miscarriage. It may seem a long time ago but isn’t really. Have you thought about seeking some support with this. The miscarriage association are a very good starting point.
Also get back in touch with your diabetes team. You need a plan to help you get back on track. Back to carb counting and a good steady basal background. It is not all going to happen overnight. Small steps each day. Celebrate the wins and do not berate yourself for supposed failures.
I wish you all the best.

 

[grahamrb]

My wife is having lots of high readings over the last few months for no apparent reason, it could be after or before exercise/activity or in the middle of the night or before or after a meal.
There is is no rhyme or reason. She is extremely upset about it.
It’s 1am in the morning and she has just had a reading of 21!,, which woke her up
Why does this happen?
She is 80 years old and has only been diagnosed with Type 1 in the last 2/3 years

 

[EllieM]

Hi @grahamrb just wondering whether those readings are backed up by a glucometer at all?

There are loads of possible reasons for highs unfortunately. Some possibilities that come immediately to mind
1) she's producing less insulin of her own so needs her rates increased
2) illness
3) poor insulin absorption through overused sites
4) faulty cgm.

People's insulin needs do change with time unfortunately and sometimes there doesn't seem to be a reason.

What were her bgs like before her evening meal and bed? What basal is she using and when is she taking it?

Most important, have you contacted your diabetes team?

 

[Hopeful34]

Hello @grahamrb Has your wife done a basal rate check, because if she's not getting the right amount of basal that will throw all her other readings out.