diabetes and working night shifts

[maxreed]

Hi i have been diagnosed type2 for over 3yrs now and i work nights in a residential home for people with a learning disability.i have been doing nights for about 15yrs. i work 5 nights on and 5 off and have been told working shifts is not good for controlling bld sugars.my bld sugars are generally within normal range but, sometimes go above.i can eat when i want to but, usually eat about 01:00 and my meals consist of sandwitches filled with fish,cheese,etc and some fruit/nuts etc.
i go to all my app and they seem happy with my overall health

i would like to know if anyone else is working nights and how you control your bld sugars

Drew

 

[sofaraway]

I work shifts on internal rotation, so some earlies, lates and nights. I have liased with occupational health and they have agreed that I only do 3 nights in a month rota.

I find that on nights I tend to get hypo's, so have to combat that with eating uncovered carbs. I think due to being more active than I would obviously be when sleeping. I am also going to try reducing my basal before my next set, startign tomorrow night actually.

If you've got good control and you don't have problems then i don't see why you would need to change. I think working shifts and being on a mixed insulin would be very hard, thats why i'm glad i'm on basal bolus

 

[maxreed]

Thanks for your post.i am glad you have a good employer who is willing to allow some flexability in your shifts. i am curious what is "basal bolus." i have not heard of it and when you say uncovered carbs what do you mean?

Drew

 

[Thenotsohairybiker]

Hi Drew,
Basal Bolus is a long lasting insulin, normall lasting for 24 hrs, such as Lantus(brand name). You would supplement this with rapid acting insulin at mealtimes. It is a very good way of controlling your BS's, as it replicates what the body does naturally.
I too work a rolling shift pattern of early, noons and nights, and I find that it works for me most of the time. Nights can be a problem in the transition period of starting and finishing a week of them, I normally suffer a few Hypos the day after finishing nights as it's what I call 'Shiftlag' which is similar to jetlag.
Hope this answers your question.

Andrew.

 

[maxreed]

Thanks for your reply and yes it does answer my question.

Drew

 

[KimSuzanne]

I've worked shifts for the last 6 years earlies lates and nights, I do the same reduce the long acting before working a night shift then I check my sugars before I eat then 2 hours later if I need a dose of quick acting then I give a small dose. Its best to keep an eye on the sugars as i affects everyone differently

 

[maxreed]

Thanks Kim for your reply.I am on tablets myself. the doctor assures me that at some point this will change. i hope its not to soon.

drew