I'm a type one diabetic and recently herniated a disc in my back that irritated my sciatic nerve. I suffered for as long as I could before my wife insisted that I see a doctor, who gave me a perscription for co-codamol which contained 30mg of codeine per tablet. I was advised that I could take up to 240mg of codeine per day and signed off work for two weeks.
As my job is quite physical I expected that being inactive and spending two weeks laid up would result in higher blood sugar levels. To my surprise the opposite happened, I had two weeks of steady, low readings and even took full advantage for instance having a scoop of ice cream with my lunch.
I've done DAFNE and continued to use my usual ratios and carb count, I didn't hypo at any point over the two weeks. Also due to the fact I didn't have to drive at no point did I need to raise my blood sugar. After the two weeks ended my doctor advised reducing my dose and returning to work, only light duties. Within three days I was managing my pain with paracetamol and ibuprofen only and although I'm not lifting anything I am much more active. I've seen a noticeable rise in my BG readings and the only explanation that I can see is a connection with reduction in codeine consumed.
I realise that codeine can be habit forming and I'm in no way advising anybody to use this strong pain killer to better control their diabetes. I just wanted to share my experience.