Don't know what to think???

[oldjake]

Hi All

I've had type 2 diabetes for about 3 years now. It started ok being controlled with Metformin and Gliclazide but in the last 6 months has slipped out of control.

I'm now on 30 units of Levamir in the evening and 10 units of Novarapid 3 times a day.

The lowest I've seen my levels at is 9.8 and the highest is around 20. I'm 41 and weigh about 13.5 stone. This is about a stone lighter than I was a year ago and probably about 7lbs more than ideal for my height.

I eat reasonably well - it could be better but it could be a lot worse. I try and keep the carbs down and don't eat much in the way of sweets etc.

I'm sort of loathe to go back to my doctor until I've done some research myself and got a handle on things.

I'd be interested to know how my doses at the moment compare with others? I started at 3 units of the fast acting and have taken it up to 10 quite slowly but it doesn't seem to be making any different. The doctor said that I should raise the fast acting depending on my sugar level. So high pre-lunch reading means that I should increase my breakfast dose.

What are other people up to? I'd like to know that I still have a way to go on the fast acting before I have to worry that it's not doing anything.

Hope that makes sense,

Andy

 

[Celtic.Piskie]

I think you need to get a good endo.

I'm sort of loathe to go back to my doctor until I've done some research myself and got a handle on things.

Your Doc should be someone that you can go to with these kinds of problems.
To be honest, it's not about how much insulin you have. That varies completely from person to person, insulin resistance etc.

It's about the control, and you know that readings this high for a long time aren't good.
How long have you been on the insulin?
It can take a while to get used to, so i'd say try to keep the carbs steady, meals regular while you get to grips with it, and get used to the effect it's having.
I'm on 24 Lantus, and between 2-12 Novorapid after meals, usually around 6 units. But i'm type 1, and your insulin resistance may be quite bad.
You really need a good team. That's a nag to your doc. It's their problem if they make you feel like you can't just ring for a check and chat appointment.
Good Luck

 

[oldjake]

Thanks very much for the reply. My doctor is actually brilliant. I can always get an appointment and they always have time to listen.

I just feel that if this is something I can handle myself for a bit then it takes the pressure off them as well.

All the best

Andy

Forgot to answer your question. I've been on the Levemir for about 4 months and the Novorapid for about 4 weeks. I just find it all a bit depressing. I dread taking my blood sugar readings. They've definitely come down a bit and the spread seems to be smaller. I used to go from 4ish up to 30+ whereas now it seems to be between 10 and 14 with the odd spike.

 

[fergus]

Sorry to hear that you're struggling with it Andy. Your bg's sound as if they're too high around the clock and you might be battling against a failure of endogenous insulin production (hence the rising bg's) and insulin resistance.
What sorts of foods do you eat on a typical day?

fergus