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HELP

M

MUFC20

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Hey guys, I'm a type 1.5 and my last Hba1c was 125 anyway, I'm getting put on a 4 times a day injection on Friday, and I was just wondering if anyone has any advice and any info, thanks, Steven
 
Hi @MUFC20

My advice would be to test lots and ask to be shown how to count carbs if you don't already know. You may also like to get the book Think Like A Pancreas. It's very readable and very helpful.

125 is pretty high. I'm sure that will come down gradually on insulin and you should feel a lot better
 
Thank you azure, I am, I'm testing 4 times a day, drinking plenty of water and keeping away from sugar and carbs, and I will certainly take a look at that book, thank you again for the reply
 
Once you're on the insulin, you will also find it very useful to test two hours after the start of the meal to see if the insulin you took for that meal was the correct amount to cover the carbs you ate. That's why I mentioned carb counting. It's crucial for good control. I should have explained more - 'carb counting' is shorthand for 'calculating the carbs in your meal and adjusting the insulin to match'. That's a simple explanation.

You don't need to avoid carbs once you're on insulin - just learn to 'be your own pancreas' and work to match your insulin to your food/carbs
 
I'm on insulin at the moment azure, I'm on humulin M3, and I might sound stupid here but how do you count the carbs lol? And how do you know how much insulin to take? Surely the nurse will explain it all on Friday?
 
Thank you Mahola, the twice a day injection is bad, never mind the 4 a day loo, and she is one brave little girl.
 
MUFC20 said:
I'm on insulin at the moment azure, I'm on humulin M3, and I might sound stupid here but how do you count the carbs lol? And how do you know how much insulin to take? Surely the nurse will explain it all on Friday?
Click to expand...

Ah, ok. I was on a mixed insulin when I was first diagnosed. I had to eat a certain amount of carbs to match my insulin, and was shown how to do this by a dietician.

On 4 injections (basal/bolus) you can adjust the insulin dose to suit the amount of carbs you're about to eat, so it gives you more flexibility with meals.

Carb counting isn't hard. This is just an example so please do not use these figures - I'm just making up a simple example to show you. You should be told your insulin to carb ratio. This can vary from person to person. Say yours was 1 unit of insulin to 10g carbs, and you wanted to eat a thick slice of bread that the packet tells you contains 20g carbs, you'd inject 2 units of insulin to cover it (ie 1 unit for each 10g).

That's a very brief explanation
 
That's excellent azure, you've explained very well for me, hopefully this is going to improve my life a bit and it's maybe a good thing
 
I think with a hba1c of 125 you probably aren't 1.5 anymore, but full on type 1. Actually, I don't think there is any distinct difference between 1.5 and 1 apart from the duration of the onset (I.e how lond you retain beta cell function for) But I think you must be through the onset. You can probably confirm whether you have any residual beta cell function with a cpeptide test if you were interested.

If the clinic is moving you over to a basal bolus regime, they should spend some time explaining it and help you figure out your insulin to carb ratios. They might refer you to a course on carb counting.

There is a free online course available - http://www.bertieonline.org.uk
 
Yeah I think you're right to be honest, they done some tests to see if my pancreas is producing any insulin, and thank you, I'll take a look.
 
You will soon get the hang of it MUFC20. You have been given some great advice already. I was in your position 9 months ago and knew nothing about the condition. I had great support here and from the nurse.
Follow the advice. I found it easier to get into a set routine at first - rising at same time,meals at regular times and insulin/testing at same times. Keep records and watch out and try to find explanations for variations based on your insulin, food and activity. All the best in avoiding hypos and hypers on the roller coaster.
 
Thanks Brillpaul, it's been 4 years now since I was diagnosed and I can honestly say it's been a complete nightmare lol.
 
MUFC20 said:
Hey guys, I'm a type 1.5 and my last Hba1c was 125 anyway, I'm getting put on a 4 times a day injection on Friday, and I was just wondering if anyone has any advice and any info, thanks, Steven
Click to expand...

hey,

I am a type 1 diabetic on two types of insulin as all types ones are on a long lasting at night and shot acting during the day, so thats four injections at a minimum, i would advise test test test, as annoying and hard work as it is, you can learn how you feel at what level, and gain a better understanding of your own body. I don't know about else but knowing how you feel and how your own body reacts I think is key, you can go by what the nurse and doctors say, but everyone is diffrent

i hope you are getting on ok, if you ever need any advice you can always message ! Happy jabbing !!

xx
 
Thank you redtree92, I'm doing great at the minute, my bloods have never been better, thank you for your advice x
 
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