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skeg

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5
Hi there.

Found this forum whilst searching for what people use to get over hypo's with. I am 34 and have had type 1 since Feb 2000. I use novorapid and lantus. I have always found it a struggle to keep my BG steady as i have always done shift work so my days vary quite a bit. I have always exercised on and off (gotta love that wagon) and when i'm exercising and really focus on my sugars then i can keep them pretty much where they should be but do experience more hypo's than usual.
The exercise program i've started recently has been very effective for obvious reasons but also because it has you eating 5-6 smaller meals a day whereas i used to eat nothing until a late lunch and then just pig out on rubbish until 1 in the morning...not good.
I find i'm injecting less novorapid and my lantus has gone down from 24 units to 18. I did this same program about 5 months ago which made my Hba1c of 9 something (the highest it's been) down to 7 something (the lowest) so was pretty pleased about that but then went on holiday and turned into a couch potatoe again for a couple of months. Only been training again for just over two weeks but already noticing the benefits and hope it continues. My next Hba1c is due in october and am hoping it can be in the 7's again.

Bit of a rambled intro but look forward to using this forum.

Cheers!
 
Welcome Skeg,
From what you say, you could benefit from doing a DAFNE program if you haven't already.
At first it can be daunting working out just how many carbs you're eating, and then figuring out the right amount of insulin to take - which changes according to the time of day and how active you expect to be over the next few hours.
But if you stick with it, it becomes easier. When I did my course I was taking 16 units of Lantus each day - but that halved, and is now just 6 units! It also practically put an end to night-time hypos as I was able to pinpoint the best time to take it - not late at night, but about 6pm.
You can also eat anything, as much or as little as you want.
Yours,
Rose
 
Hi rose. I only looked at this forum for the first time tonight but these courses you mention keep on cropping up. I've never heard of them. Generally, what do they involve?

Thanks

skeg
 
Hi Skeg,
Basically a week off work (and employers are obliged to let you take it but NOT as holidays!) - hope you're not self-employed! You learn about how to calculate carbohydrate content of foods - the little books you get are very handy, I'm on my 2nd one as they can get a bit dog-earred! You also begin to experiment with your own needs, as each person is different. For example, you may find that you need more insulin in the mornings, less later in the day.
This helps you to establish working 'ratios' - that is the number of units of (in your case) Novorapid for each 'Carbohydrate Portion' (CP) - which is 10grams of carbs.
There is a lot to learn, and a lot of trial and error, but you do find that it gives you much more freedom and control. Personally, I feel pity for Type 2s these days, since diet is vital to maintaining good control. With DAFNE, you do end up checking your blood glucose levels a bit more, but for good reason.
You should also have access to trained staff in case you have any questions at a later date, and there are often 'refresher' days available too.
Ask your diabetic nurse, GP or consultant. If it's not for you then no-one's going to force you. But you might find it works a treat, and what have you got to lose, apart from a week off work?!
Hope this helps,
Rose
 
Hi Skeg and welcome to the forum I'm glad you're thinking about trying DAFNE as everyone who does it enjoys it and finds it really useful. I hope you can manage to get on a course soon. I know you already know how to look after your diabetes but I thought you might be interested to see the information we give out to new members (see link below). There may be something in it that you will find useful for example to help you to improve your BG control before you can get on a DAFNE course. Ask as many questions as you like as someone will always have an answer for you.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17088#p155405
 
With regard to your hypos, I use glucogel. You can get it on prescription so ask your GP to add it to your repeat. I run regularly and they are nice small tubes that fit inside my running bag (along with the poo bags for my dog!!). They work really quickly.

Good luck with your exercise plan and speak to your DSN about a DAFNE course (or similar, I did IDAC which is basically the same) xx
 
I am curently waiting to start the DAFNE course :clap: to be honest i basically just jabbed myself & ate like a pig :shock: my Haibc was usually in the double figures about 10 but I am tryin to get those down into single figures i'm on Novorapid and 75 units of levemir i'm just alittle fed up with my morning bloods being around the 12 area in the am
 
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