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How to treat PTSD from hyperglycemya

K

kuszu

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Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi,
I'm 23, I have T1D since 17.
The last 2 years I've been trying to stay high on the scale (around 10) because of fear of a hypo, but last week something wasn't right with my pump or insulin and I spiked up to 20mmol/L.
I still feel like crying while writing this, because it was really scary. I was used to having my BG a bit high but this time it was a sh*tshow. I was out with friends when I noticed that I'm feeling off, so I checked my BG and it was 18mmol/L. It didn't matter how much insulin I gave myself, because something was wrong with my insulin. It went up to 20 by the time I got home (as soon as I saw my BG I headed home). I had to change my insulin in my pump to get my sugars down. Then, it took me about 1-1.5hours to go down to 6. Because of the big spike and quick drop after that, my nervous system hasn't been doing well. It's been a week since it all started, but everytime my BG goes up a little I freak out like I'm about to die and the panic attack makes my nervous system weak again, like if I haven't been resting.
Sorry for the long story, it was a bit of a relief to talk it out, even to just strangers.
Also, if anyone had the same experience, I would like to ask for advices on how to treat this kind of ptsd and weak nervous system.
Thank you in advance.
 
Firstly if your BG goes up to that sort of level - you are NOT about to die. It takes quite a while for serious ketoacidosis to set in. You have no need to panic. Just let your pump /insulin do its job and for goodness sake keep calm! Highs and lows are what all us Type 1'ers have to go through from time to time - some of us more than others. I'm 78 and had T1 for 63 years now and frankly Ive seen it all. When first diagnosed back in late '59 I was in a ketoacidosis unconsciousness coma for 3 months before they could get me to come round. I must have had really high Bloods for at least another 3 months prior to that before my ketones went so high and put me into the death spiral of unconsciousness. Of course in those days - not too much was known about diabetes anyway or about hyperglaecemia or even the effect of high ketones. I know I'm very lucky to be alive. However, I can tell you that the worst thing you can possibly do is to stress or worry about your BG. Speak with your diabetic doctor or nurse for reassurance or a change your routine. Just don't stress- there really is no need.
You are NOT going to die Bud
 
Hi, you will be just fine, I have been in the 20s so often I take no notice and I’m still ok, well not dead anyway.

Fear of hypos on the other hand a totally get, horrible, I also run high intentionally.

I hope you find some peace with it.
 
Hi Kuszu, don't panic about being up in the 20s, you'll be fine. I've been T1 for 36 years (diagnosed at 10months old), have been in the 20s on so many occassions I would never be able to put a number on it, and so far I'm doing fine. Only had ketoacidosis once when I had a really nasty virus for weeks and that was over 20 years ago. Honestly don't worry about it, it happens. Interesting that you mentioned about the big spike and quick drop though, I always find that if my blood sugar changes very rapidly in either direction, I feel drained and a bit shaky. Luckily I can sleep it off and have been known to go for a nap just to get rid of the feeling. Hope you find something that works for you x
 
Hi @kuszu
Sorry to read about your recent struggles.
I understand how frightening it can be when your levels go high and they don't seem to want to come down. Unfortunately, when we are high we get insulin resistance so change takes longer but, as the others have said, you will not die from a couple of hours at that level.

I have a couple of ideas which may help you in the future
- do you use a CGM or LIbre? This would give the warning earlier and give you more time to react
- do you have ketone testing strips? High blood sugars are most concerning if you ave high ketones. Some BG meters also take ketone strips which will give you additional information and know how concerned you should be about the risk of DKA.
- do you carry a pump back up with you when you go out I have syringes which take up very little space in my bag and allow me to give myself insulin there ad then if I have a fault with my pump. I know some people carry their old insulin pens with them. As my pumps rarely fails, I know the insulin will go off before I use it up and hate waste. But if that gives you peace of mind, it is an option.

The other advice I would give is to take care, allow yourself to be worried (don't worry about being worried) and ask for help from your diabetes team.
 
Unfortunately it’s part of being a type 1 diabetic but as long as it’s not your “ normal « it won’t do any harm.
Having too high blood sugars constantly is a little bit like poisoning oneself over time so it’s better to concentrate on keeping your averages lower.
I‘ve had diabetes for 60 years, competed at world championship level in my sport, held a world record, had multiple hypo’s perhaps thousands, lots of high spikes over 20 and I’m fine. I stay very fit, rarely touch alcohol, pay a lot of attention to what I eat.
What I have found though is that type 1 affects me on an emotional level as the swings and ups and downs of blood sugar levels affect my mood a lot. It can be exhausting.
Just on that aspect it’s worth paying attention to keeping good blood sugar levels, I run at 6.8 to 7.0 mmol/L average but there are lots of spikes and lows outside of that average. I try to stay between 60 and 70% of my target range.
Sports, getting out into nature and learning to concentrate ( meditation) have been my greatest aids to being calm re my diabetes.
Wishing you good health !
 
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