Hypo signs changed with pump

[Nomi]

Hi guys,

I have been on an insulin pump for the last year and I absolutely love it. I have noticed that my hypo symptoms have changed, has anyone else noticed this?
I used to get the shakes when it started to crash (4.5mmol ish) but now I just go light headed and have flushes around 3 mmol ish. In the last 6 months I have had two seizures which I believe are linked to prolonged hypos (basal rate too high, took a while to figure out the problem).

Has anyone had any similar experiences as the seizures are very disturbing and currently mean I can't drive. I don't want to give up my pump but I can't keep having seizures.

Thanks

Nomi

 

[Mrsass]

I think you need to speak to your DSN about changing your basal rate @Nomi if it has become that severe. Do you test your bg often?
I personally didn't notice my symptoms change when I went onto my pump, I do tend to run bg lower than I did when I was on MDI but test every couple of hours and do basal testing to check my background is running correctly


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[noblehead]

Not noticed any changes in hypo symptoms since starting on a pump @Nomi

Why not do some basal testing to get your basal rates right, I found since being on a pump I have far fewer hypo's but that is down to regular testing and having multiple basal rates. If you haven't got the book already do be sure to purchase Pumping Insulin by John Walsh & Ruth Roberts, it's an excellent read and very easy to understand.

 

[donnellysdogs]

My symptoms went gentler on a pump because the crashes (hypo's) were more gentle...fortunately I realised how my symptoms changed. I went from not recognising some night lows to recognising them all.

However, I don't actually think- and never have the thoughts "I'm hypo". My thoughts are always "I need to eat" or "I need to test". So now when I just naturally wake up during the night..I tend to have 3 thoughts "ilI need the loo" or "I'm in pain" or "I need to test".

I think it may help you to think if you have any different thoughts that occur pre "seizures" that you may not necessarily be thinking are "hypo" thoughts.

My other thing to mention is... Are the seizures after anything different in the previous day. I know you mentioned basal was to high.. But severe crashes as I call them I have found were due to mess ups causing levels to drop quickly.....not a gradual decline in to a hypo. Two severe crashes I had were due to one.. Testing on pump with food on hand, automatically correcting and I was actually low in the first place. 2nd one was bolusing for food (chinese) and then throwing up constantly.. Had told hubby to phone medics as I knew I didn't stand a chance...

I would consider analysing your thoughts and how you felt before your crashes.. Was there something (no matter how small) that was identical.
Are you perhaps thinking same thoughts before any milder hypo?

Was on pump for 5?years and off it now for a year and now on tresiba. No major crashes despite being off the pump.. It did give me better awareness, but I think that was assisted by me analysing my thoughts after any hypo's.

My consultants have been ok with me saying I don't actually think I'm hypo.. But thinking I need to eat or I need to test...

 

[iHs]

I have a feeling that the low bg levels are not being felt all that well anymore because of tight control and so with no warnings, the hypo just goes to seizure and pass out.

If this is the case, trying adjusting the targets to a slightly higher level and bg test every 2hrs. and if necessary, eat something to use up iob to get to the target.

 

[himtoo]

Hi @Nomi

I have found that hypo's have become gentler since being on a pump.

your descriprion sounds as though you do need to speak with your DSN and back off a bit on your rates , or your correction ratios.
prolonged hypos do suggest settings aren't right !!