Hey
@ConradJ - tough challenges :-(
I am generally very excited by the idea of a pump + Libre combo because it allows a choice of pump, whatever suits the person best. But in your case with the frequent hypos it sounds like you need a full function CGM with alarms, not the Libre.
Though is there any chance the infusion problems you are having with the pump are causing the hypos?
Just as a thought have you also considered going back to MDI (pens)?
Hi
@Spiker and thanks for the replies,
Yes, it's been tough and ongoing for so long as to be ...well... let's just say I can't really recall having a period of stability since 2003.
I reached a point of absolute desperately frustrated pointlessness with it all - looking at repeated meter result printouts and diasend reports and just thinking "wtfp". The stress of trying to attempt basal rate testing whilst succumbing to the frequency of cannula changes and such wild swings from low to high and vice-versa was just the final straw.
I've made so many alterations to my lifestyle over the last few years: I've cut the carbs by 2/3, I've vastly increased the quantity and variety of leafy greens, nuts, berries, lost about 5kg (I'm down to 150lbs / 10st 7 / 68.5kg - and I'm 180cm / 5'10") so my BMI is erring towards the lower end. No, I haven't gone completely LCHF, but that is a possible next step. My physical activity is up (I fast walk around 4.5miles five days a week), etc., etc.
Yet, in spite of all that th results were still (average): 5-10% below target (i.e. hypo), 30% in range, and 60-65% above target (8mmol+).
I will try out a couple of longer (nylon) cannulas again, although I tended to have worse problems owing to the scarring.
As for MDI, yes it's been on my mind; however, my current basal insulin prescription is still Lantus - I was put onto Lantus in 2003 and that's when the roller coaster turned into the Himalayan mountains. The pump has brought me down to 8% HbA1c, whereas I was 11% and above on Lantus, so I will need to see a diabetologist to discuss alternatives. (Hence the transfer to another hospital - my current one has turned over three consultants in less than 18 months and they were unable to recruit anyone until earlier this year, but the backlog is well...)
Anyway, thanks again for these insights and suggestions - very much appreciated.