Keep going low

[steveo4]

Can anyone offer some advice how I can avoid having hypos around 3 - 4 pm. I'm in range before my lunch at 12 and also 1 hr after lunch. I have put my basal rate to 0 from 2pm to 4pm but still keep going low between 3 - 4pm even though I have a snack about 2.45 and don't give myself a bolus. I just can't figure out why I keep going low.

 

[Hopeful34]

It could be your insulin to carb ratio is wrong at lunch time, or your carb count isn't accurate. Maybe also because it's warmer, your insulin is more effective. I know the heat affects some people. Have the lows started recently or have they been happening for a while?

How are your levels for the rest of the day? Has anything changed, eg are you exercising more before lunch, lost weight etc?

If your lunch contains a lot of fat, that will slow the rate at which food raises your blood sugar.

If you haven't done so already, I'd ask your hospital team for advice?

 

[steveo4]

It could be your insulin to carb ratio is wrong at lunch time, or your carb count isn't accurate. Maybe also because it's warmer, your insulin is more effective. I know the heat affects some people. Have the lows started recently or have they been happening for a while?

How are your levels for the rest of the day? Has anything changed, eg are you exercising more before lunch, lost weight etc?

If your lunch contains a lot of fat, that will slow the rate at which food raises your blood sugar.

If you haven't done so already, I'd ask your hospital team for advice?

Levels for the rest of the day are pretty good it's just that time of the day.

 

[Chas C]

As mentioned its likely your lunch time insulin to carb ratio. Or your pre-lunch basal together with lunch carb ration could be cause.

 

[becca59]

I think the clue is that you are back down to normal levels an hour after lunch. I wouldn’t expect to be there so quickly. The insulin would still be working 3-4 hours following injection. So you will keep falling. Hence a hypo. So I would say your lunchtime insulin to carb ratio is too high for that time of day.

 

[Lynne C J]

I think the clue is that you are back down to normal levels an hour after lunch. I wouldn’t expect to be there so quickly. The insulin would still be working 3-4 hours following injection. So you will keep falling. Hence a hypo. So I would say your lunchtime insulin to carb ratio is too high for that time of day.

How about eating different carbs and / or reducing your insulin slightly? It's the only way to find what works better for you. The hot weather can also change things, I've been reducing my lunchtime insulin for the same amount of carbs and that helped to keep my levels from dropping.

 

[Hippo123]

Can anyone offer some advice how I can avoid having hypos around 3 - 4 pm. I'm in range before my lunch at 12 and also 1 hr after lunch. I have put my basal rate to 0 from 2pm to 4pm but still keep going low between 3 - 4pm even though I have a snack about 2.45 and don't give myself a bolus. I just can't figure out why I keep going low.

I have about 7 different basal rates on my pump throughout the day, or did until I went automated. Sounds like you need less bolus for the food you are eating at lunch time.
Best way of assessing that is missing meals and monitoring sugar levels without boluses just the basals. Seeing what happens without food as it should stay level. Then look at your boluses and carb insulin sensitivity.
Mags

 

[Deleted member 527103]

Maybe you need to reduce your basal earlier than 2pm. You will still have some on board from before then which can still be affecting you at 3pm.