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Losing control after many years

N

nickib

Member
Messages
7
I've lurked about on these boards before but not really posted before, want some advice from everyone. Have had Type 1 for 22 years and always been reasonably well-controlled, not brilliant but not bad either!

Since I had a cough/cold about a month ago things have really gone haywire! My BGs are up sky high then plummet the next, my insulin requirements have increased and I don't feel to know what I'm doing anymore...

My diabetes clinic appointment I've had to change twice (never needed to do that before) so not been seen since last August and next appointment not til June. Tried ringing to get appointment with DSN but just got answering machine and because I live out of the local area I don't really "belong" to anyone in particular. I'm always brushed over at the clinic as I seem to know what I'm doing and, here's the embarrassing part, I am a nurse with a diabetes diploma so know all the theory as well.

Have been under a lot of stress recently and wondered if that has anything to do with this upset, may also explain why I can't think straight. How does everybody else get through episodes like this?
 
Hi Nick,

The erratic blood sugars that came with your recent illness will have left you more vulnerable to infections, so it might be an idea to see your GP and dentist to get checked over. The usual suspects are things like urinary tract infections and problems with teeth and gums.

Regards,
timo.
 
Hi Nick

I've had times like that after a bad cold. Try not to combat your blood sugars with your insulin, what I mean is don't increase your dose when high & decrease when low etc. Try to maintain a steady dose.

like Timo says, your body is vulnerable right now & may well be fighting an infection that you aren't aware of.

Good luck buddy
 
I think you're both right - I'm run down because of the original cold and so now prone to catching every cough/cold/sniffle going! In fact started sneezing again today......

That's really hard not to increase insulin as that's my natural instinct (even though it's not helping!).
 
Hi Nick,

Infections, stress and other factors can and do play havoc with diabetes control. It is important that you keep a eye on your readings, write them down and also record all your food intake (carbs) and insulin doses to see if there is a pattern developing. As you know, in time our insulin requirements can change, so it may be that you may need increase/decrease your insulin at certain times of the day to combat the highs and lows. Keep trying to get in touch with your DSN, I am sure they will look at your results and offer some practical advice.

Best wishes

Nigel
 
nickib said:
That's really hard not to increase insulin as that's my natural instinct (even though it's not helping!).
Click to expand...

I know mate, me too.

I found though that when I was doing that I was just adding to the problem because when I upped the dose my bloods would dive & so on.

This may sound like I'm telling you to suck eggs but get plenty of fresh fruit & veg down you & try to get as much fresh air as you can.
 
And yes

Stress does have an impact on your BG, sorting out how to manage control with stress is probably one of the hardest situations to manage, for verious reasons, different type of stress can react differently and because we can measure stress levels, it can make counter action difficult to calculate..

As to your appointment, give your consulants secretery a bell, she may be able to bring the appointment forward for you, don't forget to explain that they've cancelled several times already, and you really need to see the consultant.. She may also transfer you over to the diabetic nurses, going around the answer phone system

I would also ask her for for the diaebtic nurses clinic e-mail address, so that you can give e-mail them with your concerns, include some BG data and as much info around these and they might e-mail some advice back.. I know that my clinic do this, I am able to phone or e-mail to ask for advice concerning control..
 
hi,
we have the same problem that happened around the same time. my son had a hb1ac of 5.6 before. since the cold we cant stabalise his blood glucose. he has only jusy finished dental treatment but he is in puberty which is what the hospital have put it down to. I think he is also coming out of the honeymoon period. I have done the same as you and altered the insulin/card ratio but nothing seems to work. I have even increased his basal units by 2. I wonder if the cold is one of the lingering types?



steph
 
hi nick,
just thought I would let you know. We adjusted ryans basal level bit by bit and now his levels are good again. It could be worth a try but as I am sure you know 1 unit at a time and leave 3 days inbetween.



steph
 
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