Need help ASAP

[Robynberrill]

Okay so I'm pretty worried right now. I have just checked my blood glucose levels and they are just below 20 so I decided to check my ketones and they are just below 3. What do I do?? I know you have to do something like take your background insulin or something along those lines but I can't remember and now I'm scared.

Can anyone give me any advice???

Thanks x

 

[philchap1]

What insulin are you on ?

 

[jodysd6]

Are you type 1? Is the ketone reading blood? And how do you feel otherwise?

 

[Robynberrill]

Novorapid for before my meals and levemir for my slow releasing. Yeah I'm type 1. I feel normal x

 

[philchap1]

Have you missed any doses of insulin ?

 

[Robynberrill]

Nope. I was taking my slow releasing insulin and I have to check my blood sugar levels before bed and they were high

 

[philchap1]

Can you get to A&E so they can check you out ?

 

[azure]

Have your diabetic team talked to you about corrective doses of insulin?

 

[Robynberrill]

Not really. They gave me a sheet of paper with sick day rules on and what to do if your ketones read high but it's all confusing.

 

[L3wisr]

If it was me I'd just consider a correction dose and drink lots of water whilst keeping a close eye on it.

 

[Spacebadger]

I had the same situation the other night.

Best thing to do is get yourself to a hospital.

I got conflicting advice... The doctor on the phone told me to wait and see him in the morning.


The doctor in the hospital asked me why I didn't go to the hospital the night before.

I was feeling okay. But DKA is no walk in the park, and you don't want to get to that level

 

[Robynberrill]

I've already had a DKA this year. Was in May. Was a pretty bad scare for me. If I can correct my doses myself tonight and see how I am in the morning. I just don't get correction doses

 

[Tylers73]

So a adjustment on your normal insulin maybe 2 units and check again in and hr or two. Don't panic that's the worst thing to do as it will add to levels. Are you with someone xxx

 

[philchap1]

A ketone level of nearly 3 is quite high, can you phone an out of hours nurse or doctor to get some advice ?

 

[azure]

No one can give medical advice here but I can see your paper has advice about ketones. It's not good that it wasn't explained to you properly. I know it's no help now, but do get you're DSN to go through it properly with you.

The ketones are probably there because your blood sugar is high. I think you're on MDI. I'm not - I'm on a pump. Hopefully, someone on MDI will be able to help. A corrective dose is extra insulin (quick acting) that you give yourself if your blood sugar is high. I know how much one unit of insulin should reduce my blood sugar by.

Can you think of any reason for the high? Are you ill? Did you count carbs wrongly?

 

[Tylers73]

Everyone panics with high levels don't just watch it for a while. Waste of time going to hospital just tell you what I've told you. Had DKA too many times so do understand sweetie

 

[Spacebadger]

I honestly would think it's worth just getting to a hospital. It's not an emergency yet, but an overnight stay whilst they regulate your sugars will do you wonders...

And much better to get in before you become acidotic.

 

[Neemo]

I'm not sure as to your circumstances, I.e; how long you have been diabetic, how often you test etc.

You currently have too much Glucose in ur bloodsteam and need to take some insulin to correct this.

I suggest you take a corrective dose only if you feel comfortable with and then test after 30, 60 and 90 minutes.

If you experience the following symptons, then seek medical help/advice;

• Stomach pains
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Breath that smells fruity

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...c8dA0o&usg=AFQjCNHYOnz_a5-rtSjTQjwAy_QIO7MERA

 

[Markpick]

I take around 1novarapid to bring me down 3-4~ still honeymooning but carb count 1 nova to 20g carbs not sure what works for you but maybe a call to out of hours just to be sure?

 

[azure]

I've already had a DKA this year. Was in May. Was a pretty bad scare for me. If I can correct my doses myself tonight and see how I am in the morning. I just don't get correction doses

As you've had DKA quite recently, I would phone the out of hours doctors service and see what they say. In the meantime, drink plenty of water as that should help a little.