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New member needing plain advice

M

Miss-starting-again

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Hi I am a new member with type 1 Diabetes though diagnosed a long time ago I have trouble understanding the techno-speak used by doctors. I am aware I really need to get it under control so can anyone recommend a source of advice on how much insulin to take and when and with what!!! One that is easy to understand. And please can anyone suggest a way to fight sugar craving and mood swings when 'high' or low. :?
 
Insulin requirements differ from person to person. What are your sugars like at the moment and what insulin/ how much are you taking? I used to have really bad cravings for sweets etc and would happily munch my way through a big bag of haribo, now that my sugars are under control I don't get the cravings or the mood swings associated with the highs. Still get mood swings but hubby says it is because I am a woman!!!
 
My sugars are ok today, between five and nine point odd. but recently they have been all over the place. I take thirty units lantus and novorapid but don't always take it as am worried about hypo's Silly I know but the doctors never really explained what dosage to take in a manner I could understand. On top of that I have had a few choc binges especially when down throug trying to understand and bring up my lovely boys.
 
It may not sound very helpful (sorry!) but the right amount of insulin is the amount which keeps your blood glucose at normal levels. By that I mean around 5 at all times if possible.
However, too much insulin is a cause of many long term health problems, so it's important to keep its use down where you can. That's one reason why it's important to avoid both sugars and starches, both of which require large quantities of insulin.
As for when to take it, you need to take your fast acting just before you eat (5-10 mins). Your basal or long acting insulin should be taken at the same time every day. Some take it as a single dose, but many find significant advantages in splitting the dose into 2, again both taken at consistent times.
Sugar cravings often disappear if you can eliminate the foods which cause them for a few weeks. If you can do that, your blood glucose levels will stabilise and your mood swings will disappear.

All the best,

fergus
 
It might be an idea to ask your diabetic nurse about carb counting if you don't already do it so that you can work out a ratio. That way you would know what insulin to take for the food that you eat.
 
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