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New user in Coventry

R

RJF_70

Newbie
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3
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi my names Rich and new user to the forum so Hi to all :-) Been type 1 for around 22 ish years and have managed ok but lately finding things harder especially at work. I am a postie so good exercise wise but also a fair amount of low sugar readings whilst working, we work in pairs now and so always under pressure to be in tune with your partner and meet up at certain times etc. I keep chocolate on me most of the time usually mars bar, but most of the time I am sick of having to eat it as I don't even want it! Over the years have tried various other things to bring sugar level back quickly, such as glucose tablets, lucozade, bananas etc but they take far too long to give me the rise in sugars I need to carry on. Any advice gratefully received as to alternative very fast acting solutions. Anyway sorry to start with a question but my worst fear is to have a severe hypo out on delivery, happened to me once in the office during a overtime night shift and everybody though I was drunk.
Thanks Rich..
 
Hi Rich,

So I'm assuming that you're up and about pretty early, what do you eat beforehand?

Tried Glucogel type products?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluco-Gel-25-Dextrose-Tubes/dp/B0038WVHZ4

Can you try taking a bite from a cereal bar, well before you feel you need it. That way you get a few long acting carbs. I usually do this around 10:30am because I was often getting low at around 11.00ish. It seems to have sorted things out for me.
 
I always carry a bag of Maynard wine gums , a few of these does the trick, quite quickly. I never leave the house without them.
 
Yes I agree sweets such as jelly babies and wine gums are good but it does sound like you are so active a reduction in insulin would be the answer, I don't know how much you are taking before your shift? Even when I was on a pump a couple of years ago I was so physically active in the morning (not gym, just constant walking) I had to have a period where I actually had to stop the insulin for an hour!! I'm not advocating that but such constant physical exercise such as constant walking would probably require much less insulin (but probably still a little a small dose) depends on what you have for breakfast but a couple of units may be all you need, don't know what you take? tell us a little more! I used to deliver magazines on foot and I do appreciate it is a battle when you have a job to get done and after an hour you are starting to feel wobbly! I was my own boss to a certain degree so could rest as and when required even if annoying! but as a Postie there is no let up :( Your diabetic nurse may be able to advise you but if you are hypo'ing everyday I would reduce my insulin!
 
I hardly take any insulin in morning, have 1 sachet of porridge, if my blood is lower than 4.5 I won't take any insulin until I have a short break before going out on delivery, I like my blood to be around 10 when I start as we basically walk constantly for 3 1/2 - 4 hrs! My blood can be as low as 2.5 before I feel any effects in my feet usually 1st, I am not getting this everyday but it has become more regular lately without any real change in what I do in mornings. Because of my job I test around 5 times a day sometimes more if I have had low sugar, don't know if it's a confidence thing or what as never felt like this about it before!
 
That does sound tough! I wonder if the colder weather lately may not be helping either?! I can understand the testing, I am self employed as a massage therapist and constantly test, usually before each client, just for peace of mind really as I don't want that unexpected hypo! I would speak to your diabetic nurse as maybe your long acting is sufficient to cover your delivery, mean while I would consider having the odd sweet/glucose tab during deliveries if you are dropping as low as 2.5. I do sympathise as it really is no fun trying to run on empty, good luck!
 
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