Newly diagnosed and a bit confused

[Adskibullus]

Hi I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on Tuesday . I've been given insulin to inject 4 times a day. I have to inject lantus once at night and novo rapid 3 times before every meal.

Up I till today everything has been fine but today was my first day back at work and I've been getting the shakes and sweats and readings of 2.9 and 3 mmol twice which I've taken glucose tablets to stop the shaking. I've tried calling my diabetes nurse but can't get hold of her and was wondering should I stop taking the novo rapid if my levels are low or do I need to take the insulin before I take the glucose tabs?

I feel better. Now but my levels are 4 mmol and I'm due to eat and take insulin again what should I do? Thanks in advance

 

[hallii]

Bump:

Come you T1 s.

I don't take insulin and am T2, but it seems to me that you are either not eating enough for the insulin you inject or are taking to much insulin for the food you have eaten.

You really need to see someone who can explain the way it works in a manner that you can manage with.

You should not go as low as you have, it can be dangerous, see a doctor or someone soon.

H

 

[Dillinger]

Hi,

The main idea is to match your short acting insulin to the carbs you take; this is trial and error I'm afraid, but as I recall most people start on 1 unit of short acting to 10 grams of carbs.

If you have hypos then you must take glucose to get your blood sugars back up - never take insulin to cover corrective glucose tablets! Take 3 glucose tablets and test after 10 minutes; if you are still low repeat the glucose and test again after another 10 minutes. Keep repeating if necessary.

If you hypo before a meal take the glucose and correct if possible before having your meal and insulin to cover it.

I would recommend 2 books; Think Like A Pancreas and The Diabetes Solution by Dr Bernstein.

You have lots to learn - I know it feels daunting but everything will be fine if you get to control your diabetes rather than the other way around.

There are no silly questions so ask away!

Best

Dillinger

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on Tuesday . I've been given insulin to inject 4 times a day. I have to inject lantus once at night and novo rapid 3 times before every meal.

Up I till today everything has been fine but today was my first day back at work and I've been getting the shakes and sweats and readings of 2.9 and 3 mmol twice which I've taken glucose tablets to stop the shaking. I've tried calling my diabetes nurse but can't get hold of her and was wondering should I stop taking the novo rapid if my levels are low or do I need to take the insulin before I take the glucose tabs?

I feel better. Now but my levels are 4 mmol and I'm due to eat and take insulin again what should I do? Thanks in advance

Hello and welcome. I am type 1 but undergoing lots of changes. Exercise affects your insulin levels, so as you have gone back to work your blood sugar, with activity, will go down more quickly. When that happens to me, my diabetic nurse says I should take 3 glucose tablets aand then test about 10 , 15 minutes later, and it should start to rise. DO NOT take any insulin, even if it is a meal time for you, you must make sure you get your levels back up first. If it is a meal time, then remember that you were previously low and that may affect your blood sugar afterwards and even many hours later as that happens to me. As have just been diagnosed it will be a shock to you mentally and physically and it will take a little while to get adjusted, its a lot to take in, and it will take time but you will get there. If you are having a lazy couch potato time you may need slightly more insulin, but it does differ with people, I am not a dr, DSN or a diabetes specialist, just 23 years of trying to get it right :roll: . The best advice I would give is to make an appointment with your DSN or GP. Take care of your self and very best wishes to you.