Type 1 Please help

Charlottelucy44 said:

That's not how it should be is it? Surely the insulin should work round me and my eating patterns? Or have I got this totally wrong?

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Yes it should and it's disappointing that your consultant was reluctant to change you over to basal/bolus. All I can suggest is you work with your DSN and tell them what you want to eat at meal-times, they will then advise on adjusting your insulin doses to manage this, it's a long long time since i was on mixed insulins but it is possible to have some flexibility when it comes meals, it's just getting the dosing right.

I'm sorry that wasn't very productive for you.

No, you shouldn't have to eat around your insulin. The basal/bolus approach is the preferred was of treating Type 1's unless there is some other factor impacting that. I can't see from what you've posted that there is anything like that in your case.

I don't understand why you have been told to increase your insulin if you are complaining about hypos - did they explain that at all? What information did they give you?

How often do you eat normally?

Are there any large teaching hospitals with diabetic clinics within reach of you? If so you need to book a time with your GP and get them to refer you to that clinic.

Best

Dillinger

Charlottelucy44 said:

Ive been having 6units before breakfast and 6 units before tea. But having to eat just to take the insulin is so frustrating

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Hi Charlotte,

The insulin you are on is 25% short acting and 75% long acting.

When are your hypos happening and what time exactly do you take your insulin in the morning and at night?

Do you know what is happening to your blood sugars over night?

The reason I ask is that I would have thought your evening dose would be lower than your morning dose as you are not eating in the middle of the night whereas you are eating lunch (I assume) and so would need more insulin to cover that.

Do you know how much carbohydrate you are eating at each meal? Has anything been explained to you about that? Can you let us know?

Best

Dillinger

Hi @Charlottelucy44
I have seen specialists (Diabetic nurse, dietician, Doctor) from the hospital recently and they didn't understand how frustrated I was because they couldn't answer all the questions I had, even though they were specialists. The thing I've realised, for my own situation, is that they can't tell me what to eat and when and they can't sort out a menu that would suit me (which I wish they could) as that is something I need learn for myself.

Regarding your insulin, is there a doctor at your surgery who is a specialist in diabetes? as it is your doctor who prescribes your insulin Your receptionist can answer that question. If there is, ask for a double appointment to speak to that doctor and explain your worries and concerns.

I hope this helps and let us know how you get on. Be kind to yourself regarding your diabetes. Once you have it under control, you control it. It doesn't control you.