Insulin doesn't make you starving, I've been using it for over 4 years and I only feel starving when the weather turns cold, if the OP gets a Type 1 diagnosis ketone testing is essential while they don't generally prescribe a means of testing ketones to Type 2's as they still produce their own insulin, DKA is caused by not enough insulin and far more common in Type 1's as they end up not producing anyI think the reason you are starving is because of the insulin. When I was on insulin I was starving all the time it was horrible I’m glad I’m not on it. And no I have no way of testing ketones.
Hi Carl, as an insulin user, yes you can eat 'anything' in theory but it's not always that easy to manage higher carb foods or to match them with insulin, especially at the start when you are finding your feet. Because your glucose levels were still high, I think the advice for now was to eat lower carb snacks foods to stop your levels going higher in these early stages. Your insulin works in conjunction with what you eat so as you get more experienced you can make your own choices as to how to manage it and how many carbs you wish to eat, etc. An orange by the way (a large one) has around 30 plus carbs in it so it would have the same effect on your levels as a chocolate eclair or 2 or 3 biscuits. Many of us require insulin for any food we consume that is over 10 to 15 carbs but as I say, it's test, test, test and you will become more experienced on how YOUR body reacts specifically. x
Insulin doesn't make you starving, I've been using it for over 4 years and I only feel starving when the weather turns cold, if the OP gets a Type 1 diagnosis ketone testing is essential while they don't generally prescribe a means of testing ketones to Type 2's as they still produce their own insulin, DKA is caused by not enough insulin and far more common in Type 1's as they end up not producing any
I think the reason you are starving is because of the insulin. When I was on insulin I was starving all the time it was horrible I’m glad I’m not on it. And no I have no way of testing ketones.
Hi, if you're type 1 then you do need the insulin to live. It might take a bit of getting used to, but I am type 1 and taught myself carbohydrate counting. I was initially put on fixed insulin doses so had to eat fixed carbohydrate quantites. It takes a little while for your body to get used to having enough insulin again, so will take a little while to figure out how your body reacts to it which is why they try the fixed doses first. For me, carbohydrate counting means I can eat what I want when I want, as long as I have a rough idea of the total carbohydrates in the meal/drink and inject accordingly (as others have said).
I am never hungry because of insulin. I notice my stomach rumbling but can always easily tell that is because I haven't eaten much or haven't eaten for a while (late lunch etc). When my blood glucose values go high I definitely lose my appetite. This makes sense to me, because if my blood glucose level is high my body is saying 'don't eat more because it might make your glucose levels go even higher'! But that doesn't mean when my blood glucose values are within range that I am hungry...
Don't be afraid to email your diabetes specialist nurse questions even when you don't have an appointment. Some things will be more easily explained in an appointment but you don't have to wait for an appointment to ask. Loads of experience on here too of course, though we can't give advice just say how it is for us.
I wonder if this is coinciding with a sudden drop on your glucose levels? Does your body think you're hypo because they've suddenly dropped, eventhough they're still in the safe range. People have 'false hypos' when they have had consistently high glucose levels and then those levels drop to being in a safer 'normal range'. So the hypo symptoms are there but only because your body is not used to being in the safer glucose ranges yet. Should subside once you're more consistently within target. Everyone's hypo (real or false) symptoms are different of course.Thanks, appreciated.
I'm wondering if it is related to the influx of insulin to my system. I get the impression that my body became used to high levels of glucose in my blood and as it starts to decline, it is having some side effects such as the hunger but that it will eventually settle.
The hunger comes on quite suddenly. Can go from feeling ok, not especially hungry to feeling like I;ve not eaten in weeks in around an hour - can come on very rapidly after eating or two - four hours afterwards.
My HbA1c was 128. Have also started statins.
Is really helpful reading these experiences because it gives me an idea of what is possible, likely and unlikely.
What you're saying makes sense about the glucose levels and appetite. Think this is whats happening to me but my body is used to levels way above the ideal target!
I wonder if this is coinciding with a sudden drop on your glucose levels? Does your body think you're hypo because they've suddenly dropped, eventhough they're still in the safe range. People have 'false hypos' when they have had consistently high glucose levels and then those levels drop to being in a safer 'normal range'. So the hypo symptoms are there but only because your body is not used to being in the safer glucose ranges yet. Should subside once you're more consistently within target. Everyone's hypo (real or false) symptoms are different of course.
Always wash before testing where possible with warm water and dry properly, you can heat them either under your armpit or between your legs, hold your hand down towards the ground for a while before pricking to encourage the blood to flow to the tips of the fingers, all very handy tips! Also what BG meter and lancing device are you using? It may be worth trying adjusting the depth setting to see if that helps at all too xxespecially when you end up with cold hands and it is harder to get the blood out.
It’s nice to hear your getting to grip with things Carl. That C-peptide test really will be a game changer
It looks like your heading in the right direction, I always like seeing my data over a couple of weeks but I have a Libra so that’s super easy without any spreadsheets. But it’s hugely motivating for you to see those numbers coming down.
Having high levels for a long time will affect your eye sight. It’s probably just temporary but def mention it to your nurse when you next speak. You should get invited to an eye check at the hospital but I’m still waiting for mine.
I accidentally got given a Libra by an over keen nurse & then had it taken off my prescription so now I self fund at £100 a month but it’s worth it. Apparently when I’m completely out of insulin I might get one on prescription again. It’s worth asking, your CCG might be more generous & it really helps with control.
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