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Safeguards/Alarms for single type 1s with hypos

S

snowypurplepenguin

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Need some advice. I don’t usually have hypos, but was very ill at Christmas with flu.
I live alone, no close friends/family - only work colleagues. Work colleagues raised a welfare alarm, because I hadn’t turned up for work - and cutting a long story short, I ended up with emergency paramedics at house, treating hypos and sepsis with subsequent hospital admission. But this only happened because of a work colleague with some sort of sixth sense. it could have been so different outcome.
It’s made me feel quite vulnerable, when I am so fiercely independent with my diabetes care.
It was the illness which caused the unconscious hypos, and I don’t fb usage them happening again....... but ...
Does anyone know of any alarm systems to detect hypos to raise help or some form of daily ‘check in’ telephone/texting service that exists?
What a thing to be getting older :-(
 
I found something called "I am Fine" but it is based in the USA and it's just a daily check-in so wouldn't detect hypos. And it is US$15 per month. Maybe someone else might know? The only other thing I can think of is one of the personal alarms like those Age UK sell. Or perhaps speak with your colleagues or place of work so a welfare alarm could be raised more quickly in your case if you don't turn up as expected. Big up the colleague who had the 6th sense and ask them if they would mind it if you sent them one text per day to say you're ok.
I do unserstand that vulnerability though. I have do have family but I often feel a bit vulnerable when my OH is out at work all day as I rarely go out or see anyone (I work from home). It's a long time to go if something happens to you and you can't see to yourself. Sorry I can't be any more helpful except to tell you get your flu jab this September! :)
 
Hello and welcome @snowypurplepenguin

I use the Dexcom G6 sensor which has an alert for lows and can be linked to another user, it's £159 a month but for peace of mind it's invaluable, have been using for over 18 months now and a satisfied customer. You can adjust the settings so picking up when you go low at say 4.7 as there is a lag on the readings, so this can give you time to treat before an impending low.

You can use the libre too with the miaomiao device which links to a phone, but personally I feel the accuracy of the G6 is better after using both devices.
 
That sounds good @Juicyj but £159 per month? I really wish I could afford that. My health authority will not allow me to have CGM as they are holding their purse strings too tightly. It appears I either have to make myself ill, get pregnant or take 40 years off my age to qualify. I have managed to self fund a little, buying a libre sensor every now and then, vat free but can't manage it financially full time. Best of luck, @snowypurplepenguin
 
snowypurplepenguin said:
Need some advice. I don’t usually have hypos, but was very ill at Christmas with flu.
I live alone, no close friends/family - only work colleagues. Work colleagues raised a welfare alarm, because I hadn’t turned up for work - and cutting a long story short, I ended up with emergency paramedics at house, treating hypos and sepsis with subsequent hospital admission. But this only happened because of a work colleague with some sort of sixth sense. it could have been so different outcome.
It’s made me feel quite vulnerable, when I am so fiercely independent with my diabetes care.
It was the illness which caused the unconscious hypos, and I don’t fb usage them happening again....... but ...
Does anyone know of any alarm systems to detect hypos to raise help or some form of daily ‘check in’ telephone/texting service that exists?
What a thing to be getting older :-(
Click to expand...

Hello, have you asked your team what they offer? You can do libre with a third party device which will be a one off cost of £160. Or Dexcom or if you are lucky to be considered for a pump like tandem to have with Dexcom or Medtronic 670G with guardian link 3 sensors.
 
Hello @johen It is pricey but I really felt I needed some help with avoiding lows and as my CGM wouldn’t fund a libre I decided I had to go for it, to me it’s an investment towards protecting my health and allowing me more flexibility to work and exercise without being disabled by the effects of hypos and time taken taken to recover so has improved my confidence with my t1 management.
 
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