So everything I know about my diabetes is wrong?

amberzak

Well-Known Member
Messages
198
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Competitive sport. I'm more of a for fun type person.
Just met my new diabetes nurse. She was nice. And got a lot of things sorted (test strips etc).

An interesting thing though. I talked about how I've never had my sugars under great control, and how everyone goes on about high sugars all the time.

She asked why I haven't reduced my background insulin in this hot weather, and I said I'm scared of being high because everyone goes on about how bad they are, and low sugars are easier to deal with. But I still end up going high, and I roller coster all the time.

She told me it's better to risk a high to stop my hypos, as the hypos cause highs due to the liver kicking out extra sugar.

So there was me trying to keep my sugars down, unsuccessfully, and I should have been trying to stop them going low.

What advice do you have for a long time diabetic who has never had an Hb1ac below 8? I need it to be at least 7 before I can try for a baby.

I'm affected by everything, from weather to stress. I'm 30, and I'm a writer and graphic designer so some days I am really active, but there are days when all I do is sit in front of the computer. I am also over weight. I'm type 1.

Thanks all.


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Switch2501

Well-Known Member
Messages
88
Are you on pens or a pump?

On a pump you can have various background levels of insulin throughout the day.
Long acting insulin is more restrictive and can be days between changing your background levels and noticing a difference.


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Cody

Active Member
Messages
31
The pump was every answer to every question I ever had and was thankfully never on a waiting list for it. I was given it within a matter of months but did have to put in the work with carb counting classes and a better understanding of how our weird and wonderful bodies work in relation to peeps who's pancreas' actually work. It was an eye opener and a life saver or life prolonged 3 months of knoledge. PUMP = a better life and a longer life with no complications. Thanks NHS
 

Switch2501

Well-Known Member
Messages
88
Ask your specialist about a pump again it'll be worth it.

In terms of advice, I ran my sugars higher than expected (10-12) even before I was on the pump.
A little bit risky but you will avoid hypos...


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Messages
11
Hi Amber, I've researched and asked others until I was blue in the face and the best answer I could get was I need to keep my blood glucose levels as healthy as possible. You need to aim long term for an a1c of about 6. IMO.
Yes there is a risk of hypo at this target but you can reduce those risks. It may sound obvious but the best thing is to exercise more. This reduces weight and allows you to take less insulin for more carbs as your body can process carbohydrate easier. Doesn't stop hypos but allows you to take less insulin and curb the lows. You will also recognise hypos earlier the fitter you are. Also you can test more often. I'm always having to fight my corner with prescription test strips, but you've got to stand your ground. I also have a kids Novo Demi pen which gives half units which is ideal for corrections so my control has dramatically improved so I don't need to 'round up or down' which the NHS tell you to do. I think pens are great. I prefer being in full control.
Craig



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noblehead

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
23,618
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
Disrespectful people
Completing the DAFNE course will help you reduce the amount of hyper's and hypo's you are experiencing Amberzak and should hopefully reduce your Hba1c too, for a good book to read for type 1's you don't need to look any further than Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner, it's easy to understand and is written by a type 1 Educator who has lived with the condition himself for the last 20+ years.
 

amberzak

Well-Known Member
Messages
198
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Competitive sport. I'm more of a for fun type person.
Thanks everyone.

Noblehead, that book sounds interesting. I will look it up


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Wocko

Member
Messages
10
Don't worry you're not alone. After 15 years of great control I started to have problems. You soon realise that diabetes isn't as black and white as people think. It isn't just a case of more insulin = lower levels. I had baffled my nurse for years until we realised that my crazily high day levels were a consequence of hypos in the night. Lots of variables that can cause high and lows and I find I react differently to things then my sister who is also diabetic does. Never simple ay lol.
 

noblehead

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
23,618
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
Disrespectful people
amberzak said:
Thanks everyone.

Noblehead, that book sounds interesting. I will look it up


I find Amazon the best place to buy books and got my copy of Think Like a Pancreas from there, let's know what you think of the book was once you read it :)