Type 1 Stress & other issues

[slunnon]

Hi all,

Going to ramble on a bit here but you can skip to the end if you'd like!

I feel so stressed. I've just started a new job as well as studying my second year of A-Levels. My blood sugars have been quite erratic and I've been hypoing at least once a day, sometimes twice (varies from around 3.5 m/mols to 2.0 m/mols, I've never collapsed or anything though even at 1.1 m/mols!)

My doctors have never shown a lot of concern about my frequent hypos, perhaps because I'll have only been diabetic for 2 years in November. I do inject less insulin if I have fewer carbs, but I still go low, whether it be because I've quickly had to run for the bus or whether I've been sat down for 2 hours doing work. It's so hard to juggle how many units I should do when I'm unsure of what activities I'll be doing in the next few hours!

As well as this, I think I'm putting on a lot of weight. When I was diagnosed I was 6 stone 13 pounds and now I'm 9 stone 9 pounds (my height is 5'3). Although this puts me on the top end of the "healthy" BMI range, I feel like I should be a lower weight (e.g. 9 stone ish), as each time I go for my HbA1c they nurse always weighs me and I'm heavier each time and they seem surprised I'm the weight that I am.

I'm not sure if it's my frequent hypos that are causing me to stay at the same weight? When I go low I either treat it with sugar tablets, fruit pastels or a carton of fruit juice. I've been eating so healthily for the past six months in a bid to lose a few pounds - poached egg on 1 piece of toast for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, fish & sweet potato for tea, snacks - nuts, berries etc. I don't restrict myself, I do eat chocolate and things but I don't go overboard. I'm eating around 1300-1600 calories a day. I also excercise regularly - walking, swimming, cycling etc.

So I'm trying to lose weight, keep on top of my studies and new job, as well as keep my sugars in check. It's SO stressful! Does anyone have any tips/advice on how to de-stress, stay calm and keep on top of everything?

Many thanks,

Sophie

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I think having better BG control would do a lot to help you feel less stressed. I think the T1s here would advise keeping a detailed record of foods, activity, BGs and insulin doses for a period of time, say 2 weeks, then going over it all with a good DSN or consultant. They would mention the need for basal doses and bolus ratios to be fine tuned/optimised. Have you been on a DAFNE course?

You can do it. I think the diabetes and non diabetes stressors can be managed by good day to day planning and flexibility. Do you do some things each day just for you, such as having a massage session, or walking through a park, or enjoying a coffee with a friend? When I was a student I put a lot of pressure on myself to study and I needed these breaks and other activities to help keep me reasonably sane.

Good luck!

 

[noblehead]

Assuming your on basal/bolus your first task is to do some basal testing, the frequent hypo's could be a result of your basal insulin being too high so this needs to be checked.

If you did reduce the amount of hypo's you would also reduce your calorie intake which will help with your weight issues..... which in turn would help to de-stress you a little. Good luck.