Struggling at the moment

Really struggling at the moment with my diabetes, I have diabetic maculopathy (that's all I know at the moment, still waiting on appt to discuss further) I am really trying to control my diabetes better, but I can never keep it in range, it's fine until I eat and then it always goes over 10.

Sometimes its like my insulin doesn't even work, I watch my sugars to higher and higher and end up having to do more insulin because they gone very high.

My levels are also spiking during the night, around 3am they will suddenly spike up and then come back down again just before i wake

My specialist started me on a new fast acting insulin because I thought I was getting insulin resistance with my previous one ( I had been on it for a long time)

No matter what, I just can't control it - seriously thinking about maybe trying the pump?

MissMuffett said:

Hi @nreyn89 Sorry I have no experience or knowledge of T1 but just wanted to stretch out a hand and say don’t despair keep going. How long have you been on your new medication and have you had a chat about how to dose according to what you eat? I’m hoping someone who is a T1 will come along to help you out with suggestion. Keep your chin up my lovely.

Click to expand...

Thank you, been on the new fast acting for around a month now. I usually do 1 unit to 10g of carbs.

SimplyJason said:

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling right now. I've had Type 1 diabetes for 54 years and understand how challenging it can be to manage. Here are some insights that might help you navigate your current situation:

1. Diabetic Maculopathy: It’s great that you have an appointment coming up to discuss this further. In the meantime, keeping your blood sugars as stable as possible can help prevent further damage. I know this can be tough, but every bit of effort counts.
2. Post-Meal Spikes: This is a common issue. Here are a few strategies that might help:
   • Carbohydrate Counting: Make sure you’re accurately counting the carbs in your meals. Sometimes we underestimate, and that can lead to spikes.
   • Pre-Bolusing: Taking your insulin 15-30 minutes before eating can help. This gives the insulin a head start to manage the glucose from your meal.
   • Low Glycemic Index Foods: These foods digest more slowly and can help keep your blood sugar levels more stable.
3. Insulin Absorption: If it feels like your insulin isn’t working sometimes, consider these factors:
   • Injection Sites: Rotate your injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy, which can affect insulin absorption.
   • Stress and Illness: Both can increase blood sugar levels. Monitoring and adjusting your insulin during these times is crucial.
   • Storage of Insulin: Ensure your insulin is stored correctly. Temperature extremes can affect its potency.
4. Nighttime Spikes: These can be due to several reasons, including the dawn phenomenon or even a late-night snack. You might want to:
   • Check Your Basal Insulin: You may need a different basal insulin or a dose adjustment.
   • Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): This can alert you to rising levels and help you understand patterns.
5. Considering an Insulin Pump: Pumps can offer more precise insulin delivery and better control, especially with features like basal rate adjustments and bolus calculators. Many people find that pumps help smooth out their blood sugar levels and reduce variability.
6. Staying Positive and Patient: Managing diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs, but staying informed, being patient with yourself, and continuing to seek support and education will help you improve your control.

I hope this helps a bit. Hang in there, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need support. We're all in this together.
Take care, Jason

Click to expand...

Thank you Jason