Type 1 Stubborn high blood sugar

[NaomiJC]

WTH is going on with my blood sugars today!?!

Im T1 and have been using a CGM since March. These are the worst readings I've had! All have been between 14 - 20mmols all day, even though I've done a total 8 injections since midnight last night!

Done 60u lantus at 1am.

20u novorapid at 6.30pm.

These are my regular doses.

All others are 12u to try & correct.

Why is nothing working, and why ain't I unconscious with all this insulin in my body?

 

[CoreyCharman]

That's a really high BG for you! Have you checked your pump/CGM for any errors or malfunctions?

Sometimes, even the smallest issue can throw off your readings. Also, have you tried adjusting your carb ratios or insulin sensitivity factors?

Sometimes, our bodies can become resistant to insulin, especially during periods of stress or illness.

 

[becca59]

Have you just had a covid jab by any chance. Mine levels have gone mad since I had it.

 

[Deleted member 527103]

First things first.
Before you make any corrections.

Have you checked your Libre readings with a finger prick?

CGMs have a tendency to overestimate highs and get "stuck" high when you recover.

If they are genuine highs, we need to remember we become insulin resistant when our BG is high.
I need twice my usual correction dose when my BG is higher than 15 and it takes longer to come down.

But there are many things which can affect our BG
- stress
- illness
- "damaged" insulin
- damaged pens

I would also be changing my pen/cartridge/pump of my BG was staying high for so long.
I would also be checking for ketones.

 

[sgm14]

Second last time this happened to me I felt fine, but the next day I was sick with the flu.
The last time this happened to me, I figured I must be coming down with something (which I was).

> Why is nothing working, and why ain't I unconscious with all this insulin in my body?

Be careful, and remember it is better to run high for a few days that risk that.

And as @In Response has said, at those levels you should be checking your ketones.

 

[NaomiJC]

Thank you all for your replies.

I don't have any way of checking my ketone or double checking my blood sugars.

I have finally been able to bring my blood sugars down. I hypoed though, so I'm hoping they don't rebound.

I had to use more than double my usual correction dose! I inject so there's no issues with the delivery of insulin. My body was just very resistant like someone said.

I do not feel ill.

It was a weird experience to be so high all day and having to do so much insulin.

The only thing I can think of is that this is the week before my period is due to start - I noticed higher than usual blood sugars last month (nothing like yesterday though!)

(I have been learning so much about my diabetes since using a cgm.)

 

[Deleted member 527103]

@NaomiJC i am glad your BG has righted itself.
However, I am concerned you have no way to double check your CGM - they are known to have limitations and even Abbott says to check readings before correcting (unless you obviously feel hypo). If you drive in the UK you MUST carry finger prick kit with you.

It is also important to have a way to check ketones. The cheapest option is keto stix which you can get from the pharmacy.
DKA is potentially fatal so you need to know if your BG and ketones are high so you can get to the hospital.

i know you were fine this time but please look into these things for the future.

 

[Introverted_And_Proud]

@In Response has pretty much taken the words right out of my mouth. But to add on to what they've said, I would advise you look into either purchasing or speaking to your diabetes medical team about obtaining a glucose meter and test strips. CGMs can sometimes be unreliable and it is recommended that any uncertainty surrounding your glucose levels should be double checked with a glucose meter. Unfortunately, your diabetes team are unlikely to be able to prescribe you with a glucose meter because of the Libre, as the sensors are considered glucose level management equipment and you are only allowed one on your prescription (this was the case for me; my GP has told me this directly). So, it will potentially mean you will have to pay out of your own pocket for the necessary supplies directly from various companies who make different glucose meters. But for your own safety, it is best to have a glucose meter on hand regardless in case something happens to your sensors or the Libre app. The same goes for a ketone meter. Some glucose meters now have a built in ketone checker that works the same way as a regular finger prick, allowing you to test the ketones in your blood. And as previously said, you can also get a ketone urine test kit as an alternative option.

I realise it can be scary seeing your blood sugars shooting so high and then staying there for more than a day. I've been there myself. But the best thing to do in such a situation is to just keep an eye on your ketones and double check your readings before making any corrections. Your ketone levels will tell you if you need to be concerned about your current levels or not. Given what you've said, though, I agree that your period might be the main culprit. My period sometimes causes insulin resistance both before, during and, rarely, a little bit after I'm due.