Taking insulin without food to reduce high blood sugars

[Grandadfatboy]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and have been a insulin dependant type 2 since December 2020.

I'm unsure if this is an appropriate question to ask, but here goes.

Is it wise to experiment with taking low doses of Humalog 200, without eating, when my BG are constantly in the 16's to 18's?

A little background that may help you understand my reason for asking the question. I take chemotherapy in tablet form every Sunday. The chemo spikes my blood glucose into the low to mid 30's if I don't pre-empt these spikes with extra insulin. I usually head these spikes off by increasing my Humalog 200 to 70 units before breakfast and before dinner.

I administered the 70 units at breakfast having already taken my chemotherapy, and this gave me readings of 14.7 down to 11.1 between breakfast and dinner, which is normal for me when taking chemo. However, at dinner time my BG was 11.1, so I only used 40 units which is around normal for me when not taking my chemo, but I forgot to take into account the 24-36 hour effects of my chemo. What a mistake!

The result of not increasing my insulin dose at dinner time had my BG readings constantly in 16's, 17s, and 18's (using Libra 2 and confirming with a finger prick) right up until I went to bed just after 4am (insomnia is one of the side effects of my chemo), which is when I was contemplating taking 20 units of Humalog, without food, to bring my BG down. In the end I opted for 33 units of Toujeo long acting insulin. When I took the Toujeo at 4.06am my BG was 17.4 and dropped to 13.6 at 6.05am, and was up to 15.7 when I got up 10.30am. The effects of the chemo om my BG usually lasts until late afternoon on Monday.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wheelspinner]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and have been a insulin dependant type 2 since December 2020.

I'm unsure if this is an appropriate question to ask, but here goes.

Is it wise to experiment with taking low doses of Humalog 200, without eating, when my BG are constantly in the 16's to 18's?

A little background that may help you understand my reason for asking the question. I take chemotherapy in tablet form every Sunday. The chemo spikes my blood glucose into the low to mid 30's if I don't pre-empt these spikes with extra insulin. I usually head these spikes off by increasing my Humalog 200 to 70 units before breakfast and before dinner.

I administered the 70 units at breakfast having already taken my chemotherapy, and this gave me readings of 14.7 down to 11.1 between breakfast and dinner, which is normal for me when taking chemo. However, at dinner time my BG was 11.1, so I only used 40 units which is around normal for me when not taking my chemo, but I forgot to take into account the 24-36 hour effects of my chemo. What a mistake!

The result of not increasing my insulin dose at dinner time had my BG readings constantly in 16's, 17s, and 18's (using Libra 2 and confirming with a finger prick) right up until I went to bed just after 4am (insomnia is one of the side effects of my chemo), which is when I was contemplating taking 20 units of Humalog, without food, to bring my BG down. In the end I opted for 33 units of Toujeo long acting insulin. When I took the Toujeo at 4.06am my BG was 17.4 and dropped to 13.6 at 6.05am, and was up to 15.7 when I got up 10.30am. The effects of the chemo om my BG usually lasts until late afternoon on Monday.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Grandadfatboy, I find drinking more water helps lower BG levels, but may also be worth talking to your diabetic nurse as they might change your insulin to a different type. I'm also on lots of unavoidable medication for several health issues, including ones for my pancreas so regularly speak with my diabetic nurse.

 

[Antje77]

I'm unsure if this is an appropriate question to ask, but here goes.

Is it wise to experiment with taking low doses of Humalog 200, without eating, when my BG are constantly in the 16's to 18's?

The question is approriate but it's not appropriate for us to advise you on dosing.

We can however share general knowledge.

Taking quick acting insulin without food when BG is high is common practice.
T1's are often taught to take correction doses when they are at a certain level, how much depends on how high they are and how sensitive to insulin they are.
Definitely something to speak about with your diabetes nurse.

Another thing coming to mind is that we often use 'sick day rules', where doses of both basal and bolus insulin are increased when we are ill. Also regularly needed when on steroids.

It could make a big difference if you and your diabetes nurse could work out how to temporarily change your doses after the chemo.

Whatever you do, be very cautious when altering doses.

All the best!