• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Trouble with diabetes nurse

walshdon

walshdon

Active Member
Messages
31
Location
United Kingdom
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi, I have been type 1 for 11 years and on a pump for the last year going good but could be better. I am on a low carb diet and me and my partner have just started trying for a baby. I have seen the nurse who said my hba1c should be lower and asked me to test at meal times even if I don't eat. I have done this and my sugars are always high before my dinner and before bed, after sending these results she advised me to do nothing! ! I have told her that the wait and see approach is not in my best interest and it needs sorting asap. I am not clever enough to work out if it is my background or my insulin to carb ratio that is wrong, I am seeing her on Thursday but don't want to get fobbed off again what should I be asking???
 
That is shocking, walshdon! Whenever I have high readings prior to meals I tend to adjust my basal rates first. Do you check your BG levels post prandial! Check 2 hours after meal, if your levels are reading high then you may need to adjust your carb ratio. Your nurse needs to be more attentive to your needs! Hope you get sorted.
 
Hello walshdon, why has the nurse got a problem with your wanting to have a family.
What has the diabetic specalist doctor said about your out of balance, and what have they suggested to help.
I hope there is better news and help for you on thursday, ttfn
 
Hi Walshdon, Your are absolutely correct and do not get fobbed off again.
These nurses may mean well but there are not experts in all fields regarding diabetes.
I wish you and your partner every success in having a beautiful baby.
 
As you are only waiting until Thursday, perhaps your nurse will be able to advise you better face to face.
I'm sure you realise that having a low HbA1c before and very tight control during pregnancy is really important . I won't go into it, I'm sure you realise why,

If you are too high before dinner this to me suggests one of 2 things
a) your lunchtime bolus was too low so you went higher than expected or
b) your basal rate during the afternoon is too low.
It would be a good idea to do some basal testing to see if your afternoon basal rates are OK.
Here is how to do this http://static.diabetesselfmanagement.com/pdfs/DSM0705_066.pdf
If you start with a within target rate before dinner, then you are more likely to have a reasonable bedtime level (though again you need to test)

Can I suggest you get yourself a copy of Walsh: Pumping insulin. This will help you help yourself . I have an older edition but that certainly helped me and has a comprehensive chapter on pregnancy.
 
Eat a meal that is low in fat and inject accordingly, then start to test 4 hours after and monitor your bg closely missing the next meal and QA insulin, if your basal is right it shouldn't rise or fall much more than 1.5mmol, if it does your basal needs adjusting.
 
sad to hear but nurses(in my experience!!)mean well but are not always as well informed as they should be, as far as diabetes goes AND NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME so query everything you're not happy with...always! Stay positive & good luck for future
 
Back
Top