Type 1: Goals ramble

vanarchre said:

Interesting. I honestly did not realise that it was even possible to operate within such a range.

Click to expand...

I should mention that I don't have a CGM or pump , all achieved on MDI and finger pricks. The downside is I'll never qualify for a pump or CGM, but then there are probably others needing it more than me.

Diamattic said:

[a bit off thread topic, but replying to the OP]

Yeah, i mean i don't correct at a 7 if i still have insulin in my system, but if its 5 hours after my last meal and I am anywhere above 6.5 i will give a small correction to nudge me back into the 5s. I can do this because I am on the pump and can give doses as low as 0.05units, where as if you are on MDI you would need a half unit pen to give a dose down to 0.5u.

Its up to the individual if they care that much - on a pump though its a no brainer, you already have the infusion set in might as well push a button 3 times - so thats a huge benefit to a pump.

Click to expand...

Hi, If I did what you do at a level 7, I would be hypo, so that is a no no for me, I am on MDI.

vanarchre said:

Interesting. I honestly did not realise that it was even possible to operate within such a range.

Click to expand...

it is harder for most diabetic 1 persons as the risk of getting lows are much bigger...and that they because of the isuline injections can get so low that it causes braindamage, which it very seldome do in diabetic 2 persosn who are not yet on insuline

vanarchre said:

I think that I will. Not sure about the response that I will get though.

Click to expand...

So let's get this clear. The "good" diabetic HCPs very much get that Expert Patients exist and want and strive to achieve good results, as they feel that is best for them. They find it a pleasure to have a conversation, and the lead consultant at my clinic this morning admitted to me that the best "controlled" patients she sees generally eat lower carb and are very engaged in their own care. But they generally also pay out of their own pocket for CGM, and care enough to do that. And most of the people you'll see on the forum are in this vein. Senior HCPs welcome the chance to interact with patients like that and recognise that to achieve what they do, there are certain characteristics of their care.

Taking the remaining 80%, it's a rather different picture. The reason that people don't do well is mainly because they don't engage in their own care to the same level. It's fairly tricky to get great variability and Hba1C numbers without properly looking at what happens to you and making some decisions.

When you remember that 50% of adults in the UK have numeracy levels below that of a primary school leaver, then you can safely assume that 50% of diabetics do. It's a disease where managing numbers is critical, so that makes life pretty hard for a large proportion of people. So while we discuss some of the issues we see on here, if you're on here you've already taken the step to trying harder. The only way from there is down (in Hba1C and variability terms). Otherwise, how do you make someone who tests their blood once per day get good results?

People think they can estimate glucose based on feelings. As this research shows, it's way more effective to do a blood test!