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Very high sugar levels

T

titchy_lou

Well-Known Member
Messages
58
Since I was diagnosed September 2011, I've struggled with high sugars. I've only been on insulin for a week, and it's yet to make a difference. At work today, my sugars are 16 and I feel like punching someone. I've been shaking, I'm tired and my head is pounding. I've burst into tears 3 times today (hiding in the toilets). What can I do to bring my sugars down whilst I'm in my office job? I'm drinking loads of water. I've got my lunch break in an hour and I'm scared to eat. What can I do? I can't handle this, and I'm not seeing the consultant until next week :'(


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Hi Titchylou,

I also started on insulin this week, Humalin M3, and also am not getting much success with lowering blood sugars, I believe it is due to being started on low levels which will be increased until it lowers the blood glucose levels and am waiting for a call from my diabetic nurse this afternoon regarding this.
Stick with it, we'll get there!
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Indeed. It is very difficult to predict the effect of insulin on a given person, and thus how much insulin you need; the dose you started on is at best a guess based on your weight.

Do you have any ketones? BG of 16 long after breakfast is rather worrying.

Have you been told to adjust your insulin doses? If not, there is not much you can do without going behind your doctor's back. Do you have anyone else to contact - practise DSN, regular GP, etc?
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

I haven't checked for ketones for a while, but I've had these sugar levels since I was diagnosed and haven't had ketones when I've checked in the past.

I'm in regular contact with the dsn, who says it sounds like I need bolus insulin, but has told me not to do anything until I see the consultant next week. Just not sure I can keep going until then


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Another bad day with high sugars. Spoke to a dsn that I haven't spoken to before, who actually was useless. She's told me not to change anything. I feel depressed and at the end of my tether. It doesn't help that a year ago today my grandad died, as a result of abusing his diabetes for years. How much longer will this go on for? :'(


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Having higher levels such as yours does require more insulin. Either basal or bolus. Try to do some basal tests to see if you need more. Without testing I wouldn't up it as out could lead to frequent hypos. Does sound like you need bolus insulin so I wouldn't wait and insist on an appointment with your consultant.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using DCUK Forum mobile app
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Cant you up the insulin 2 or 3 units and check your blood more frequently.? I adjust my insulin levels all the time depending on what im doing.. or just insist on seeing a doctor!

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I'm seeing a consultant in Tuesday. For the 2 weeks that I've been on insulin, I've spoken to my dsn twice, it's just that the dsn I spoke to today didn't seem too bothered. Guess ill just have to wait and see what the consultant says on Tuesday.


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Dont give up titchy_lou

It maybe that you need more basal insulin or additional bolus insulin. I recommen that from now till your appointment that you try and test every 2 hours whilst awake and also at 3am.
Give your consultant as much info as you can..
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

titchy_lou said:
I'm seeing a consultant in Tuesday. For the 2 weeks that I've been on insulin, I've spoken to my dsn twice, it's just that the dsn I spoke to today didn't seem too bothered. Guess ill just have to wait and see what the consultant says on Tuesday.


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
Click to expand...

I guess its better you see the dsn (is that a diabetic nurse?) . Sorry for the last post..I kind of worried after posting that afterwards because i dont have the authority to suggest upping your insulin by 2 or 3. Its ok for me because ive been insulin dependant for 21 years in 8 days time. It will get easier my friend. Soon you will be wondering what all the worry was for...Chin up.
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

smifffy40 said:
titchy_lou said:
I'm seeing a consultant in Tuesday. For the 2 weeks that I've been on insulin, I've spoken to my dsn twice, it's just that the dsn I spoke to today didn't seem too bothered. Guess ill just have to wait and see what the consultant says on Tuesday.


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
Click to expand...

I guess its better you see the dsn (is that a diabetic nurse?) . Sorry for the last post..I kind of worried after posting that afterwards because i dont have the authority to suggest upping your insulin by 2 or 3. Its ok for me because ive been insulin dependant for 21 years in 8 days time. It will get easier my friend. Soon you will be wondering what all the worry was for...Chin up.
Click to expand...
No, I'm grateful for your suggestions. I guess once I'm in bolus, ill get more of an understanding of how I can adapt my insulin. Just feels like its taking forever!


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

donnellysdogs said:
Dont give up titchy_lou

It maybe that you need more basal insulin or additional bolus insulin. I recommen that from now till your appointment that you try and test every 2 hours whilst awake and also at 3am.
Give your consultant as much info as you can..
Click to expand...
The dsn has suggested that I may need bolus. I'm testing as often as I can, I need to help myself to get help from the nhs....


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

titchy_lou said:
donnellysdogs said:
Dont give up titchy_lou

It maybe that you need more basal insulin or additional bolus insulin. I recommen that from now till your appointment that you try and test every 2 hours whilst awake and also at 3am.
Give your consultant as much info as you can..
Click to expand...
The dsn has suggested that I may need bolus. I'm testing as often as I can, I need to help myself to get help from the nhs....


Diabetes type 1.5
Diagnosed September 2011
Currently on basal insulin
Click to expand...

See you already know more than me...I dont even know what bolus is???... I get slated from people for still being "old school" Ive been on actrapid and insultard injected via syringes twice a day since i got diagnosed almost 21 years ago, but my blood is 6.7 (worst ever) and i know people who are on pens and pumps and are not controlled as well as me...
I tried the pen but found it suffocating and not good for my shift working!!
Im sure you will get sorted out... Keep us informed on how you are getting on!!
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Hi Titchy_lou

The suggestion to monitor as much as poss for next few days was to enable your health team to ascertain what your peaks and troughs are with your current medication and foods.
If they suggest you have separate bolus injections then you may also need to change your current basal ( you may not though!!) injections separately too.
I cant see what your currrent insulin is.. Whether it is purely basal injection or whether it is a mixed one.

You are right that you need to manage yourself, but you need to get your health care team to give you a prescription and guidelines to the correct insulin regime for you first....

You'll get there, as I can see/read so much determination in your posting. Good luck with your appt, let us know how you get on.
 
Re: Very high sugar levels

Actually I do believe there are talks of a new Type 3 diabetes which seems to be developing within dementia sufferers.... so you were close lol
 
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