When should I start changing insulin doses?

[hale710]

I was diagnosed with Type 1 a fortnight ago. In typical NHS style i was handed a prescription and sent on my merry way! I think i have a slightly better understanding of what is going on as I am very close to my cousin who has been Type 1 for 11 years, we lived together during uni for a while.

i've started basic carb counting ( 1 unit per 12g) and have a place on the DAFNE but not until November. Im assuming im still in the honeymoon period and that makes it quite difficult to see any patterns, i can go from BG of 12 right down to 4 without taking any correction dose. I take just 4 units of levemir at 6pm every day.

does anyone have any advice on when, if ever, i should start changing things around? My next appointment at the diabetic clinic is in 8 weeks and that seems quite a long time to be leaving things as they are.

Any other advice in general is appreciated. Im just winging it at the moment!

 

[AMBrennan]

I take just 4 units of levemir at 6pm every day.

An odd choice for a T1 diabetic. How do you carb count without fast acting insulin :crazy: ?

What are your BG levels like? If your BG falls from 12 to 4 without a correction dose I would consider the possibility that you are taking too much basal insulin.

In the meantime, Bournemouth offers an online course similar to DAFNE, and GCC has a number of useful resources including one on insulin adjustment

does anyone have any advice on when, if ever, i should start changing things around?

When you are confident in your ability to manage your BG levels; in the end, you will have to do most of the work and whilst your GP or DSN can advise you on the doses he will just be using the same algorithm.

 

[hale710]

Sorry - I didn't make that clear! I do 1unit bolus per 12g carbs, and then the 4 units basal in the evening.

My BG does vary. I have a desk job so can't account exercise for the dips. For example:

7.30am - BG 8.8
Ate 52g carb so did 4 units bolus

1.30 pm - BG 8.0
Ate 66g carb so did 5 units bolus

4pm - BG 4.3
I had 8 weeks of BG in the high 20s before diagnosis so for me this is very low and makes me feel extremely shakey. I treated with jelly sweets and then followed up with something else....... i think it was 2 biscuits but i wouldnt like to swear on that!

5.30pm - Ate 60g carbs so did 5 units bolus

6pm - 4 units basal

10pm - Bedtime BG of 13.6

I dont tend to snack inbetween meals. I have thought that i should change to 1 unit per 15g, but then i can be really high 2 or 3 hours after eating sometimes too. Its frustrating now finding a pattern but it's all still new i suppose