Pretty equipment solutions

[SB2015]

So I’m probably still type 2 diabetic? I thought only type 1 diabetics took insulin but it’s a whole new world to me. I can’t say I like carrying the stuff around and keep sticking my fingers. But I suppose I will get used to it. Thanks for your help.

Hi Sue, it might be worth changing your profile to indicate T2 if you have not been diagnosed with T1, ie been found to have the Gad antibodies that destroy your beta cells.

you have certainly had a rough time. Steroids do play havoc with our levels for all of us. However if your levels are still in the 20s it would be worth contacting your team as that is not a good position to be in and you must be feeling very poorly.

Apart from the medication have you made any other changes to address your glucose levels?
Now that you are testing, which does take a bit of getting used to, you will be able to see the impact of your meals on your levels. You might find it helpful to keep a diary of your glucose readings alongside a food diary with a record of your carbohydrates. This could help you and your team identify any changes that could help you bring down those levels, and so feel better.

 

[Suelash]

It’s very normal to start on less insulin than they think you need. Then increase gradually if necessary.

Thanks. The doctor is phoning me every 2 days and increasing it by 4 each time.

 

[Suelash]

Hi Sue, it might be worth changing your profile to indicate T2 if you have not been diagnosed with T1, ie been found to have the Gad antibodies that destroy your beta cells.

you have certainly had a rough time. Steroids do play havoc with our levels for all of us. However if your levels are still in the 20s it would be worth contacting your team as that is not a good position to be in and you must be feeling very poorly.

Apart from the medication have you made any other changes to address your glucose levels?
Now that you are testing, which does take a bit of getting used to, you will be able to see the impact of your meals on your levels. You might find it helpful to keep a diary of your glucose readings alongside a food diary with a record of your carbohydrates. This could help you and your team identify any changes that could help you bring down those levels, and so feel better.

Thanks. Yes I’m keeping a food diary for the time being.

 

[Inka]

@Suelash In case you’re wondering, to change your diabetes type, click on your name at the top right of this page just below the telephone number. Then choose Account Details. You can then scroll down to Relationship To Diabetes and mark the Type 2 box.

 

[Suelash]

Thanks

 

[PattiEvans]

I take 32 units before breakfast and 28 before my evening meal but my levels still keep going into the 20s. I have no idea what most people take. Some people seem to have 2 different types of insulin.

Hi @Suelash I think they have put you on a Humalog mix (see https://www.humalog.com/mixes) which are indeed delivered via a Kwickpen. Could you look at your pen please and let us know whether it's 75/25 or 50/50 mix as that information might help us be more precise in our comments to you. The mixed insulins mean only two injections a day because the mix consists of both long acting (basal) and short acting (bolus) insulins. Whereas most people are on a basal/bolus regime which means they inject separately for their long acting and their bolus for meals. They often put T2s on mixed insulin. Obviously you are still running high BGs and the Doctor is increasing your dose accordingly. However, the problem with mixed insulin can be that it enforces a very strict regime on you i.e. you need to eat at the same times each day and with a set amount of carbohydrates. However, don't worry as yet you are still running a bit high and obviously not found the right dose for you.

 

[Suelash]

Hi @Suelash I think they have put you on a Humalog mix (see https://www.humalog.com/mixes) which are indeed delivered via a Kwickpen. Could you look at your pen please and let us know whether it's 75/25 or 50/50 mix as that information might help us be more precise in our comments to you. The mixed insulins mean only two injections a day because the mix consists of both long acting (basal) and short acting (bolus) insulins. Whereas most people are on a basal/bolus regime which means they inject separately for their long acting and their bolus for meals. They often put T2s on mixed insulin. Obviously you are still running high BGs and the Doctor is increasing your dose accordingly. However, the problem with mixed insulin can be that it enforces a very strict regime on you i.e. you need to eat at the same times each day and with a set amount of carbohydrates. However, don't worry as yet you are still running a bit high and obviously not found the right dose for you.

I’m on a Humalog Mix 25. Kwikpen.

 

[PattiEvans]

Thank you @Suelash for the info. I think you will find then that the mix is 25% bolus insulin and 75% basal insulin. This may well suit your system. Frankly, until you get your BGs down I would just go with the suggestions of your Doctor. It's hard to know what other suggestions to make as you have steroids to take into consideration and I have no experience using those whilst on an insulin regime, apart from one steroid injection several years ago for what they said was carpal tunnel syndrome when I had hugely increased BGs. So for now I'd just say keep on talking to us and letting us know how things are going. If you start going low please ensure you have some hypo cures handy - dextrose tablets or a high carb drink are good. Dextrose tablets are my cure of choice as they dissolve in your mouth immediately and do not need digesting as they are pure glucose. I couldn't be trusted with high sugar drinks as I would probably overdo it! 😉

 

[Suelash]

Thank you @Suelash for the info. I think you will find then that the mix is 25% bolus insulin and 75% basal insulin. This may well suit your system. Frankly, until you get your BGs down I would just go with the suggestions of your Doctor. It's hard to know what other suggestions to make as you have steroids to take into consideration and I have no experience using those whilst on an insulin regime, apart from one steroid injection several years ago for what they said was carpal tunnel syndrome when I had hugely increased BGs. So for now I'd just say keep on talking to us and letting us know how things are going. If you start going low please ensure you have some hypo cures handy - dextrose tablets or a high carb drink are good. Dextrose tablets are my cure of choice as they dissolve in your mouth immediately and do not need digesting as they are pure glucose. I couldn't be trusted with high sugar drinks as I would probably overdo it! 😉

Thanks

 

[Spozkins]

I've travelled many times in hot countries without any issues, and it probably helps that warmer weather reduces the need for as much insulin. I have carried a frio pack incase it became a problem whilst travelling, especially whilst being more "off grid" but have never actually had to use it. As long as you're not leaving the whole box of unused insulin out of a fridge I don't think you should run into any problems.

 

[Suelash]

I've travelled many times in hot countries without any issues, and it probably helps that warmer weather reduces the need for as much insulin. I have carried a frio pack incase it became a problem whilst travelling, especially whilst being more "off grid" but have never actually had to use it. As long as you're not leaving the whole box of unused insulin out of a fridge I don't think you should run into any problems.

Thanks