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Background insulin over Christmas period

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cathplum

cathplum

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Do you change your background insulin on Christmas day?

I know I have a tendency to nibble a lot more on the day - nuts/crisps/chocs etc. So what to do between meals?

What is your experience?

Your advise will be greatly appreciated!!

Catherine

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When I was taking it, I wouldn't change my background insulin to help deal with an atypical day like Christmas, because I wouldn't expect it to have much effect through the day, just make my carb counting for food more difficult as it would alter my meal ratios making things unpredictable. Better to try and stick to non/low-carb snacks or do corrections if things go a bit too high, I think. Probably much easier on a pump as it will help with insulin on board, but I tend to avoid having to 'bolus for a biscuit' as it can lead to insulin stacking, and again more unpredictability.

Since alcohol tends to lower BG levels and require extra snacks, I would suggest getting 'into the Christmas spirit' - if you see what I mean! 😉 :D
 
Has no-one told you that no carbs count on Christmas day? 🙂

Personally I would not alter basal to cover extra carbs myself as that isn't it's job (it could wreak havoc overnight)

I would simply microbolus occasionally, maybe mid-meal and then perhaps overbolus at mealtimes to give a generally elevated level of insulin. Don't forget that if you are drinking more than usual some of your snacks may be offset by that.

Just test a bit more than usual and try to make sure things don't go too haywire either way but try to give yourself a but of a day off D-wise. As long as you don't end up comatose or in A&E count it as a win - for me it's too much effort to try to count everything accurately on the day and even if I go 2.x-20.x it won't do me any long term damage for one day.
 
I usually keep the background insulin the same as every other day. I would inject an additional fast-acting insulin bolus for the carb laden extras consumed. Testing at one or two hour intervals and correcting if necessary should help you keep BS under control. But be cautious about the amount of fast-acting insulin which is still working.
 
Would also add a word of caution if you indulge in carb-free alcohol (wine, spirits, etc).

The alcohol may have a BG lowering effect overnight so be careful about correcting late evening. It's very much a case of fingers crossed but allow yourself a bit more leeway and expect to correct the morning after. Night hypos are never a good idea if you've been drinking more than usual. 🙂

Better to enjoy the day and do the hard work and worrying on Boxing day!:D

Rob
 
Ta everyone!

Puts me at ease ... knowing that I'm not alone especially helps!!
 
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