Bedtime blood sugars

[Ratbag]

What should bloods be before bed please?

 

[Inka]

Are you on insulin @Ratbag ? If so, which insulin(s) do you take and when?

 

[Ratbag]

Both. Slow in the morning and fast if I eat any carbs.

 

[Kaylz]

Everyone has a level they feel comfortable on but if on insulin then most DSN's suggest if below 8 to have a small sack such as a digestive biscuit to keep your levels up safely overnight, of course some feel comfortable not having anything if they feel their basal dose is just right and won't drop them, I'd ask your DSN what they would like to see your levels at at bedtime at the moment xx

 

[helli]

I became more confident to go to bed on lower numbers once I had a Libre so could see what is happening to my levels whilst I sleep.
Now, I treat bedtime the same as any other time of the day - I aim for a level of around 6mmol/l because I know they remain reasonable stable.

My DSN used to recommend a level above 8 but I rarely did this because I find high levels make my brain restless and could not sleep at that level.

But we are all different - including what level you are comfortable to go to sleep at.

 

[Inka]

Both. Slow in the morning and fast if I eat any carbs.

What specific insulins? They have slightly different durations and peaks, especially some of the basals.

If you’ve not been given specific guidance, then 8 is a common number to go to bed on. However, I also know people who’ve been told 10, so if in any doubt do check with your nurse. Better safe than sorry is the rule at night as hypos are best avoided then.

It also depends when you last injected your fast acting insulin as the action of that can persist for some hours so you’d have to allow for that if relevant.