Hello from a Newbie

[SB2015]

You've been so patient with me. It's much appreciated. If you don't mind another question..... When you say separate insulins do you mean adding the fast acting to the timed release that I currently use. My brother has been doing that and recommends it. But you said something about basal insulin. That's a new term for me. As far as carbs I try to be careful of how many and what type. For example, I'll have fruit in the morning and log the carbs into an app. I almost never have processed foods such as white bread. At dinner I'll have vegetables but pass on other sides like rice and pasta. If I'm having carbs I try to be mindful of having carbs that also carry fiber and nutrition. I'm thinking a food journal with carbs and glucose counts might be helpful.

If you are able to use the separate insulins you will have
Basal insulin - This is a slow release insulin and works on the glucose that your body is trickling out all the time to keep your body going throughout the day, even if you chose not to eat anything. It takes a bit of work to get the right dose of this insulin, and some people split this into a morning and evening injection so that they make adjustments to one without impacting the other. The ability to split your basal insulin will depend on which insulin you end up using.
Bolus insulin - This is a quick acting one which is injected each time we eat some carbs, so before each meal. Once we are confident to do we are able to. Are changes to the dose depending on how many carbs we choose to eat. This dose can also be adjusted to take account of any exercise (including things like walking into town/gardening) that we have been doing before the meal (Our bodies will then need to top up the store of glucose in us) or that we are planning to do after the meal.

I am very pleased that you are asking about anything that doesn’t make sense in our answers. Just keep the questions coming. No one will mind.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you for this chart. It's very helpful. This is the most helpful forum I've found but of course being here in the U.S. the healthcare system is very different and the systems of measurement are as well. So there's math involved!! Not my strong suit. Thank you for making it easy on me.

Just be aware that very low HbA1c levels are not necessarily so appropriate for people with T1, because of the increased risk of hypoglycaemia that can occur where people are aiming to keep their glucose levels on the lower side.

There are modest gains to be made between 7.5% (58mmol/mol) and 6.5% (48mmol/mol), and even a little lower, but close attention should be paid by people with T1 to their exposure to low level hypoglycaemia, and particularly to their risk of severe hypoglycaemia / hypo unawareness.

Personally I find Time in Range a more helpful measure these days - as access to sensors / CGM has improved.

 

[mb1130]

If you are able to use the separate insulins you will have
Basal insulin - This is a slow release insulin and works on the glucose that your body is trickling out all the time to keep your body going throughout the day, even if you chose not to eat anything. It takes a bit of work to get the right dose of this insulin, and some people split this into a morning and evening injection so that they make adjustments to one without impacting the other. The ability to split your basal insulin will depend on which insulin you end up using.
Bolus insulin - This is a quick acting one which is injected each time we eat some carbs, so before each meal. Once we are confident to do we are able to. Are changes to the dose depending on how many carbs we choose to eat. This dose can also be adjusted to take account of any exercise (including things like walking into town/gardening) that we have been doing before the meal (Our bodies will then need to top up the store of glucose in us) or that we are planning to do after the meal.

I am very pleased that you are asking about anything that doesn’t make sense in our answers. Just keep the questions coming. No one will mind.

Thank you !! I appreciate having someplace where questions are welcome and I don't have to feel awkward. I'm making a note to request the bolus insulin. From what you're describing it seems to be what I need to help control my glucose.