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Honeymoon period, no insulin and hypos

J

JenB

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I was diagnosed type 1 (confirmed with antibody level 2000) and started on a low insulin dose (1 unit per 20g carbs). On holiday I began to have frequent hypos after meals so was advised to stop all insulin. Since returning from holiday I had an appointment with my nurse and told to continue without insulin and just keep an eye out for increasing glucose after food and taking longer time for them to return to normal range. For the last couple of days my glucose keeps dropping to low 4s and into hypo levels. Is this normal
In the honeymoon period with no insulin and should I treat these lows in the same was as I did when I was on insulin. Also been feeling pretty rubbish- tired and nauseous. Hope this makes sense?
 
Is that a typo that you were diagnosed in 2000 ie 25 years ago??.

When was the holiday when you started to have hypos and stopped using insulin?

Are you also using a basal (long acting) insulin?
 
Sorry, I meant that it was confirmed by an antibody test that showed a level of 2000! I was diagnosed about three months ago! Yes hypos started on holiday so my nurse advised me to stop my insulin. Was originally on basal but this was stopped after two weeks as wasn’t needed as fasting glucose remained low and stable overnight!
 
Ah! I can see what you meant now. Doh! Feel a bit foolish now! Funny how easy it is to misunderstand something which seems straightforward to others. I was thinking it was unlikely to be such a hugely long honeymoon period and perhaps there had been some mistake in the antibody testing to go that long without needing insulin as a Type 1!!

By what means are you assessing these hypos ie CGM or finger prick or both and when do they happen.... and how low are you going?
 
Hi @JenB and welcome to the forum - the Honeymoon Period (who thought of that dreadful name, as its anything but?) is very unpredictable (mine lasted a couple of years) - which quick acting insulin were you taking? I was on Novorapid initially and was having hypos 4hrs+ later - a change of insulin stopped that - are you wearing a CGM?
 
Also, I clearly forgot my manners 🙄.... Welcome to the forum from me too although sorry to hear that you recently qualified to join our merry gang!
 
Hi @JenB and welcome to the Forum 🙂 . Not very nice at all having hypos, I normally have packets of glucose tablets dotted around everywhere. Unfortunately it can take a while after diagnosis to find correct doses etc, especially if you are still producing some insulin. It will take time but everything will improve. Have you been given a CGM (constant glucose monitor)? I have a Libre 2 plus and I would really be lost without it, or do you have to use a glucose metre to check on readings. You can try one for free : https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/products/freestyle-libre-2-plus-sensor.html
We're here to help and support each other so just ask as many questions as you like 🙂
 
Hello!
Hypos are generally considered a side effect of insulin ( too much/ poor timing etc) and some other diabetes meds eg glycoside
I believe 'normal' people can go down to 3.5 mmol/l.
Insulin users treat under 4 as hypo for safety and as a buffer.
What's your blood glucose resdings when you are low?? Are your below 4s verified by finger prick tests, or is it cgm ( libre etc) figures only.
Or are you feeling hypo at figures over 4?

Sorry to bombard you with questions, but it helps us understand what could be happening
 
Sorry to hear about your low BG levels @JenB . Hope they haven’t been making you feel too grim.

I would definitely suggest treating them with 10g of fast-acting glucose.

Insulin sensitivity can increase in warmer weather, so perhaps that is having something to do with it? Plus sometimes people diagnosed in adulthood who get the support of exogenous insulin find their beta cells get a bit of a ‘second wind’, and perk up a bit.

Enjoy your insulin-free days while they last, and continue to keep an eye on your BG levels in case they start rising again. 🙂
 
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