How should a T2 on D&E tackle a high reading?

[AnnW]

'One of the biggest problems with past "studies" of SMBG has been the fallacy that extra testing leads to despondency and depression as patients see high numbers. To a degree, there is truth in that because those extra test results can be very depressing if the patient is given no tools or education to improve high numbers.'


My problem is that noone seems able to tell me what I should do if I have a high reading after a test....? Should I rest? drink water? exercise? starve? eat?

I am getting the hang (slowly) of what makes my reading go higher though.

I get really encouraged and it cheers me up to get low readings. Mine have been around 5.3 for the last couple of weeks and it has made me feel good !!!!

 

[Andy HB]

'One of the biggest problems with past "studies" of SMBG has been the fallacy that extra testing leads to despondency and depression as patients see high numbers. To a degree, there is truth in that because those extra test results can be very depressing if the patient is given no tools or education to improve high numbers.'


My problem is that noone seems able to tell me what I should do if I have a high reading after a test....? Should I rest? drink water? exercise? starve? eat?

I found that when I had a high reading that a quick 30min walk brought me down nicely. I appreciate that this is not necessarily appropriate for others, especially if they are really high (I think Northey has mentioned in the past that exercise can cause the levels to continue to increase?).

I hasten to add that I considered anything between 9 and 11 as high. I've pretty much never had anything above that since diagnosis (fortunate chap that I am!).

Andy 🙂

 

[C*5_Dodger]

...My problem is that noone seems able to tell me what I should do if I have a high reading after a test....? Should I rest? drink water? exercise? starve? eat? ...

Dear AnnW,

If you are not on insulin then there is little you can do except exercise. The important thing is to find out what caused the "high" and resolve not to eat that food again!

Warmest Regards Dodger

 

[Northerner]

...My problem is that noone seems able to tell me what I should do if I have a high reading after a test....? Should I rest? drink water? exercise? starve? eat?
...

It's difficult when you can't 'correct' a high with extra insulin, although that is not as great as it sounds - last night I corrected a high and then was battling lows all night! From what I have gathered from others, the best option is to keep well-hydrated and try and burn off the high with gentle, sustained exercise. I believe Tez uses the method of 'taking the neighbour's dog for a drag' 🙂

When a Type1 is particularly high then they should not exercise as this can have the opposite effect, but as a Type 2 you should be fine. Also, as Dodger says, you may wish to revise your diet based on the information your reading has provided! Well done on geetting such great, consistent figures! 🙂

 

[SweetGuy]

'One of the biggest problems with past "studies" of SMBG has been the fallacy that extra testing leads to despondency and depression as patients see high numbers. To a degree, there is truth in that because those extra test results can be very depressing if the patient is given no tools or education to improve high numbers.'


My problem is that noone seems able to tell me what I should do if I have a high reading after a test....? Should I rest? drink water? exercise? starve? eat?

It really means what you mean by 'high' Ann. If you mean spikes of about 15 I don't think you really need to do anything in the short term. If you are thirsty naturally have a drink. If you are bothered a particular food causes a spike don't eat it. I think though certainly in some cases being aware of the numbers causes people with marginally high BG spikes to start getting psychosomatic symptoms. When I hear of type 2s getting in a panic, having to lie down, drinking tons of water tons of water, testing repeatedly etc because their blood is 15 I am a bit sceptical. I was walking about with my blood that high and higher, for years probably, and and didn't even know there was anything wrong LOL.

But If you mean a proper high like around 20 or more you need to see your doctor soonest as your meds need to be changed to address the problem ASAP.

 

[AnnW]

Thanks very much everyone, the best help I've had on this so far!!

I shall take some gentle exercise I guess.

I am lucky, I call a high now a reading over 8. I am aiming at 5-6 now but I am determined not to get back to my 22.5 reading when I was diagnosed !!

 

[Northerner]

Thanks very much everyone, the best help I've had on this so far!!

I shall take some gentle exercise I guess.

I am lucky, I call a high now a reading over 8. I am aiming at 5-6 now but I am determined not to get back to my 22.5 reading when I was diagnosed !!

Don't worry about an 8 Ann, otherwise there is a danger, as suggested, that you might become too worried by less-than-perfect numbers and throw a pink fit if you get double figures. As time goes on you'll find that the Diabetes Fairy likes to thow some totally unexpected things at us from time to time and you need to be able to brush them off if they aren't explainable. Well done on having such good control so quickly though - you're doing really well! 🙂

 

[lucy123]

I agree Anne - I certainly wouldn't worry on an 8.
Generally if I find I am over 10, I will exercise a bit more, but to be honest because I exercise a lot and try to eat sensibly it doesn't happen a lot.

It was a good question though - my hubby has been asking this for a while!

 

[SweetGuy]

Thanks very much everyone, the best help I've had on this so far!!

I shall take some gentle exercise I guess.

I am lucky, I call a high now a reading over 8. I am aiming at 5-6 now but I am determined not to get back to my 22.5 reading when I was diagnosed !!

8 is only a bit high before food and within the range of normal after any food. If are you at that level all the time before food it isn't a short term problem but your diet and exercise and any meds if necessary should eventually further reduce it in time.

 

[macast]

you are doing brilliant Ann. I'm only new to this as well so learning... or trying to. but I would be thrilled with numbers like you have.... especially as you were in the 20s at diagnosis!!

I've found that a moderate walk taking up to an hour lowers my levels better than a 30min workout that gets me all sweaty😱

hope that helps 🙂

 

[Tezzz]

I believe Tez uses the method of 'taking the neighbour's dog for a drag' 🙂

You can't beat a nice Walkies... Just popping out to burn off some chips...😱

Dyson (the neighbours dog) is great company.

Can I remind everybody there are many insulin dependent Type 2 diabetics? My father was one.

 

[caffeine_demon]

when I was a little high this morning - (10, possible strress related - I'd been doing an online assessment) - I cleaned the kitchen and toilets - am I some kind of sick weirdo??? 😉 it did ghet it down to about 6.2

 

[Sheilagh1958]

Well done Ann some good results there come along way from your starter of 22.5. Mine was 23.5 at diagnosis its a good feeling when they start to come down isnt it

 

[AnnW]

Thanks guys, you are all so encouraging !!
I will take a walk if I go bit high , just the info I need,

I am pleased I seem to be getting my readings down a bit , I hope I can continue! At least I am enjoying my diet so far 🙂

Thanks so much all of you, I feel so much better, doesn't praise help so much ?

 

[Alan S]

'One of the biggest problems with past "studies" of SMBG has been the fallacy that extra testing leads to despondency and depression as patients see high numbers. To a degree, there is truth in that because those extra test results can be very depressing if the patient is given no tools or education to improve high numbers.'


My problem is that noone seems able to tell me what I should do if I have a high reading after a test....? Should I rest? drink water? exercise? starve? eat?

I am getting the hang (slowly) of what makes my reading go higher though.

I get really encouraged and it cheers me up to get low readings. Mine have been around 5.3 for the last couple of weeks and it has made me feel good !!!!

There are two answers: short term and long term.

The others have already given good advice for the short term; exercise, provided you aren't too high for that (it's wise to discuss exercise with the doc first if you're over 14-17 mmol/L) or a few glasses of water or both.

For the long term, review the meal that led to that undesirable test result. Consider which foods or drinks need to be changed for a better result the next time you serve that menu. That is probably more important than the short term correction.

Consider spikes as educational, not frightening, provided your intention is not to repeat them.

 

[donnarob]

Ann,

That's brilliant results. You're doing so well. Usually I find if I've spiked it's because of something I've inadvertently eaten!

Last night for instance, I was craving chocolate and was very naughty and had a Green & Black's hot chocolate at bedtime. I was below 7 when I went to bed and 6.9 this morning. To be honest I was expecting a spike but I didn't! I won't be having this very regularly but it's good for the soul now and again!

Well done!
Donna x🙂