newbie advice

[dx052]

I was discharged from hospital yesterday but I am a bit confused on what my blood sugar level should be and what kind of diet I should be on as I wasn't told on my exit from the hospital.

My readings vary from 12-17 and that's by eating a very controlled diet, so I am very confused why my levels are at this point, Is my insulin levels set by the hospital low?

I have noticed through this process that I don't really get an answer that fits my situation, do I just need to manage my own situation & get on with it?

Bit frustrated that I don't have the answers myself.

 

[Tee G]

Hi and welcome @dx052 I hope you are feeling better after your stay in hospital. Its a bit shocking you were discharged with no information! A possible visit to your Dr may be in order, or failing that, if your surgery operates a 'call-back' system you could possibly book one for your GP to speak with you over the phone (have a list of questions written down beforehand). Or an alternative would be make an appointment with your Diabetic Nurse. Im not sure what else to advise you on and I dont have expertise in this area. But it seems to be you should not be left hanging like this. All the best and I hope its sorted out quickly.

 

[Ralph-YK]

My understanding is that when you're started on insulin, they set a conservative does. This is to avoid you going low (hypo). It is then adjusted by the diabetic nurse or specialist, based on your levels while on that does.
Once the insulin does is set, there's a course you can do. DAFNE. I believe this is about adjust your insulin for what you eat (instead of having to eat for a fixed does). The insulin and food you eat have to match up.

In the long run you've to manage carbs.
I suggest you keep a food diary! along with a record of your levels. This will allow you to see what affect both your food and insulin has on your BG levels. Hopefully after a couple of weeks or so you'll start to see a pattern.
It could help set what does you need, as well has help with your diet in the long run.

 

[Ralph-YK]

Do you have a nearish appointment set? And do you have a Diabetic specialist nurse you can ring?

 

[Andy HB]

Apart from the advice on this forum (I'm sure the Type 1's are on their way to comment!), you could try giving Diabetes UK a call (0345 123 2399) or check out their website .... www.diabetes.org.uk. They will probably be able to advise what you need to be doing to get some control over your blood glucose levels.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

My readings vary from 12-17 and that's by eating a very controlled diet, so I am very confused why my levels are at this point, Is my insulin levels set by the hospital low?

Yes, I'm sure they've deliberately set your levels a bit low. Learning to change them safely isn't trivial. Presumably you've been referred back to your GP, and maybe they've also directly contacted your local hospital team to get you an appointment urgently?

 

[stephknits]

They usually start you off on conservative doses so that your bs come down slowly and you are less likely to experience hypos. You really need to have contact with the hospital diabetes nurse team. I had a phone number I could ring to talk changed through and could arrange to visit them as often as I needed too in the early days after diagnosis. What insulins are you on?

 

[KARNAK]

Welcome to the forum @dx052.🙂 So sorry you have been left in the lurch but sadly not unusual, can you tell us how you became diagnosed also any results you have about your Diabetes would be a great help to members but only if you want to. What Insulin you are on and are you in touch with your hospital Diabetes team? when do you test your BGL`s (Blood Glucose levels) Blood Sugars. Its all new to you so you need as much help as you can get that's why we are here for you we can`t advise you on your Insulin intake or any medical conditions other than give an opinion. First things first you need an appointment with a Dr or your DSN (Diabetic Specialist Nurse) A.S.A.P. explain your concerns and how you have not had much help, don`t be fobbed off just be firm but polite you can also ask to see a Dietician.

Your Diabetes is controlled by you with help from experienced Diabetics, each Diabetic controls there own situation because one doesn't fit all so what suits one will not suit another including Insulin, food, exercise etc. etc. The condition is controlled by making small changes to our daily regime and you will find a few months down the line you will wonder what all the fuss was about, carbs are our biggest downfall so read the back of the food packets and where it states carbohydrates of which are sugars ignore the sugars. You need to get your BGL`s a bit lower and we can help even if it means saying speak with your DSN or Dr, please keep in touch ask any question you like when you like don`t forget we are here for you.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @dx052

Hope you’ve been having a good weekend.

It is generally though the be easier on the body to reduce elevated BG over a period of time, rather than pushing for a mire or less immediate change, which can put stress on the very fine blood vessels in the eyes and elsewhere.

I am curious what you are meaning by a ‘very controlled diet’?

Has your hospital begun to introduce you to the concept of matching the amount of carbohydrate you are eating (the carb count) with your insulin doses? If you are taking the same doses each day, it can help to have a ‘target’ amount of carbs to aim for at each meal. If you’ve not been given one, you can use this idea to develop your own. Ideally, of an insulin dose and carb count ‘matches’ then by 4-5 hours after eating a meal your BG should be back to more or less where it was before you ate, and ideally will have only risen and fallen by 3ish mmol/L in between times.

If you consistently find your BG is higher 4 hours after eating than it was before, then reduce the carbs in that meal by 5-10g.

As others have suggested, this is really something to discuss with your clinic, but in time you will learn that your own adjustments and day-to-day decisions are the most important part of your diabetes management. Ideally your clinic will give you the strategies and education to make those adjustments effectively and safely.