No carbs eaten, but blood sugar rises, it’s making me think I’m going mad!

[Kearnspaula]

Experience same as rebrassco on low carb diet, each meal would require 3 injections to keep levels steady.

Ah, thank you, really have felt like I’m going round the bend and back again, thank you

 

[Kearnspaula]

As well as needing extra injections, I find low carb needs a lot of experimenting to work out the correct insulin to protein ratio for each food type. For me, there were different ratios for prawns, salmon, eggs, nuts, ... I gave up with the experimenting at this point and returned to a normal level of carbs and simplicity.
Is there a reason why you are following a low carb approach @Kearnspaula ?
It works great for some people like @rebrascora but others find it too complex.

Hi, thankfully no, no particular reason, new diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction, affecting blood pressure so anxious to prevent further deterioration as likely affect heart, just trying all I can to keep better control over blood sugars to help. I may well need to return to normal carbs as my memory is too bad to remember too many ratios! Thank you

 

[Kearnspaula]

So pleased my experience was able to be of help to you. Life with diabetes is so much easier when things make sense or even just when you realise you are not the only one to come across a particular problem.
Good luck at the clinic enquiring about a pump. Most people get rejected first time around, so don't let that put you off. Go with a list of reasons why you think it would help you and how you think you fit the criteria so that they can see you have done your homework. If they refuse, ask them to email you the reasons for their decision and then you can work out how to counteract their decision when you go next time.

Fab advice, first time back at clinic for years, I will indeed need to compile a list of all sorts! And totally agree with negative decision reasons in writing, thank you

 

[rebrascora]

I always used to be a bit in awe (read "terror") of doctors and consultants and one of the things that this forum has taught me is that they are there to support me with my diabetes management but I am the person who has the challenge of that day to day hour by hour balancing act and I need to be the expert in my diabetes. In order for there to be mutual trust and respect and consideration, I need to demonstrate to them that I understand stuff and have a good idea of what I am doing and have done my homework as well as be open to input from them.
Going into an appointment knowing what you want from it .... even if it is just more information on pump therapy rather than a definitive attempt to get one sanctioned.... is important and be prepared to negotiate. Plant the seeds, ask all the right questions, find out which pumps they currently offer, ask about presentations by the reps etc, go away and do your homework on them and decide if any of them appeal to you and ask for another appointment in say 6 months to discuss it further. That may work better than putting them on the spot with a yes/no decision straight away, especially if they haven't seen you at clinic for a while.

I feel that building an atmosphere of respect and trust with my consultant has been really important. We only get to see them once in a while for a 10 min appointment so it is important to make a positive impact in that time. I think making a clear list of important issues which demonstrate what the problem is and how a pump or education course or Libre in my case might help to solve them and having data or specific examples to back up my arguments really helps. If they can see that you are engaged and prepared to put the research and work into your diabetes management, I think it is more likely that they will make a decision in your favour.... Just my thoughts. 🙂

 

[rebrascora]

Experience same as rebrassco on low carb diet, each meal would require 3 injections to keep levels steady.

I would like to say that some low carb meals mean I don't need any insulin particularly if I have done a decent amount of exercise beforehand and others seem to need a lot more than they should. It used to worry me that I needed more sometimes but I am getting better at accepting when my Libre shows me I need more insulin and just dealing with it. I am aware that I am not managing my diabetes conventionally but it is working for me and that is all we can strive for. I continue with low carb because it helps me control my disordered eating much better and I feel healthier.

 

[trophywench]

The best thing my hospital diabetes clinic EVER taught me was that I treat my diabetes - not any doctor or nurse. The hospital D clinic I attend provides whatever assistance I happen to need, in a friendly & helpful manner, whenever I need help. I had to demonstrate I had a well functioning brain and was open to suggestions - and Oh yes! - a good sense of humour helps, day to day.

They never expect anyone to know everything - but do expect me to understand that they don't have ESP either!

 

[nonethewiser]

I would like to say that some low carb meals mean I don't need any insulin particularly if I have done a decent amount of exercise beforehand and others seem to need a lot more than they should. It used to worry me that I needed more sometimes but I am getting better at accepting when my Libre shows me I need more insulin and just dealing with it. I am aware that I am not managing my diabetes conventionally but it is working for me and that is all we can strive for. I continue with low carb because it helps me control my disordered eating much better and I feel healthier.

Your doing well, really well my friend.

 

[Kearnspaula]

I would like to say that some low carb meals mean I don't need any insulin particularly if I have done a decent amount of exercise beforehand and others seem to need a lot more than they should. It used to worry me that I needed more sometimes but I am getting better at accepting when my Libre shows me I need more insulin and just dealing with it. I am aware that I am not managing my diabetes conventionally but it is working for me and that is all we can strive for. I continue with low carb because it helps me control my disordered eating much better and I feel healthier.

 

[Kearnspaula]

Mmm that’s what the dr said to me, relying on Dexcom, have to agree I may need to accept that also. I have now split my Lantus dose, it’s not 50/50 though and at least it’s got rid of the rise with no carbs at 8-10pm, hey ho, I will keep trying, I would prefer to keep off pump if at all possible. Than you.