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Not eating

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stacey_28

stacey_28

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi just looking for some advice
I was told that if I didn't eat my sugar level should stay the same or there abouts with a duscussion with the consultant. However I have noticed that my numbers are going up when I havent eaten anything. is not having breakfast bad for me should I start trying to eat some thing again?
 
stacey_28 said:
Hi just looking for some advice
I was told that if I didn't eat my sugar level should stay the same or there abouts with a duscussion with the consultant. However I have noticed that my numbers are going up when I havent eaten anything. is not having breakfast bad for me should I start trying to eat some thing again?
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It depends when your numbers are going up. Is it just in the morning that you notice this? Basal insulin is meant to mop up the background glucose pumped out constantly by the liver, and keep your levels steady, and Bolus is for when you eat.
However, not everybody's liver pumps out glucose consistently. Many people find ( and I'm one of them) that the liver gears up towards dawn, and through the morning, to pump out extra glucose to help you start the day. So, your blood glucose levels rise, even if your basal is set correctly to deal with the rest of the day.
Some people find that having breakfast helps stop this process, and others find that giving a bit extra Bolus with breakfast keeps it steadier.
 
It will only stay the same not eating if a - you don't have dawn phenom, as Robin has explained and b - your basal insulin dose is adjusted exactly right.

It doesn't just stay the same automatically and if he told you it even could - he's wrong!
 
Hello Stacey, I think that's ridiculous, not that I know much. I was always under the impression that diabetics had to look after themselves and never miss a meal, and have three regular square meals. This was back in the day when I knew absolutely nothing about diabetes. I still think this now though, it just makes sense to me. Mind you, the meals have to be sensible and meals that you know won't spike you too much unless being a Type 1 you have the knowledge to correct for spiking. I dunno about that stuff. Eat eggs for breakfast, it's my go to breakfast. 🙂
 
Theories are great aren't they? I would second what Robin and Jenny have already said. There are also those moments when stress, sudden excercise, hormones get involved that can raise your levels.

With specific regard to food, I sometimes find if I skip or have a very late lunch, then my levels can go up...liver likes me to know it's about I think. So, personally, I always try to have something even if it's only 10-15gs (should have said, with appropriate amount of fast acting insulin). Once again it's trying and testing and see what works for you.
 
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Ditto said:
Hello Stacey, I think that's ridiculous, not that I know much. I was always under the impression that diabetics had to look after themselves and never miss a meal, and have three regular square meals. This was back in the day when I knew absolutely nothing about diabetes. I still think this now though, it just makes sense to me. Mind you, the meals have to be sensible and meals that you know won't spike you too much unless being a Type 1 you have the knowledge to correct for spiking. I dunno about that stuff. Eat eggs for breakfast, it's my go to breakfast. 🙂
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I think the eating regularly thing was when most people were on fixed dose twice a day insulins. The modern MDI approach allows for much more flexible eating, although, as you say, we all ought to be eating healthily! (I do find eggs for breakfast help, as they don't add any more glucose to the mix already in my bloodstream first thing! Also avocado, or berries and yogurt)
 
I'm not actually on any background insulin at the moment as I was doing very well, however noticed an increase in numbers explained to consultant who told me to phone nurse as she thinks il start needing it soon to be told from her that things are fine and il be producing for a while longer... she basically told me there was no reason I had to eat ad I was never a big breakfast person to start with but since being diagnosed I've tried to have something... but it can happen if I don't have lunch etc also, just a bit confused to the whole situation and thought I was ok not eating
 
stacey_28 said:
I'm not actually on any background insulin at the moment as I was doing very well, however noticed an increase in numbers explained to consultant who told me to phone nurse as she thinks il start needing it soon to be told from her that things are fine and il be producing for a while longer... she basically told me there was no reason I had to eat ad I was never a big breakfast person to start with but since being diagnosed I've tried to have something... but it can happen if I don't have lunch etc also, just a bit confused to the whole situation and thought I was ok not eating
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Does eating keep the levels from rising? I think I would need to carry out some experiments if it was me.
 
Just realised, I forgot to mention that I do have fast acting insulin with my small snack.o_O
 
How long have you been diagnosed @stacey_28?

It might be that your unusual set-up is connected to your pancreas still supplying insulin in your ‘honeymoon’ phase.

Probably worth discussing your results with your DSN/clinic?
 
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