Phantom hypos

[pippaandben]

I am Type 2 diagnosed May last year and now on maximum Metformin and Diamicron dosage. I am due to go onto insulin tomorrow.

My BG over the past 2 weeks is regularly in the 20s. Fasting 17-18. 3 times in last week when testing to maximum for the nurse have had a HI reading on meter ie over 33!!! I feel ok in myself though - I think. I am not worried about injecting but am worried about getting my insulin dosage correct and not making a mistake.

Also because of my very high levels my reading indicates I am more likely to have phantom hypos - which I should do nothing about. Only treat when meter shows BG is low. Any advice/ info welcome as I am having my start up session tomorrow morning. Already have a massive list of questions.

Also worried that I start insulin on a Friday with nurse unavailable over weekend and usually she is not in surgery practice on Monday

 

[trophywench]

Phantom hypos are a danger for any of us running higher than we'd like for a time - even th most punctilious Type 1 can be ill and have that, so don't feel you're alone!

Of course - you start dropping your BG to 8 or something and your body will automatically think you ARE hypo and will oblige by giving you REAL hypo symptoms. Some people grit their teeth and sip iced water; wimps like me would have ONE small mouthful of Lucozade. Or one jelly baby. Or two Fruit Pastilles (the small round ones in a tube)

BUT I should think that nursey will probably start you on a lower dose of insulin than you would really need to reduce your BG instantly to 5. And I should think it will be fixed doses - at first anyway - because nobody knows what is going to happen, do they? So in the beginning I shouldn't think you will need to worry about adjusting doses.

I mean in hospital they can afford to take you swiftly down to 5 because they are on hand to deal with any fallout.

Good luck!

 

[Doddy]

I used to run very high too before I started on insulin...my fasting BG were never less than 17.

You will find (hopefully) that they will start you on a low dose, and you will titrate up until you find the dose that works for you. My numbers gradually fell and I didn't suffer form any phantom hypos because of the speed in which they reduced.


Good luck with it...

 

[Caroline]

Can't add to advice given. Good luck, I hope things work out for you and you have no problems.

 

[Northerner]

It's actually better if you reduce your levels gradually since it is thought that too fast a drop in HbA1c can actually cause complications, so best to take it nice and steady and try and be patient! 🙂 Good luck tomorrow!

 

[PattiEvans]

Not being funny, but are they completely convinced you are a Type 2?

I agree that it's better if levels are gradually reduced and I am sure they will hold your hand all the way. When I was first diagnosed my nurse was available over the phone at least from 9am to 6pm if not longer.

 

[pippaandben]

OK so saw Nurse - very positive and supportive and Dr came in too. I have been put on Humalog mix 25 using a Humapen luxura HD. Starting on 10 units before breakfast and 10 units before dinner. Have been given emergency number for weekend, Dr available Monday/Tuesday and seeing nurse Wednesday pm (before she goes on 2 weeks holiday!!). This to see how much to increase dose - then Dr Wednesday week ditto. Still to take all my current medication as well which surprised me. They are increasing me very gradually and say it may take 2 months to get under 10 BG.. Have also been given sharps bin and needle cutter. Everything on repeat prescription basis including extra pen for holiday.
Very please at the way I was treated after some of the scare stories on here. Thanks also for the support on here - it really did help to calm me down as the time got closer. Nevertheless still had a 2 minute sob session with nurse and felt a right idiot!!