question
Hi! Does anyone else have a problem with blood sugars going haywire
close to the time of their menstrual period? I had 1 insulin reaction
yesterday, and then 2 more while I was asleep-I’ve probably gained 2
extra pounds from having to eat extra food!! Any suggestions? This is a
problem for me every month!
January 28th, 2003 at 7:11 am
<<
Hi! Does anyone else have a problem with blood sugars going haywire
close to the time of their menstrual period? I had 1 insulin reaction
yesterday, and then 2 more while I was asleep-I’ve probably gained 2
extra pounds from having to eat extra food!! Any suggestions? This is a
problem for me every month!
>>
Here <<<waving hands back and forth furiously>>>
two days before till the first 24 hours after I start bleeding boy do I have
the worst time. I often find myself running really high not much lows. I
will have great blood sugars for days straight and I mean 70-140 and all of a
sudden in the 200 range and it stays even with high blood sugar boluses. We
decided to raise my basal the next month to see what we could do. Maybe
lowering yours would help.
Kathleen
dx 3/6/82 age 16
June 1st, 2005 at 11:52 pm
Hi,
I have been diabetic for 18 years. I am considering switching from 3
shots a day to the pump. My main problem has been that I try to keep
my control very tight and get hypoglycemic a great deal. Can you
guide me on whether the pump would keep my sugar in control without
the low blood sugar problems? Are you generally glad that you
switched to the pump? TIA
Steve
June 2nd, 2005 at 8:19 am
Steve,
Diabetic for about 20 years, I was doing the same thing you were, hated the
way high sugars felt, I injected 4-5 times daily.
The hypos came real close to killing me, several times. Switch to the pump
has been life transforming and has given me the feeling that at last I am
back in control. In a few years there may be a better alternative, but for
now, the pump is the way for a Type 1 that is serious about controling blood
sugars. The first thing I learned at the Diabetes Center that I needed to
attend to get the pump was that I was seriously overtreating the disease.
Before I switched they had cut my total daily insulin by about 1/3 and
eliminated the lows….
Scott
June 2nd, 2005 at 2:31 pm
The pump does an excellent job helping me avoid low BG. I am definitely glad
I am on the pump
June 3rd, 2005 at 12:30 am
This isn’t a *control* reply, but I want to add that yesterday I was setting
up for my BASH, I had no lunch other than 4oz. milk and an apple. Didn’t
have dinner (hamburger & fries) until 8:00 p.m. I have a life that *I*
control. I’m not catering to injected insulin and its whims and peaks!!! My
last 3 A1c’s have been 6.1 & 6.3. Without a lot of lows or highs.
June 4th, 2005 at 11:42 pm
Your blood sugars will become a lot more predictable with the pump because
using a long acting insulin when you are taking shots can bring on a lot of
unexpected lows and unpredictable results.
June 5th, 2005 at 6:06 am
<< Hi,
I have been diabetic for 18 years. I am considering switching from 3
shots a day to the pump. My main problem has been that I try to keep
my control very tight and get hypoglycemic a great deal. Can you
guide me on whether the pump would keep my sugar in control without
the low blood sugar problems? Are you generally glad that you
switched to the pump? TIA
Steve
>>
Hi Steve,
Before the pump I was considered a brittle diabetic. I also took at least 3
shots/day. When I first heard about the pump I was unsure weather I wanted
it or not. I am a control freak and I was in my little routine of
shots/testing etc. I have been a diabetic for 33yrs so it was routine.
Anyway I was afraid what if the machine malfunctioned and gave me a bunch of
insulin etc. So I did some investigating and found out that in Minimeds case
the machine does hundreds of checks all day so I thought why not. I called
Minimed and they sent me a video and some info and after I watched it I
thought I gotta try this. I have never regretted it since. The things that
were hard for me were learning carb counting for one. I had never done this
before. I always used the exchange diet. Then putting the infusion set in
was hard for me to get used to but I think that was because I had my routine
for 32 yrs and this was all new. Having something new after all this time
was hard. But I would never ever go back to shots. I only have to stick
myself once every 3 or 4 days and thats it. I can now sleep in if I want,
eat when I want, not eat if Im too sick to, I can take my insulin easily
wherever I am. Before if I went to a restaurant to eat I had to hope the
meal would come when they said cause if I already took my insulin I was in
deep do-do if the meal was late. I also hated having to go into the restroom
to take my shot because it was very inconvienent. There are so many reasons
to get a pump. I check my sugars pretty regularly and did that before so
that was no big deal. Anyway I cant say enough about how the pump has
changed my life. I thank God for it everyday. If Im feeling low all I have
to do is look down at my pump and say God gave me this and I know itll be OK.
I hope this helps you and wish you all the luck in your endeavour. Chrissy
June 5th, 2005 at 4:03 pm
Steve,
I understand your question…I started on the pump four hours ago. I am sitting
in my hospital room right now - so far so good. I was just diagnosed in June of
this year. I was achieving very good results with injection therapy. I brought
my A1C down from 12.6 (first diagnosis) to 6.5 in four months. My 30-day average
is about 105.
I chose the pump to help restore the flexibility to my very busy lifestyle. I
can’t always eat when I want or what I want due to my work and exercise
schedules.
I’ll keep you posted.
Jonathan
June 5th, 2005 at 8:13 pm
i am for the most part very glad,however there is a little more effort with the
pump,but it is worth
it. i have had several hypo’s tho nothing like b4 being on the 4 injections.i
would recommend
the pump.not trying to sell one or the other i am on the disetronic htron plus
since may,00.
my av has gone fr 10 to 5.8.have a good day.
sharon
Hi,
I have been diabetic for 18 years. I am considering switching from 3
shots a day to the pump. My main problem has been that I try to keep
my control very tight and get hypoglycemic a great deal. Can you
guide me on whether the pump would keep my sugar in control without
the low blood sugar problems? Are you generally glad that you
switched to the pump? TIA
Steve
June 6th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
Dear Scott, J. Hughey, Metguy31, Chrissy, Jonathan and Sharon,
Thank you all for your replies, they are greatly appreciated and it
certainly sounds promising. Scott, it sounds like we share the same story.
Overtreating is the word. J. Hughey, skipping a meal? What is that? I
can’t even imagine having that opportunity. Metguy31 and Sharon, I also
appreciate your words of wisdom. Chrissy, thank you for your detailed
insight. Jonathan, how kind of you to take time to respond from your
hospital room. I truly wish you a quick release from that jail! Thank you
all for helping to clear up a big question and helping me to come to a
decision that I may give this a go. Have any of you found it easier to lose
or maintain weight on this regimine? I could stand to lose about 10 or 15
lbs. but with not being able to skip meals or snacks….well, you know that
routine. But I do love to eat.
Thanks again,
Steve
June 7th, 2005 at 12:28 am
Have any of you found it easier to lose
> or maintain weight on this
regimine?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have been able to maintain about the same weight give or take a few pounds
over the 4 and half years of pumping. Some people believe that Humalog
insulin can make you gain weight, also sometimes with the freedom of the
pump people can eat whenever they want so they may eat things that they
would not on shots. Me I love ice-cream and chocolate chip cookies. So I
will take the insulin and have my ice-cream and cookies without thinking
twice.
Frank
.
June 7th, 2005 at 10:14 am
Steve, I have only been pumping for about 5mos. Learning the carbo counting
definitely makes you more consious of what you are eating. It makes
occaisonal bingeing and occasional fasting possible. So, that would vary
with the individual. Another big plus for the pump is not having to keep a
"loaded" syringe with you always. You are always ready for a new dietetic
challenge.
You will probably wind up checking your sugar more often, but you will be
much more capable of acting on that information.
Scott
June 7th, 2005 at 6:18 pm
Pumping gives you your LIFE back! I couldn’t do this BASH without it. I
have been running around and not taking the time to eat and really not
hungry either. I control what goes into me - not the insulin controlling
what I do. °Ü°
June 11th, 2005 at 6:16 am
steve,
good morning i have lost 8 lbs since may.i think that is a start.i am told
one can tweek a bit here and there after you get use to using the pump and
are able to loose.i too LOVE to eat.
sharon
Dear Scott, J. Hughey, Metguy31, Chrissy, Jonathan and Sharon,
Thank you all for your replies, they are greatly appreciated and it
certainly sounds promising. Scott, it sounds like we share the same story.
Overtreating is the word. J. Hughey, skipping a meal? What is that? I
can’t even imagine having that opportunity. Metguy31 and Sharon, I also
appreciate your words of wisdom. Chrissy, thank you for your detailed
insight. Jonathan, how kind of you to take time to respond from your
hospital room. I truly wish you a quick release from that jail! Thank you
all for helping to clear up a big question and helping me to come to a
decision that I may give this a go. Have any of you found it easier to
lose
or maintain weight on this regimine? I could stand to lose about 10 or 15
lbs. but with not being able to skip meals or snacks….well, you know
that
routine. But I do love to eat.
Thanks again,
Steve
June 17th, 2007 at 4:37 am
ok folks, i have a question if that’s ok. i know you guys are drs, but i
just want an opinion.
i’ve never had any problems with my feet up until now. my dh is in the
military and we moved to the south (southern AL) about this time a year
ago. recently my feet have gotten VERY dry. actually to the point of
cracking at the heels. they don’t hurt, and never have, but i’m starting
to get concerned. do you think this justifies a trip to the dr? I feel
silly calling cause my feet are dry.
thanks in advance
Faith
June 17th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Faith,
I don’t know if a special appointment should be made (Joan could answer that
one), but I would definitely ask your doctor what he recommends. I know that
the cracking can cause problems since it allows bacteria an entrance. I
usually try to remember to put a heavy duty lotion on my feet at night before
bed and right after my shower. Just make sure that you don’t get it between
the toes. I concentrate on my heels, the ball of my foot, and the outside
edge of my big toe (basically where all the calluses are).
Connie
Ken & Faith Robinson wrote:
June 18th, 2007 at 2:28 am
Cracking at the heels is not good. My endo recommended using a pumice stone
(or however you spell it) after a shower or bath when your feet are still
somewhat moist. Using the stone to try to rub out some of the cracks and
then applying a cream to moisturize the heel. Avoid getting the lotion
between your toes. I don’t think that your situation requires a trip to a
foot dr at this point in time but if it gets worse instead of better, I
would make an appointment. If however, the cracks are sore or bleeding that
is another story, get yourself an appointment sooner rather than later.
That’s my 2 cents worth for whatever it’s worth? Have a great one! Chera
June 18th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
It could be athlete’s foot that doesn’t itch. Mine never itches,
possibly because of less sensitivity. Some insurance co’s cover walk-
in clinic visits, if you want someone to look at it. And if you’re
at a large company, see if a company nurse can check them out.
By the way, who are the doctors in this group? I have lots-o-
questions myself!! just kidding. well…
June 21st, 2007 at 6:55 am
I routinely see a podiatrist to check my feet. I am legally blind and do
not want to miss something. Eucerin was recommended to me for dry sky. I
use the lotion the cream is too thick and pulls my skin.
Gail
June 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
<< Avoid getting the lotion
between your toes. I don’t think that your situation requires a trip to >>
I forget why that is. Chrissy
June 23rd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
the moisture can casue yeast infections/athletes foot infections, it is best
to keep that area of you feet dry to prevent possible infections. I hope
that helps, because I feel like I am rambeling…LOL have a good one! Chera
June 25th, 2007 at 7:22 am
The advice to keep your feet moist should be well taken. Dry feet in
diabetics can lead to infections. If you have neuropathy in your feet
and can’t feel pain, you won’t notice if there is a problem on the
bottom or between toes. I didn’t realize until recently why doctors
always said to take care with your feet. I don’t have personal
experience with ulcerated feet that won’t heal, but I’ve heard more and
more about it. This is why research shows that most foot amputations
are on diabetics. Take care of those puppies.
Audra
June 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
<< the moisture can casue yeast infections/athletes foot infections, it is
best
to keep that area of you feet dry to prevent possible infections. I hope
that helps, because I feel like I am rambeling…LOL have a good one! Chera
>>
Youre not rambling at all. It was just 3 teeny tiny sentences.
Thanks
it did help. Chrissy
June 29th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
<< ok folks, i have a question if that’s ok. i know you guys are drs, but i
just want an opinion.
i’ve never had any problems with my feet up until now. my dh is in the
military and we moved to the south (southern AL) about this time a year
ago. recently my feet have gotten VERY dry. actually to the point of
cracking at the heels. they don’t hurt, and never have, but i’m starting
to get concerned. do you think this justifies a trip to the dr? I feel
silly calling cause my feet are dry.
thanks in advance
Faith >>
Hi Faith: little late in responding….strange as it may seem we are not
doctors! Just people that have learned from each other. I’m a nurse and in
another 1 1/2 yrs a nurse practitioner. So, we share our "wisdom".
As far as your feet….invest in a good emollient….I get the same problem,
but more so in the winter. 2 products I’ve used and quite frequently are
"Bag Balm" and Dermal Therapy foot massage cream. I know it’s going to
sound nuts, but Bag Balm is used by Vermont Dairymen for their cows for sore
teats from milking. It’s a pure lanolin…..thick as axel grease, but if
you slather it on at night and put a light pair of loose cotton socks on, it
works wonders. Same is true for the Dermal therapy. Has a nice minty
scent to it too.
Hope this helps….Joan
June 30th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
ok folks, i have a question if that’s ok. i know you guys are drs, but i
just want an opinion.
i’ve never had any problems with my feet up until now. my dh is in the
military and we moved to the south (southern AL) about this time a year
ago. recently my feet have gotten VERY dry. actually to the point of
cracking at the heels. they don’t hurt, and never have, but i’m starting
to get concerned. do you think this justifies a trip to the dr? I feel
silly calling cause my feet are dry.
thanks in advance
Faith