I'm always high on a site-change day. I've tried doubling the recommended amount of fixed prime, but I still wind up in the upper 200s. I've tried doubling my fixed prime and overbolusing for breakfast (I typically change my site first thing in the morning before breakfast) and I'm still high.
It occurred to me recently that I didn't know for sure if the "trauma" to my body from the site change was the culprit or if it was the insulin absorbing into a new place or both that was to blame. Because I'm only high after breakfast; back into range by lunch time.
Rather by accident, several weeks ago on a Sunday I changed my site and then didn't eat anything for about an hour. I had checked my sugar prior to changing my site and was in a good place. Since I hadn't eaten, I checked again about an hour later and I was sitting in the same spot; I had flatlined! So I was starting to think that it wasn't the act of changing the site that was the problem. My suspicion was confirmed when I checked in at 77 two hours after eating. Or so I thought. It wasn't long after the 77 that I was feeling wickedly low. So low that I treated and then fell asleep. And then Aunt Flo showed up. My experiment was tainted.
I had the chance to test my theory again one day last week. I was running late, so I decided to pick breakfast up on the way in to work. Having tried a new site two days ago that was doing nothing but leaving me constantly in the 200s, I changed my site a day early. I checked my sugar, changed my site and reservoir and got on the road to work (yes, I went back to the mid-belly so I could start seeing some better numbers). After a quick stop at the convenience store, I settled in at my desk and checked my sugar again.
I had jumped nearly 100 mg/dL in an hour without having eaten anything. The only difference was the site change. New suspicion confirmed.
I will still have to do some experimenting with this to try to decipher what's going on.
Anyone else go through this? Any advice?
I experience a similar thing. I've tried all kinds of crazy things. It seems for me that no matter when I change the site (day/night), it is the very first meal (and bolus) that doesn't quite do the trick. I haven't done exhaustive scientific testing, but really haven't figured out a safe way to get around this one.
I've blogged about this a little bit (http://scotts-dblife.blogspot.com/2006/03/more-set-change-stuff-again.html).
It is very frustrating and a real bugger of a problem to figure out. I'll stay tuned and see if you make any progress (and I promise to update you if I am hit by any bright ideas).
This may or may not help. My son does the exact opposite. He runs low after a site change. The only thing that works for him is changing his site along with a meal and decreasing the meal bolus by about 10% and also decreasing his basal by 60% for 3.5 hours.
Maybe increasing your basals a certain percentage for a few hours will help you?
I have a similar reaction when I change my site. I now increase my basal rate 10% for 4 hours at the time I begin using the new site. This seems to keep my levels normal.
I have recently got my pump and I have noticed that if I choose my belly then I have crazy numbers...I [referred giving my injections in my belly so I thought it was that it is harder to get that area to absorb your insulin because of overuse possibly. I have it in my arm now and I am not having those crazy numbers.
This is my first time answering a letter. So forgive me on any mistakes. Here goes. I am one of the old timers when it comes to diabetes. In October (the month I hate) at the age of three, I was rushed to the military hospital where my parents were informed that I was a diabetic. I have had a life time of experiences with diabetes. I was seeing a family doctor who informed me that I needed an endocronologist(?). I should know how to spell that word by now. HAHA. In 1998 I received my first insulin pump. I had to start seeing this doctor every three months and if I don't show up the nurse calls me. First things first get that great doctor and see him/her every three months. I have a feeling that you already have that in control.
A couple of months ago I started having problems with my insulin dropping like a popped balloon. That was scary when 20 children(students)are running around trying to find someone to help me. I always inform my children to find certain people at my school to help me. These people are instructed on how to turn my pump off. Makes them feel important and they are. I went that day to see my doctor. He told me that I was very sensitive to insulin, and he adjusted my pump about the size of a string of hair. So far, everything has been pretty good.
Another thing you might want to do for your morning blood glucose. Bloodsugars change between 3 A.M. and 6 A.M. It's a hassel, but very important, to get up at 3 A.M. to check your bloodsugars. Keep a record for about a week, and then tell your doctor and have him adjust the dosage for that time period.
Stress plays a big part on a diabetic's life. It may sound silly, but during lunch time go outside (not in the rain), put your feet up-close your eyes-think of some pleasant subject, or read a book.
Sites are important. Sometimes the stomach needs a rest. Good sites--leg, buttock, back, arm. My doctor told me that the back wasn't really the best place because you need lots of help. Make sure you EAT. Just because you are on a pump doesn't mean you stop eating. Insulin works off the food that is eaten. My bg can be 295 and if I haven't eaten, I will eat a salad with fruit. I found out the hard way that it is better for the bg to come down slowly. You are in control when you do so slowly. You can find yourself in deep water if it comes down to fast. Guess what? Yeap, my doctor recommended this.
I hope some of these things will help but the most important of all these things is DOCTOR.
Donna