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The Question
02/16/10
10:43 PM
"Why is it that there are days, where regardless if the insulin to carb ratio is perfect, the BG doesn't seem to come down? "
Asked By:
knaps0316
Category:
Children's Issues
Background Info Hide
I am the mother of a 3yr old who was diagnosed October 2009 with Type 1 Diabetes.
Expert Answers (1)
02/18/10
10:03 PM
Welcome to the world of diabetes where it is a constant balancing act between insulin, food, and exercise. It sounds as if you are on an advanced regimen such as pump or lantus/levemir if you are carb counting. There could be several reasons for highs even if you count the carbs perfectly. First of all, the basal insulin such as NPH/Lantus/Levemir or basal on pump may not be enough. In addition, carb ratios can change or be different for different times throughout the day. I would encourage you to log blood sugars and insulin doses and contact your child's healthcare provider to see what doses if any need to be adjusted. Also, stress and illness can increase blood sugars when you can't explain highs any other way. Having a toddler with diabetes is not easy as they can't tell you how they feel and activity and eating patterns vary from day to day. Remember to look at the big picture and patterns and not to overreact to random highs which are part of having diabetes. Good luck.
Answered By:
Shannon Lyles
Accreditations: BSN, RN, CDE
Sources Show
(1 Answer)
Community Answers (2)
03/27/10
11:43 AM
OK. While I'm sure every kid is going to want to drink vegetable smoothies (seriously!?!), here's my 2 cents. It takes a while to figure out the dosing of the lantus and novolog. If your numbers are consistent (i.e. they are always close to whatever is was the last time you tested), but they are high, you probably do not have enough long acting insulin on board. It took my doc and me about 4 months of adjusting to get the right dosage of Lantus and Novolog. I found that when I consistently ran higher and maintained 140-150, that I needed more Lantus. I also found that taking Lantus only once per day didn't work for me, as I always ran high (150's-170's) in the AM. I split the dose and take 22 units at 10 AM and 22 at 10 PM. Now morning numbers are beautiful. This is different for every person, and even with finding the proper carb to insulin ratio, you will still have some highs or lows based on activity, stress (My morning blood sugar actually goes up if I have to get up really early!) or eating carb heavy meals. I have found that even if I properly dose if I eat a large meal (100 or more carbs) that although my numbers are good 2 hours later, 4-5 hours later, when my body is still digesting all that food, my blood sugar will run high. I fax my doc my blood sugars every week and we work together on this path of management. Make sure you keep good records of how many carbs your child eats, how much insulin you're giving them, and keep track of their activity and especially their blood glucose levels to share with your doc. Send them to your doc every week. That way, he or she can make adjustments as needed. Also, you may want to seek out a certified diabetic educator (CDE). THey are very knowledgeable and can really help you on this diabetes journey. Good luck and I hope the best for you and your child!
Answered By:
pdewey1969
FLAG
SourcesShow
03/26/10
08:03 AM
Cut down on carbs, avoid breads and cow's milk, substitute almond, coconut or rice milk instead. Get your child used to eating fresh veggies. Carrots and broccolli and a healthy dip(one with no msg) are a good way to start-make green smoothies- use coconut, almond or rice milk, a bit of spinach, brocolli or other green, and a small bit of fruit of any kind to sweeten it up. Kids love to drink green things!
My daughter at age 5, had the same problem. We gave her the right amount of insulin, and she was still always high. Her Dr. said that she needed a site change, she needed more insulin, maybe she sneaked food, etc. But as soon as we changed her diet she required alot less insulin and her numbers have stabilized. we never give up hope of her one day being insulin free. The pancreas can regenerate under the right conditions.
FLAG
SourcesShow
(2 Answers)
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.
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