Blood Glucose

On 1/20/2008 Kiwi H wrote:

Rick,

So sorry to hear of your problems post surgery.

Insulin,an important hormone,  is manufactured in the pancreas. Insulin is secreted by the Islet cells in the pancreas once food hits the stomach. Insulin allows all carbohydrates, (which are found in EVERY food group), which are turned into blood sugars, to pass into every living cell for energy. These include lungs, heart, major organs, muslces etc. Without insulin, your body cannot make use, or use, these energy supplies. IF you don't have a pancreas, you will not be able to make insulin, so would be like me, a Type 1 Diabetic. I have a pancreas, just I don;t make insulin.

 Type 1 diabetics do not make any insulin so take 2 types of insulin. (unless they are on a pump). A long acting insulin like Lantus and short acting insulin with food.

The amount of carbs you have been given is Ok.  I noticed you are taking Lantus. this is a long acting insulin and is important at keeping the insulin level more even throughout the day and night. However I think you should be taking some Rapid insulin with each meal.

The fluctuations in your levels can be as a result of:

1. Not enough insulin with your meals. You need insulin with your meals in order that your body can use and or store the fuel without getting raised sugar levels. Or, when they go low, not enough carbohydrates for the amount of circulating insulin, or as a result of exercise.

2. When do you take Lantus? For most users, it lasts about 21 hours so depending on time will cause some fluctation in levels.

3. Do you do any exercise during the day? Sustained aerobic exercise will use your fuel, and therefore drop your levels.

4. Do you use a Glucometer? It sounds like you do and that is excellent. test before you go for exercise. test 2 hours after a meal and test before you go to bed at night.

Get a referral to an endocrinologist to help with this. As a type 1 diabetic (with cancer too) I can help a little but a specialist will be the best for you.

Diabetes, has many variables. It can be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of testing, counting carbohydrates and giving insulin, you will be back to good health in no time.

Kiwi

"Fear is a Reaction, Courage is a Decision"

Thanks so much for your reply.  The items you provided are useful reinforcement for what the Dr. and others have provided.  The Lantus I take is a 12 hour kind and taken only at bedtime on a sliding scale based on my glucose reading, the day's activity and tomorrow's planned activity.  I am a rancher and get plenty of exercise.  The issue I'm dealing with is the unexpected surges (>300) for no appearent reason and the sudden declines (<40) for no reason.  I normally take my readings 6 to 8 times a day and more often when I believe necessary.  I appreciate your response and will continue to monitor my body, insulin and activity in hopes of getting "a better handle" on things.

I wish you well and hope this year exceeds your expectations.

-Rick-