New to injecting insulin for diabetes. Help please!?
924907
You should always eat something, or drink some OJ, when you take your insulin.  If you continue to have such low numbers, and your doctor doesn't do anything, get another opinion.  Your blood sugar level should never go that low.  Also make sure that your glucometer is properly calibrated.\n\nAs far as snacks go, the best thing to do IS to have small snacks between your meals and before bed.  That keeps your metabolism going.  Try a couple pretzels and a piece of cheese, or some apple and peanut butter.  Always make sure that you eat protein when you eat carbs.  The protein keeps you from spiking your blood sugar.
851634
Well, my friend is a type 1 and she has two sisters. Sadly, all three have it and I hang out with them a lot so I know a ton. 1st off, try to limit the ammount of carbs you eat because the more carbs, the more insulin you have to  inject or pump. So, also drink water when your blood sugar level is high because when you drink, you have to pee and when you pee, you are releasing some of the blood sugar. If you're low, Drink a Juicy Juice Box of any flavor which totally brings you up like 20 or something. Ummm..... Just do what you're doing and possibly my suggestions and see how that works. Also, are you using a lancet or a lancing device? The best lancing device is prolly a BD where you pull the bottom and push the blue button. If you keep using a lancing device, you should change your needle every month unless it's contaminated before then. Don't use a regular non-reusable lancet more than once. \nCheck your blood sugar levels more often too to maintain a target number of about 95-115.
88626
I am not a nurse or doctor,however,I have been diabetic (type 1) for 36 years. A normal blood sugar reading is between 80 and 120, At 190 sugar spills into your urine. That's when you become thirsty, beyond belief, and start to dehydrate. You will know every washroom in the city because of constant urination. I have been hospilized w/ a reading of about 1200. That was with taking insulin. I had dental work done, and the infection got the best of me. Your reading shows you that your sugar is high, but it is the way the sugar affects your organs that can be fatal. When I had my episode, my potassium levels were screaming high,my kidneys had shut down,I lost the vision in one eye from such a low blood pressure. I was in a coma for a day before anyone found me. I remained so for an additional five days. During that time I suffered a heart attack. Diabetes can be hard to control, even with insulin. Sometimes it becomes more complicated because of the insulin. If you can manage it without..DO IT! Get on a diet recommended by a dietition, get yourself a glucometer to check your sugar at home frequently. Exercise. Show your family the way to deal with it should they eventually have it. Your circulation is compromised, affecting your legs and feet, eyes, and kidneys, skin. High sugar means you will have a harder time fighting infections. Your teeth and gums will need extra care-and you are the only one that can do it. Don't become blind or on dialysis because you can't pass up a candy bar or a chunk of cake. your family needs you, and when you look at their smiling faces, you'll be grateful to be with them. I know I am telling you scary things. I wish someone had really explained to me HOW these things could come to pass. It's because it affects the smallest,tiniest blood vessels in your body. You don't always "just die" from diabetes. You could live a long time with what it can do to you. Good luck to you. I would be so proud of you if you could turn this thing around to become incredibley healthy. This would be the time to do that. If you see that your sugar is rising,for no apparent reason, such as large meal,eating fruit,etc.,call your doctor. It may be from a sinus infection, earache,cut that won't heal. The infection raises your sugar, your sugar makes it difficult to get rid of the infection. And so it goes..round and round. Don't wait for a huge spike in your numbers.
236462
An insulin pump is a device used for administering insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.\n\nThe device consists principally of three parts :\n\nthe pump itself including controls, processing module, and batteries \ndelivery tube to carry the insulin \nneedle or more commonly a catheter inserted into the body subcutaneously \nThe insulin pump delivers a single type of fast-acting insulin in two ways :\n\na basal (small) dose that is delivered constantly \na bolus dose that is delivered before meals or to correct high blood glucose levels \n \nInsulin pump in useBecause a single type of insulin is used, it is easier to determine the effect of a given dose by looking at the delivery profile of that insulin. Insulin pumps also make it possible to deliver much smaller amounts of insulin than can be injected using a syringe. This provides tighter control over blood sugar and Hemoglobin A1c levels, reducing the chance of long-term complications associated with diabetes.\n\nThe amount of insulin delivered for a bolus is determined by the bloodsugar level and the grams of carbohydrates consumed. In all cases, delivery rates are determined by the user in consultation with his endocrinologist. Currently there is no means to automatically control the insulin delivery based on the blood glucose level of the user. However, the two main manufacturers of pumps, Medtronic (Paradigm, Minimed), and Roche Diagnostics (Disetronic H-Tron and D-Tron) are testing the concept of a closed-loop system but even if the concept is as promising as it appears there remains the legal problem of what happens if the system is incorrect. For example, continuous blood glucose monitoring technology can report very wide variances of blood glucose. Using the non-US measuring system of mmol/l a closed-system that detects glucose of say, 15 mmol/l might dispense 10u of fast acting insulin. If the patient has an actual glucose of 6 mmol/l (within the accepted glycaemic range), those 10 units of insulin could very quickly lead to hypoglycaemic coma which if not recognised and treated can kill very quickly. There is a lot more research to do on CBGM technology but the first closed-loop systems may be made available for clinical trials by mid-2006.\n\nUse of insulin pumps is increasing as it provides an easier means to deliver multiple insulin injections for those using intensive insulin therapy. It's also interesting to note that because of differences in health insurance and public funding, the US has about 150,000 pump users. In the UK, where public funding is limited, most patients have to self-finance their pumps. Because of this, there are maybe 1100 pump users in the UK by comparison.
701108
If you absolutely have to have it sweet then use Splenda.  It is made from sugar but doesn't have the effects of sugar.  Even sugar subsitutes should be avoid where possible because they tend to elevate you insuline.
1090129
Hi.  I have had diabetes since I was 9 and I am 35 now.  That is a lot of shots, since I have to take them 3 times a day.  I alternate my injection site every time to decrease scar tissue and tissue damage, and to minimize pain.  I use my upper arm, back of my arms, legs, stomach, and both butt cheeks.  Since I am right handed it is easier to take the injection in my left cheek, but I still manage to use both sides.  I keep the injections in my butt higher up but have used a lot of the general area.  I have never had any problems of any sort when using my backside for injections.  The buttock is listed in most literature as one of many possible and safe injection sites.  There are many great books, Internet sites, and magazines out today that you might be interested in.  You can find some good information on any Diabetes issues you may have.  Of course, you can always speak to your physician if you are having a lot of pain or are concerned about causing yourself problems.  Check out this article and look around the site.  Hope this helps.  http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/yourinsulin/howto_injection.asp
932499
this is called Carbuncle.\ncloxacillin is NOT enough as its a "weak" antibiotic,its used primarily to AUGMENT other atibiotics.\nyou may have to take the combination of Cloxacillin+Ampicillin ( called Augmentin ).\nor you may need to use other antibiotic like Clindamycin.\nGo to the doctor & get the correct traetment, this is not a simple thing (infection in a diabetic person).\ngood luck
124446
Check out the product website for starters or read the direction / instructions that came with your Accucheck meter. (There should have been a pamphlet or booklet in the box.)\n\nIf you prefer a more hands-on approach, take the meter to your doctor's office and ask one of the nurses there to assist you. OR, another option would be to go to your local health department. Many health departments have a diabetes program in place, dedicately solely to assisting those in the communities with the disease. Someone there would be glad to help you...\n\nGood luck and best wishes...
1140855
There are many supplements that will help your diabetes. However giving what they are is not allowed here because of solicitation rules in place. One for example is Grape seed extract for circulation, there is one patented version I prefer that is six times more potent but any will help some.
45182
Try www.insulin-pumpers.org \n\nSite is for those with diabetes using insulin pump therapy and caregivers of diabetics.  There's always lots of discussions on the latest breakthroughs in technology and research.
236071
The first answer is off base!  \n\n\nIf you have the Internet you have support!\n\nMy friends that have diabetes use the following website and they are successfully controlling their diabetes using their website:\n\nThis is the future for diabetes treatment...\n\nwww.nutrihand.com\n\nI will pray for you.\n\nNever Give Up!
920931
You need to get your doctor to refer you to a diabetes nurse educator or endocrinologist (a doctor that specializes in endocrin diseases, which includes diabetes). He/she can explain your disease to you, and talk about the lifestyle changes you will need to make in order to prevent the complications of uncontrolled diabetes, like heart disease, gangrene and kidney failure. \nI have also included links to the American Diabetes Association, they will also have lots of  information. When it comes to diabetes, you cannot be too educated.\nGo out and buy a small notebook so you can jot down important information, and monitor your blood sugar levels in this diary.\nYou will need a high -protein, low carbohydrate diet. That means, cut out all sweets, sodas and candies. Limit starches (like potato chips, fries, etc), juices and fruits.\nI am sorry that they just dumped this on you and didn't take the time to explain. They are obligated to get you educated, so insist on a referral to a diabetes center.
626198
The Lilly Corporation is supplying my insulin for free due to a program they have called the lillycares patient assistance program, or you can try the PPA (partners for perscription Assistance to help find your insulin.  I told my doctor about not being able to afford my testing supplies, and he talked to some of the pharmacutical reps that come to his office and they sent me 6 months worth of testing strips and lancets, and said as long as i need them, they'll send them.  so ask your doctor about something like that
228399
Limit your carb intake. The body turns all carbs into sugar. With simple carbs; sugar, honey, syrup, etc. the body converts these quickly causing your blood sugar to spike so avoid these. Complex carbs like rice, oatmeal, beans, etc. take longer to convert so your blood sugar doesn't spike, but it will still go up. You also have to be careful not to eat too much protein. Protein won't effect your blood sugar, but will effect your kidneys which are already working overtime trying to get rid of the excess sugar. Make an appointment and talk with a dietitian. In the meantime practice portion control. That's where most of us get in trouble. 1/2 Cup is a serving of starch like corn, beans, pasta, potatoes. 1 Cup is a serving of raw veggies and 1/2 Cup cooked veggies = a serving. 1 oz. of meat = 1 serving of meat. Watch your diet and talk with a dietitian and you should be able to control your diabetes without having to go on meds. OH and always carry some hard candy with you in case your blood sugar gets too low. Good luck with this.
1078742
I started a pump in april.  Before the pump I was on lantus and novolog.  It worked well, and my a1c was 5.7.  I tested around 6-8 times a day.  I was shooting about 6+ times a day.\n\nYou have to test a ton when you first start the pump.  12-15 times a day was the norm for me about the first month of so.  After that I got rates figured out better and it was down to about 8-10.  \n\nLet me back up a bit and explain how pumps work a little.  Pumps only use fast acting insulin.  You load up a "reservoir" (also called a "cartridge"), sorta like a big syringe, with fast acting insulin.  I use novolog.  My reservoir holds 300 units of insulin, about a 10 day supply for me.  \n\nTubing in then connected from the reservoir to an "infusion set" on the body.  The infusion set is put in with a needle that is slightly thicker than a syringe needle and usually considerably longer.  It hurts more to put in than giving a shot does, but still not bad, and it stays there for 3 days.  Some people need to use a lot of tape to keep it in place, some people use none (just the adhesive on the set itself).  You will soon find what works for you.\n\nPumps use "basal" and "bolus" doses of insulin.  The basal is the minimum amount of insulin you need when you are not eating.  This amount may change throughout the day, which is okay on a pump, since you can adjust it by the half hour (on my pump, some pumps you can only go by the hour).  By fine tuning where you need more and less basal, you can really control things better than with shots.  I'm amazed at how varied my basal is, because I need .2 units per hour in the morning, and .7 in the afternoon.  Huge difference.\n\nThe bolus dose is given when you eat or when you have high bs.   You will figure out two numbers with your doctor.  One is called a "carb ratio".  This is the amount of carbs you can eat and take 1 unit of fast acting insulin and stay normal.  For example, mine is 18.  That means I can have 18 grams of carbs, and if I take 1 unit, my blood sugar will stay normal.  So if I want 27 grams of carb, I can take 1.5 units and stay normal.  If I eat 36 grams I can take 2 units and "cover" it.  And so on and so forth. \n\nThe other number is called the "insulin sensitivity factor" or just "ISF."  This is the amount 1 unit of fasting acting insulin drops your blood sugar.  It's 60 for me.  So if I am 180, one unit will bring me to 120.  If i'm 240, 2 units will bring me to 120.  And so on and so forth.\n\nThese two numbers are put in the pump, then you can enter the number of grams and what your bs is and it will tell you how much to bolus for the meal or high bs.  \n\nA few other nice things about the pump is that is can give very precise doses, down to .05 units (try that on shots).  And it can "extend" boluses, to deal with how high bs can last for hours after a high carb meal.  Or you can do a combination bolus, giving some of the dose right away and extending some.\n\nTemporary rates are also a favorite feature of mine.  If I exercise, I turn down how much insulin I get, and that avoids low bs without the constant snacking.\n\nIt's also nice to be free of shots.\n\nBut the down sides are there.  It kinda sucks to be connected to a machine 24/7 (and you have to be if you are pumping).  But you get used to it.  I hated it at first, now I barely think about it.\n\nIt's also mad expensive.  Definitely not feasible if your insurance doesn't want to cooperate or alternatively, if you are not a millionaire.\n\nAlso, some people say they get high bs fast and dangerously when something goes wrong.  When you use only fast acting insulin, you have no "cushion" of Lantus or N or whatever you use now.\n\nPumping can be fraustrating at first, but it ends up worth it imo.
468045
I'm 41 and I found out I had Type II, 2 1/2 years ago and no one in my family has ever had it. Just keep taking your pill, stay away from sugars and watch your carbs. It's not that hard these days - there are lots of foods out there. I take Avandia twice a day and insulin shots twice a day so you're so lucky. It's not hard to adjust. After I found out I lost 73 lbs. and it wasn't hard. Good luck.
1007737
My advice to you would be to set a goal of reducing your blood sugar level (average) instead setting the goal of getting of medication. This will happen if you lower your levels. \n\nKeep doing what you are doing -- eating healthy, exercising, and following your medication regiment. If you are averaging around 164, you may be able to eventually result to treating your diabetes solely with diet and exercise. It will take time though if this happens, so don't expect it to happen overnight. \n\nI really hope you can treat your condition without prescription meds, but remember that if you do have to take a pill everyday, its not that bad and you're not the only one that does this on a daily basis. \n\nKeep up the good work!