I thought I’d start off the blog with some diabetic basics – what I use/don’t use, why and where I’m at currently…
Fast Insulin: Novorapid
- I have always used Novorapid, I find it works well for me and I don’t really have a reason to swap!
- I have been suggested a faster acting insulin, but my meals aren’t always ready on time so I can totally see a few hypo’s occurring if I did swap
Long acting Insulin: Lantus Glargine
- When I was first diagnosed I used Levemir, but in my first year I asked to swap as I initially despised all the injections.
- I was offered Glargine which is 1 injection (I take it before bed) lasting ~24 hours. As this managed to cut out 1 extra injection than if I were to carry on with Levemir, I was all for it!
- I have continued with Glargine ever since, however it does have some drawbacks: it stings a little when you inject it and my consultant also says it doesn’t always last the full 24 hours. This being said, I haven’t found this to happen to me – I tend to see it lasts the full day.
BG Tester: Usually any Bayer Contour tester I can find in my drawer as they were the ones provided to me. I currently use the Contour Xt. I also occasionally use the Freestyle Libre (I would use it all the time if I could, but sadly it isn’t available for prescription in my region).
- Having trialled the Freestyle Libre and bought a couple though, I can’t express how much it has helped me personally; I realised several dosages weren’t right and my injection timings were completely wrong. Just from using the Freestyle Libre for 3 months and altering my management accordingly my HBA1C dropped from 7.3% to 6.8% !!!
Injections or the Pump:
- I have always used Multiple Daily Injections.
- I have looked into the pump, but I was never too keen on the idea of having something always attached to me as I am EXTREMELY clumsy. However, since using the Freestyle Libre, I have realised that having a device/needle/filament constantly attached to me isn’t as bad as I had imagined. I’ve heard amazing things about the pump and several healthcare professionals who are diabetic swear by it, so it probably will be something I try in the future! For now though, I feel multiple daily injections suits my lifestyle better and I’m yet to learn a lot more about the pump still!
HBA1C:
- Previously 7.3%
- Currently 6.8%
- Goal <6.5%
Hypo go-to’s: ~200ml orange juice at home or in a carton if I’m out and glucose tablets! I aim to treat hypo’s with 2 carb portions and then check ~15 mins later to see if it’s treated it effectively and if not, I’ll have something extra.
Carb Counting? It’s a work in progress… 🤦‍♀️ I think over the years you get to know how many carbs are in certain foods and how your body responds to them, so I tend to naturally inject from memory what I believe is correct. BUT, I will admit I’m not always accurate and do have much to learn still. I know carb counting is really effective so I am trying to do it more and hoping to attend DAFNE to learn more about it. It’s a habit I’m trying to attain and to get into. I also have the carbs and cals book so no excuses! I promise to carry it around as my bible and report back on how it goes… đź‘€
Diabetes Loves:
- The satisfaction of saying “I’m high” (referring to glucose levels) innocently in public and seeing people around give you and your company disapproving looks
- Using the diabetic card to try and get out of things (it’s got to have some perks right? ;))
Diabetic Dislikes:
- The ‘omg I’m going to have diabetes after this’ / ‘I’m eating diabetes’ comments people make when eating/posting a pic of junk food.
- “Oh so have you got diabetes really bad then?” / “You’re not fat though?” / “Did you eat too much sugar then?” 🤦‍♀️
Love,
healthydiabeticone
xxx
Instagram: healthydiabeticone
Healthy Diabetic One 