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Permalink Reply by Kathy on September 27, 2012 at 5:41pm

Are you highs literally caused by stress or hectic lifestyle (which makes it difficult to remember to take care of yourself)? I graduated from grad school last year and can understand the demanding schedules, odd eating patterns, etc. Sometimes I would forget to pump insulin, check my BG after meals, or eat late at night (while often underestimating insulin). It may help to consider being on the pump (if you're not already) and exercise is great for stress relief and blood sugars (but you know that!)

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Permalink Reply by Nel on September 29, 2012 at 7:58am

I'm thinking it's some of both, Kathy. I'm on a pump now (it helps a great deal). I did injections last semester; I did just fine with them but couldn't get doses precise enough.

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on September 28, 2012 at 3:47am

My job can be pretty stressful. Exercise is my main stress relief. It sort of works two ways, 1) in that it's a direct way to blow off some steam and 2) it forces me to spend time, like maybe 4-5 hours before "blasting off", getting my BG in order to work out. Not that much more or less in order than usual but just to make sure things are where they are supposed to be.

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Permalink Reply by mherrington on September 28, 2012 at 4:12am

I would switch all of them to going to the campus none of them need to be online, because thats stressed you up alone.

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Permalink Reply by mherrington on September 28, 2012 at 4:13am

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Permalink Reply by Spock on September 28, 2012 at 6:56am

The old story of stress is FIGHT or FLIGHT. Do I stand and fight or do I run away? Either choice requires more strength, adrealine, glucose, etc. So when you get into those stressful situations, your body is going to automactically compensate and your blood glucose will rise. As a diabetic, I feel I have the best stress barometer in the world.

The other thing to remember is that worrying about and dealing with highs is stressful in itself. If you can control that, it is the place to begin.

Are you on a pump or MDI? I found my pump to be a good friend when I was in grad school and working full time. Also, can you see patterns? Do you chart/record your readings. If you can identify the occurences, you could change your dosages (temp basal on a pump) for those those times.

ARs exercise idea is fantastic, as it lets off steam and helps reduce your numbers. I would make this a priority. And, strange as it seems when you use them, the stress relieving activities (I am floating down a stream on a beautiful day and relaxing....) really do work. There are CDs, etc that you could try. I did a lot of those at bedtime. It helped me sleep instead of worrying all night.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Stress on September 28, 2012 at 7:36am

I agree with the exercise - some time on the treadmill always helps me.

Remember - Stressed spelled backwards is DESSERTS

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Permalink Reply by Nel on September 29, 2012 at 7:55am

Tudiabetes needs a "like" button for this post! :)

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Permalink Reply by Don on September 28, 2012 at 7:37am

I have my carb counts but I never figured out a reliable "stress" count which meant all I could do during stressful exams was bolus a *small* amount before the exam and fingerstick after. Stress is a funny thing because it is all about how you perceive it.

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Permalink Reply by Wren on September 28, 2012 at 7:58am

I was diagnosed in my second year of grad school and was totally overwhelmed by having to learn diabetes management while taking a full courseload and getting through a challenging internship. I am so sorry you're going through this!

My stress level was through the roof also, and I chose to put diabetes first- to the extent that I could and still fulfill the minimum requirements of my program. I hated having to lower my academic expectations of myself, but it helped me reduce the stress. It pissed me off that I wasn't able to be as engaged with the program as my peers, but I was so stressed about BG that nothing else seemed as important.

I recommend choosing your battles carefully- which I know is difficult when you're stretched really thin. Therapy can be really helpful for managing different sources of stress, and there are some who specialize in working with people with chronic illness. I wanted to go, but didn't have insurance, time, or money! Whatever options for stress relief you decide to try, I wish you the best!

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Permalink Reply by Leo2 on September 28, 2012 at 6:18pm

Here's what I'd say if you were one of my doctoral students. Lay out all the hours of your week. Block out the time you can't change, then mark the potential study time blocks, not putting any of that past 10 pm.
Now block out 1/2 of the study time and make it time on the treadmill. Your brain function will so improve you won't need so much "study" time. You'll get through the thinking process for your dissertation problem faster.
Put on an audio book while treadmilling.

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Permalink Reply by Nel on September 29, 2012 at 7:54am

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'll find that helpful. I already have those "can't change" times blocked out, so all I would need to do is block in the study times/workout times.

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