Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MissKitka on October 17, 2011 at 4:08pm

Jennifer,

I test a few times a week and am type 1. I sense hunger so testing is not necessary as I know when I have to eat. I inject a fast type that lasts for 8 hours and slow type that lasts 22 hours, mixed together, every 12 hours, so totally bolus compared to most people. I have been doing this, for the exception of 6 years in the 80s , for 52 years now since 1959. I feel safe and comfortable and do not have any complications so far. My A1C was 5.5 a few years ago and now has stabilized at 6.5 which my doctor thinks is fine. The last endo I saw was in 1969 and I do not have a team or see anyone about diabetes.

I would never trust a pump because I was an electronics designer for 40 years and I am fully versed in reliability that today is totally pathetic. Many of my circuits went to space so I know what it takes, big money and much testing, so very expensive. I don't mind needles one bit because I have total control, which is my key to success and good health.

Be well and take care of yourself.

Don

Permalink Reply by zabie on October 17, 2011 at 8:04pm

Hi Jennifer,
I have type 1. I am on the pump. I test A LOT. But....I am very active and i don't always feel my lows until they're really low. I get mixed messages from different professionals. One minute they tell you not to test too much, the next someone says you need to test often. I also bolus between meals. Sometimes because I am too high, sometimes because I want a snack.

Different things work for different people. Some docs only go by what is written in a text book, but life isn't black and white.

Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Kelly on October 17, 2011 at 8:41pm

First, I could show your doctor with one finger how many times I test! Jerk.

Test a day - 4 to 6
When I use the pump, 5 to 6, and actually about the same for needles. I'm a snacker.
My family doc and endo say I'm very diligent and that most of their patients don't work as hard as I do.
I have type 1.5 although both my endo and fam doc don't acknowledge it. They'd rather purport that I had gestational 5 years ago, it went away and then I had type 1. whatever.

If you have good hypo awareness, you don't need to test that often.

Permalink Reply by Kelly on October 17, 2011 at 8:42pm

Although I'll add that when you transition to the pump, you will have to test that often to get your programs right.

Permalink Reply by Ana on October 17, 2011 at 11:06pm

I am type I. I test a lot: about 8 times a day + during the night, sometimes more depending on how I feel. I also have a CGM that has to be calibrated every 12 hrs, so I have to check for that as well. The CGM is reliable, however sometimes the numbers are off, and before taking any actions I have to check my BG. Since I am trying to keep my BG levels close to normal (I'm in the process of TTC), I don't always feel my lows. My last A1C was 5.7%.
I used to test 6-7 times a day when I did not use a CGM.
I use insulin pens and take injections (Bolus) every time I have a meal or a snack, and again the number of units depends on what my BG is and what I eat. I take my Basal every 24hrs.
All the doctors I've had recommend to test at least 4 to 6 times a day.

I personally prefer injections to a pump. I tried omny pod, and I just could not control my sugars - they were all over the place. I did it for about 8 months and got back to injections. Some people love pumps, but I guess everyone's different.

Permalink Reply by nel on October 17, 2011 at 11:26pm

http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/meter/

As a start try if you qualify for the program , which the Canadian Diabetes Association had made available to those , who are in a position without coverage for strips .
In your case for the long term , this may not be the answer .
I am a pumper , type 1 and poke and poke and poke about 10 times daily ..(so far it has kept me out of the Emergency ) ; we have a very good Extended Health Benifit program at a cost .
I read in your other discussion , that you are pregnant ; never having been pregnant I would think , the Doc has the right idea about the number of pokes he suggests.
Be well .

Permalink Reply by Terrie on October 18, 2011 at 3:28am

Congrats on the Babe! :)

I can understand your not wanting or feeling that you need to test 8 times a day since you are a Type 2. Due to the facts that you are pregnant and wanting to pump however, I think that your Endo and/orCDE are not being unreasonable in asking you to test 8 times a day.

I usually test between 7-9 times a day.
I inject 5-7 times a day depending on type of food/carbs, exercise that I've had or will have, amount of fatique, how my appetite is, if I'm having an off day.
My Endos through the years, have encouraged me to test more often especially if I felt that doing so keeps me more focused and healthy, which it does.
I am a Type 1(for a long time) on shots.

Take Care and keep us updated please. Best to you and your Baby. :)