Lately I’m having a hard time correcting a high bg level. I know we become insulin resistant when we are high but my usual correction factor 1-75 doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. Have any of you had your correction factor amount change on you? It has been taking me an entire day to come down. i thought this was an absorption issue (back of my arm) or the heat wave we’re having in the east, but now I’m not sure. Any ideas?
Maybe it’s stress. I was recently under a lot of stress and my BG was high. My usual correction factor, 1-50, did not work. After testing, I had do the correction again. I suspect, that at the time, if I had used a factor of 1-30, it would have been close to right.
Christine, your correction factor can absolutely change just as much as any other insulin need can change. I actually find I have a different correction factor need at night than during the day. Remember, this isn’t an exact science. You’ll probably keep adjusting until they find a cure for us. Good luck with it!
Once again…I agree with Rebecca! It’s a moving target…and you need to be flexible. i keep a log and notice how much my bg’s change with each correction, the amount of correction, the original bolus, CHO’s per meal, etc etc etc. Also, keep track of which days you exercise, and how hot it is that day! My corrections absolutely RISE on very hot days! (I found that a bit peculiar at first, then my endo told me it was natural). Good Luck, and PEACE!
Hormones, perhaps?
Thanks for the input everyone… I do infact run even during the heat and I am a hormonal mess these days. I’ll just have to learn to make adjustments. Good to know.
I had a nasty bout with hyperglycemia after a pneumonia vacination. I kept going higher and higher. After about 24 hours I was over 400 despite correction boluses and my Dexcom had flatlined at 400. I called my endo and got the doctor on call. She had me take a correction bolus of 10 units and increase my basal 10%. That started to help, but about 5 hours later I was still over 300, so I called back and she had me take an additional 10 units.
I discussed this with my RN CDE and she told me that when the blood glucose is over 300, we become insulin resistant. She is authorized by my endo to change my settings, and she advised me to do a +200% temporary basal when I am over 300. I suggest you contact your doctor (or CDE if he/she is authorized to make changes) to see if you might need a basal change too when you are very high.
My RN CDE also told me that heat and cold can mess with type ones. We’re having the same heat wave here in NJ as you are having in CT. I have been having hypoglycemic events for the last few weeks. With my CDEs help, I have changed my basal rate from 0.90 to 0.80 and my carb to insulin ratio from 1:10 or 1:11 to 1:12. I been trying to a basal test, but I haven’t been able to complete one yet because of the hypoglycemia.
Good luck getting this sorted out. I’ll wave “hi” the next time I’m headed for my wife’s relatives in the Springfield area.
Everything I’ve experienced including hormonal issues indicates that Brad’s recommendation to alter the basal when you get into this pattern is the solution…good luck!
My correction factor has needed to be changed several times a year for the ten years I’ve been pumping. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments. Insulin needs are highly volatile.