I’m doing my first REAL basal test today (tried yesterday, but my BG went through the floor several times, and i gave up), and my rates seem to need changing every 2 hours… is that un usual?
I think that depends on a lot of things. I think the basal test probably needs done 3x before I’d have confidence in it (not that anyone does that). Between 2 am and noon, my basal rates change 3x, so nearly every 3 hr. After noon, they don’t change at all until 2 am the next day! So, wait 'till you’ve gone through the whole day, then think about it as a whole - I have dawn phenomenon big time, do you? I have a sedentary job, then go home and walk the dogs, you? - I know basal is supposedly independent on things like that (so it’s always correct), but it really isn’t. I’m not a morning person, and I’m more awake and active later in the day… all of that will affect how much and how often you basals change.
Also, what are you considering a change? When I first started pumping 15 years ago, the educator told me a change of less than 0.2 u/hr wasn’t a change and don’t bother to do it. Based on the increase level of precision pumps have now and the way folks talk, many might disagree with that advice, but I don’t - unless your life is totally regimented, that’s as precise as our biology/physiology is.
I would also try to test more than once, and average it out. Its funny, when I basal test, my body almost goes into conserve mode, and requires less insulin then when I eat regularly throughout the day. So a basal test that keeps me from going low on a fasting day is not sufficient when I eat regularly. weird
Well, you first have to do a Controlled Test
Meaning? Act as if your in a Hospital… zero Activity…
My Basal test varied alot as well
I did them in 6 hr increaments
But the real tip off my basal was Slacking off, was my Post meal BG’s would rise to much at 1,2 and 3 hrs and thus my I:CR was Off and I had to reduce my Carb ratios and thus take more Insulin…
Using Levemire, I split it in 12 hr increaments
1st Zeroing in on how much it takes On average at bedtime to Get up in the Morning btwn 70’s-110’s and that is going to bed btwn 90-120’s max
But I don’t get up in that range every morning… ave 5 out of 7 days a week…
Once I figured that out, I multiplied that Bedtime Amt.x 50% to start testing for how many U’s to take12 hrs later ( ave Lunchtime)
And it’s been the best Amts. fo rme for over 2 yrs now…
I used to use Lantus, but had too many hypo’s from it… It having a Peak Time vs the Levemire not so much… rarely Go hypo using Levemire…
If you’re using Lantus and going hypo a few hours later alot? Ask your Dr. to try Levemire…
i have basal rate changes four times a day. i’m assuming you pump? try discussing both insulin sensitivity ratios and insulin to carb ratios with your endo as both can be changed throughout the day as well. sometimes i try to problem solve these things and my endo will come at it from an entirely new angle. another thing is to set a temporary basal rate when you feel you may be bottoming out.
also, i’ve been told that skipping a meal and testing yourself is the best way to know if a basal rate is working. ie: i will skip my regular lunch time at 11:30 and test myself every 1/2 hour to check if my basal rate is truly working. if my bg’s are high or low then its my basal that should be adjusted. of course i eat lunch later in the afternoon…after the experiment.
good luck.
I’m on a pump, so always on Novolog. I’m just having trouble getting my basal rates worked out. I’d like to run between 70 and 80 for fasting BG when i’m awake, but i have to have my basal rates differ every 2 hours in order to stay in that range… i think i’ve got it down okay now, but it’s just odd to me. (Haven’t been on the pump long at all)
I’d have to check my BG every 15 minutes for that to work… i’ll pass! haha
I’ve got a nice 6 segment basal rate that appears to work really well, so i’mma leave it alone. I’m happy, and i don’t creep up all day now, so as far as i’m concerned, it’s precise. Haha
Wow, 70 as a target value for fasting. In my view this is the path to hypo unawareness.
Stephen,
Here is mine.
12a to 3a 0.25
3a to 4a 0.60
4a to 8a 0.95
8a to 12p 0.10
12p to 2p 0.15
2p to 4p 0.10
4p to 7p 0.25
7p to 12a 0.65
It took a while to get there. I’ve been pumping now for 28 months now.
I also have another basal set up for when I am in the woods deer hunting. It is about half the rates for most of the time.
Its actually user controlled. I have a period in the mornings (when i work) that mine change every hour. Its not uncommon at all. You just need to monitor it closely if its causing you to go low at any point. make an adjustment and test every hour after to see what you need. Before I had CGMS I had “adjustment days” where I would test a new basal, and test like 15 times in a day…its crazy how much you can learn from that though!
Pretty much the same thing here. I test every hour for as long as i’m awake, and then wake up about every 3 hours during the night to check my BG. I think i have it nailed down as i’m not seeing any highs or lows at all anymore. 
Awesome! Good job!
remember that a well dialed in basal rate will still allow for 30 points in possible fluctuation in your sugar readings. So, if you are shooting for a fasting BG of 70, most likely you will be experiencing some lows. I shoot for a target of 110. That way on either end of the spectrum, im not in dire straights should issues arise.
I’m aiming for about 100 day round. Usually that translates into between 70 and 90 though, so i’m not really going to mess with it.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Haha.
Its funky, but I shoot for around 100-120 on average, but unless I eat I dont get much past 80. I need to play with basals some, as I think my needs have changed over time