Hi, I just started on the pump last week. I’ve just changed infusion set and cartridge about 90 minutes ago. I know in Ireland we use mmol/l instead of whatever you guys use in the States so I’m hoping someone will be able to help. The numbers I aim for are between 4.1 and 7.0.
My glucometer reading at 3.40pm was 12.2 and I gave a correction of 2 units. I changed my infusion set and cartridge at 4pm exactly. The next glucometer was at 5pm and that was 11.8. I’ve just checked it again (5.30pm) and it is 12.9. I dont know if this all means that I need to change my site/ the cannula isn’t working or if the correction bolus just wasnt enough. I did have dinner in my parents this afternoon so I was not as accurate at counting the carbs. I usually weigh things since went on the pump to make sure it is correct. I also had a small but of icecream with tart. Maybe this is causing the rise?
WIll I just wait until I eat next and see if the blood sugars keep going up? How much do they go up by if the set isnt working…
Thanks John. I might just do that. In the mean time, I’m just going to give a correction bolus with my food bolus at tea time and keep and eye on the blood sugars.
I’ve just ordered that book Dave. It’ll probably take a while to get here from the U.S. but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait. Everyone that commented on Amazon were raving about it too. Thanks again. And also, just to note my blood sugar has dropped to 9.7 so at least I know the infusion set is working!
I am resending the post including conversions to mg/dl system (just multiply by 18):
"Hi, I just started on the pump last week. I’ve just changed infusion set and cartridge about 90 minutes ago. I know in Ireland we use mmol/l instead of whatever you guys use in the States so I’m hoping someone will be able to help. The numbers I aim for are between 74 and 126.
My glucometer reading at 3.40pm was 220 and I gave a correction of 2 units. I changed my infusion set and cartridge at 4pm exactly. The next glucometer was at 5pm and that was 212. I’ve just checked it again (5.30pm) and it is 232. I dont know if this all means that I need to change my site/ the cannula isn’t working or if the correction bolus just wasnt enough. I did have dinner in my parents this afternoon so I was not as accurate at counting the carbs. I usually weigh things since went on the pump to make sure it is correct. I also had a small but of icecream with tart. Maybe this is causing the rise?
WIll I just wait until I eat next and see if the blood sugars keep going up? How much do they go up by if the set isnt working…"
Hi Naomi!
It might take a while to get all your settings right on the pump. In the early days on the pump, your blood sugars could be high because of incorrect basal rates, incorrect carb to insulin ratio, incorrect correction bolus, or bad infusion set. It’s too many variables!! But you will start to eliminate them one by one. The most important place to start is basal testing. Have you done fasting basal tests yet? (Do you know about these?)
They are outlined very well in the book, but I can send some links sooner, if you haven’t done them yet. Once you get your basal rates right, the rest becomes much easier!
Best wishes! and hang in there, the advantages of the pump lie ahead
Not sure what fasting basals are… Are they when you check your blood sugars at 3am? I’ve been doing that every night. I’m on to the nurse everyday, sometimes twice a day since I started on the pump. With the weekend though and no one to call, its been a bit harder. I’ll get there though. Thanks.
P.S. Its also good to know that thats how to change it to the mg/dl system, thanks.
Hi, Naomi! It was so good to meet you. I’m sorry you are having difficulties but that is one way to learn more about pumping insulin and how your body works. If you have unexplained high glucose readings, it is a good idea to check your uring for ketones. If you are spilling ketones in your urine, it means you are not getting any insulin. But if there are no ketones, then it may just be a miscalculation of the carbs. You may also try giving an injection to correct the BG. If it comes down with the injection but not with a bolus from the pump, then there may be something wrong with the site. Hope this kind of helps to troubleshoot things. Sounds like it is starting to come down now though. Keep us informed of how you are doing.
Hi Donna, I have to confess I’ve NEVER been good at checking ketones although my nurse tells me that that will HAVE TO CHANGE… I think it was a miscalculation of carbs. I only ever eat roast potatoes in my parents (mine dont taste nice so I dont make them anymore!) so it might have been the higher fat content of the food too. I;ve given a correction now anyway so i hope sugars will be better by the time I go to bed, which will be very soon as I’m exhausted after the weekend!
I did think about giving an injection to see if that would correct the blood sugar but thought I’d wait to see if it would come down on its own first. Glad I did now but thanks for the tip.
