I have only had my pump for going into the third week now and have been trying to get the basal rate set right. Last week I decided to do test for a 24 hour period. Numbers stayed real good until the end and then they started dropping to low. Yesterday I started again and about 9 hours into the test the numbers started dropping to low again. Low to me is below 70. It’s always the late afternoon early evening hours I start dropping. Am I being to obsessive about this? I have made some more minor adjustments and will try again tomorrow.
When you set your basal what numbers do you shoot for?
Any help would be appreciated since I am new to pumping.
My target is 90,but it’s very individual. I correct if I get near 110. I have a CGM so feel perfectly safe, it alarms below 70 (usually!). I don’t think you’re being obsessive at all, though I’ve been called obsessive, so may not be the best judge. Getting your basal rates right is, IMO, the most important thing and sometimes the most difficult. Minor adjustments are good - it’s amazing how a very small change can make a big difference!
Go with whatever target you are comfortable with. It can always be changed.
Thanks for the input. This has really been getting frustrating to me. I had no idea it was so involved getting the pump set up. I never even wanted the pump in the first place but then again I didn’t want D either. I am trying to make the best out of this and trying to stay positive since MDI didn’t give me the control I need.
I keep going high in the morning and go low in the afternoon. I have made more adjustments again today. Maybe these adjustments will be the magic numbers.
There is a learning curve. Just don’t make too many changes too quickly. Download your data and look at the modal day chart to see trends… it’s really helpful. Please don’t give up, it’s a life-changing device, worth the effort!
Today has been a bust. Numbers have been going everywhere. Try again tomorrow. If the basal rate isn’t set right in the morning time how bad will this affect your insulin to carb ratio for your breakfast carbs?
Can’t wait to have another sleepless night checking bg’s.
Basal rates have nothing to do with I:C ratios. Basal rates are set to keep you level with no food. I:C ratios are used with carbs to calculate a meal bolus. Have you read Pumping Insulin? It’s loaded with great info on setting rates and lots more. A bible! If you don’t have it I strongly, strongly suggest it.
I just got it the other day and am reading it now. I have my target set at 100 so would I want my basal range to be from 85 to 115. I guess what I’m trying to figure out how much variance is realistic. The way I had it set before my low was going to 65 and high was 127.
