I was doing better with my A1C levels wearing my dexcom (7.1), and then I started back to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and stopped wearing the monitor for a few months. It is very difficult to do with the monitor as it is similar to wrestling. My A1C crept up to 9.2. I’m terrible about checking my levels without the monitor. I developed the flu and then a secondary infection followed by high blood sugar, losing weight, dry mouth, etc. I went to the doctor and he told me I’m not in dka yet but would be if I don’t get it under control. He has me taking a lot more insulin and my levels have returned to normal but only on the higher doses. How long does it take for levels to return to normal dosing? Will my levels crash suddenly? Just wondering if anyone else has experience with this. I know it is terrible that I let it get out of control. I’ve already beat myself up over it. I’m back on my dexcom now. It’s just so hard to be a diabetic 24/7. I know I’m preaching to the choir. I’m just frustrated with myself for letting this happen.
I am sorry to hear of your struggles, Natalie. I have only been DKA once when I was first diagnosed at the age of 12. I kind of lost my eyesight, among other things, when that occurred and had to get glasses. It seems like my eyesight returned to normal after around six months. So maybe give it six months with your higher levels of insulin and see how you do. I think it probably depends, in part, on how long your levels were so high. I believe my body began attacking my pancreas after having the mumps, but it was not until a year later that I was diagnosed, nearly in a coma. So, mine might not be the best example to compare to. I hope you can come to a point of acceptance of your diabetes, with all it entails. For me, it’s a matter of do I want to feel like crap or do I want to keep up with all is required to not feel like crap? Don’t get me wrong. I am not perfect and also go through my spells not doing as well and, then, beating myself up over it. But, for the most part, I do what I need to do to keep things under control. I have been Type I for nearly 49 years so, at this point, it just seems like an aggravation that I deal with on a day in day out basis. And, after 35 years of finger sticks, I would rather do my 10 or so a day than be on the Dexcom. I just don’t like things that beep at me or anything else attached to my body besides my pump. Although I know it is good for people who go low during the night or have hypoglycemic unawareness. But, I am rambling now, so I will close. I hope your insulin requirements come back down as I believe the less you have to take the better.
Hi Natalie. I understand you stopped wearing your CGM because it was difficult woke practicing Jiu Jitsu. I don’t know about this martial art but am wondering if you have exhausted all your options for making it work? I did yoga and Pilates, and tucked my receiver into my cleavage, or set it on a windowsill/shelf near where I practiced so I could hear the alerts.
If placement of the sensor is an issue, you might try the inside of your upper arm. I’ve also used my inner thigh from time to time.
I don’t know if these areas are impacted in your sport or not - just wanted to give a couple of ideas. I hope things smooth out for you soon.
Morning !! Type 1 for 45 yrs. or so--was on MDI using a medijector for years but tips are obsolete so had to go on the pump a year ago--I use the Minimed & the CGM & love it--I have no belly fat so have moved the CGM sites all over & have found the inside of the upper leg to be the best about halfway between knee & weenie!! Wouldn't want to be without it now-------Good Luck---Take Care All