(Have I mentioned recently that I am not a doctor and I cannot give medical advice? If you see a good idea you want to try, check it out with your doctor first.)
Phew.
I saw my doctor this morning. I was nervous. The past two months have been far from stellar for me, in terms of eating, exercise, and keeping my numbers in range. And last time I saw my doctor, she had many things for me to change (most of the changes have been great). Granted it was the first time I saw her, but it was not what I’d call a relaxing visit.
So I was nervous about today.
But today, it was almost like she read my post about doctors—she gave me several tips from other patients that I can actually use!! Amazing!!
Tip One: when my pump factors in the insulin I have on board already with its “active insulin” calculation, it doesn’t recognize any insulin I took from an Easy Bolus!! Cripes! I had no idea. This will undoubtedly save me from some lows.
Tip Two: she wants me to look at (and respond) my pump at least once an hour. (I really think I must do this; it feels like I am always checking what time it is and what my pump says!)
Tip Three: If my CGM says I’ve got a single up arrow and I’m bolusing for food, she wants me to increase my bolus by 10%. If I have double ups, increase the food bolus by 15-20%. I am to reduce the bolus by the same percentages if the arrows are heading down. I’m not sure how often I bolus for food and my CGM has arrows, but I’ll try to remember these.
Tip Four: if I eat a high and fast carb, take a shot to get it working quickly and avoid the spike, but simultaneously lower my basal for 2-3 hours to avoid going low. Hadn’t thought about this one, ever.
I am still amazed how much I don’t know about using my pump to my full advantage.
Make sure when you see your doctor, you share your experiences with your entire medical team—you never know who your ideas and experiences might help!!
Hey friend,
Good tips! I’m gonna try them out. Wish I had a CGM though. So I went gluten free 19 days ago and I have to tell you that I’m feeling so great! I notice that I have less cravings for food in general and certainly less cravings for refined sugar products like baked goods and chocolate. I’m eating less and feeling lighter. I’m going to try cutting out dairy products just for the heck of it next~!