CFRD

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mmmtat

New member
I was diagnosed with CFRD back in Sep. I can't seem to find very many people to talk about it with, so I'm wondering if any of y'all can help me out.
I just started taking insulin with breakfast, lunch and dinner. I take novolog, with the juniors pen. I don't take any long acting insulin. My BG goes to a normal level at night, and I wake up between 95-125. So they don't want to put me on basal.
Anyway. I hate the shots, but I've heard unless you take basal insulin, they generally won't put you on a pump...but the way my endo made it sound, basically most-all CFers would never need basal insulin.......but I know there are CFers with pumps.
I don't even really want a pump, but I just don't like the injections either. They are too much work, and I live in Arizona, I absolutely cannot leave it in the car for any amount of time cause it's so hot, but I end up forgetting at home.
I feel like there are just no good options. I'm kind of at a loss. There are so many different kinds of nebulizers, there are even a couple different inhaled antibiotic options nowadays...I feel like with CF, I can tailor the care to me...but with diabetes, I feel like I'm totally stuck with a shitty option.
I'm in the process of trying to get a dexcom glucose monitor, cause I always forget to check with the finger pricks. I have felt overwhelemed for the past few months, but now I just feel hopeless :/
 
M

mmmtat

New member
I was diagnosed with CFRD back in Sep. I can't seem to find very many people to talk about it with, so I'm wondering if any of y'all can help me out.
I just started taking insulin with breakfast, lunch and dinner. I take novolog, with the juniors pen. I don't take any long acting insulin. My BG goes to a normal level at night, and I wake up between 95-125. So they don't want to put me on basal.
Anyway. I hate the shots, but I've heard unless you take basal insulin, they generally won't put you on a pump...but the way my endo made it sound, basically most-all CFers would never need basal insulin.......but I know there are CFers with pumps.
I don't even really want a pump, but I just don't like the injections either. They are too much work, and I live in Arizona, I absolutely cannot leave it in the car for any amount of time cause it's so hot, but I end up forgetting at home.
I feel like there are just no good options. I'm kind of at a loss. There are so many different kinds of nebulizers, there are even a couple different inhaled antibiotic options nowadays...I feel like with CF, I can tailor the care to me...but with diabetes, I feel like I'm totally stuck with a shitty option.
I'm in the process of trying to get a dexcom glucose monitor, cause I always forget to check with the finger pricks. I have felt overwhelemed for the past few months, but now I just feel hopeless :/
 
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Incomudrox

New member
I don't know how you feel about alternatives but, my dad was dx'd with type 2 last year and was put on metformin. It helped but the side effects were not great. He recently quit taking metformin under his own prerogative and started taking R-ALA under my direction along with fish oil and has better BSG than with metformin. He does watch what he eats but has never had a BSG over 180. I realize that CFRD is different than type 2 in some ways. Do note as well in Germany they use R-ALA to treat diabetes exclusively. It maybe worth your while to look into. It is also suspected that R-ALA helps regenerate beta cells over time. Food for thought. I realize this probably isn't the answer you are looking for but I said it anyways.
 
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Incomudrox

New member
I don't know how you feel about alternatives but, my dad was dx'd with type 2 last year and was put on metformin. It helped but the side effects were not great. He recently quit taking metformin under his own prerogative and started taking R-ALA under my direction along with fish oil and has better BSG than with metformin. He does watch what he eats but has never had a BSG over 180. I realize that CFRD is different than type 2 in some ways. Do note as well in Germany they use R-ALA to treat diabetes exclusively. It maybe worth your while to look into. It is also suspected that R-ALA helps regenerate beta cells over time. Food for thought. I realize this probably isn't the answer you are looking for but I said it anyways.
 
M

mmmtat

New member
I do actually look at alternatives, and I will definitely look into that! My numbers are not super high, highs for me are in the 200s, and I get A LOT of lows, and my weight is good, so I can play with my diet a little. I appreciate the suggestion <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
M

mmmtat

New member
I do actually look at alternatives, and I will definitely look into that! My numbers are not super high, highs for me are in the 200s, and I get A LOT of lows, and my weight is good, so I can play with my diet a little. I appreciate the suggestion <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
M

mmmtat

New member
well I have the pen (the juniors)...It's just that like, with enzymes, I can stash them in my purse, pockets, friends houses, even glovebox (I know they aren't supposed to be heated, but I don't seem to have any backlash from the heated ones)...........but with the pen I only have one out of the fridge, so I *have* to make sure it's with me both at home, in the car, at friends house, at husbands work (we eat lunch there a lot)......it's just different than the zymes......

I know I should just remember it, but the truth is that I don't...we have 4 vehicles we drive on a fairly regular basis, so placing "extra" pens is unreasonable, besides the fact that it's actually impossible because I use the junior (for the half units, since my ratio is only 1:50), which has refillable catridges, not the disposble pens.
 
M

mmmtat

New member
well I have the pen (the juniors)...It's just that like, with enzymes, I can stash them in my purse, pockets, friends houses, even glovebox (I know they aren't supposed to be heated, but I don't seem to have any backlash from the heated ones)...........but with the pen I only have one out of the fridge, so I *have* to make sure it's with me both at home, in the car, at friends house, at husbands work (we eat lunch there a lot)......it's just different than the zymes......

I know I should just remember it, but the truth is that I don't...we have 4 vehicles we drive on a fairly regular basis, so placing "extra" pens is unreasonable, besides the fact that it's actually impossible because I use the junior (for the half units, since my ratio is only 1:50), which has refillable catridges, not the disposble pens.
 
M

mamerth

New member
I am one of those people who are fighting insulin as well. I have changed my diet drastically. I don't eat sweets. Even a bite of my husbands dessert sends my sugars on a roller coaster ride. I try to stay as active as possible. So far the only times I have needed insulin was with hard core antibiotics and high doses of prednisone.

My doctor told me I could eat what I want and just do insulin as needed but I really hate giving myself shots. I tried Metformin and didn't care for all the lows that I got with it.

I have to be strict but my sugars are awesome!! I have even been able to get better control of my low blood sugars... even when I am sick. I still get an occasional dip into the 70's but it is easily fixed. Lots of whole grains and fiber is my goal every day. I can even eat certain fruit with little to no affect on my sugars.

I have been walking a few times each week (lately) and my sugars have been even better.

I know the day will come with I can't control my sugars like I am currently but I will enjoy it while it lasts. I do check my blood sugars 2-3 times per day (after exercise or heavy housework and after eating new foods).

I have a very supportive diabetes doctor.... she is all about eating healthy.
 
M

mamerth

New member
I am one of those people who are fighting insulin as well. I have changed my diet drastically. I don't eat sweets. Even a bite of my husbands dessert sends my sugars on a roller coaster ride. I try to stay as active as possible. So far the only times I have needed insulin was with hard core antibiotics and high doses of prednisone.

My doctor told me I could eat what I want and just do insulin as needed but I really hate giving myself shots. I tried Metformin and didn't care for all the lows that I got with it.

I have to be strict but my sugars are awesome!! I have even been able to get better control of my low blood sugars... even when I am sick. I still get an occasional dip into the 70's but it is easily fixed. Lots of whole grains and fiber is my goal every day. I can even eat certain fruit with little to no affect on my sugars.

I have been walking a few times each week (lately) and my sugars have been even better.

I know the day will come with I can't control my sugars like I am currently but I will enjoy it while it lasts. I do check my blood sugars 2-3 times per day (after exercise or heavy housework and after eating new foods).

I have a very supportive diabetes doctor.... she is all about eating healthy.
 
F

franzie2984

Member
I have been diabetic since I was 14, so roughly 14 years. During this time I tried pills, then various types of insulin, long-term/short term etc, a pump, and now back to insulin in shot/pen form. Your ratio for insulin is pretty good. Maybe you can get by without insulin and just incorporate diet change? Smaller, more frequent, low carb meals? How is your blood sugar if you eat and take no insulin?
Insulin can be kept out of the fridge fairly well. Your pen will probably even survive the car (though, you are right that isnt a great idea). You can get a pretty small blood sugar tester and keep the pen in with that in a small black bag and then just keep it in your purse/pocket? I always keep mine in my purse with my enzyme etc... After trying to do this for about a month, you would get used to it.
That being said, insulin pump is also fairly inconvenient, I think. You have to change the site of injection every three days and it is a fairly large needle going in, then you have the pump attached to you all the time. (size of a pager). You have to change the cartridges and there is a lot more equipment. You also need a separate continuous glucose monitor and/or still have to test your blood sugar. Also you would likely only be taking one or two units a day from the pump. However, if you really think you would like it, you could potentially get one and just set the basal rate to 0. You can probably convince your doctor of this if you really think it is a better option.
PM me if you want to discuss various options etc...
 
F

franzie2984

Member
I have been diabetic since I was 14, so roughly 14 years. During this time I tried pills, then various types of insulin, long-term/short term etc, a pump, and now back to insulin in shot/pen form. Your ratio for insulin is pretty good. Maybe you can get by without insulin and just incorporate diet change? Smaller, more frequent, low carb meals? How is your blood sugar if you eat and take no insulin?
Insulin can be kept out of the fridge fairly well. Your pen will probably even survive the car (though, you are right that isnt a great idea). You can get a pretty small blood sugar tester and keep the pen in with that in a small black bag and then just keep it in your purse/pocket? I always keep mine in my purse with my enzyme etc... After trying to do this for about a month, you would get used to it.
That being said, insulin pump is also fairly inconvenient, I think. You have to change the site of injection every three days and it is a fairly large needle going in, then you have the pump attached to you all the time. (size of a pager). You have to change the cartridges and there is a lot more equipment. You also need a separate continuous glucose monitor and/or still have to test your blood sugar. Also you would likely only be taking one or two units a day from the pump. However, if you really think you would like it, you could potentially get one and just set the basal rate to 0. You can probably convince your doctor of this if you really think it is a better option.
PM me if you want to discuss various options etc...
 
J

JustDucky

New member
I have been diabetic since 2006, I am on Lantus at night only with novolog as needed before my meals if my BS is high enough. My sugars aren't crazy high, they just thought that I would do better with a basal like Lantus and they were right. Prior to Lantus, I was on Prandin and my sugars were everywhere.....ever since Lantus, I haven't had to use Novolog nearly as much and my sugars seem to be consistent. I only take 10 units of Lantus nightly.....nothing outrageous. The nice thing about Lantus is that there are no peaks, I don't experience sugar crashes as a result.
As far as the shots go, the needles they make now are so thin! I barely feel them. I have to admit, this did take some time to adjust to all of tThis, especially once insulin came into the picture. It was overwhelming at times, counting carbs, regulating insulin to prevent lows or to cover the high sugars enough. But, over time, I did find my "happy medium" and you will too. It just takes time to gauge your body's response to insulin.
As far as taking your insulin on the run, put a pen in your pocket book.....they can stay out of the fridge. I do that with my Novolog and have had no problems.

I hope that things get easier for you and that perhaps another option will work better.
Jenn 40 w/CF
 
J

JustDucky

New member
I have been diabetic since 2006, I am on Lantus at night only with novolog as needed before my meals if my BS is high enough. My sugars aren't crazy high, they just thought that I would do better with a basal like Lantus and they were right. Prior to Lantus, I was on Prandin and my sugars were everywhere.....ever since Lantus, I haven't had to use Novolog nearly as much and my sugars seem to be consistent. I only take 10 units of Lantus nightly.....nothing outrageous. The nice thing about Lantus is that there are no peaks, I don't experience sugar crashes as a result.
As far as the shots go, the needles they make now are so thin! I barely feel them. I have to admit, this did take some time to adjust to all of tThis, especially once insulin came into the picture. It was overwhelming at times, counting carbs, regulating insulin to prevent lows or to cover the high sugars enough. But, over time, I did find my "happy medium" and you will too. It just takes time to gauge your body's response to insulin.
As far as taking your insulin on the run, put a pen in your pocket book.....they can stay out of the fridge. I do that with my Novolog and have had no problems.

I hope that things get easier for you and that perhaps another option will work better.
Jenn 40 w/CF
 
M

mmmtat

New member
Thanks for all the suggestions. I know I'll figure it out eventually.

I get the impression from the many responses that I did not fully articulate my problem with keeping track of the pen...I know that it doesn't need to be in the fridge...I just can't remember to take it from the kitchen counter to my purse, and I end up leaving without it. My solution would be to leave one permanently in the car, but obviously that would not work because it would destroy the insulin (did I mention I live in ARIZONA, hell on Earth?). So yea. I get what y'all are saying, I was trying to express that those solutions aren't seeming to work for me, thus my frustration. LoL.


Anyway. I am planning to attempt a diet change cause I feel like right now I'm in a position to do that. Thanks again for the input, it helps a lot to hear from others. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
M

mmmtat

New member
Thanks for all the suggestions. I know I'll figure it out eventually.

I get the impression from the many responses that I did not fully articulate my problem with keeping track of the pen...I know that it doesn't need to be in the fridge...I just can't remember to take it from the kitchen counter to my purse, and I end up leaving without it. My solution would be to leave one permanently in the car, but obviously that would not work because it would destroy the insulin (did I mention I live in ARIZONA, hell on Earth?). So yea. I get what y'all are saying, I was trying to express that those solutions aren't seeming to work for me, thus my frustration. LoL.


Anyway. I am planning to attempt a diet change cause I feel like right now I'm in a position to do that. Thanks again for the input, it helps a lot to hear from others. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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imported_Momto2

New member
I am only a sample size of one, but I have had excellent success with controlled my CFRD with diet and exercise.
No sugar (except in whole fruits), no grains or potatoes (so extremely low carb). High protein, high veggie, low fat.
Everyone is different. HOpe you find something that works for you.
 
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imported_Momto2

New member
I am only a sample size of one, but I have had excellent success with controlled my CFRD with diet and exercise.
No sugar (except in whole fruits), no grains or potatoes (so extremely low carb). High protein, high veggie, low fat.
Everyone is different. HOpe you find something that works for you.
 
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