I'm trying to keep a log this week, especially since I'm seeing my endo next week. I think I need to make some insulin changes. I ate a bowl of cereal this morning (24 carbs) plus milk (9 carbs) = 33 carbs. I do 15:1 right now, so I bolused, waited maybe 5 minutes or so and then ate. I actually bolused for about 3 extra carbs because I thought I was going to have the full cup of milk, but only had about 3/4. If you're wondering why the carb amount seems low on the milk, it's actually a whole grain "milk" from Trader Joe's. As usual, my sensor showed me spiking up to the 300s and then started to drop around the 2 hour mark. I decided to wait a full 3 hours before testing my blood sugar and it showed me at 246. Not OK! I had only 0.4 units left so I needed a correction of 1.1. If I need a full unit to come down, it seems like my ratio is incorrect, right? Or maybe that's how it is for cereal? So many factors to consider!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
where do you store yours?
When I was on shots/injections/whatever you wanna call 'em, I kept my insulin pens and cartridges in the fridge. When I went on vacation, I made sure the hotel had a mini fridge to store my insulin. At some point, over the years, I decided there was no point in keeping my insulin cold. I didn't think it had any affect on how effective it was, but now I am second guessing this. When my pump malfunctioned last year, I had to go back on shots for a few days. I was so not prepared for that, but I had tons of insulin pens in my parent's fridge, so I figured I'd be okay. Even though it was expired, I figured it would be safe and it was along the same lines of the FDA saying your sensor should be changed every 3 days. The injections seemed to work out fine, although it felt weird to be back on them, and my blood sugar was good during that time, so I can't help but wonder if it was because I had kept it stored in the fridge. This goes back to me trying to figure out why my humalog worked so wonderfully that first week, and then seemed to give up. I'm sure there is more to it (this is where me keeping a log comes in handy), but I still can't help but wonder...does keeping insulin in the fridge vs room temperature make a difference?
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We store ours in the frig too but I think my hubby isn't convinced that room temp is a bad thing. When he was on shots, he never put the vial he was currently using in the frig...me personally, I put everything now in the frig for him now that he is pumping...I guess it's better safe than sorry? Maybe they say to put it in the frig in case the house or whatever gets to warm or hot? Not sure....
ReplyDeleteFridge is good, especially in the warmer season. Breakfast cereal has always killed my post prandial readings particularily in the mornings. Taste sooo good though! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteWe keep our unopened insulin in the fridge and our opened insulin with us in our d-bag -- not refrigerated. The only time we've had a problem is if we are outside in the summer time in TX.
ReplyDeleteWhen Nate eats cereal in the AM we have to bolus at least 20-minutes before he eats and there is still a possibility of a spike.
:)
We're still on shots, and we keep ours in the fridge. We take it with us when we're out and about, but always return it to the fridge when we get home.
ReplyDeleteCereal always spikes Jack. So, like Laura with Nate, we always give him an injection 15-20 minutes before he's going to eat.
Unopened insulin in the fridge. Once it is opened, I'll keep it at room temp for about a month.
ReplyDeleteOn breakfast...I've heard cereal can give people issues. It could be your ratio or the food...if you figure out it is the cereal...maybe try a stronger ratio for the cereal. Good luck Val. And, I am a BIG TIME "Logger"...it is the only way I can keep Joe's settings/numbers straight. UGH.
My hubby isn't a big cereal person...just once in a while, but I know he sometimes uses it to combat a low....
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure that it is best to keep the insulin you are using out of the fridge. It can sting if kept in the fridge but it must not get hot. And keep the rest in the fridge. Also the expiry for medicine is not a guide. Toss it even if has been stored in fridge.
ReplyDeleteIf you have insulin you no longer need (eg prescription change or going to a pump) but is still over 3 months in date there are charities that can use it.
http://www.insulinforlifeusa.org/
I have an awful time with cereal too. I've tried so many different things, but no matter what, my BG gets really high for a few hours then suddenly drops and I go low.
ReplyDeleteI keep my insulin in the fridge. I usually keep one bottle out as long as it's not too hot outside. I like to put room temp insulin in my pump.
i keep the current vial i'm using out the fridge. in my pump pack, and the others in the fridge (although i used to keep them in a 'cool' bag)
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