my insulin requirements are rapidly increasing

[BABSY]

not too long ago, I was at about 20 something units and now, I am increasing my dosage at an alarming rate. What could be wrong? I injected 37 this morning and my blood sugar is still in the 200's.

[jem51]

you said in a past post that you're an alcoholic.
if you're still drinking that might be it. many alcoholics are diabetic.

[BABSY]

Originally Posted by jem51

you said in a past post that you're an alcoholic.
if you're still drinking that might be it. many alcoholics are diabetic.

So, what are you saying? Will it improve if I quit or slow down? Or is the damage already done and getting worse?

[BABSY]

I know lots of people who are diabetics who dont drink.
I know lots of alcoholics who dont have diabetes.

[Steve Parker, M.D.]

Here are some things I think about when my patients note increasing insulin requirements:

• simple progression of the diabetes
• person is not exercising as much as usual
• recent weight gain
• recent increase in carb intake
• Cushings Disease
• new medications, like steroids
• incorrect diabetic medication dosing
• bad batch of insulin
• pharmacist provided wrong dose of non-insulin diabetic medication

-Steve

[BABSY]

Originally Posted by Steve Parker, M.D.

Here are some things I think about when my patients note increasing insulin requirements:

• simple progression of the diabetes
• person is not exercising as much as usual
• recent weight gain
• recent increase in carb intake
• Cushings Disease
• new medications, like steroids
• incorrect diabetic medication dosing
• bad batch of insulin
• pharmacist provided wrong dose of non-insulin diabetic medication

-Steve

seems to be going faster than normal
when I exercise my sugar goes up
yes I have had weight gain, but I believe its from the increase in insulin
what is cushings
no steroids
correct dose
bad batch of insulin, no I dont think so since I had same units with previous
wrong dose of non insulin?

[E.W.]

How long do you exercise? I believe Bernstein said something like " Don't run for the bus unless you can run a mile" When you first start to exercise your liver ofton releases some glucose then if you don't exercise long enough your BG can be higher after you exercise than before. In my case if I start walking with a BG of 160 and walk 20 min
or less my bg may be a few points higher when I stop. On the other hand if I walk for
30 min. or longer my BG will be a few points lower and walking for an hour can bring my
bg down from 180 to 120. But you might look at geting some help with your alchohol
problem. Alchohol besides being bad for your diabetes directly may cause you to be deficent in magnesium and potasium which also makes your BG a little higher.

[BABSY]

I remember him saying that, and I work out for maybe 30 minutes. But, heck, I cant do anymore. Maybe I could go for 30 minutes and then come back and walk for 30 minutes. I might try that.

[Shayde]

Originally Posted by BABSY

I know lots of people who are diabetics who dont drink.
I know lots of alcoholics who dont have diabetes.

I know lots of smokers who don't have lung cancer.
I know lots of non-smokers who do have lung cancer.

You seem to be arguing the fact that diabetes and alcoholism aren't related. But drinking can and is deadly to people with uncontrolled diabetes, which yours seems to be.

Heavy drinking damages your liver and pancreas. Your diabetes is definitely affected by your alcoholism and you are putting yourself in extreme danger by ignoring this fact.

I personally know how hard it is to quit drinking, but I also know how much you can improve your health and lifestyle if you can quit once and for all.

It will never be easier tomorrow.

[Griffen]

Stop drinking. Get yourself to AA. You MUST stop drinking. Even though not all alcoholics are diabetics, you are both. Stop drinking.

[Steve Parker, M.D.]

Cushing syndrome or disease is over-production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Less commonly the syndrome is caused by a pituitary problem.

-Steve

[BillB]

Originally Posted by Griffen

Stop drinking. Get yourself to AA. You MUST stop drinking. Even though not all alcoholics are diabetics, you are both. Stop drinking.

I have to agree with Griffen. I know you are having a real hard time, but alcohol is not your friend. We are. You know the drinking isn't good for you or you wouldn't be considering it as a possible source for your problem. Work hard to be healthy for your little boy.

You can do it.

--bill

[hiker1958]

my insulin use is way down,i am not using any carb covering insulin (apedra)
now i have to cut way back on my basal rate backgroud insulin(lantus)
i am eating diet with low carbs and low fat,but i need the extra protein for bodybuildings

[hiker1958]

i was a serious alcoholic i been sober not one single drink since october 25 1994.i am much happier being sober,i was almost dead when i quit drinking way back then

[BillB]

Originally Posted by hiker1958

i was a serious alcoholic i been sober not one single drink since october 25 1994.i am much happier being sober,i was almost dead when i quit drinking way back then

Congratulations on getting rid of a habit that was harming you! We're glad you did not die.



--bill

[Violet Skye]

i was a serious alcoholic i been sober not one single drink since october 25 1994.i am much happier being sober,i was almost dead when i quit drinking way back then

Thanks for posting this. I am glad that you were able to get both your addiction and your diabetes under control and reclaim your health! You are helping a lot of people, including me, who is determined to not trigger the family diabetes gene. I see your example and realize that despite my efforts, if I do end up diabetic, I can still control it rather than letting it run roughshod over me.

[CherylB]

What type of insulin are you actually taking? You didn't say. Maybe you need a different one! Your body changes, and so does its needs. Are you on 70/30 or something? See if your Dr wants to try another type on you for a while and see how it goes.

Good luck.

[Marvin]

Originally Posted by hiker1958

i was a serious alcoholic i been sober not one single drink since october 25 1994.i am much happier being sober,i was almost dead when i quit drinking way back then

Congrats on 15 years of sobriety one day at a time. You are an inspiration!

[chiody]

Originally Posted by hiker1958

i was a serious alcoholic i been sober not one single drink since october 25 1994.i am much happier being sober,i was almost dead when i quit drinking way back then

We hear frequently how one has to hit "rock bottom" before a change can occur. It's a godsend you've passed and conquered this life threatening obstacle! Congrats on your progress and maintenance!!!