The complexity of type 1 diabetes... The history of BG control...

[karunakaran]

Unlike Type 2 which onsets late in life, Type 1 is an early pecker in ones life. Its imperative to understand how Type 1 affects the day to day life of an individual. Starting from the insulin shots and timely management of food.

Had been a diabetic for the past 20 years, I was thunderstruck when the onset of it was announced by my doctor. Started with the insulin shots (Insulin from animal pancreas) and sugar testing was by urine tests at home - the most laborious process. The advancement on the Glucometer was a real blessing It made life more simpler. The DNA regenerated insulin was another advancement with more control on BG (Blood Glucose) levels.

Today I'm on an Insulin pump - I would term it as the artificial pancreas. My BG levels are under stiffer controls at any point during a day the max is 160 and the min is 80.

This is possible only with the time management and quantity management of food intake.

Strip tests have to be done at least 2 times a day and the seven point monitor once a week. The image shows the BG levels and CSII (Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion) dosages.

THE SECRET TO BG CONTROL LIES IN THE DISCIPLINE OF THE USE OF FOOD AND MEDICINE.

[Ganesh]

Yes! Thanks so much for this post. I second that. Discipline is the key. Lots of research has been done on this and even in NON-diabetics, the benefit to health of eating meals at the same time every day; of being disciplined about meal contents and about regular excercise (2 half hour walks a day is a good start) - is VAST. for diabetics this is even more so. And if you don't keep to a regime, and regularly check, then you will immediately feel it.

[SenthilNathan]

Hi,

I would like to know more about Insulin pumps. Are you living in India? My doctor was suggesting that Insulin pumps are still long way to go before they come to affordable levels in India. I am on Insulin pens as of now. Please blog about Insulin pumps. (difficulties/advantages/cost)

Thanks

[karunakaran in reply to SenthilNathan]

Yes Mr. Senthilnathan, I do live in India...Very few doctors suggest pumps the reason for it are many, the cost of the gadget is high (for a low end Pump its approximately 1 Lakh). The monthly maintenance is also a bit high. The Quick set or the tubing and reservoir for the changeover it costs approx Rs 500, the changeover has to be done twice in a week. Plus the insulin cost.

The advantages are many... In type 1 the BG levels are bound to roller coaster many times in 24 hours. Which means that the BG level would shoot up to 400 or 500 and go down to a level of 40 or lesser. Even if the HbA1C shows 7 or lesser than that that would not be the real value since its an average... This highs and lows lead to the complexity of diabetics. This situation does not happen when pump is used Since a basel level of insulin is pumped regularly to the body and when ever food is taken a Bolus is given... This mimics the pancreas..

[SenthilNathan in reply to karunakaran]

Thanks for the reply, Karunakaran. Will talk to my doctor about pump next time when i visit him.

Also please blog about ease of use(or not of it) about the pump with photos (if it is ok with you).

[sweetgirl]

Hi Senthilnathan,

I am on Insulin pump since 2009. Its cost is about 3 lacs. and monthly expenses (excluding the insulin) is almost 5000 rupees.

[SenthilNathan in reply to sweetgirl]

Thanks for the reply, sweetgirl (wait, that is a creative name, sweetgirl. good one. )

Will talk to my doctor about pump next time when i visit him. Looks costly to me. But might be able to manage, if it is worth on longer run.

[loar]

Dear karunakaran sir

would you please like to tell me more about insulin pump.

[capitalise]

Pump in the range from (INR-India)

60,000 (Single Micro Controller)

1,25,000 (Main + Backup Micro Controller)

2,00,000 (3MC+Option to use CGM Transmitter with cost additional 75000 + Recurring Sensor device cost ~3500 for 6 to 7 days)

3,75,000 (All the above + Auto control of insulin pumping if BG is getting below normal+Transmitter device included within this price+Recurring Sensor Device ~3500/6days)