How do you deal with fluctuating blood sugar?

[KarenB12]

This is more a continuation of a conversation Dee & LeopardGecko had regarding fluctuating sugar and figuring out how to control it.

I often have crazy blood sugar. Because of pancreatitis, diabetes, and gastroparesis, my sugars bounce, sometimes rapidly. Because of my slow-moving stomach, I can't rely on the normal '2-hour' sugar test. There's really no telling when the food will hit my system and cause a rise, if it rises at all.

That means I may have to check my glucose multiple times a day. I can't always rely on how I feel.

How do you deal with fluctuating sugar?

Why does it fluctuate?

Have you found a system that works for you?

I know my insurance limits the testing strips to 3 per day. This is a big issue for me. Do you have a similar issue? How have you dealt with it?

Please share. ♥

[Signingfun]

I have trouble with my blood sugar fluctuating from high to low or low to high. Also, I have hypoglycemic unawareness. I use a continuous glucose monitor which has helped a lot. Between warning me if my blood glucose is too high or too low. I can also print reports that help me see where I have issues. I also have an insulin pump that has helped to stabilize my blood glucose. I have a difficult time stabilizing my blood glucose when I exercise. It's not perfect, but better than I used to be. I've found that Taking Care Of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) has a lot of great information.

[KarenB12 Ambassador in reply to Signingfun]

Thanks for sharing, Signingfun - I'll have to check out TCOYD.

I'm glad they got you on a pump. My sister-in-law has a pump and monitor. It tells her when her sugar drops mid-night, etc. It must be nice not to have to prick your fingers multiple times a day 😁

They almost put me on one a year or so back. I'm so glad they didn't, as my health has changed greatly this past year. Now I hardly need insulin at all.

The printable report is cool! I hadn't thought of that, but it really would be helpful in seeing where our trouble spots are. I know what you mean about exercise. That seems to be one of my problem areas too.

I've stopped taking any insulin if I know I'm going to be exercising, at least until after I have finished exercising. Because I'm finding that it can drop me way too low otherwise.

I'm getting much better about controlling the highs but not so good yet at managing the lows.