I’ve dealt with borderline CFRD {cystic fibrosis related diabetes} for a few years now, so it was no real surprise when I failed my 1 hour glucose test a few weeks ago. After tracking my blood sugar levels for two and a half weeks it was apparent I needed to start some sort of insulin, at least for the first meal of the day, where my levels had been consistently high.
After seeing the nutritionist, who happens to share an office with my CF nutritionist, a plan has been set in motion. We are starting with my old carb to insulin ratio of 1 unit of short acting insulin to every 30 carbs. The goal is to have my 1 hour level under 140. For breakfast I’ve been hitting in the low 200’s.
Since I’ve handled insulin before I’m allowed to tweak my ratio as dictated by my blood sugar level feedback. I did my first dose today, and while my fasting number was great, and I ate an exact 60 carbs, my low 1:30 ratio didn’t cut it and I was still in the 200’s at the one hour mark. Looks like tomorrow I’ll be upping my ratio to their standard gestational diabetes ratio of 1:15. If I’m still a little higher than normal, I’ll up the ratio again to 1:10.
For now, breakfast is the only meal of the day where I’ll be taking insulin. My levels after lunch and dinner are usually under the 140 mark.
I’m hoping by starting insulin gaining weight will be a little easier, and I may even start to feel a little better. Right now my mornings are tough. I wake up feeling particularly chesty but with no real productivity when coughing. This is usually accompanied by just general feeling of ickiness and thanks to a much more sensitive gag reflex these days, some coughing induced puking.
I usually start to feel loads different after lunch (when my sugar levels tend to even out!) and I continue to feel good until I go to bed. Wake up, and repeat. Hopefully by controlling my sugars from the start, my lungs might feel slightly different, and I may feel less “icky” overall.
I’m not sure why blood sugar plays such an influencing role in lung function, but I am grateful that it’s recognized by the team of doctors who treat my CF.
My next general OB appointment is Tuesday.