My son was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 almost 3 yrs ago but he still can't seem to get his blood glucose under controll..he's very careful bout what he eats but his readings are usually between 10-18mm's whereas i've been told they should be between 4-8..Any suggestions??????

What type of insulin does your son use?

What type of insulin does your son use?
He has been using mixtard 30 since diagnoses & injects twice a day..

He has been using mixtard 30 since diagnoses & injects twice a day..
And that would be why he can't control his bs.

Evidence shows the 2 shots a day is ineffective at controlling type 1 diabetes. Multiple daily injections (4+ a day) or pumping are the ONLY things that work.

Not only do two shots a day not work, but Mixtard 30 is the WORST thing you could use. The first thing Mixtard 30 does is assume people need a 30:70 ratio of short acting to long acting insulin. This is simply put, not true. In reality, everyone needs a different amount of short acting and long acting, and most people with type 1 need 50:50.

The idea behind mixtard is that the N component will peak at lunch time and the R component at breakfast, and the R of the second shot at dinner, and the N of the second shot somewhere in the mdidle of the night (crappy time for an insulin to peak). The problems are everywhere. You need a set diet...no skipping meals, eating the same thing everyday at the same exact time. And you'll still have huge variances because that's just what mixtard does.

Your son needs to get off mixtard and onto Lantus or Levemir with Humalog, Apidra, or Novolog with meals.

Blondy has given you excellent advice, Scoob. N was always a problematic insulin with too much variation in onset, peak times, even within the same individual. Even if you eat at exactly the same time every day, and eat exactly the same thing, results will vary with that regimen.

While no one really wants to have to take multiple daily shots, the difference in how you feel on a daily basis and the potential to minimize or completely avoid complications makes it well worth doing. I don't know what insurance covers in the UK or Candada, but perhaps he can eventually get an insulin pump? Meanwhile, MDI is the only way to go, as Blondy pointed out.

Ruth

I agree with Blondy completely. Take your son back to his doctor hun. I thought I would also add that his levels (normal range) should be between 5.4 and 10. Over 10 and it is classed as raised blood sugar and over 13.3 is high blood sugar.

Never let his levels get to 4. This is next to low blood sugar. 3.9 = low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). When his levels go in the 5.0/4.8 range make him have a drink of milk or a biscuit to stop his levels from decreasing and he should be fine. Good luck x

Hello, well I have some good advice for you son.Did you know that there are natural ways for you son to lower his blood sugar. One way is vegtables, dark green vegtables are known for lowering blood sugar. I know your son may not want to eat these raw, but onions are another natural way to lower blood sugar.Also stay away from pasta's

Hello, well I have some good advice for you son.Did you know that there are natural ways for you son to lower his blood sugar. One way is vegtables, dark green vegtables are known for lowering blood sugar. I know your son may not want to eat these raw, but onions are another natural way to lower blood sugar.Also stay away from pasta's

There is a natural way to help him maintain stable blood sugars, but since he has type 1 (autoimmune - destruction of the insulin producing cells) any foods will not lower his glucose. These veggies will make him more insulin sensitive, but it is incorrect to suggest that there is a food solution to his problem.

Cora

Hi,
thanks to everyone for they're wonderful advice,my son is also deaf & is prone to ear infections making him feel unwell,could this also be causing his high blood sugars or could his age be a factor,he's 13 so his hormones will be all over the place..what do you think???

Hi,
thanks to everyone for they're wonderful advice,my son is also deaf & is prone to ear infections making him feel unwell,could this also be causing his high blood sugars or could his age be a factor,he's 13 so his hormones will be all over the place..what do you think???
Oh my goodness. Infections + plus teenager-ism! Yeah, that definately makes matters worse. I feel for ya!

Hi
Thanks again to all for you're advice,i.ll certainly take it on board...p.s,do diabetics automatically get checked for other things such as heart,kidney disease etc & if so at what age & what else are they tested for..i live in the west of scotland & so far he's only had his eyes tested,which thankfully came back ok..

I am a diabetic (type 1) diagnosed at age twelve (32 years ago). When I was in my teens I had problems keeping my blood sugars under control also. It does have something to do with hormones. Is you son a compliant diabetic or would he rather forget he has the disease? If he is compliant and is willing to monitor is blood sugars frequently then I would VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND you talk with his Dr. about an insulin pump. I was taking from 4-8 insulin injections a day and was still having problems controlling my blood sugars. My Dr. started me on an insulin pump and my life changed dramatically for the better. My blood sugars are now under much better control and life is so much better. I really think your son would benefit from at least mentioning this to his Dr. I hope he starts doing better soon. I've been there so I know how he feels and you. Trina:)

Hi trinajean,
thanks for your advice, & to answer your question yes my son is very sensible when it comes to his diabetes..he tries to eat as healthy as possible & he;s also trying to watch his weight but under :MY: supervision,well you know what kids are like these days when it comes to dieting..He also checks his blood 4 times per day but if his blood sugars are particularly high then he constantly checks untill his finger tips are red raw..och the poor wee soul!!

Hi,
To all those people who gave me some of they're wonderful advice regarding my son's blood sugar level's..I,ve just recently spoken to his diabetic DR & she has decided that maybe my son needs another type of insulin on top of the one he is currently taking at the moment..He is currently taking mixtard 30 & as from tommorow he will also be taking mixtard 20..fingers crossed this time,lets hope it makes a difference..

Well, I don't really see that helping, unfortunately.