Experiments

Awhile ago, at one of my endo appointments, I had mentioned that I was having some trouble with post-parandial bgs. I was having to bolus at least 30 minutes before eating to avoid crazy high spikes. And really, who knows exactly what they're going to eat a half an hour before? We talked about trying Apidra but since this was my last pediatrics appointment, they wanted to stick with what worked (well, sort of worked).

Instead, he suggested that I try putting my pump sites on my leg for awhile. I guess the idea is that when you move around after you eat, your muscles and blood move around faster in your leg, spreading the insulin faster.

Months went by and I still hadn't done it. Partially because I had forgotten, but partially, I think, because I was avoiding it. Even after living with diabetes for a long time (11 years in March!), I still don't really like needles. I deal with it, sure, but I hate having to do anything different with those needles than I usually do.

I finally broke down and tried it last week... needless to say, it was not terrible, it was fine! I actually really like wearing them on my leg, it's really comfortable and I think it actually hurts less to insert than into my stomach. I don't think it's done anything for the post-paradials but at least it's another site to rotate through. I've been putting them about 2/3 of the way up my thigh, closer to the back of the skin that sort of "sticks out" when I sit.

Since this experiment was such a success, I decided to try inserting a CGM sensor in my arm. I knew this would be hard because I would only have one of my hands to work with, but I figure it was worth a shot.

I actually got the sensor inserted (easily done with one hand) and got the inserter off by holding the sensor with my index finger and pushing the inserter up with my thumb and middle finger on the "feet" of the inserter. Problems arose when it came time to take out the needle, though- I couldn't get it out from any angle and my arm was starting to bruise (it's a HUGE needle) so I just pulled the sensor.

I'll probably try again because I'd really like to be able to wear the sensors on my arm- has anyone else had any luck with this?

In summary- Diabetes supplies:1, Kylie:1. It's on.