Illness and Correction Factor

[gettingby]

Ok, yesterday I was slightly sick (no gory details will be given).
Last night my BG was up , I guess because of the illness, to 232. I took my normal correction dosage but didn't eat anything considering the higher number. When I woke this morning, my BG was at 38. So, my question is, does the correction factor change during illness or should I have forced myself to eat last night after taking the correction?

[spike]

Ok, yesterday I was slightly sick (no gory details will be given).
Last night my BG was up , I guess because of the illness, to 232. I took my normal correction dosage but didn't eat anything considering the higher number. When I woke this morning, my BG was at 38. So, my question is, does the correction factor change during illness or should I have forced myself to eat last night after taking the correction?


Yes, the ISF can change (correction factor--Insulin Sensitivity Factor) when you are ill with an infection, when you get a steroid injection, and other causes. The correction bolus should have been out of your system within 5 hours or less, but even though the insulin should be gone by then, it could cause your bg's to go low later because of basal insulin which normally keeps you well regulated has gotten a boost from the earlier bolus. That's what happens to me if I bolus late at night. Long after the bolus should have dissipated, I often get low just from basal. Make any sense?

Not sure you needed to eat, though--by looking at your result, you must have needed a smaller correction bolus.

[JediSkipdogg]

Everything changes during an illness and it's a do and hope it works out type item. Carbs react differently since your stomach so your insulin to carb ratios will be effected. Then your correction factor also changes as your liver is ill too and outputs less glucose for your basal insulin. Basically, it's all a mess and just testing more often is all one can do.

[gettingby]

Yes, the ISF can change (correction factor--Insulin Sensitivity Factor) when you are ill with an infection, when you get a steroid injection, and other causes. The correction bolus should have been out of your system within 5 hours or less, but even though the insulin should be gone by then, it could cause your bg's to go low later because of basal insulin which normally keeps you well regulated has gotten a boost from the earlier bolus. That's what happens to me if I bolus late at night. Long after the bolus should have dissipated, I often get low just from basal. Make any sense?

Not sure you needed to eat, though--by looking at your result, you must have needed a smaller correction bolus.
I guess so too. My ISF was figured out by my CDE several months back but it looks as though it needs to be refigured. Ah, the joys of our affliction.

[spike]

I guess so too. My ISF was figured out by my CDE several months back but it looks as though it needs to be refigured. Ah, the joys of our affliction.


Do you know the method of figuring out your current ISF? It's been mentioned in the forum. I wrote about it recently but don't remember how well I explained it that time.

[gettingby]

Do you know the method of figuring out your current ISF? It's been mentioned in the forum. I wrote about it recently but don't remember how well I explained it that time.
I can't remember it so I was gonna have to do some researching. If anyone knows, please help.
Cyborg?????????? HELP !!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[JediSkipdogg]

I can't remember it so I was gonna have to do some researching. If anyone knows, please help.
Cyborg?????????? HELP !!!!!!!!!!!! :)

The easiest way to figure a correction factor is to not eat for 10 hours. Wait 5 hours from your last bolus of insulin and any food that you have eaten. Give yourself 1 unit of insulin and then 5 hours later test and see how much you dropped from that 1 unit. It may take a few times to find a good number since you have to consider the innacuracy of meters. You also have to make sure your basal rate is accurate or else that could lower you too.

[poodlebone]

Ok, yesterday I was slightly sick (no gory details will be given).
Last night my BG was up , I guess because of the illness, to 232. I took my normal correction dosage but didn't eat anything considering the higher number. When I woke this morning, my BG was at 38. So, my question is, does the correction factor change during illness or should I have forced myself to eat last night after taking the correction?

Sounds like your correction factor might have been too high. Last year mine was set at 30 by my CDE and now it's 55.

Usually when you're sick you end up needing more insulin, not less, but YMMV!

[JediSkipdogg]

Sounds like your correction factor might have been too high. Last year mine was set at 30 by my CDE and now it's 55.

Usually when you're sick you end up needing more insulin, not less, but YMMV!

Alot of the needing more or less depends on any medicaitions you are on. Some have sugar in them themselves therefore requiring one to take more insulin. Then some slow down the release of glucose from the liver that you need less. It's all just a toss up.

[gettingby]

The only other med I took yesterday (besides my normal ones) was Immodium AD (sorry if that's TMI). I really do think my ISF isn't correct. I've had problems with running low using my ISF and I wasn't sick. Uggggg..........it's a never ending battle to get it right !!

[am1977]

The only other med I took yesterday (besides my normal ones) was Immodium AD (sorry if that's TMI). I really do think my ISF isn't correct. I've had problems with running low using my ISF and I wasn't sick. Uggggg..........it's a never ending battle to get it right !!


Boy, do I understand your frustration :rolleyes:... I definitely think my regimen could use adjustment, but I've lost patience with my doctor telling me to keep running basal test after basal test. I've done so many, I've lost count- and I don't feel that I've gotten anywhere :bawling:...

Hopefully, you'll have more luck than myself and things will turn around.

Hang in there!:wavey:

[gettingby]

Boy, do I understand your frustration :rolleyes:... I definitely think my regimen could use adjustment, but I've lost patience with my doctor telling me to keep running basal test after basal test. I've done so many, I've lost count- and I don't feel that I've gotten anywhere :bawling:...

Hopefully, you'll have more luck than myself and things will turn around.

Hang in there!:wavey:
Oh, I'm definitely gonna hang in there. If I don't, who is gonna pick on Carwy and Spike. LOL.
Diabetes is a trial and error thing. Gotta keep trying 'til you get it right !!