3 AM Readings

[Alysse404]

I'm trying to adjust my basal (I'm taking Lantus once a day and Humalog at meals) and I can't remember what the range is supposed to be for the 3AM readings. Does anyone have some information on this? Thanks so much!

[HeatherP]

Sorry - no. I just look for my b/s's to be "in range" at all times - my range is 90-150.

[WiseWords]

Originally posted by Alysse404
I'm trying to adjust my basal (I'm taking Lantus once a day and Humalog at meals)
and I can't remember what the range is supposed to be for the 3AM readings.
Does anyone have some information on this? Thanks so much!
The range 24/7, in the ideal world, is to have your
BG as close to a non-diabetic as possible.

If you are sleeping at 3:00am, then your evening shot,
either before dinner, or before an after-dinner, evening snack,
should be enough to keep your BG from getting too high,
but not so much that you will get low during the night.
In your case, a snack and/or evening meal will be controlled
primarily by the Humalog.
As long as you are not taking too much Lantus for your needs,
there should be little chance of getting low during the night.
Most new diabetics will wake up if their BG gets too low.

There are formulas for determining the amounts of insulin and carbs
that are appropriate for you, based on height, weight, activity,
and other elusive unknowns.
No one is the same, so, nobody can tell you what amounts to take,
without knowing your specific details. Even then, it really amounts
to an educated guess, which your doctor is in a far better
position to make, than a message board.

When you have questions like this, there is nothing wrong with
giving your doctor a call, and talking to him or his nurse.;)

[lgvincent]

All I've been able to find is that it should be above 70 mg/dL but I'm not sure what the range is. I'll ask my doctor the next time I see him but hopefully you'll get an answer before then. If it helps any, mine has been running around 110 during the last few nights although it can vary.

[Alysse404]

Thank you, everyone, for your replies!!! It's so frustrating for me right now because my basal had been staying the same for about a year now, but since I started my new job, I've definitely needed more insulin and I've had to make some adjustments. I think it's due to the stress, mainly, but it's also been 2 years since I got diagnosed, so I'm trying to remind myself that things change as you have diabetes for a longer period of time. Thanks for everything!

[WiseWords]

Originally posted by Alysse404
...since I started my new job, I've definitely needed more insulin
and I've had to make some adjustments.
I think it's due to the stress, mainly, but
it's also been 2 years since I got diagnosed, so
I'm trying to remind myself that things change as
you have diabetes for a longer period of time. Thanks for everything!
Although it has been 2 years since you were diagnosed,
it should not be two years since your last doctor visit !
It sounds like that might be the case!!
Normal visits should be every 3-4 months for a diabetic under
reasonable control.
More frequently, if you are having problems managing issues
connected with good control.

If you do not have medical coverage for doctor visits, then
that may be a problem, but it can be resolved with less luxuries,
and saving that money for doctor visits and lab tests.
Except for those who feel that luxuries are more important than your life !

One advantage of seeing your doctor at 12-16 week intervals,
is that you can get all those other extra lab tests that people
with diabetes should have. These may vary with your unique
needs, but should certainly include cholesterol, HDL & LDL, plus triglycerides.
Without medical coverage, these tests can be spread out over the year,
so that you do not get one large bill.
If you have coverage, the doctor certainly won't mind ordering the tests,
and more knowledge is to your advantage.

Any changes in insulin, may best be covered by the Humalog if
the high BG is only at a specific time of the day.
Are you eating consistently, regarding the amounts at each meal?
Are you eating differently, such as patronizing the fast-food places
when at work?

For an insulin dependent diabetic who is taking both a long-acting and
a fast-acting insulin, I would suggest talking to your doctor about
Humulin U.
It also lasts 22-24 hours, like Lantus, but can be mixed with the
Humalog, for your morning and evening shots. That would eliminate
two shots per day.
Humulin U has a slight peak, but because the total length of action
is spread out over a 24 hour period, any peaks are negligible for most people.
In addition to the ability to mix it with Humalog in the same syringe,
it also costs almost half of what Lantus costs, ($24.99/vial)
The Humalog may be delayed slightly when mixed with Humulin U,
but that can be an advantage in preventing dramatic shifts in highs and lows,
especially when at work. The extra exercise from work,
may also take care of any differences in the effect of the Humalog
if mixed with Humulin U.
Taking extra Lantus, which will be spread out over a 24 hour time period
may cause some lows while at work, or even during the night.

Also, at work, you may need a mid-morning, or late afternoon snack.

Here are two links about BG levels:
1. BG Levels Before & After Meals and Self Monitoring (http://www.medihealthdme.com/education/diabetes_monitor.htm)
2. Normal & High BG Levels (http://www.sokkari.com/bg_range/bg_range.htm)
;)

[Alysse404]

I have doctor's visit with my endocronologist every 3-4 months, and my general practioner is my uncle, so I am in very good care. Thank you for your concern.