[millyyates]

I know this whole thing is frustrating and as has been said on other posts technique and being methodical is important hence why I keep coming back to computer programs that assist in setting basal rates. I have attached an example of the process I go through in setting basal rates. We do the basal testing (use CGMS now to do this) put into basal rate estimator and then work methodically hour by hour. Yes it generally lasts about 6 weeks but after basal testing it takes about half an hour to input and come up with adjusted basals. Like using any technology it takes some time to work through but when you are used to format its easy. It is clunky old technology but hey there isn't anything else. Some tips - make sure the input format is exactly as set out - input bgl and existing basal first and input an example new basal - with new basal work through hourly or every 2 hours with adjusted basal. You can then work through different scenarios - you need to have all data areas input or you loose the lot and have to start again which is frustrating but when you get use to it it is no problem.

At the very least it has helped me better understand the effect of small changes and their cumulative effect. I got frustrated by continually tweaking and not really seeing marked improvement in control. This is all very difficult because we are playing with such small amounts of insulin. The program effectively adjusts for the change to have an effect in 2 hours which is what our endo said. The program just gives a methodical way to make adjustments. I am careful in making adjustments as I am sure everyone is. I am also careful on how any changes might impact on carb ratios.

Each time we update we are able to flatline overnight with normal circumstances. It gives us greater peace of mind on setting new basal rates.

BGL units are mmol so multiply by 18 for those in North America.

[Subby]

I admire your hard work here. From what I can see I think you made great improvements, congratulations

I can't make much sense of the whole process the way you've put it, I admit, it seems quite complicated and tricky but I am not in your shoes. It seems you need to do a lot of data collection and holding of information at once, is that right?

What I like about normal Basal testing (the way I do it - just work through the times of day one at a time - or in isolation - at my leisure) is it's like kinking out a chain, you just need to worry about the kink in front of you, the rest you can forget, it's either behind you and ironed out, or it's further down the chain and you will come to it. You mention frustration at doing small corrections: I just up the increments to what I see fit, if I'm not getting results. Isn't it easy enough to do it that way?

Not criticising, just curious. As I said I'm not quite sure how your process works or what the benefits are.