Does this make a lot of sense?

jps · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 11:56 PM

This has happened to me a few times.

After certain meals, I have really good numbers two hours after eating. I've identified those meals (sausage and peppers, ham and broccoli, steak and asparagus, etc) so I kind of know what to expect under "normal" conditions.

After tonight's meal of lean roast beef and green beans, I was at 81 post at around 830 pm. I take my 8U Lantus around 9 pm every night. I really didn't want to take the Lantus because I was fine with my numbers. I'm not afraid of a hypo if I do take the Lantus because it seems like my liver will compensate and pump out some glucose. At least that's what it seems like, I've never had a hypo episode, the lowest has been 75.

But here it is, now 11 pm, and I do a random - my glucose is at 94. Not that I'm complaining mind you. But why is it higher if I had a low carb meal, then insulin? Is my liver pumping out glucose to compensate for too much insulin perhaps?

Seems like the whole insulin/glucose relationship is complex and intimate, for lack of a better word.

genie86333 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 04:46 PM

Yes, sounds like your liver pumped out some glucose to compensate for you going too low. Lucky for you, it didn't really overcompensate - when I get a glucose dump, I go high.

slipperyelm · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 05:00 PM

I think your glucometer's "estimate" of 81 is essentially the same as its "estimate" of 94. I mean-- maybe the first value was really 88 if it were possible to be absolutely perfect about measurement. And maybe the second value was also really 88 if it were possible to be absolutely perfect about measurement.

Your situation sounds to me like you have a pretty good balance of your food and you meds/insulin at least over that short period.

Also, remember that Lantus is long acting, not intended to bring down the blood glucose after a specific meal.

fgummett · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 05:09 PM

I think that what you describe is fine... your BS did not spike after eating

That is so good for you!
There are still some carbs in beef and green beans, plus the protein will break down to amino acids and some of these can be converted to glucose if the body needs it. As Slipperyelm says above, your evening Lantus injection is not like a fast-acting bolus to cover the food you just ate, but rather to provide your basal needs for the next 24 hours. I have been on insulin for 5+ years now but since low-carbing I rarely if ever need to bolus, but I do still need to provide a basal.