WOW......learning new things.

So, I have been "studying" a little bit for our class on Insulin Corrections...

Learned a "scary" thing....there is a "thing" called...Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF)..Basically, you do some calculations & figure out how much 1 unit of Insulin will reduce Sydney's blood glucose.

Right now, today....Sydney's ISF is 360....So, this means that 1 unit of insulin will reduce her bg by 360...WOW!!   0.5 units will reduce her bg by 180......

This is why "JUST" making an error of administering 0.5 units of insulin too much could be Life threatening for Sydney....of course realizing that you made an error is crucial.  I made this error a few weeks ago with her fast acting insulin....It was a bit scary.   To correct the error...we tested her bg more frequently, let her know about the error, so that she could tell us if she was feeling low, and treated her when it DID go low.    I think that Sydney kind of "enjoyed" the error....she ended up getting a few treats that she normally wouldn't be allowed to have...Thank you Mr. Tootie Roll Sucker....lol

The key is to administer "fast acting" carbs to bring her bg up fast.  There is a 15/15 Rule.....You give 15 grams of fast acting carbs (juice, glucose tab, regular soda) and re-test her bg in 15 minutes....You ALWAYS treat a low even if she is getting ready to eat a meal.  This way we can administer the "correct" amount of insulin for her meal.

Once you get her bg up to an acceptable range...we then give a snack that will keep her there; something with protein or a bit of fat.  Like an ice cream sandwich, a peanut butter sandwich or pb crackers...  If it is time for a meal...there is no need to give a snack, just count carbs like usual and administer the appropriate amount of insulin.


Mistakes are GOING to happen.  We have to know how to deal with them when they happen.   Hopefully, I can study enough to know when & what to do....and get this info passed on to those that also need to know.