[ppa]

I got the below instructions for settings one's daily basal amounts from the 'old timers' on the ADA board. I've really found experienced T1s to have some of the best systems management information out there.

Hope this is of some help to everyone. It takes a little bit of discipline, but is worth it. Remember, hyperinsulimia is one of the key degenerative states we need to guard against, or be on the lookout for; though you may not get that from your Endo. lol.

Best, Josh

Basal Test Starts Below
-And there is an attached file at bottom of the post you can simply download. It's in .txt format ( Plain Text )


First, I would highly recommend basal testing. This testing is to figure out if that one injection of Lantus is giving you 24 hour coverage because that's the whole point of a background insulin like Lantus or Levemir. Here are my favorite, very basic instructions on basal testing from integrateddiabetes.com:

Rules for performing basal tests:

1. No Food Being Digested
• You may not eat for at least 4 hours preceding the basal test.
• The meal/snack preceding the basal test should be low in fat.
• Do not eat during the basal test, unless your blood glucose is below 70*.
• You may have water or diet beverages during the test
• No caffeinated beverages during the basal test.
2. No Bolus Insulin Working During the Basal Test
• Do not bolus for at least 4 hours preceding the basal test.
• Do not bolus during the test, unless your blood glucose is above 250**.
3. No Changes in the Body's Normal Glucose Output
• No hypoglycemic episodes for at least 6 hours preceding the basal test.
• No illnesses during the testing (fever, infection, virus)
• No steroid medications being used
• Avoid testing during major stages of menstrual cycle if blood glucose changes are usually noted
4. Allow Basal Insulin to be Delivered Uninterrupted
• Do not put the pump into suspend
• Do not disconnect from the pump.
5. Maintain low-moderate activity level
• Do not exercise starting 4 hours after last meal/snack.
• You may perform light/moderate exercise soon after last meal/snack if it is your normal time to do so.
• Perform usual daily activities during basal test.
6. Monitor blood glucose levels
• Start testing at least 4 hours after last meal/snack/bolus.
• Use the same blood glucose meter throughout the testing.
• Check blood glucose level every 2 hours.
• Testing may be performed for 4-12 hours.
* For readings below 70, take carbohydrate and stop the basal test.
** For any readings above 250, stop the basal test and check for ketones.

So that's the first step. Next start testing your insulin to carb ratio or I:C. Start with the premise that you need one unit of insulin for 15 grams of carbs. 5 units doesn't have to be "a lot" as long as it's matching the action of the carbs.