Re: Pancreatitis Induced Diabetes-Bert

[Guest guest]

Bert wrote: " I just got out of the hospital yet again for DKA! "

Bert,

I'm sorry to hear that you have had more problems with DKA. I don't

know if you are aware that it was a DKA episode that introduced me to

my pancreatitis induced type 1 brittle diabetes.

Prior to this DKA two and a half years ago, I was an unsuspecting

chronic pancreatitis patient with no previous experience with

diabetes, so I'm sure you can understand those traumatic days in the

hospital after the DKA shock, waking to feel nurses injecting me with

insulin, and being told my pancreas had burned out, and that I was now

a brittle insulin dependent diabetic.

Fortunately, thanks to heavy research, a very deligent and frequent

daily blood glucose testing, (6-10 times daily), liberal basal insulin

adjustments and administering meal time insulin according to carb

intake prior to meals and protein intake 2 hours later, I've been able

to maintain excellent HbA1c scores. My last was 5.4. Scores prior to

that were 11.9, (in the hospital at onset), then 5.6, 5.5, and 5.7

after I started insulin injections.

There are definitely days when the sudden leaps from low to high, or

high to low defy explanation or reason. I try not to let those times

discourage me, adjust my fast acting insulin accordingly, and hope for

the best. So far, these brittle days are not too frequent and I've

been able to avoid unnecessary stress. My main problems remain those

with hypoglycemic unawareness, where I don't recognize a hypo until

I'm down in the high 20's or low 30's. That's why the frequent BG

testing is a necessity, and I never go to bed with a reading of less

than 110. I know it's only been two and a half years with this, but I

do feel that so far I've been able to get a good handle on dealing

with my diabetes, and have had no complications as a result.

DKA is absolutely no fun!! If there is anything I can do, or any way

you think I may be able to help you, please don't hesitate to email

me. What I do has worked very well for me, and it may be that there's

something I've learned that might be of help to you, so just let me

know if you may have any questions.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

Note: Comments or advice are based on my personal experiences or

opinions only, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.