To re: hypoglycemia

[Guest guest]

,

I've been offline for two days because of illness so I haven't had a

chance to read any messages ahead that may have responded to your

post to concerning the mistake you made with your insulins.

So if you've already received this advice from someone else, please

disregard my message.

Please know that you aren't the only person to have made this kind

of mistake, I did much the same thing when I was new to diabetes and

in a hurry to dose, instead of injecting my Lantus, I took my Humalog

by mistake, and had an experience very similar to your own, except

that I had glucose tabs to take and used practically an entire

container of those to quickly raise my sugars to avoid going hypo.

We didn't even have any orange juice or sweetened beverages in the

house, since my husband and I don't drink them. Now I keep OJ on

hand for just this type of emergency.

Until you islets kick in and you're free and clear of the need for

insulin, I would suggest that you purchase a glucogon kit. Any

doctor can write a script for one, your PCP or whomever you see

now could write the script, until you're able to see the

Endocrinologist. The glucogon kit is an already prepared syringe

that is pre-filled with glucose that can be injected into a person

who has passed out from hypoglycemia, and thereby unable to swallow

glucose tablets, orange juice or any sweetened drinks that would

normally raise a person's blood sugar. All diabetics should have

possession

of this kit for an hypoglycemic emergency. When your BG's get too

low it is not uncommon for the patient to lose their ability to

speak, think or act rationally. There have been a few occasions

in my experience where this has happened, and it's a terrifying

feeling, both for the patient and for anyone who is with them.

I've taught my family what signs to look for, because as you loose

your ability to speak, you also become very confused and can't make

rational decisions or actions.

The syringe can be injected by a second party, and could save the

patient's life, especially if they were somewhere where immediate

professional medical assistance wasn't available. The kit comes

with explicit directions on how to administer the injection so that

anyone with you could use it. Mine cost $25.00 with my insurance,

and it's worth every penny, as far as I'm concerned. Fortunately,

mine sits in the bottom drawer of my bathroom, unused, but we have

taken it with us on every trip where we left the house for more

than a 24 hour period.

I hope this information helps, and that you never have to use it,

(the kit, I mean....LOL)!

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

SC Rep

SE Regional Rep

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion only, and should not be substituted for consultation with

your medical professional.