1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

My Diabetes 2 Backwards Numbers---Anyone else?

Posted by Retired Teacher @retiredteacher, May 10, 2017

I was diagnosed one year ago and as an educator I have researched and read everything I could find about diabetes. I have never been sickly or had a disease before this reared its ugly head. I have the Mayo book with explanation and information. My PCP doesn't do anything with diabetes so I made an appointment with an endocrinologist. My A1c was 6.0 and all testing profiles were normal except triglycerides. I do not take any diabetes medicines. I was not an exercise person, but I started exercising, using a treadmill. My situation is pretty good. I changed my diet to conform as much as possible. I don't eat fish, so chicken is my main meat. I eat beef once a week. Mostly I eat vegetables. Fruits seem to spike my blood numbers. I have experimented with some different food combinations; some have worked; some haven't.
My main problem is that my morning number before breakfast is often high (in 140's or 150's). and then after lunch, it will be in range or lower (100 to 120).
Last night before I went to bed my blood was 103. This morning it was 154. I don't understand why numbers would go up during the night. It always comes down during the day. This is backwards for what my Endo. told me. He said it should be under 120 in A.M. and below 180 three hours after lunch. I also have not lost weight even though I exercise daily. I think I am backwards, but I don't know why. I don't see Endo. for another month so don't know what all this up and down is doing to my profile numbers and don't know how to change it.

Thanks to anyone else who has had this situation and can help.

retiredteacher

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sue44 | @sue44 | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @avmcbellar "Which Freestyle meter do you have? The control solution is not universal. Each meter has its..." + (show)
@avmcbellar

Which Freestyle meter do you have? The control solution is not universal. Each meter has its own control solution. It comes with the machine to use on the strips. You insert the strip into the machine. If the results are within range of the directions( which come with the machine) then proceed using the machine to test blood glucose. The test solution or controls comes in a small bottle similar to a bottle with eye drops. Hope this helps. Toni

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I have the control solution, that comes with the meter, but there is no range on the bottle or box. I can't even test my machine to see if it correct or not. Is this even happen to you? Maybe I got a defective one.

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2 replies
avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @sue44 "I have the control solution, that comes with the meter, but there is no range on..." + (show)
@sue44

I have the control solution, that comes with the meter, but there is no range on the bottle or box. I can't even test my machine to see if it correct or not. Is this even happen to you? Maybe I got a defective one.

Jump to this post

Hi @sue44 the information for the range should be on the control bottle or box it came in. Not all control solutions will have the same range. The control solutions will be different. The range depends on which solution you get. The control solution is what is used to determine if a meter is functioning correctly. It is the test. Before, I was responsible for testing all the blood glucose meters. I needed to be certain the meters were functioning correctly before allowing staff to administer the right insulin doses to patients. If you have any trouble finding the info, I will help you find the location. Toni

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2 replies
avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @avmcbellar "Hi @sue44 the information for the range should be on the control bottle or box it..." + (show)
@avmcbellar

Hi @sue44 the information for the range should be on the control bottle or box it came in. Not all control solutions will have the same range. The control solutions will be different. The range depends on which solution you get. The control solution is what is used to determine if a meter is functioning correctly. It is the test. Before, I was responsible for testing all the blood glucose meters. I needed to be certain the meters were functioning correctly before allowing staff to administer the right insulin doses to patients. If you have any trouble finding the info, I will help you find the location. Toni

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@sue44 check also the vial of test strips for the range. The manual for the glucometer should provide instructions for using the control solution. The manufacturer recommends using the control solution for any suspicion of a malfunction. I used it for every new vial of test strips.

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sue44 | @sue44 | Jan 25, 2021
In reply to @avmcbellar "Hi @sue44 the information for the range should be on the control bottle or box it..." + (show)
@avmcbellar

Hi @sue44 the information for the range should be on the control bottle or box it came in. Not all control solutions will have the same range. The control solutions will be different. The range depends on which solution you get. The control solution is what is used to determine if a meter is functioning correctly. It is the test. Before, I was responsible for testing all the blood glucose meters. I needed to be certain the meters were functioning correctly before allowing staff to administer the right insulin doses to patients. If you have any trouble finding the info, I will help you find the location. Toni

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Thanks, Toni, I need help, cause I cannot find the range. I even had my husband trying to help me locate it, but he couldn't find it either, Please help.
Sue

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kimnewell1 | @kimnewell1 | Jan 26, 2021

fighting the same. Once and a while I'll have a little something before I go to bed. Carbmaster yogurt and a cup of tea seems to help. I'm still trying to figure it out and I'm not yet totally in range yet but getting there.

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1 reply
kimnewell1 | @kimnewell1 | Jan 26, 2021
In reply to @sue44 "I have the control solution, that comes with the meter, but there is no range on..." + (show)
@sue44

I have the control solution, that comes with the meter, but there is no range on the bottle or box. I can't even test my machine to see if it correct or not. Is this even happen to you? Maybe I got a defective one.

Jump to this post

I joined livongo - free meter, strips and monitoring. Has helped me a lot bringing my A1C of 13 down to 7.3 so far. It was explained to me that the solution is needed if your meter is odd. Otherwise - not.

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kimnewell1 | @kimnewell1 | Jan 26, 2021
In reply to @retiredteacher "Thanks for your positive response, but as I've been told over and over in the year..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

Thanks for your positive response, but as I've been told over and over in the year since I was diagnosed, we are all different. I live in the middle of nowhere. I do not drive because of panic attacks, and I have no friends. So going to a gym or getting to a pool are not in the plan because of distance. I have a close spiritual bond with my Christianity, so that brings me peace when I get depressed. There isn't a coffee shop for miles. My one goal was to teach; it's all I ever wanted to do, and I did it for 42 years until I had to retire. That day was my first death. I cannot explain the passion I had for teaching. There is nothing else that could possibly replace it. I have read and researched diabetes for hours on end and resent the time I have to spend that way. I would never get out of the house to walk because it is rural and I consider it dangerous. I eat basically the same thing every day, and my husband does too since I never cooked until I got this disease. I know that I'll never get well; diabetes will kill me. I never considered the Golden Age of Retirement and I despise being a senior citizen too. So, Just about every day is the same for me.
Again, I appreciate your response.

retiredteacher

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I suggest trying something online - there are a number of volunteer outlets where you can teach online or get involved by zoom meetings. I exercise online with Silver Sneakers. I just joined this group in order to reach out and have communication on diabetes. I'm also retired, have serious osteo issues that limit exercise, but I have a physical therapy table that I do my yoga and PT exercises on. Tried on the bed but couldn't really get the benefit. I really had to just start - and that was raising my hands over my head and deep breathing. From there I continued to become more able. It helped with depression - yes, even that little bit. I embroider and made sure I get up and move every 20 minutes or so.

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Jan 26, 2021

Hi @kimnewell1 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It is a great place to get helpful information through the experience of other members or to offer help through your experiences. Congratulations on your hemoglobin A1C results. I see you have significantly lowered your numbers. It is not easy. It takes a lot of effort. Keep up the good work! You are right. The control solution is a way to monitor if your glucometer is functioning properly. I checked machines every time a new vial of tests strips was used. Wish you well. Keep healthy with low carbs, Toni

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lewismustard | @lewismustard | Jan 26, 2021

Yhere may have been a test of meters by Consumer Report.

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lewismustard | @lewismustard | Jan 26, 2021

Yes it helps to have a routine. I never take my insulin before bedtime since I worry about my sugar going too low.

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