Wednesday 2 June 2010

Why I fail at basal testing

Today I was determined to do a basal test at some point of the day. Absolutely determined.

What I didn't factor in was how damn hungry I get...so I failed at the 2 basal tests I started today.

If I'm in range when I wake up, I'll do one tomorrow morning, from when I wake at about 8.30 for at least 5 hours, but I'll keep going if I can for as long as I can. I've had pasta this evening, so I'm hoping that will keep me going through tomorrow morning!

If I'm not in range - I'll do one as and when I can. I'd try and get philosophical about it, but it's not really worth it!

6 comments:

Roo said...

Dear type 1 person, on the link of basal test it says
"For any readings above 250, stop the basal test and check for ketones. If no ketones, bolus with pump. If ketones are present, give an injection and change infusion set." So, you're above 250, "man, i better check my 'tones" you think to yourself, by this point are you literally bursting with the need to pee, or are you desperately trying to squeeze some out to test, or are there other tests.
Also is the 70, 250 numbers a unit used more in the US than the UK?

Yours sincerely,
Curious Roo

Siobhan said...

Yeah, the 70, 250 etc is the US way of doing things - mg/dl. We still use mmol/l.

I don't really understand your question about ketones hehe, sorry, might be me missing something? If you've got ketones chances are you're very high and will need to wee - which test are you referring to?

Roo said...

presumably dip sticking? not sure really, wondering how you test for ketones in this basal testing test.

Siobhan said...

Oh - ketones can be tested by peeing on a stick, and there is a BG machine that also checks for ketones using blood. That's how you'd test for them at any time, basal testing or not.

(I keep a pot of Ketostix by my toilet for this very reason :D)

Anonymous said...

I think everyone fails at basal testing, mostly because it's hard as hell and way to easy to tell yourself, "I'll do it tomorrow."

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

hey shiv,
just found your website and i think its a wonderful idea and will try and have a read from now and again.
did you manage to do your basal testing??

Do you not test before bed and then first thing in the morning? Thats the best way to find out if your basal is working.