Comments on: Basal Testing: A New Kind of Torture

By: Daisy

Daisy — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:03:54 +0000

Have you ever thought about going RAW?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSUw9SaPLmA

There are some serious heath benefits that might actually make these grueling tests a thing of the past.

Just something to look into.

Cheering you on,
Daisy

By: Jennifer Nelson

Jennifer Nelson — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:02:59 +0000

Just started this unique brand of torture myself. I get scary when I don’t eat!

By: Kendra

Kendra — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:44:28 +0000

I know this is several months after the fact, but I wanted to make a comment to Ryan’s Mom about hating diabetes. I have been a diabetic for over 30 years. I spent my entire life “trying” to be normal to the point that most people did not even know I was diabetic and those that did thought it was an easy disease. At 29 years of the disease I went on the pump and started having problems with severe lows and had to begin testing my blood every few hours. During one of those problem days I was with friends of over 20 years who have known all along I have the disease. They ended up talking behind my back that I was “showboating” my diabetes because I had never had to take my blood or do a shot in front of them before. Needless to say they are no longer my friends.

But the point of this story is to say Diabetes is a “severe” disease we are NEVER in complete control of and that it is always doing some sort of damage.

The comment about not wanting someone to hate diabetes sounds like it is coming from one who does not have the disease or not had it all that long. For 29 years I spent as little time on diabetes as I could because I wasn’t going to let it beat me. However, I am tired of it and always have been. I poke myself sometimes over 30 times a day, I can go into lows at any time and die, and any time I am over 120 I do damage to my organs. Not to mention the shots, Dr. visits, and eating.

I can honestly say I hate this disease. When I eat I have to worry about it when I don’t eat I have to worry about it. It is just like walking a tight rope. One foot off just a little and I could die.

There is so much stress involved in Diabetes to add not being allowed to hate it is not another one we need. Especially if you are saying it never having to be the one with the disease. Living with a person with the disease is hard, but having it is harder.

Allow the child to hate it, and instead of focusing on the hatred and wallowing in it, have him use that anger and hatred to do something good for a cure.

Faustman labs in entering a new trial phase for the cure. They need money and they have a very promising phase 1 behind them. Let’s not let government or drug companies hinder them because they may lose money from the cure! Or let’s raise money for them. Let him focus his anger and hatred on that!

By: John

John — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:11:12 +0000

I hate basal testing too, but it is soooo worth it! My 5.9% A1C, lack of major hypos, and basically cruising through my days with little worry would not be possible without it.

I’m not sure how much planning is needed to not eat. We test regularly and are therefore prepared for falls.

By: miss kitty3

miss kitty3 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:47:47 +0000

My endo revised the basal testing form because it caused so many conflicts. I used the revised form to do my basal testing. Yeah, the overnight is tough. The evening test is next worst.
I had to keep reminding myself not to correct BG’s in the 200 range and above. Also that I was doing an overnight basal test. Creature of habit!
Now, my endo wants to see what my basal rates are doing – using the revised form & CGM at the same time. I’m glad its only for 3 days.
Also, I sweat like a I don’t know what in weather higher than 72 degrees. I need IV Prep wipes to prep my skin for the CGM & my pump cannula.
Should be simple but w/ me, always a challenge w/ my diabetes.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:40:05 +0000

Amy – You are in good hands with Gary. I’ve been one of his clients for almost 2 years now. He knows what he is talking about. I’m not fond of the basal tests either, especially the overnight one. BTW…..in his book “Think like a Pancreas” Gary writes that you should not have caffeine during basal testing either.

By: strawberry

strawberry — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:00:34 +0000

I am soooo with you on this. Hate the basal rate tests! I have to do them again now because I had a baby recently, so things were way different while pregnant. And try fasting when you’re nursing! I’ve never been so hungry in all my life!!!

And I agree with the others… most of the time I’m super positive about life and don’t let the ‘betes get me down. But every now and then I must exclaim to my husband, “I Hate Diabetes!” He gets it. I know you all do, too.

By: AmyT

AmyT — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:53:10 +0000

Wow, so many doctors who never even mentioned basal testing – I’m shocked!

@kelsey – actually I’m kind of relieved to be “off the hook” for the High Holy Days

@Andy – you’re on to me.

By: Joe White

Joe White — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:25:28 +0000

I feel for you and your husband. I am not diabetic, but my son is. We will be doing overnight through breakfest basal testing to verify that his basal rates are correct. They are close, but probably need a little tweeking. So my wife does n’t kill me, I will sleep in his room and use my cell phone to alarm.

By: Kendra

Kendra — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:18:17 +0000

Haha. I’ve had Type I since March 31, 2002 and I still haven’t done a proper basal rate test. Maybe I’ll do it for my eighth “anniversary” as a way to “celebrate.” Man, diabetes is totally fun and awesome!