Doctor’s orders

Since switching jobs a month and a half ago, I’ve spent less time on my feet and more time at my desk. The most time I spend walking is either to the office printer (which is ten steps away) or to the coffee machine (which is a longer, but more frequent, trip).

Because of the inactivity, I’ve been dealing with higher BGs for a longer periods of time. I’ve also experienced poor insulin absorption, particularly in my back and butt areas, partly because they’re always pressed against a chair and partly because of developing scar-tissue.

Combine the two, and I’ve gone from regularly setting low temporary basals to stacking corrections and higher full-time basals every day.

So imagine my surprise when, today at my endo’s appointment, the doctor told me my A1C and it was …. lower!! I was floored. (I’m not going to share the number, but I will say that it’s time for me to set a new target). He told me that he was happy with everything, and that I should just keep on doing what I’m doing without any changes.

(What I’m doing, by the way, includes a hefty amount of super-boluses; almost always before breakfast, before disconnecting for a shower, or when correcting a high).

He asked how often I experience lows. It was hard to answer that question, but I could confidently say that it was less frequently than before. That, my friends, is the answer. Reducing the LOW blood sugars usually has the effect of LOWERING one’s average blood glucose, or A1C.  It’s those stubborn highs that come from overcorrecting that completely negate the A1C-benefits of a low, and then some. This is what he said. I agree.

He then asked me how I thought about moving to appointments every six months instead of every four. Apparently, I know what I’m doing. Still, I enjoy going to this doctor and decided to stick with my every-four-month schedule.

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Also during this appointment, I expressed my feelings about my pump/CGM combo, and mentioned how I’d be tempted to switch to the Animas Vibe when it comes available. I recognize that nothing comes close to Carelink Pro when it comes to recording and presenting data, and wanted to know what the doctor thought about that.

“I wish every device presented data in the same way, but unfortunately it doesn’t. Ultimately, you have to live with your choice every day, so pick what works best for you and we’ll work with it.”

Good answer!

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Speaking of pumps, I think I figured out why Medtronic is ditching it’s catchy name “Veo” in the United States (in favor of the dull and meaningless name “530G”). It’s probably to avoid confusion with this little patch-pump:

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Not everything was peachy-keen at my appointment. First, the credit-card machine used to process my co-pay didn’t work properly. Then, the office printer didn’t work so the doctor couldn’t show me my CareLink Pro reports (though he could view it on the screen in a different room). It seems like these things break all the time.

But it gave me a new-found respect for the medical devices that I use, which – despite frustrating me to no end – have never left me hanging and still keep on ticking. So, if it sounds like I whine about pumps and meters and things a lot, it’s because my expectations are high. They really work quite spectacularly.

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 And I’m finally getting a new prescription for glucagon.