# What is the most frustrating thing about living with diabetes? **URL:** \ **Category:** Type 1 & LADA\ **Created:** [May 6, 2018, 12:53pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997 "2018-05-06T12:53:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 3:11pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/61 "2018-05-11T15:11:43Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#): > > the basal gets turned off at around 9PM, his last meal is typically 6 or 7PM so that would be the last time he’s being bolused. Last night, his POD “expired” 11PM, but the basal was off at 9PM anyway. Then, between 3 and 7AM, I had to give him SIX glucose tablets to either keep him above low, or to bring him back up after he dropped low (twice last night, early morning he was at or slightly above 50). Just so I am square on the numbers - no bolus for at least 8 hours (7pm to 3am) and no basal for at least 6 hours (9pm to 3am), and then 24 grams were needed? And just to put it in perspective for everyone reading the thread, 24 grams for a 4 year old is a bunch!!! Based guesstimates of his height and weight, and using that to calculate his blood volume, that amount of carbs would raise Liam’s BG about 3x more than it would me. That’s pretty significant. They have c-peptide tests that can be done with urine samples. I am not sure how accurate they are in comparison, but it would be less invasive. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 3:14pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/62 "2018-05-11T15:14:14Z")
> [@DeeM](#): > > There aren’t ‘good’ diabetics or ‘bad’ diabetics. I think you are wrong, DeeM. I am extremely bad. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Katers87](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a9adbd/32.png) [@Katers87](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Katers87)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/63 "2018-05-11T15:15:39Z")
Let us know what his doctor says. This sounds very unusual! I didn’t realize that you could re-enter the honeymoon phase. Was Liam tested for antibodies when he was diagnosed? ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/64 "2018-05-11T15:18:46Z")
Yes. He did have antibodies at the time of testing, but this a year ago or more. ---
**Author:** ![Katers87](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a9adbd/32.png) [@Katers87](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Katers87)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 3:22pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/65 "2018-05-11T15:22:20Z")
Sounds stressful and unpredictable. I hope the doctor has some answers for you! ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:13pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/66 "2018-05-11T18:13:14Z")
> [@DeeM](#): > > re-Neducate Lord and Master of the whole world! Welcome @DeeM! ---
**Author:** ![lh378](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/lh378/32/601_2.png) [@lh378](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/lh378)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/67 "2018-05-11T18:16:35Z")
Speaking about BAD…I was speaking to a diabetic colleague recently and explained that I do occasionally experiment with IM corrections, or the whole Gary Scheiner recommendations of speeding up insulin actions and using supplies off label. My endo actually suggested carrying the small cartridge and using syringe for micro dosing. Of course, I cannot seem to dose any smaller quantities than 1/2 unit even with a syringe. He is a doctor, therefore likely more experienced than I am. My colleague was absolutely floored by all the experimentation that I discussed. She was bowled over by laughter (we did have a few drinks prior to the discussion) And oh… never mind, Afreeza. (BTW - my unopened trial package still sits in the refrigerator. I haven’t yet tried it.) ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/68 "2018-05-11T18:18:43Z")
I just wish they made smaller, more precise syringes…the syringes out (that we keep with us at all times) are really hard to finely measure how much you’re giving…and for someone small, it just takes a bit too much to send them crashing. We still have used them on occasion, though, when we were certain a pump wasn’t working - between pump change-outs…but only when we’ve known he need something like 1/2 or a full unit. ---
**Author:** ![Jen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/jen/32/4777_2.png) [@Jen](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Jen)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:33pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/69 "2018-05-11T18:33:49Z")
> [@Eric](#): > > for me the biggest issue has always been the alpha cells not responding to lows. That does seem like it is more problematic. Yes, this is extremely annoying as well. But it sort of fits into my category of diabetes interrupting my sleep. I’ve had more than one night where I spend anywhere from three to five hours low non-stop. Granted, I don’t typically suspend my pump for long because almost always that just results in a massive high that is hard to get down. Next time I hav this type of low I intend to experiment with mini glucagon if I can actually remember to do so in the moment. ---
**Author:** ![Jen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/jen/32/4777_2.png) [@Jen](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Jen)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:44pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/70 "2018-05-11T18:44:24Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#): > > I just wish they made smaller, more precise syringes… I think the issue isn’t syringes but rather that the volume of insulin is so small that something like 1/4 or 1/8 or a unit is just not a lot of liquid. But you can get dilutants for insulin (I think @Eric has posted about this), which might be useful. I’m not sure how long insulin lasts once it’s diluted. ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/71 "2018-05-11T18:49:30Z")
> [@Jen](#): > > I think the issue isn’t syringes but rather that the volume of insulin is so small that something like 1/4 or 1/8 or a unit is just not a lot of liquid. Unless you’re 4! lol. Yes, we’ve looking into diluting and may go down that road eventually, but as he gets bigger, fortunately (dual edged sword, I guess) his dosing will go up instead of down. ---
**Author:** ![Jen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/jen/32/4777_2.png) [@Jen](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Jen)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:54pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/72 "2018-05-11T18:54:22Z")
Micro-dosing is one reason I love the pump. I’m an adult and sometimes find a 0.15 or 0.25 bolus useful! ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 6:55pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/73 "2018-05-11T18:55:55Z")
Yeah, we definitely rely on the .05 dosing of the Omnipod and that’s all we use…but in the event that the pump errors out and we’re out of the house w/o a POD (which isn’t likely since we also always carry an extra POD with us), having smaller dosing syringes would be nice. Just like the Novolog/Lantus pens, only very tiny doses. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/74 "2018-05-11T19:13:20Z")
> [@Jen](#): > > But you can get dilutants for insulin Here is the NDC for the Lilly diluent. This is what I have used before. It’s actually free from Lilly. I can send you some if you want, Harold. | NDC | Trade Name | Labeler Name | | --- | --- | --- | | 00002-0800 | Sterile Diluent | Eli Lilly and Company | ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/75 "2018-05-11T19:16:18Z")
> [@lh378](#): > > Of course, I cannot seem to dose any smaller quantities than 1/2 unit even with a syringe. I think I have posted about this before, if you want to try. You can dilute the insulin in the pen. Or buy some sterile empty vials and get a vial of diluent, and mix your own vial. I have one of my home-mades in the fridge right now. It says 15% on it. 😀 ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/76 "2018-05-11T19:16:24Z")
If you don’t mind, sure! ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/77 "2018-05-11T19:16:52Z")
Okay. ---
**Author:** ![T1Allison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@T1Allison](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/T1Allison)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2018, 1:46am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/78 "2018-05-12T01:46:03Z")
> [@TravelingOn](#): > > Random: have you thought of drinking your calories? Coffee/tea with heavy cream, protein shakes , etc? I’ll look into protein powder. My husband coincidentally mentioned it tonight, also. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2018, 3:56am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/79 "2018-05-12T03:56:19Z")
> [@T1Allison](#): > > I’ll look into protein powder. Ensure is a good thing for extra carbs/calories/protein plus vitamins and minerals. > **[Ensure® Products | Meal Replacement Shakes & Nutrition Drinks](https://www.ensure.com/nutrition-products?gclid=CjwKCAjw_tTXBRBsEiwArqXyMsgGlJjZoP3_fylphnT8z2ooadR5671Y7dd--_D0PWDBX1JAaobnyhoCQTcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)** > > If you're looking for meal replacement drinks and shakes that can give you a boost in nutrition, turn to Ensure, the #1 Dr. Recommended Brand. Ensure was introduced into the market in 1973 and has been providing people with complete, balanced... They have a lot of variations - high protein, low carb, different flavors. ---
**Author:** ![TravelingOn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/travelingon/32/1583_2.png) [@TravelingOn](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/TravelingOn)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2018, 4:24am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997/80 "2018-05-12T04:24:58Z")
> [@Eric](#): > > They have a lot of variations - high protein, low carb, different flavors. I will also say: they taste best really cold and shake the heck out of them first. I find chocolate better than vanilla, although I know a young kid who loves the vanilla and drinks one a day. He went from some seriously low height and weight percentile (he’s got epidermolysis bullosa, many kids with that are seriously picky eaters and also underweight) to 95th, and shot up like 12 inches. It is pretty amazing stuff if you can learn to enjoy it. Tell yourself it’s a milkshake. 🙂 [Previous page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997.md?page=3) [Next page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/what-is-the-most-frustrating-thing-about-living-with-diabetes/3997.md?page=5)