Starting Insulin today what can I expect???

Question

Hello all,
I have gestational diabetes and today I am due at the clinic for them to start me on Insulin Therapy.
What will happen when I am at the clinic? What will they need to do to me??? How do they make sure they are giving me the right dose?
Thanks all. From a nervous 29 week pregnant lady!

Answer 1

Hiya! I wish you the best of luck!

They will answer all of your questions, just make sure to ask (sometimes I have to write them down so I don't forget.)

They won't give you what they think the right dose is starting out. They will give you about half of what they think they should (or maybe less) and have you do lots of testing. They will then slowly increase the dose until your blood sugar gets to where they want it. This could take several days.

Some people get the symptoms of low blood sugar when it is actually normal if their blood sugar has been high for a long time. Don't worry, your body will adjust. This happened to me when I went on my insulin pump and got under much better control. Several people I have spoken with have told me the same. Just check your level if you get these feelings.
Best of luck!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

You will practice injecting an orange. They will explain that you will have an Insulin to Carb ratio. You will take short acting insulin to cover the amount of carbs you eat. This ratio will most likely start out at 1:10. Then you can adjust it however if necessary. They will also give you a long acting insulin that you will mix with the other. I don't remember how much they start you out at.

Answer 4

They will likely give you a glucose meter and instruct you on how to use it. I would imagine they'll give you a fast acting insulin to take before meals on some sort of sliding scale. It is also possible that they will put you on a long acting insulin to even out your blood sugar during the day.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. They won't let you go until they're sure you understand what you have to do and why.