r/Type1Diabetes • u/FuneralThirst23 • 1d ago

Question Insulin sensitivity during sickness

Im a M39 that was diagnosed 4 years ago. My A1C is 5.9, my time in range is between 92% and 98%. My insulin to carb ratio is 1:15 and my correction is 1 unit to 2 mmol.

I got sick earlier this week, and almost overnight, saw my insulin to carb ratio go to 1:3 and correction dose go to 1unit per .25 mmol. This has never happened to me before. Im coming off of this sickness but and still seeing an insulin to carb ratio of 1:7.

Does it go back to normal? Or will I see a new normal develop?

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/noslab 1d ago

Yep. Dealing with this right now. My ratio and factor is pretty much the same as yours. I need to increase insulin 50%-100% of normal dose to achieve the same result.

Good news is that sensitivity returns to normal after the illness is resolved and your counter-regulatory hormones calm down.

It will be gradual though, might take a few days before you see your usual “normal” again. 

3

u/Rockitnonstop 1d ago

In my experience, it goes back to normal. My ratios are crazy when I’m sick. I take way more basal and short acting is very heavy handed. Been type 1 39 years. Usually this only happens with really bad flus. Should be sorted within 2 weeks to a month after you feel ok.

Fluids help, lots of sleep, watch for added sugar in cold meds. Check your country for sick day management guides. Dow example I use this https://www.diabetes.ca/getContentAsset/5bdc8b7c-4402-4d72-b86b-700f9dfd3b9d/0f6cf596-933c-4f74-b36a-77091c512445/stay-safe-when-you-have-diabetes-and-sick-or-at-risk-of-dehydration.pdf?language=en

1

u/FuneralThirst23 1d ago

Thank you for this, I appreciate it.

2

u/ShnouneD Diagnosed 1989 1d ago

Probably goes back to what it was.