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    • 10 hours, 29 minutes ago
      Anthony Harder likes your comment at
      Do you have ketone testing strips?
      Hi, Marty. Does your specialist have a source for that claim? It makes little sense that ketones would rise faster than BG since the metabolic pathway is much slower. If there's a source, however, I'd look further into the claim. FWIW, I've been a Type 1 for over 50 years; I can't remember the last time I tested for ketones. I possess no ketone testing strips.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      Does your insurance cover injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon, or both?
      Covers it with co pay
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      Does your insurance cover injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon, or both?
      It covers both. I prefer to have the the nasal version as I think it would be easier for someone else to administer.
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      I’ve been T1D for 60 years. As a child my mother didn’t like needles or injections so she just fed me when low. In college, explained use to dorm mates and classmates would’ve been a waste of time. Now married, my wife assumed the role of my mother and doesn’t like using needles on me either. I don’t have glucagon.
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      Yes, always have one or two nasal glucagon kits (Baqsimi) at home in easy to reach locations (ie at bedside and special container in living area) and always keep one with me when I go out ( along with glucose tabs or other simple carbs for treating LBS.). I apparently required injectable glucagon several times as a child and needed injectable glucagon only twice as an adult, both more than 15 years ago . More recently I needed my husband to give me Baqsimi after eating a difficult to dose for, high fat meal. The experience was terrifying so I don’t go anywhere without it now.
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      I actually have 2 non-expired prescriptions. One for Baqsimi and one for Gvoke. I have not filled either of them because they’re $500-600 each.
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Does your insurance cover injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon, or both?
      My Medicare Part D essentially doesn't cover glucagon when any form is nearly $500!
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Amanda Barras likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      Same here. Been as low as 19 (struggling with a vacuum cleaner bag and refused to let it win) but was still able to swallow food. I did used the “red needle” as my husband refers to it once when I went low but was scheduled for surgery and couldn’t eat or drink anything. Only once in 26 years. Fortunate.
    • 3 days, 2 hours ago
      Karen Newe likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 3 days, 14 hours ago
      Natalie Daley likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 3 days, 15 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 3 days, 16 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      I don't do T1 podcasts.
    • 3 days, 16 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 3 days, 16 hours ago
      Gary Taylor likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 4 days, 3 hours ago
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      Which T1D influencers do you enjoy following?
      Currently it’s the Diabetech, Justin Easter.
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      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      I don't do T1 podcasts.
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      TCOYD Diabetes Nerd Your Best T1D Year Think Like a Pancreas
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      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      Take Control of Your Diabetes
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    How often do you make adjustments to your insulin-to-carb ratio?

    Home > LC Polls > How often do you make adjustments to your insulin-to-carb ratio?
    Previous

    On a scale of 1-5 how informed is your T1D health care team about the latest T1D technology and medications? (1 = not at all informed, 5 = very informed)

    Next

    If you use both an insulin pump and CGM, do you currently use any of the following automated insulin delivery (also known as “predictive low glucose suspend” or “hybrid closed loop”) algorithms to help keep your glucose in-range?

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

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    40 Comments

    1. rick phillips

      Almost never. With the power of the automatic delivery system it is just not needed anymore than when I see my doc and maybe not then

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Kristen Clifford

      When my endocrinologist says I need to

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Derek West

      In the past it was very seldom as I had things pretty well fine tuned, but I recently moved from Medtronic to Tandem and am still fine tuning the ratios to adjust for the switch from Aspart to Novolog. My control is still not as good as it was, controlIQ for me has not been all it was purported to be, but I will get there.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Mary Boudousquie

      I only change it if either my Dr suggests it or I see where the current ratio is not working. Frequency varies.

      4
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Joan Fray

      I go see my diabetes educator next week. We may tweak it. I’ve lost ten pounds in the past year. Not trying, just not hungry. Chore to eat now……..

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Elle Hamann

      We adjust whenever we notice a trend that needs addressed.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Natalie Daley

      Almost every meal — depends on the carbs

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. eherban1

      My insulin-to-carb ratio is static and hardly ever changes. I do take less insulin than indicated on days when I’m exerting myself and while eating less frequently (extra ordinary activity).

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Natalie Daley

      My brother was also a T1D. He designed a matrix for me based on my height, weight, time I’d day, and current blood sugar. My endocrinologist has a copy. I use still after 20 years.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Marty

      As shocking as this is, I don’t actually count carbohydrates. When I look at food, I see it directly in terms of insulin units and bolus accordingly. My endo endorses my method since it keeps me 90-100% in range. Her NP hates it and makes me back-calculate to carbs, so I use a ratio of 1:10 to make the math easy.

      6
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. mbulzomi@optonline.net

      Every set change.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Gary Rind

      Never have, have always used MDI and numbers have been very good. 1 to 15 carbs

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Patricia Kilwein

      Endo has me giving a unit for morning coffee and made a late morning adjustment to carb ratio. Morning rise in blood sugar is a nuisance.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. KCR

      I guess I make mental adjustments occasionally rather than change pump settings.

      4
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Bruce Schnitzler

      Provider initially set ratio when I started using device 7 months ago. I adjusted two weeks later and not since.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Milly Bassett

      I don’t use fast acting insulin that often. When I do, it’s because I had a big meal that had lots of carbs, which is not often. I take Lantus once a day. After a normal low carb meal, I walk or work in the garden or work around around the house. It does the trick.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Carol Meares

      I put every few months. I am on a new pump/algorithm, therefore trying to find the sweet spot.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Trina Blake

      I’ll take a look at it seasonally. I seem to need less insulin:carb in the warmer months. I also don’t have much of an appetite during the warmer weather (don’t have much of an appetite ever, but in the summer, eating is even less pleasurable)

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Vicki Andersen

      Only when my numbers reflect it is needed.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Stephen Woodward

      The food can drive I:C ratio, in no way can it be fixed for all carbs. I.e., protein, fat, glycemic load. The hard fixed carb ratio is only part of the dosing calculation. It also is different throughout the day, something they don’t tell us.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Chris Albright

      Usually changes based on season. I am more active in the ‘warmer’ months, so my boluses change a bit to accommodate additional activity.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Joan McGinnis

      i don’t generally. i think my provider has changed occasionally

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Karen DeVeaux

      Never, but that wasn’t an option.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Brian Vodehnal

      Only when my usual treatment procedure isn’t getting the usual results. I haven’t made a change in probably 8 years.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. kim bullock

      When needed.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Carole Ludwig

      My Endo reviews all my charts at each visit 3-4 times a year. Se will make slight adjustments on my pump if she feels it necessary. So far…so good.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Cristina Jorge Schwarz

      All my settings change with the seasons, I kid you not! My basal rates are first, then my ratios, ISF…

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Becky Hertz

      Other-whenever it is warranted.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Dennis Dacey

      Simply put, as my body needs change and I see a need.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Sherrie Johnson

      Whenever I see a trend up or down only once in this last year. Went from 1/15 to 1/12

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Teri Morris

        So did I. I use 1/15 for most of the day, but 1/12 for lunch.
        Go us!

        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Jane Cerullo

      Sometimes I seem to need more insulin for same amount of carbs. Sometimes my basal needs to be adjusted for night time lows. I am comfortable changing doses as needed.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. terrih57@msn.com

      I try not to mess with my settings unless I see a trend. I usually do it with the help of my dr /endo

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. Karen Mielish-Clausell

      I don’t change carb ratios

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. Teri Morris

      When I see my Endo she generally has some suggestions which make sense and I find it helpful.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. William Bennett

      Sometimes having a numeric value for a thing creates a sense of precision that isn’t necessarily reflected in reality. For all the tweaking, how often do you actually “stick the landing” bolus-wise with no adjustments after the fact? And when it doesn’t come out right, was that the fault of your I:C settings, or was it because you didn’t get the portion size right or didn’t know the cook added a big dollop of corn syrup to the glaze or whatever? Of course you have to have SOME basis for doing this, and I’ve done all the testing for basal rates, I:C ratios, correction factors, adjusted for times of day. But at some level of refinement these adjustments just kinda get lost in the error bars. After decades doing this my actual practice comes down more to experience, experience, experience, intuition, and CGM than on my Bolus Wizard, which I usually only resort to if I’m confronted with something truly unusual (“All right, I’m gonna have some of that pecan pie dammit!”). The whole promise of AID pumping is that your static settings are never going to be perfect and what you really need is a system that can adjust in real time to what’s actually happening. My own experience is that AID isn’t really there yet. But as CGMs have become more accurate the Wizard settings have become less crucial in terms of how I actually manage on a practical, day-to-day basis.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Jen Farley

      I make adjustments a lot. I keep a close eye on trends. The newest one has been a drop before dinner and before lunch. I have not been eating much lately, I have lost my appetite. So if it keeps on the next day or two I will adjust it and raise it in the morning, because every single morning it is high. I have heard about 3 reasons why. The newest is fatty liver. I have cut fat from my diet and lost 30 pounds. So, 30 more pounds let’s hope the fatty liver is not the problem and I can have breakfast again.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. PamK

      I was told to not change this ratio.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Mary Ann Sayers

      Any adjustments to my insulin-to-carb ratio is done with my Joslin dr.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. T1D4LongTime

      I chose 2-3 times / yr. I normally wouldn’t touch the settings unless I see a change in TIR and/or StdDev. My situation is filled with high stress and caregiving, so I don’t change Insulin-to-carb ratio very often unless I see my boluses are no longer effective.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply

    How often do you make adjustments to your insulin-to-carb ratio? Cancel reply

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