How often do you typically test your basal rates?

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- 5 hours, 18 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS likes your comment at
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  Only "illness" that makes it really difficult to control my blood sugar is getting steroid injections into my cervical spine or fingers. I leave my basal rate on my pump at 250% and need much higher bolus doses and many "extra" doses if my blood sugar remains really high. I tell the MD's that it turns my insulin into tap water and try to avoid it, experience with having gotten these injections over the past few years has helped, but having blood sugars of 400-500 despite much higher basal and bolus dosing is so frustrating!
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 19 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
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- 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
Clear All

How often do you typically test your basal rates?

Would you consider using a smart insulin pen such as InPen from Companion Medical/Medtronic?

Sarah Howard

28 Comments

Andrea J. Schedel

Um. I don’t even know what that means. They are set & if I’m in range overnight, and between meals, they’re OK?

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Eve Rabbiner

I change rates whenever they are no longer working well.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Annie Wall

I test my basal rates for my long-acting insulin when I experience some wackiness. I find that I do have to change the amounts (I take two shots of Lantus a day) a couple of times a year. Basal testing is pretty easy with Dexcom with no more finger sticks.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Britni Steingard

I’ve never purposefully tested them. If I have reason to think they’re not working I change them and wait to see if the issue resolves.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Jana Foley

I’ve never heard of testing my basal rates. I adjust them when my endo thinks they need adjusting. Not sure if that’s the same as testing them or not.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Bonnie Lundblom

I answered “Never” based on the wording of this question. If it was asking how often I need to adjust my pump’s basal rate that would not have been my answer. I’ve had to adjust my rate a lot over the past 2 months so on my next Telehealth endocrinology appointment I’ll be asking for help in understanding why this is happening.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Ernie Richmann

How do I test? If I am out of range, I consider my bolus ratio, time of day, activity level, stress, sleep, and basal rate. How do I determine if I need to change my basal rate?

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Lynn Green

I test my basal rates as needed. There is always room to fine tune my basal rate when I can see a pattern or specifically when testing it.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Melinda Lipe

I know about testing basal rates, involving fasting for a period of time. I just don’t feel comfortable doing it with my active work as a nurse. My basal needs adjustment at least monthly so I have pump profiles to use as needed, and adjust those as well.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
James Dexter

T-Slim X2 Control IQ constantly adjusts my basal rate so I don’t have to think about it.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
connie ker

I don’t know how to check a basal rate, what does this mean? I’ve been 22 years into this T1D and I have never heard of checking basal rates before,. Can you please tell us what this is, how is it checked, and what does the result reveal???????

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Nicholas Argento

I don’t formally test them, which requires that you fast for some period of time and see if there is a change in BG with normal basal rates. However, I regularly assess whether I drift up or down before next meal, which is normally at least 5 hours since last intake.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Daniel Bestvater

With a Dexcom G6 I’m constantly monitoring my basal rates and fine tuning them. Basal rates are very fluid and need to be constantly tweaked. I also use many temporary rates depending on how active I am.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
MARIE PEELER

For those that asked, the testing procedure is explained in the book “Pumping Insulin” by Walsh and Roberts. In a nutshell, it involves fasting for a number of hours, examining your blood glucose trend during the fast (when, in theory if the basal dose is correct your BG trend should be flat), and making adjustments. Walsh and Roberts provide detailed info on the amount of the adjustments. It’s far more effective than examining your BG numbers when you are eating and bolusing as usual but, having said that, we don’t do it as we were desperate for weight gain for a good while and fasting wasn’t palatable. This question reminds me that we should revisit that. I think it makes sense for us to test anytime BG numbers go a bit wacky or there’s a reason to think bolus needs have changed.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Mig Vascos

I don’t test basal rates. I’m on the control IQ. Based on my glucose daily results I know if anything needs to be adjusted. I can see the graphs on the tandem and Dexcom apps on my Iphone.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Kathleen Begbie

I have never heard of ‘testing my basal rates’. Not clear as to what is involved

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Diana Lemcoff

I check my basal rates according to what ControlIQ finds as trends. My endocrinologist adjusts them accordingly.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Donald Cragun

I check basal rates when I’ve had two days in a row that gave me higher or lower blood sugar readings that what I expected. After the shifts to and from daylight saving time, that is frequently almost daily; at other times it usually isn’t more often than once every two or three months.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Molly Jones

I tested my basal rates at least yearly for the first decade after being diagnosed with T!D as I did not have a sensor and my sensitivity to insulin kept increasing. I also have had recurrent unknown patterns of unknown highs and lows which I don’t know the reasons for. I gave up testing my basal rates to find the reasons for these as they do not last longer than three days. I currently use my dexcom sensor’s history helps me find rates to be adjusted.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Sherolyn Newell

I had never heard of it either. I always figured that if I stayed pretty flat when I wasn’t eating, it must be OK. For instance, I don’t always eat breakfast and usually stay pretty flat until lunch.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
George Lovelace

Pumper for 22 years, I used to check quarterly but now with Control IQ I just let my Endo take care of it.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
kylekk@gmail.com

I don’t really test my basal, but I keep a close eye on it and tweak as necessary. I use the Omnipod.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Sherrie Johnson

Whenever needed If I notice a new pattern or extreme lows are highs I’ll take it to Day break in shack most of the time adjustments are needed can explain why

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Marie Seymour-Green

What does this mean?

2 years ago Log in to Reply
ANN GALLUZZO

I can manage better by adjusting as needed based on my BG pattern. The so-called “tests” are useless, as the amount needed will be more on a cold day and less on a hot day. So if I did a “test” on a cold day, I would set my basals too high for some other day. Same problems with carb ratios.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Janet Wilson

For my son, we don’t do actual basal testing (fasting testing). But, we adjust basal rates (along with all other settings) as needed, monthly. During the months when he has an endo appointment, we adjust at the time of the visit. On other months, we do it at home. But, we’re always evaluating his settings (basal, bolus, ISF) and adjusting as needed.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Dan Patrick

Average 6-8 times per day. Use a pump and a cgm. Reason, my insulin sensitivity is 60:1

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Ahh Life

I used to do it (24-hour fast) once a year with pretty accurate results. Now I do it without the fast, adjusting to day-to-day and hour-to-hour circumstances. 🧪 🧪 🧪 A very fertile area for research would be on the growth hormone / sleep patterns / exercise patterns impacts on insulin requirements. I suspect the growth hormones are now kicking it at very irregular times of day with my increasingly erratic sleep habits due to circumstances beyond my control. 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ ⚀ ⚀ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️

2 years ago Log in to Reply