Time Change and Field Trips = Blood Sugar Havoc



Vintage 'Big Ugly' Meter Pics... I still love the Accu-Chek Compact Plus


Today, I really wanted to write about the time change phenomenon.   Just like the Dawn Phenomenon, there are cycles on the calendar that totally screw up blood sugars, despite constant and careful monitoring.

In our family, as soon as the time 'sprung forward' by one hour, both girls immediately started having low blood sugars.

And not just one random low, but multiple daily lows with absolutely no pattern or prediction. 

Well, except for the one uneaten cookie incident discovered at the bottom of the lunchbox the next day.  At that point, I seriously thought I was going to lose what was left of my mind!

Then, in the weeks following the time change and after multiple attempts to change all of their insulin pump settings, a second round of even more low blood sugars occurred. 

I know, so uncool to yell "You suck!" to the blood sugar meter while at youngest daughter's school as we are about to board a school bus designated for a symphony field trip.  Seriously though, a 40 mg/dl does SUCK!

Finally, three weeks later, the CGM is experiencing it's first in-range flat lines that display good blood sugar control.

Is it just me or do you feel that sleeping late is sooooo luxurious too?  There are times when I would seriously pay someone to let me do that!  Don't let me get started on a full night's worth of sleep.... that is still a lottery-like dream for me.

I know that we are not alone with this issue.  One look at any of the multiple FaceBook, diabetes forums or blogs prove that many (if not all to some degree) are experiencing this same issue when it comes to time change.

So why isn't my endocrinology team talking about it?

It would seem that if this issue is happening to most of the DOC, that we would be given a way to work around these major blood sugar fluctuations.  Like, lowering all basal rates by at least -20% or changing dietary plans to include an increase in protein and long-lasting carbohydrates.  Maybe even adding a sick day to the typical school and work week with plans to heavily monitor the daily routine for low blood sugars.   Because goodness knows, trying to adjust basal rates while the girls are at school is hard.  Nothing is worse than receiving texts announcing low blood sugars and by proximity being to far away to do anything more than advise a glucose snack. 

So my question to all of you out there is this:  Does your endocrinology team have a plan for handling seasonal changes, time changes or heck, even weather patterns?  I am at a loss here and in just six months, know that we are going to be facing this issue all over again with a 'fall back'.  Great.  Just great.

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