To learn more about this project or
to participate please register now.
If you have already registered you can login to the resource centre here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Diabetes
How Do I Test For Ketones?
If you are unwell and your blood glucose levels are over 14mmol/l you should also test your urine for ketones. Make sure that you always keep an up to date box of ketostix . You get these from your GP on prescription. Collect some urine in a container and dip the test stick into it. Compare the colour with the chart on the side of the ketostix bottle. This will tell you if you have ketones. The darker the colour on the test strip the more ketones there are present.
What is Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the cells which produce the pancreatic hormone insulin.This results in an absolute lack of insulin causing blood glucose levels to be chronically raised. It must be treated by replacing insulin by injection.
What is DKA?
DKA is an acronym for Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
This is something that can develop when your body is very short of insulin or you are starving. If you are producing ketones it is a sign that your body is not getting enough glucose for energy and is breaking down your fat stores instead. When we break down fat we produce acidic chemicals, these are ketones. Lots of ketones in the bloodstream will upset the normal chemical balance and cause severe illness and eventually death if it is not treated.
When Am I At Risk?
During times of illness such as Infection, flu, sore throat or a tummy bug.
If you have been drinking alcohol and it has made you unwell.
DKA will develop if you stop taking your insulin. It is more likely to happen if your blood glucose levels are always high.
When Should I Take An Extra Insulin Dose?
You should only take an extra insulin dose when you have carefully followed the advice given for dealing with 'SICK DAYS' or you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional.
If I have had a few alcohol drinks will it be more difficult to recognise a hypo?
If you are hypo and have been drinking you might not recognise the signs. The symptoms can be similar to being drunk. You will need to test your blood glucose frequently the next day, because your blood glucose might remain 'low'. This is very important especially if you intend driving. You don't want to lose your license!
Tip: Do not drink on an empty stomach. Always eat some carbohydrate such as a couple of packets of crisps when you are drinking alcohol. When you get home you must have a snack such as cereal or toast before you go to bed or have something to eat on the way home.
Tip: Make sure someone will waken you in the morning because you will be more likely to hypo the following day.
What is "Hypo"?
This is a common phrase for 'hypoglycaemia'. It means Low Blood Glucose which is anything below 4mmol/l. The symptoms of 'Hypo' include feeling shaky, sweating, feeling weak, tingling of the mouth or face, feeling hungry. Most people will recognise their own symptoms of being 'Hypo'.
How Do We Store Energy?
We don't always need to use all the energy that we make from our food straight away. The glucose or sugar that we don't need immediately is stored in our liver.
When Do I Need To Get Help?
If you have any of the following:
Persistent vomiting for over 4 hours
Abdominal pain
Rapid or heavy breathing
Severe dehydration
This is established DKA (ketoacidosis) and hospital treatment is required immediately.
If you have taken Extra Insulin Dose more than three times you should also seek immediate assistance.
Why Do I need to test my blood glucose levels regularly?
You need to test blood glucose regularly to decide if your current insulin dose is working for you.
Questions About This Project
Who is a Carer?
A carer is any person who provides regular ongoing support to an entitled person/s in an unfunded and unpaid capacity. This excludes voluntary workers providing support as an agent of a funded organisation (eg Meals on wheels volunteers).
