Needing some ideas - diabetic and a nurse

[cherokeesummer]

I'm having a really hard time managing my diabetes right now. I'm on an insulin pump and I'm in my 10month working as an OB RN. I love my job for the most part but we are so busy that I often will set my basal rate on my insulin pump low and then my sugar jumps horribly high but I find if I leave my basal alone I go low sometimes b/c we never get time to sit and eat. I make myself take 10 mins or so to sit down and eat something around 11 or 1300, if all is well. But thats it. Otherwise I don't eat much during my shift. So basicaly on my work days I'm up at 545am, eat something small on my way to work like 630am then eat something small sometime between 1100 am and 1300 if I can. Then I don't eat again until 8pm when I'm on my way home. Unless I get hungery then I'll try to eat some crackers or a fruit cup. My blood sugars are a mess right now. I just can't get them right. I'm going to call and try to get in with a new endocrinologist b/c my current one is never available, they are usually a year behind in appointments. My A1c is up and I feel crappy and I can't just "take a break" til I feel better, I have to work and our unit we bust our butts nonstop as we normally do not have aides and we do everything patient care related for moms and babies, including passing and picking up meal trays, vital signs, etc. So we are constantly on the move.

Any ideas for good tips on managing blood sugars better at work?

I have other issues (back problems and joint problems) but right now my big issue is my blood sugar control. :):)

[greenergrass, BSN, RN]

obviously you've got a real challenge working long hours & trying to manage your blood glucose in a healthy way.

has there been a time before when you've been successful in managing your blood glucose during very busy days? think & discover if there were some elements during that time that you could incorporate into your work life.

one thing you might consider is using chia seeds to help achieve better glucose control. see this article in the journal diabetes care:

supplementation of conventional therapy with the novel grain salba

there's some great research surrounding using this seed (like flax seed). we've found it has significantly helped my husband manage his blood glucose (as well as losing 45 pounds!).

if you choose to use chia seeds, i can suggest a recipe to make these into wonderful smoothies or just "milk" that's pretty yummy.

do you keep whole food snacks with you at work? or quick & easy snacks that are higher in fiber & protein?

i wish you great success as you work through this challenge!

kim ellis, rn ba cwc

health & wellness coach

[cherokeesummer]

Do you have any suggestions on good snacks to keep at work?

[Sponkie]

I have noticed the same thing with my clinical rotations during school. The first day I even passed out so I had to then tell every nurse I work with that I am DM. I keep alot of protein bars with me. I like the special K ones b/c they are sweet. My husband also have some b/c he lifts weights, but his I only eat 1/4 b/c it is a 600 kcal bar...ugh. I also keep cottage cheese and wheat crackers with me everyday. Peanut butter and an apple or graham crackers.

I would suggest talking with your supervisor and seeing if someone can releive you when you are with a laboring patient every 3 hrs so you can get a snack. Remind them that if you pass out due to lowe BS then your patient is in danger and that is a patient safety concern.

I don't know if this is your issue but I noticed I also want to be super woman....I don't need to eat, I can continue, it will show weakness. Then for 2 weeks I followed a diet program...in the sense I set my alarm every 3 hours. If i was in the middle of a procedure right after I would grab a snack before I needed charted. When I stopped and made myself eat...I was more energetic and when I went home I didn't feel like I had to drink a coke to get my BS up.

Remember if you are not health, your patient won't be either.

Hope this helps.

S:clown:

[greenergrass, BSN, RN]

Sorry, I never did reply.

I love:

Cliff Bars

nut & seed mix (I make my own)

Pretzels & peanut butter

Peanut butter crackers

Fruit & cheese (cut up in a container)

Any finger food that is carb/protein/fat mixture at about 100-300 calorie range per real serving.

I just keep these in the break room. When ever I get a chance, I just slap some alcohol rub on my hands & run into the room & grab a handful of my snack.

Often times I don't get an opportunity to eat a real lunch.

While I'm not diabetic, I have to really watch my nutrition with all the working out I do. I have to take in about 2600 calories/day or I get really fatigued & can't perform (or get ******). With gastroparesis, I can't eat big meals, so small potions work out well for me.

Small, rationed portions also help balance out the insulin levels so you don't swing so much.

Hope you're doing well!