diabetics and bdsm

[the captians wench]

There seem to be a few of us with sugar issues here (me I'm hypoglycemic not diabetic but some of the same issues still aply), So I'm just curious as to how everyone sort of preps for the inevitable low after a sceen. I know that stress and anything else that causes indorphine rushes will also cause your sugar to drop because of increased incilin as well (infact just this week while I was in the hospital comforting my mom after her surgery I nearly passed out and the nurse ended up seeing to me and making sure I was okay before finishing my mom's release forms).

When my ex and I would have a long sex session, we often would stop some where in the middle and share a peanut butter sandwhich to keep my sugar at a good level. Now before a session, I'll eat something very high in proten maybe an hour before my friend shows up, or I head over to some one's house so I know that I'm okay to start. I also keep oj with me and candy around the house incase I crash too low.

So what do others do?

And how did you prepare your partner for what might happen and to look for the signs? Or do you leave that up to yourself? So far I've only had one group of friends that didn't freak out when I told them the posibility of my sugar dropping and me passing out and I think that's mainly because one of them is an EMT. I've explained what to look for with my other play partners, but I'm not sure what they understand and what they don't....


Okay enough of my rambles....other thoughts?

 

[BiBunny]

I'm hypoglycemic, too, and not diabetic, but I'll chime in, anyway. I always make sure to eat something before playing. There have only been a few times that I've come near passing out in a scene. Under normal circumstances, I do a lot of shaking when my sugar gets low. Unfortunately, that's not much of a sign when Master has me tied up because I pretty much tremble throughout the whole thing! He's awfully good at knowing when something's not quite right, though. After a scene, we usually eat something together as well. Last night, for example, we had an awesome rope bondage session. In the middle of it, he called and ordered pizza. Just as we were finishing up, the delivery girl arrived. He untied me and parked me on the couch with pizza and a Coke! (Of course, after dinner was over, he attacked me again!)

 

[Quint]

.............

 

[_SeST_]

I'm hypoglycemic, too, and not diabetic, but I'll chime in, anyway. I always make sure to eat something before playing. There have only been a few times that I've come near passing out in a scene. Under normal circumstances, I do a lot of shaking when my sugar gets low. Unfortunately, that's not much of a sign when Master has me tied up because I pretty much tremble throughout the whole thing! He's awfully good at knowing when something's not quite right, though. After a scene, we usually eat something together as well. Last night, for example, we had an awesome rope bondage session. In the middle of it, he called and ordered pizza. Just as we were finishing up, the delivery girl arrived. He untied me and parked me on the couch with pizza and a Coke! (Of course, after dinner was over, he attacked me again!)

Lucky Master

 

[the captians wench]

Welllll with all the cookies floating around here, I think there's enough sugar to keep a forum of hypoglycemics going!

It's good advice thus far. Just be aware of your partner's state and incorporate "aftercare" in the middle. Brings foodplay a whole new meaning!

*giggles*

that was a joke my ex used to use a lot. he said I ruined him because his new girl looks at him like he's nuts when he wants a sandwich in the middle of sex and isn't talking about anything kinky. *giggles* He said he misses our mid sex snack breaks.

but yeah, i was kind of wondering about what signs you say to look for. When I nearly passed out infront of the doc, I noticed a lot of what I looked like and even some of the feelings were very simular to sub space. I just felt sort of out of body like. The one thing that I noticed was different was this feeling like I was going to throw up, that deffinitly isn't apart of subspace for me. Because of this, tho, it seems like it would be hard to tell some one what to look for, doesn't it?

 

[Netzach]

I always had OJ on hand, but to be honest if I had to inject someone with their insulin I'm an idiot. Is it a sub-cuteaneous shot? If it is I could do that, no problem, but if it's an IM shot, I'm at a loss. (I had to give myself sub-cute heparin shots. I learned how to do it, but I could never actually stick *myself* so M had to do them. I could easily do anyone *but* me, ironic.)

 

[Bandit58]

I always had OJ on hand, but to be honest if I had to inject someone with their insulin I'm an idiot. Is it a sub-cuteaneous shot? If it is I could do that, no problem, but if it's an IM shot, I'm at a loss. (I had to give myself sub-cute heparin shots. I learned how to do it, but I could never actually stick *myself* so M had to do them. I could easily do anyone *but* me, ironic.)

I inject Master Gil with His insulin all the time. All I do is pinch the skin and slide the needle in at a 45 degree angle. The needles are short ones because He prefers them as they don't hurt as much as the longer ones. I use His butt for the morning shot and His upper arm for any fast acting insulin needed.

He stuck Himself for 30 odd years but He could never look at the needle going in Now He's having to learn how to cannulate Himself for the haemodialysis He did one the other day and I'm so proud of Him because He really does have a needle phobia

 

[Bandit58]

Now I guess I'd better get on the topic of the thread

When I first met Master Gil He told me what to look out for regarding low sugar levels. Lucky He did because He had 4 hypos in 3 days one of which needed an ambulance when He was too far gone to eat or drink anything. 3 years later I'm still here

We check His sugars before we play. If anything we err on the high side. There are jellybeans in the bedroom, lounge room, car and my bag "just in case". We keep small cartons of juice, small bottles of soft drink, or flavoured milk in the house for a quick boost if needed. We have not done much bondage and if we do the knots are not tight so I can get out if I have to. We don't do long sessions, about an hour at the most. We can always start over!

 

[boobsqueeezer]

A good thread... and submissives are to be more careful when they are diabs! Since stress of the play can play havoc and cause more "sugar" use and insulin/anti diab drugs combi can actually cause hypoglycemia!

it is always better to have glucose at hand for ready use...and as long as once does NOT lose conscious and oral route can be used, it is fine! And yes, one snippet to remember that most diabs know they get hypoglycemic dizziness (when sugar is low) and also an hyperglycemic dizziness (when sugar levels shoot to very high levels)....ALWAYS BETTER TO ERROR ON HIGH SUGAR LEVEL THAN TO LET HYPOGLYCEMIA PREVAIL.<- This means, when in doubt if one is losing consciousness because of excess of sugar or decrease in sugar levels.. it is ideal to give glucose at once some 15 gs... If this does not revive the person it is hyperglycemia (increased sugar) and needs insulin! NEVER give insulin unless sure that it is hyperglycemia! if a person in hypoglycemia is given insulin.. .. we deprive the sugar more (insulin can act instantly within few mins).. and there is risk of fatal complications!

I have tried to use as much lay man terms as possible and this topic is a bit complicated with lots of 'ifs' and 'then's... but I have offered my thought ... possible more later when more specific issues are addressed.

Hope this is useful for all ye PYT/pyt

--
Boobsqueeezer

 

[the captians wench]

Really the idea just popped into my head because of my bad reaction in the hospital. But I guess I was in the right place for it. I'm not diabetic, like I said I'm hypoglycemic so I control my sugar by diet and not insulin. Lord help me I'm so scared of needles I don't know what I'd do if I had to take shots. I've never had a problem durring play, but that episode did scare me a bit because of how closely it resembled the feelings of subspace (which I guess makes since). I guess maybe i'm just a little nervous now.

 

[boobsqueeezer]

I said I'm hypoglycemic so I control my sugar by diet and not insulin. Lord help me I'm so scared of needles I don't know what I'd do if I had to take shots.

Hopefully the need does not arise

I wondered if you would have had the same if not more apprehension when you stepped into this lifestyle.. isnt it? But, now.... *smiles

--
Boobsqueeezer

 

[the captians wench]

Hopefully the need does not arise

I wondered if you would have had the same if not more apprehension when you stepped into this lifestyle.. isnt it? But, now.... *smiles

--
Boobsqueeezer

I've always had a needle phobia. Add that onto the fact that I have thick skin and tough vains that like to disapear and hospital trips are not fun for me, and I make quite a few of them. Infact I had to learn how to meditate to even allow some one near me with one. Needle play has never been an issue, as no one has ever asked me how I felt about it. I can only remember one time they were even used on me, and I was blind folded at the time and pretty relaxed so I didn't even notice they were being used.

 

[Netzach]

There is a universe of difference between a hot hot woman putting a needle in your boob and a shot of heparin into your tummy.

 

[chris9]

I just want to add a concern that has not been talked about. I'm not sure how much of a problem this really is, but since more and more people are diabetics, and more and more people want to practice BDSM into higher age, I decided to add it.

Diabetics, especially when with this illness for a longer period of time, have problems with blood circulation, leading to 'diabetis feet'. I'd think that when doing bondage, one has to be very careful so not to decrease the blood flow into hands and feet.
I want to add that I'm not at all medically educated. I just heard about this thing with the feet and thought that it might be a concern when doing bondage. So if someone knows more, please share. If you are diabetic, research and ask your doctor.

 

[Evil_Geoff]

As a type II diabetic who recently has been using insulin (I'm working with my cardiologist to get healthy enough again to go without) there are a lot of things I have come to notice as symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) coming on:

1) Light-headedness
2) Profuse sweating
3) "The shakes" (hands shake, knees get wobbly, hard to stand)
4) Easy confusion/disorientation
5) Fainting

With my own experience and with monitoring my glucose levels, I know I get light-headed around 65-60 mg/dl, the sweating starts around 55 mg/dl, the shakes start around 45 mg/dl, and the confusion has to kick in somewhere below 37 mg/dl (the lowest I've ever tested my sugar, but I was still fully aware of my surroundings and that I _needed_ sugar ASAP). I've never passed out from a sugar drop but I was a cop for 17 years and ran into that many times over the years.

Tops/Dominants have to be aware of this if THEY are diabetic, and should be concerned and take precautions. If your sub is bound and secure, and YOU pass out, how are they going to get out of the bondage to help you or summon help?

Poor circulation is a concern, please allow some slack and wiggle room for that bound up diabetic sub to move around. Don't cynch your ropes too tight against the skin. Long periods of immobilization or cut off blood flow can cause damage in a diabetic that a healthy person would not be bothered by.

Diabetics can play on either side of the slash, and do. Awareness, education, and a little common sense go a long way in preventing injuries or accidents!

 

[MelancholyBaby]

chris9,

Thank you for sharing about the circulation problems in the feet. I wasn't aware of that, I only knew about the nerve damage associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Thanks again for sharing!!

Hopefully all the diabetics know this and follow it but be sure to have your feet checked yearly...you know the test with the little brush looking thing...I just remembered I hadn't had it done this year so I thought maybe some others could use the reminder. Sorry to be off topic.

mel

 

[MelancholyBaby]

One more thing...

captians wench, thank you for starting this thread. I had not even considered hypoglycemia in a session and I can definitely see where it could be a problem for me. Thanks again for sharing, it is really appreciated!!!

Mel

 

[Netzach]

I just want to add a concern that has not been talked about. I'm not sure how much of a problem this really is, but since more and more people are diabetics, and more and more people want to practice BDSM into higher age, I decided to add it.

Diabetics, especially when with this illness for a longer period of time, have problems with blood circulation, leading to 'diabetis feet'. I'd think that when doing bondage, one has to be very careful so not to decrease the blood flow into hands and feet.
I want to add that I'm not at all medically educated. I just heard about this thing with the feet and thought that it might be a concern when doing bondage. So if someone knows more, please share. If you are diabetic, research and ask your doctor.

It is a concern. I've played around some diabetics who have besically taken themselves out of the restrictive bondage circuit - thanks for mentioning this!

 

[CutieMouse]

My circulation is sluggish as hell. I blame the pregnancies (I've never tested + for diabetes), and just stay as aware of it as possible.

 

[Bandit58]

As a type II diabetic who recently has been using insulin (I'm working with my cardiologist to get healthy enough again to go without) there are a lot of things I have come to notice as symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) coming on:

1) Light-headedness
2) Profuse sweating
3) "The shakes" (hands shake, knees get wobbly, hard to stand)
4) Easy confusion/disorientation
5) Fainting

With my own experience and with monitoring my glucose levels, I know I get light-headed around 65-60 mg/dl, the sweating starts around 55 mg/dl, the shakes start around 45 mg/dl, and the confusion has to kick in somewhere below 37 mg/dl (the lowest I've ever tested my sugar, but I was still fully aware of my surroundings and that I _needed_ sugar ASAP). I've never passed out from a sugar drop but I was a cop for 17 years and ran into that many times over the years.

Tops/Dominants have to be aware of this if THEY are diabetic, and should be concerned and take precautions. If your sub is bound and secure, and YOU pass out, how are they going to get out of the bondage to help you or summon help?

Poor circulation is a concern, please allow some slack and wiggle room for that bound up diabetic sub to move around. Don't cynch your ropes too tight against the skin. Long periods of immobilization or cut off blood flow can cause damage in a diabetic that a healthy person would not be bothered by.

Diabetics can play on either side of the slash, and do. Awareness, education, and a little common sense go a long way in preventing injuries or accidents!

Over the years Master has lost the awareness of a hypo coming on. Added to this He can be perfectly fine and functioning with a very low BSL. In Australia the BSL's are measured differently than they are in the US, so I have no idea what your levels mean in our computations (we use mmol/l).

We test His levels several times a day as well as before we go out and any play. Many things have an impact on them - stress, pain, emotions. We can do exactly the same thing two days in a row and the levels will be up one day and low the next

He has lost a little sensation in His feet, and He is always very careful to wear shoes and inspect His feet. It's one of His worst nightmares to ever lose a limb. He has had heart problems, high blood pressure, laser surgery on His eyes, and not the least thing, renal failure. Diabetes is not a simple disease. It has an effect on the whole body

 

[Mamid]

I got tested once at a random glucose screen that the local pharmacies run and had the nurse freak on me. 2.4. She sat me down, demanded I eat a lollypop, and refused to let me leave her sight until my sugar level was "appropriate" for her.

I didn't have the heart to tell her I'd been diagnosed as hypoglycemic for over a decade at that point and was used to low blood sugar.

I just wish I could get a glucose monitoring device. My doctor won't script it because I'm not diabetic, but, dammit, I'd like to know when I need to eat and not just listen to my hunger cause it says I'm hungry all the time, especially when nursing.

As for playing - make sure you have easily digestible sugar around. And they say that sugars are the same, but they aren't. I go "diabetic" with fruit sugars (fructose) unless its part of the straight fruit. But normal cane sugar (dextrose and sucrose to name two) I don't.

 

[the captians wench]

I got tested once at a random glucose screen that the local pharmacies run and had the nurse freak on me. 2.4. She sat me down, demanded I eat a lollypop, and refused to let me leave her sight until my sugar level was "appropriate" for her.

I didn't have the heart to tell her I'd been diagnosed as hypoglycemic for over a decade at that point and was used to low blood sugar.

I just wish I could get a glucose monitoring device. My doctor won't script it because I'm not diabetic, but, dammit, I'd like to know when I need to eat and not just listen to my hunger cause it says I'm hungry all the time, especially when nursing.

As for playing - make sure you have easily digestible sugar around. And they say that sugars are the same, but they aren't. I go "diabetic" with fruit sugars (fructose) unless its part of the straight fruit. But normal cane sugar (dextrose and sucrose to name two) I don't.

My problem is when I am tested by a machine and I feel low, it's in the normal range. That's the major problem with hypoglycemia. For the most part it's not about where your sugar is, but keeping the peaks and vallies to a min. Every one is different, and I have to have a higher sugar level to function, my grandmother can go the day at 64 and be just fine.

I'm glad you mentioned the difference in sugar too. That's something I have problems explaning to people some times. When my sugar is low oj is better than candy, they just don't get that.

 

[callinectes]

If you have an SO that is diabetic, it is important that you know how to test for blood sugar levels and and know what to do based on the reading. While I do agree with boobsqueezer that it is better to err on the side of too much sugar, there are risks with that as well. My ex is diabetic and he was quite lazy about testing his sugar. He would estimate what he needed based on how he felt. Well, a couple of times his guesses were off and his sugar was over 600..which is heart attack range because the blood is actually thickened.

 

[Mamid]

well, during pregnancy, I actually have to keep away from significant fruit sugars or I get the feeling of being in sugar highs - diabetic type sugar highs. But of course, the ob at the time didn't believe me.

next pregnancy, same ob, freaked when I registered high on the glucose screening so had me do the longer one. Guess what? I passed that one with flying colours. It was all about what I had eaten the day before. Sucrose lasts in my system for hours.

But, of course, the medical community says "all sugars are the same." They aren't. Our bodies react differently to them.

 

[the captians wench]

well, during pregnancy, I actually have to keep away from significant fruit sugars or I get the feeling of being in sugar highs - diabetic type sugar highs. But of course, the ob at the time didn't believe me.

next pregnancy, same ob, freaked when I registered high on the glucose screening so had me do the longer one. Guess what? I passed that one with flying colours. It was all about what I had eaten the day before. Sucrose lasts in my system for hours.

But, of course, the medical community says "all sugars are the same." They aren't. Our bodies react differently to them.

really depends on the doctor. My family prac would not give me a glucose test to diagnose my hypoglycimia because when ever he did a finger prick test on me I tested with in the normal range. But my ob/gyn set me up for the 6 hour test right after my first visit when I explained my symptoms and my family history. They also have a dietition in the same building and she looked over the diet that I had been on well since I was in the 7th grade and my mom first recognized the symptoms.tho admitedly I haven't always followed it as closely as I should. Infact, the past two years I've been on regular sugar insted of fructose and sugar substitutes because I've been doing so well, but with some recent stress I've notices that a lot of the symptoms are back so I'm going back on the fructose, just intime for holiday baking.

Actuallly I guess it really is a good time because if I get used to making a lot of sugar free stuff (or rather diabetic friendly as we've discussed fructose is a sugar) then I'll get used to it, and used to making it again and when the holidays are over it won't be so bad.