If your job requires you to switch back and forth from the day to night shift, controlling your blood glucose can be a challenge. One problem is that your body releases hormones during sleep that make insulin work less effectively. By rotating shifts, you disturb the normal release of these hormones. You don't know when the hormones are being released, so you don't know how your insulin will affect your blood glucose levels.

The best solution is to negotiate with your employer to work one shift. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to provide "reasonable accommodation for people with diabetes," so it's worth asking. If a schedule change isn't possible, try a more flexible insulin regimen. Using ultralente with regular insulin, or an insulin pump, will give you the flexibility this situation demands.