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Reaction to Levemir?

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Flutterby

Flutterby

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi everyone, I started using Levemir about 10 months ago as I wasn't very happy with my control on Lantus. Initially I got red lumps after injecting and I wasn't too surprised as I had experienced this with Lantus at first. Then the lumps stopped appearing and I thought all was well. In the last couple of weeks the lumps have returned - red, large, itchy and very hard - they last for several days. I am seeing my GP on Monday so will see what he says but has anyone else experienced this? Incidently my asthma has also worsened in this period of time and needed different treatment, I now wonder if there's a link there as well. Very annoying.

Edit - by the way - my sugar levels are also really erratic which is another indication that all is not well.
 
Hi Flutterby I'm sorry that you are having all of these problems. I had to stop injecting in my legs because of the levemir bumps bit it's fine in my tummy.
 
AJLang said:
Hi Flutterby I'm sorry that you are having all of these problems. I had to stop injecting in my legs because of the levemir bumps bit it's fine in my tummy.
Click to expand...

That's interesting AJ, I don't really want to use my tummy as that's overused already with my humalog but maybe I could swop - thanks for the info, I will see what his Lordship says on Monday!
 
Fortunately (???) I've got rather a large tummy for the injections but must admit that it is like a pincushion with all of the humalog and levemir but I'm not sure what the option is for me because my legs feels too lumpy for the humalog....I thought that giving them a years rest from injections would help but so far it hasn't
 
I know what you mean AJ, my stomach is pretty messed up with the jabs already, I don't know whether it would cope with any more. Can't go on with these lumps though - I suspect the insulin isn't absorbing properly thats why I'm getting such erratic levels. I also appear to be losing my warning signs for hypos too which is worrying.
 
Hi Flutterby the erratic BGs could very well be because of the lumps. I know it's not ideal but have you tried splitting the levemir into two injections given at the same time but at different sites so there is less insulin going in at once for each site? Bad news about the hypo awareness I really do hope that it comes back for you
 
I've moved basal to buttocks because I was worried about abdomen reliability. A bit awkward and takes a while to get going but pretty stable aart from that
 
You are full of interesting idea's AJ - thanks. No I haven't tried that, as you say it's not ideal but it might tide me over for a few days. Although I'm already on a split dose twice a day so it's only 8u/9u at a time anyway - but you never know I suppose. One thing's for sure, doc aint gonna be pleased at how many test strips I've used lately!! poor old doc!
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
I've moved basal to buttocks because I was worried about abdomen reliability. A bit awkward and takes a while to get going but pretty stable aart from that
Click to expand...

Hmm I might have a go later! Could be fun! I can only use one side though cos of a frozen shoulder! Why does it all have to be so difficult.🙄
 
Have managed to do the jab in my bum - couldn't do the "pinching up" bit but I thought I'd give it a go as doc is bound to suggest it so best to try in advance so I can tell him whether it's possible! Have reduced the dose by one unit just in case it absorbs so much better and causes a hypo - worth a try - thanks folks - will let you know the outcome!
 
Update - have been doing levemir jabs in bum for the last couple of days but am now gettting red, hard lumps there too. My BG levels are a little better but before long I reckon I shall be in the same situation as with my legs - what do you think - is a change of insulin on the cards? Seeing dr Monday morning.
 
Sorry to hear that Karen, it certainly sounds like you might need to change insulins - hope they can get to the bottom of it (so to speak! 😉)
 
Daft question maybe ..... but are you absolutely 110% sure the business end of your needle is landing up in the right place?

And even dafter sounding - do you think you could be allergic to the lubricant on the needles? I've had that, with BD needles, I know everyone else thinks they are fine but not this bunny. They HURT. (I got Ypsomed ones, lerrvely, latterly used Novofine and they have been OK too)

What needles and pens have you got, screw or click fastening needles? I'm jolly sure some of us can send you a few different makes to try?

I could start by offerring Novofine screw fastening, 6mm if you want any.
 
Flatterby

Some of the things you are saying are consistant with those that don't get on with human insulins very well..

3 things you can look at..

Seeing if you can change your background insulin to an older Animal Insulin see if the inproves things for you...

Changing both your insulin from the human to the Animal Insulin, you can still do basal/bolus regime, just got to remember that when you inject the quick you have to wait 30 mins approx, to give it time to kick in..

Or if you are fine with the human quick insulin, ask to go onto the insulin pump so that you don't have to use any background insulin.. Pumps use quick acting insulin only both for the background and the bolus's
 
Hi trophywench - thanks for your thoughts. I've been using BD needles (screw on 5mm) for donkey's years so unless they've suddenly changed them I can't see that they would be causing the problem - unless I've got a duff box of course - I will try one from a different box later - that's a thought! Mind you I'm also using them for my humalog and not having problems with that so back to square one. I'm only using them once now so I'm a bit stuck for ideas.

I'm sure the needle is ending up in the right place as I'm not injecting any differently to ever before (34 years). I reckon my legs have just had enough of it anyway and maybe the Levemir doesn't suit me..............

Thank you for your suggestion of trying different needles though, I will see what the doc says on Monday and may take up the offer depending what changes he does/doesn't make.
 
Ellie Jones said:
Flatterby

Some of the things you are saying are consistant with those that don't get on with human insulins very well..

3 things you can look at..

Seeing if you can change your background insulin to an older Animal Insulin see if the inproves things for you...

Changing both your insulin from the human to the Animal Insulin, you can still do basal/bolus regime, just got to remember that when you inject the quick you have to wait 30 mins approx, to give it time to kick in..

Or if you are fine with the human quick insulin, ask to go onto the insulin pump so that you don't have to use any background insulin.. Pumps use quick acting insulin only both for the background and the bolus's
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply, I was on Lantus for a long time and didn't have any problems with injection sites after the initial settling in period, but I didn't have very good control. When I was on the human insulins at the time when they routinely changed everyone over I lost my warning signs, I then went onto the newer insulins and did ok but now I'm back to square one with loss of warning signs and horrible injection sites. The loss of warning may be due to tighter control since I had the stroke......or I suppose due to intolerance of the insulin..........Roll on Monday and lets hope the doc is in an inspired mood!
 
Hi Karen

I hope that the doctor comes up with a good solution for you. Amanda x
 
Pumper Sue uses animal insulin in her pump, so all things are possible!
 
trophywench said:
And even dafter sounding - do you think you could be allergic to the lubricant on the needles? I've had that, with BD needles, I know everyone else thinks they are fine but not this bunny. They HURT. (I got Ypsomed ones, lerrvely, latterly used Novofine and they have been OK too)
Click to expand...

Following your thoughts on the needles I decided to try one from a different box - still BD - but a new batch. This morning my BG was 5.3 - the best it's been for weeks. I've injected with another needle from the new batch into my leg this morning, watch this space but so far no lump and I've had to eat something as levels were dropping. Maybe I've had a bad batch of needles?
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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