A little help needed please.

[Kirsty1989]

Hello! Hoping someone here can help me. My dad has had diabetes type 2 and has taken Metformin for many years now. He was resently diagnosed with Cancer and the Chemotherapy meds have apparently made his diabetes worse. He has been given a Novorapid insulin pen to use but has not been advised how to use it or anything.

I've tried contacting our Dr's and the hospital but no answer.

This might seem like a silly question but my dad was given only 1 needle (we've been told the needle is the the white part at the top of the pen) and multiple pens. Does he re-use this type of needle (I personally don't think he should as surely that would be very unhygienic)

Please see attached photo

Thanks

Kirsty xx

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi Kirsty and welcome to the forum. I had to look it up but that looks like an Autoshield needle that locks up after use so you can only use it once. You really need to get advice from the hospital/doctors in terms of doses etc and more needles.

 

[Kirsty1989]

Thanks Matt, I'll let my dad know.

 

[HOBIE]

Good luck Kirsty. & please tell your dad WE where asking after him. Insulin is used to counteract sugar & carbs. Its hard work to get the balance right at times. 😉

 

[Bronco Billy]

Hi @Kirsty1989 My Dad is in a similar position to yours. He’s had type 2 for years and has only taken tablets. However, he recently had a heart attack and is now on Lantus. Each needle should only be used once. Apart from the hygiene aspect, a trace of insulin will be on the needle after injection, potentially leading to an incorrect dose each time the needle is used.

 

[Alister]

Deffinetly new needle every time
he should also have been given instruction on usage (how to change the needle) & more importantly what dosage to administer. without that basic information this is at best useless & at worse potentially dangerous.
I would recommend he goes back to the GP for this instruction as soon a possible, it may be best if you (or someone else) attends with him as the extra stress may not be helping him to think clearly (I know I found it a lot to take in at first). i am now shooting up twice a day 🙂 & having no problems at all so it should not be anything to get too concerned with (personally I find the insulin less trouble that the drugs).

 

[Ruby/London]

Shocked at lack of information given, Kirsty but wishing your dad all the best. You are certainly being steered in the right direction.