Bolus insulin only?

[Catlady 1]

Hi
Am interested to know if other newly diagnosed type 1’s have only been prescribed bolus insulin. I ask as most people mention using both, or indeed just start in the long acting one.
I was given quick acting insulin when they thought I was type 2 still (18 years or so), and oral meds no longer working. However GAD showed now type 1.

 

[SB2015]

Hi
Am interested to know if other newly diagnosed type 1’s have only been prescribed bolus insulin. I ask as most people mention using both, or indeed just start in the long acting one.
I was given quick acting insulin when they thought I was type 2 still (18 years or so), and oral meds no longer working. However GAD showed now type 1.

As you say it is usual to start straight on Basal/Bolus
Was this dealt with by the nurse/GP at your Practice or by the hospital team? I wonder whether they are just continuing your previous insulin rather than switching you over. In a Practice setting they are very often unfamiliar with the Basal/Bokus regime. Well worth asking for a referral to the specilaist hopsital team.

What are your levels like overnight?
This is often a good indicator regarding basal as there is no bolus to cover up the lack of insulin.
Have you been given a sensor? As a T1 you should definitely be able to get this prescribed. This will show you what is happening between meals.
In your position I think it would be useful o do some fasting tests. With no basal your body will be relying on the insulin that your remaining Beta cells are making and this will run out.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Of other experiences I’ve seen posted, it appears that basal-only (long acting) is the more common option for those who are started on one insulin (leaving aside those who are offered pre-mixed insulin).

Our ex-Admin @Northerner was started on both basal and bolus insulins, but over the years gradually found he needed less and less basal, and eventually switched to bolus-only. I don’t think that’s very common though?

 

[Inka]

It kind of makes sense to me. I remember when I was first diagnosed, I only needed tiny amounts of basal but a lot more bolus insulin. I remember thinking that if I didn’t eat, I’d be fine as it was the meals causing the issues. So, to me, if someone’s blood sugar is ok apart from spiking too high after food, then having bolus only, rather than basal only, makes more sense.