Changing from lantus to levemir for sport

[aymes]

I'm planning to speak to my DSN today to discuss changing from lantus to levemir. This was suggested as an option by my consultant at my last annual review to help with post exercise levels. I have a tendency to stay quite low for about 10 hours after exercise, this is usually overnight, regardless of carb intake or ratio reduction. This has become more pronounced since I've started my Three Peaks training (see exercise board!).
So the theory would be two levemir injections a day, altering the evening depending on if it's an exercise day (most days are at the moment) or not. Does anyone else change their basal rates regularly to cope with exercise? I know they say it takes a few days for lantus dose changes to take effect (never fully understood why) but am I right in saying levemir changes 'happen' straight away so it can be used in this way...?

(by the way, I know a pump would be even more helpful but even though I'm still arguing my case that looks highly unlikely at present)

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

That's my understanding Aymes, and it's why I have my eye on Levemir too. Though I've been able to make some progress in wrestling Lantus into submission recently for gym/non-gym days so I guess it depends on how frustrated I get over the next few months before my annual review.

I'll be very interested to read your experiences of the switch (if you would like to share them)

M

 

[Copepod]

There is another alternative to Levemir & Lantus.
I use Humalin I twice a day as my basal, and reduce by up to 25% before and after exercise - it's very responsive, and, much cheaper than Levemir or Lantus, so I can't understand why it isn't suggested more often,

 

[MIsmail]

Hope it helps. I wasn't a big fan of two injections a day, so correct with food. Every1 of us is different so I hope it helps!

 

[novorapidboi26]

There is another alternative to Levemir & Lantus.
I use Humalin I twice a day as my basal, and reduce by up to 25% before and after exercise - it's very responsive, and, much cheaper than Levemir or Lantus, so I can't understand why it isn't suggested more often,

I agree, the only difference with this is that it has a tiny peak at about 6 hours as opposed to the flat profile of Lantus and Levemir.........

Was on this up until last week, back on levemir for a month or two before pump discussions......scared.....

 

[thenat]

I have a tendency to stay quite low for about 10 hours after exercise, this is usually overnight, regardless of carb intake or ratio reduction.

I'm on lantus and have the exact same problem. After a days mountain biking I can eat and eat and eat all day the following day without blood sugars rising. Haven't tried changing my lantus due to the same reason you mentioned about it taking a few days to take effect.

I didn't realise levemir was different ... would be very interested to hear how you get on if you make the switch.

 

[Flutterby]

I made the switch about 6 months ago, wouldn't go back to Lantus now, much flatter profile with Levemir.

 

[Pigeon]

I find it much better for the days I'm exercising too. My main reason for switching was that I needed less basal in the day than at night, so now I take 3.5 U am and 6.5pm of levemir. It's worked much better for me. Also I like being able to do half units! Hope the switch goes well for you.