Hi. Unfortunately I'm here!

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SusieGriff

SusieGriff

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
:(

Hi I've recently been diagnosed T1., for 3 months now I have been using Humulin M3 and have been trying to understand the way it works. everyone I seem to talk to uses basal/bolus and cope much better than I do. I'm wondering if there is anyone else here who can explain why I'm on this particular type of insulin?
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm afraid I can't help being type 2 but there will be plenty after me with the answers.
 
Hi nomorecakes. Welcome 🙂

Humulin M3 is apparently a mix of 30% short acting to 70% long acting, which I'm guessing you'll be injecting at least twice a day ?

I've been reading that newly diagnosed Type 1s are sometimes put on mixes while they 'settle down' through their honeymoon period but some research shows it is better to be on basal/bolus from the start.

Rob
 
Thanks

Hi, thanks for the welcome note! Can't say it's nice to be here... lol. looking forward to chatting to people who understand though.😱
 
Robster65 said:
Hi nomorecakes. Welcome 🙂

Humulin M3 is apparently a mix of 30% short acting to 70% long acting, which I'm guessing you'll be injecting at least twice a day ?

I've been reading that newly diagnosed Type 1s are sometimes put on mixes while they 'settle down' through their honeymoon period but some research shows it is better to be on basal/bolus from the start.

Rob
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Ah.... no-one told me I might be able to change, No-one tells you anything, apart from, don't eat this, eat that.. on this particular type of insulin it seems my whole life now is revolving around when I eat and what I eat.
I am struggling a bit to keep my BG down to a decent level. but I am so frustrated about not having enough information.
 
Hi nomorecakes, welcome to the forum 🙂 I'm not familiar with that particular insulin, but I'm sure we have members here who will be. I've been on basal bolus since diagnosis, although I do know that some clinics start people on other, less flexible routines. Have your healthcare team explained why you are not on Basal bolus?

It's still very much early days for you. I remember when I was diagnosed I was on fixed amount so fast and slow acting insulin for the first few months and had to call the DSN and tell her my numbers and she would suggest any adjustments. Then I did a carb-counting course and took control of varying the doses myself. Have you been offered any education courses e.g. DAFNE? (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) - if not, I would ask about the availability of such a course. Your PCT may run something slightly different, but they should offer something.

I'd highly recommend getting hold of a copy of Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults by Ragnar Hanas. It will explain all the different insulin regimes and a whole lot more besides - an essential reference! You may find a copy in your local library.

Please feel free to ask anything you are unsure of or that is concerning you - nothing is considered 'silly'! 🙂
 
I've googled humulin m3 and there's not much info apart from its profile of action which seems to be between about 1 hour and 8 hours so I would imagine you're on a pretty fixed meal regime.

I was for about 15-20 years but then went onto basal/bolus (MDI) and life became much better. I don't know why you've not been offered this, unless there are medical reasons.

Other newly diagnosed members may have answers.

Can I ask for other information such as your age and any other details which may be relevant to advice given (obviously, caution advised on a public forum!).🙂

Rob
 
Thanks 'Northerner',

Unfortunately, I'm not a child, adolescent or a young adult. I was diagnosed straight to T1 at rather a late age compared to most. but I will have a read of the book you suggested. anything to gain more knowledge. I haven't been offered and educational courses, I've just seen my local Diabetic professonal and my local diabetic nurse at the GP surgery. any adjustments to my insulin are decided between myself and the nurse. I have recently increased it myself as she suggested, only by a very small amount, but still struggle to keep in yoyoing.
 
Robster65 said:
I've googled humulin m3 and there's not much info apart from its profile of action which seems to be between about 1 hour and 8 hours so I would imagine you're on a pretty fixed meal regime.

I was for about 15-20 years but then went onto basal/bolus (MDI) and life became much better. I don't know why you've not been offered this, unless there are medical reasons.

Other newly diagnosed members may have answers.

Can I ask for other information such as your age and any other details which may be relevant to advice given (obviously, caution advised on a public forum!).🙂

Rob
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Well, my age.... I am over 55 !! yes, and was diagnosed Type 1.. I was shocked to say the least. but am grateful that I didn't have it as a child. I am slightly overweight, but not so much as you would notice. I have hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol.
 
nomorecakes said:
Thanks 'Northerner',

Unfortunately, I'm not a child, adolescent or a young adult. I was diagnosed straight to T1 at rather a late age compared to most. but I will have a read of the book you suggested. anything to gain more knowledge. I haven't been offered and educational courses, I've just seen my local Diabetic professonal and my local diabetic nurse at the GP surgery. any adjustments to my insulin are decided between myself and the nurse. I have recently increased it myself as she suggested, only by a very small amount, but still struggle to keep in yoyoing.
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Hey, I was diagnosed aged 49! The book is just as useful whatever age you are so the title is a little misleading really 🙂

I would be a little suspicious about the level of knowledge your GP practice nurse may have, if she is not a fully qualified DSN (Diabetic Specialist Nurse). Most practice nurses will only ever deal with Type 2 diabetics not on insulin. I would ask to be referred to a consultant - your GP should not have a problem doing this for you. How were you diagnosed?
 
Just to back up what Northerner's saying, many GP nurses have limited and/or out of date knowledge and may not be giving you the best that you can get.😉

As for the book, I have today recieved a copy of it and even after 30 odd years of injecting (I'm now 45), and several months on this forum, I'm learning plenty from it, so would recommend it for any age.🙂

Rob
 
Northerner said:
Hey, I was diagnosed aged 49! The book is just as useful whatever age you are so the title is a little misleading really 🙂

I would be a little suspicious about the level of knowledge your GP practice nurse may have, if she is not a fully qualified DSN (Diabetic Specialist Nurse). Most practice nurses will only ever deal with Type 2 diabetics not on insulin. I would ask to be referred to a consultant - your GP should not have a problem doing this for you. How were you diagnosed?
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I was feeling ill, very ill for about 2wks, went to my GP, he tested me, and whisked me off to hospital, my BG was over the top of the scale! my eyesight went fuzzy and I had keytones. so then after 4 days on a drip I was discharged, frightened to death and on insulin... 3m later I feel SO much better but somewhat baffled by this regime.
 
Hey, welcome to the forum! Whereabouts are you based?

From personal experience, I would want to get off Humilin M3 (which I was on for 10+ years as a child) ASAP and get in to see a consultant ASAP - don't stick around with a GP practice nurse!
 
shiv said:
Hey, welcome to the forum! Whereabouts are you based?

From personal experience, I would want to get off Humilin M3 (which I was on for 10+ years as a child) ASAP and get in to see a consultant ASAP - don't stick around with a GP practice nurse!
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Hi, I'm in the east midlands. and I wasn't even given a follow up appointment for the consultant!!!! am still chasing them up to get an appointment. I want to know so much!!
 
Ring your GP everyday until you get a referral to a consultant. Sometimes the only way to get things done is to stamp your feet until someone listens!

You'll see that as soon as you come off mixed insulin - which is considered very old fashioned nowadays as you have to 'feed' the insulin, rather than taking insulin to match what you are eating - you'll be able to eat cakes 😉 I hope you get that referral soon - keep us up to date - and we'll all be here to lend a hand when it comes to carb counting and everything else MDI (multiple daily injections - basal/bolus regime 🙂) involves!
 
Hi and welcome, I can't add anything as the others have done so well. It is daunting at first and I learned more from this forum than any doctor/DSN would ever be prepared to teach me. When I go and see them now I now what questions to ask and it is all thanks to this place.:D
 
Wow, what a great relief to find you all. thank you so much for all your help. I'm off to bed now .
 
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