Humulin switch

[Harvey1921]

Hello, I have had type 1 diabetes for 48 years and was recently switched to Humulin on a Lilley injection pen as Insulatard on my Novopen is being phased out.
Under Insulatard my BG readings were fairly regular. Under Humulin they are all over the place. I also find that there are invariably air bubbles in the Humulin vials but presumably these should be largely airtight. Never had that issue with Insulatard.
Has anybody else had similar issues?
Many thanks.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Harvey1921 🙂 As Humulin i lasts for a shorter time than Insulatard, is taken twice daily, and has a different profile than the Insulatard, things will be different to begin with. It’s also possible that you’ve been started on less Humulin i than you need so it can be carefully increased as necessary.

 

[Harvey1921]

Yes, I am aware of that. I took Insulatard twice a day and am taking Humulin twice a day (both injections at the same times of day). I have I creased the Humulin dosage but, about 7 hours after the injection, my BG rises to unheard of levels. It's almost as if it stops having any impact after 5 or 6 hours.

 

[helli]

I am taking Humulin twice a day (both injections at the same times of day).

Please excuse my pedantry but I just want to check what you mean by this in case it is affecting your BG.
Are you taking your Humulin doses 12 hours apart or are you taking them one immediately after the other?

 

[Inka]

That must be very stressful @Harvey1921 Can I just check that it’s Humulin i you’re taking rather than a mixed insulin like Humulin M3, etc?

 

[Harvey1921]

Please excuse my pedantry but I just want to check what you mean by this in case it is affecting your BG.
Are you taking your Humulin doses 12 hours apart or are you taking them one immediately after the other?

Obviously not one after the other. One typically at 10pm and one at 8am.

 

[Harvey1921]

Obviously not one after the other. One typically at 10pm and one at 8am.

As mentioned, I've been diabetic for 48 years and I don't do silly things.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

As mentioned, I've been diabetic for 48 years and I don't do silly things.

I don't think that follows...

 

[Harvey1921]

Ok, thanks for your input. Much appreciated. Now, getting back to my question...

 

[helli]

I don't think that follows...

It certainly doesn't for me.
If only diabetes stopped me doing silly things 🙂

 

[Harvey1921]

Bruce, this isn't about you. Please start your own thread if you want to share your silliness. I am asking for specific information. If you can help with that information I am more than happy to hear from you. If not then please enjoy your silly games.

 

[Inka]

@Harvey1921 Can you confirm it’s Humulin i you’re taking? My post seems to have got lost in the joking.

 

[Harvey1921]

Inka, yes. It isn't one of the hybrids.

 

[Inka]

Hmmm, that’s strange then. I use an isophane insulin twice daily when I take a pump break. I find it doesn’t last the full 12 hours, but it does last 9 or 10hrs, even with a small dose, so that’s better than what you’re getting. I did experiment with doing 3 isophane injections, with one at 3pm which was tiny but just enough to tide me over until my bedtime isophane. It was a pain though.

Your other option is to try a different basal insulin eg Levemir or Tresiba.

 

[Robin]

Your other option is to try a different basal insulin eg Levemir or Tresiba

I think because Levemir is being discontinued in 2026, current protocol says nobody should be swapped to or started on it.

 

[Inka]

I think because Levemir is being discontinued in 2026, current protocol says nobody should be swapped to or started on it.

That’s annoying. I thought it might be a useful trial as a kind of stepping point. A jump from twice daily isophane to very long-acting Tresiba seemed a bit much - well, to me, at least.

 

[Harvey1921]

It seems like a few insulins are being discontinued. Insulatard and Levermir being 2 of the more commonly used. Is that just a UK thing or is it global?

 

[Robin]

It seems like a few insulins are being discontinued. Insulatard and Levermir being 2 of the more commonly used. Is that just a UK thing or is it global?

Levemir is global, and it has already been discontinued in the USA as from Dec 2024, I believe.

 

[Harvey1921]

Good to know, thanks.

 

[Inka]

It seems like a few insulins are being discontinued. Insulatard and Levermir being 2 of the more commonly used. Is that just a UK thing or is it global?

I suspect the companies think there’s more money to be made elsewhere @Harvey1921 I find it sad they’re withdrawing basals. I’ve only had Type 1 for 30 years but I remember more basal insulins when I was first diagnosed.