New to Insulin

[robofski]

Hi All,

I've been a T2 since 2006. Started with diet control, and in 2009 went on to 80mg Gliclazide (couldn't tolerate Metformin, caused a rash).

After a HbA1C of 8.3 in Oct 2011, double the dose to 160mg, tested again in Jan 2012 and it had risen to 10.3, doubled the dose again to the max 320mg and just been retested, now at 12.0!

So I've been put on insulin, the practice diabetic specialist was very nice and gave me lots of info, but I'm finding myself becoming very anxious about getting hypo's.

Any advice anyone can offer on how to get over the anxiety?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Caroline]

Someone will be along soon with advice about hypo worries, but I am sure things will be OK. It is quite normal to worry about new things.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Good news that you are being put on insulin - hopefully it will be the start of an improvement in your control and help you avoid future troubles.

Not really sure I can comment on the detailed ins and outs of insulin therapy as a T1, but if your levels begin to come down be aware that your body may go through a preiod of 'fake' hypos. As your BGs return toward normal levels your body will see these as lower than it is used to and you can get (unpleasant) full-on hypo symptoms even if still above 4.0. Let your meter guide you, but try not to eat everything in sight if you get these. A tiny amount of rapid acting carbs (one or two fruit pastilles) can alleviate the symptoms. After a short while your 'emergency switch' will reset to a proper level, but in the early days it can be good to check your BG whenever you feel hypo just to be sure.

 

[AlisonM]

I agree with Mike. Test whenever you feel odd and always keep something handy in case you really are hypo. A few jelly babies or a small, mixer sized, can of full fat fizzy (whichever one you prefer) should be enough.

 

[Vicsetter]

Before I say anything, can you tell us what insulin you are on. What dosage (once a day twice etc), how much and what you have been told on how to adjust your dosage or do you have to go back to the nurse? Do you live on your own?

 

[HOBIE]

All i can say its down to experience. I allways carry something sweet. I have about 4 test meters in all weird places. Get organised & live life. 🙂

 

[robofski]

Before I say anything, can you tell us what insulin you are on. What dosage (once a day twice etc), how much and what you have been told on how to adjust your dosage or do you have to go back to the nurse? Do you live on your own?

Right now I'm just taking 10 units of Levemir in the morning, and I am really new to it (started yesterday). Not been told to adjust it, but have been given fast acting insulin and told to expect to have to start that next week. I don't live alone but do travel quite a bit on my own (out of the country for 4 of the next 7 weeks). Will have a followup with the nurse next week I think, my wife being anxious about me going away so soon after starting insulin treatment is adding to my anxiety!

I guess it's just a case of trial and error until its all under control, I don't mind the trial, it's the error bit I'm worried about!

 

[Steff]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forum

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forum robofski 🙂

 

[vince13]

Welcome to the very open club - it's just no-one really wants to join 🙂

However, you will find lots of advice, funny wit, and chat on here. Looking forward to getting to know you better. Regarding hypos, I'm only on twice a day mixed insulin but get hypos near lunchtime so, as has been said, keeping jelly babies or full-strength coke in a small tin near at hand, gets you back on track and stops the wobbles quickly.

Let us know if there's anything you really want to know, rant about or whatever -someone will pop up and answer you. They're an OK lot - really 😉

 

[robofski]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, this looks like a very useful resource, and a friendly place to hang out 🙂

 

[Vicsetter]

I find it strange that they can put you on Basal (levemir) AND fast acting without teaching you how much to use and when, and I can't really understand why a T2 should go on fast acting at the start of insulin use.
I presume you are testing your BG with a meter (they did give you a meter and test strips didn't they?).
I started on 10 units and get up to a split dose of 80 in the morning and 60 at night. You should be increasing the dosage gradually until you get to good fasting levels. Obviously this will be affected by the fast acting. My experience of hypos has only been in about 5 occurrences and at 3 am, waking up with a cold sweat, nothing to be worried about and a good excuse for some bread and marmalade🙄.
Having said that if you have been reading some of the stuff here you may have gathered that we all react differently.
P.S. you do know to inform DVLA if you drive now you are on insulin (and your insurance company).

 

[robofski]

Vicsetter, I must say I think it's all moving a little fast too but I think my irregular eating patterns are what is driving my Nurse to think the fast acting might be a better way for me to manage things.

I'm sure I'll have another appointment with her before anything changes!

I was given a BG meter and I have sore finger tips from using the thing!

I've notified the DVLA and advised my company (I drive a company car so they provide the insurance)

PS I'm not a fan of marmalade, but I do like the idea of some bread and jam at the side of the bed 🙂

 

[Vicsetter]

Vicsetter, I must say I think it's all moving a little fast too but I think my irregular eating patterns are what is driving my Nurse to think the fast acting might be a better way for me to manage things.

I'm sure I'll have another appointment with her before anything changes!

I was given a BG meter and I have sore finger tips from using the thing!

I've notified the DVLA and advised my company (I drive a company car so they provide the insurance)

PS I'm not a fan of marmalade, but I do like the idea of some bread and jam at the side of the bed 🙂

Safer to have a pack of jelly babies by the bed side take 2 and send the wife to get the bread and jam🙄
I hope you are pricking the side of your finger and not the pad and have you adjusted to strength of the pricker.

 

[robofski]

Jelly babies and a waitress outfit for the wife it is then 🙂

Yes I'm going after the sides, and as it's all a bit new probably testing more than I will long term, and I'm sure my delicate fingers will get used to it (tapping on a keyboard all day doesn't exactly put them under much stress!)

Not adjusted the finger pricker, might take it down a notch on each of the next tests and see how low I can go and still get blood out!

 

[Copepod]

Definitely adjust finger pricker - as short as possible to get blood.

Always have jelly babies within reach, or budget midget gems or whatever - they're the cheapest sweets I've found.

 

[Robster65]

Full sugar coke or lucozade are the quickest and most reliable hypo remedies you can take, especially if you don't wake until you've dropped into the 2s.

You can follow it up with some longer acting carbs such as bread afterwards, but it's important that you do have what you may need within easy reach or you and/or your partner if they're able to get to you quick enough.🙂

Best thing is to gradually adjust your insulins so you can avoid dropping too low in the night. Feel your way towards the right amounts.

Rob

 

[Vicsetter]

Full sugar coke or lucozade are the quickest and most reliable hypo remedies you can take, especially if you don't wake until you've dropped into the 2s.

You can follow it up with some longer acting carbs such as bread afterwards, but it's important that you do have what you may need within easy reach or you and/or your partner if they're able to get to you quick enough.🙂

Best thing is to gradually adjust your insulins so you can avoid dropping too low in the night. Feel your way towards the right amounts.

Rob

It would be interesting to know the experiences of T2s on this. I personally have never gone below 3, but I guess it depends on your awareness. I also tend to go up overnight these days having swapped the night-time insulin for Victoza.