New to the Forum but not to Diabetes!

[Cindysmum]

This quick note is to say Hi to you all.
I've been Type 1 Diabetic since 1987 (a 40th Birthday present to myself!) and I have seen many good changes in the management of Diabetes and support in the intervening years.
I'm so grateful to still be here....I've got a pot pourri of things up with me like Rheumatoid Arthritis and 2 years ago a triple heart bypass..to name just 2 but here i am, still living this good life!
I'm afraid I'm old school, in that I still prick my fingers for blood and use an insulin pen for my injections! But they suit me.
Anyway,...that's me.
I do have a question to ask but I'll wait a bit first.
Thanks for listening.(?) Vicky

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Cindysmum 🙂 What a fun birthday present - not! Do ask away. We’re a friendly bunch here and there are always people ready to make suggestions and give support.

 

[Cindysmum]

Thanks Inka. I'm wondering if anyone can help.
I have had my Tresiba Penfill disposable pen changed to a NovoPen 6 with Tresiba cartridges(there was/is shortage of supply) It was a lovely light pen and I had no problems.
However, because I have Rheum. Arth. I'm finding the Novopen6 to be really heavy and it's difficult to press the plunger. It's giving me bruises. Is there another pen or brand that is compatible with Tresiba and is lighter? Help!!

 

[Inka]

Sadly, I think not @Cindysmum The insulin manufacturers purposely make their cartridges/pens slightly different so you can only have the ‘right’ pen with your insulin. I know the Autopen takes a few insulins but I’d have to check if it took Tresiba. My guess is it doesn’t. It is easy to use though.

There may be devices that help you inject. The other option is to change to another basal insulin which is still available in disposable pens.

 

[Inka]

I don’t think the Autopen does take Tresiba @Cindysmum but it does take Humulin i and Hypurin isophane. The Autopen doesn’t have a plunger at the end. It has a button on the side which is easier to press.

If that doesn’t suit, you could try a different basal insulin in a disposable pen.

 

[Cindysmum]

Thanks.... I use an Autopen for my Humalog and it's a great pen. The green disposable Tresiba pens were also easy to use and light but if they've been discontinued, which is what I've been told, there doesn't appear t to be an alternative but getting bruises! I need to see doc or team at hospital I think. X

 

[Inka]

Interesting @Cindysmum I use Humalog but I didn’t think the cartridges fitted in the Autopen (I have an Autopen for another insulin).

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Cindysmum 🙂

Well done on your decades of glucose juggling. Not long now and you’ll have clocked up 40 years!

I used to use Autopens back in the day. i always found them a bit fierce if I’m honest, but I can see how the spring-loaded mechanism might help you. I think I used Autopens for Lantus, but may be misremembering.

 

[Cindysmum]

Interesting @Cindysmum I use Humalog but I didn’t think the cartridges fitted in the Autopen (I have an Autopen for another insulin).

Here we go! Yes, does take Humalog but annoyingly not Tresiba! And it used to take Lantus (a different colour pen)

 

[Cindysmum]

Welcome to the forum @Cindysmum 🙂

Well done on your decades of glucose juggling. Not long now and you’ll have clocked up 40 years!

I used to use Autopens back in the day. i always found them a bit fierce if I’m honest, but I can see how the spring-loaded mechanism might help you. I think I used Autopens for Lantus, but may be misremembering.

Yes... It'll take Lantus! 40 years is a scary number!!