Levemir Problems

suziesue

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi

I have been diabetic Type 1 for 40 years taking Actrapid 3 times per day approx 5 units each time and Levemir twice daily 5 units am and 7 units pm. I was on Lantus and until about a year ago and because of night time hypos my diabetes specialist decided to change me to Levemir. I'm not sure it's related but wondered if anyone else has had the same problems with the Levemir - I have almost constant joint pain - shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips. I feel so tired and lacking energy that I sometimes have to literally force myself to get out of bed in the mornings, my head seems to feel 'fuzzy' and as though I've been drugged and I just feel generally out of sorts and as though somethings not right but can't pinpoint what it is, I also seem to have put on weight especially around my middle which I just can't seem to shift even though I excercise (agony afterwards with the joints) and eat a very careful diet.. My blood glucose results since I've been on the Levemir aren't too bad, but I can't seem to get them balanced and have been like this since it was changed a year ago, the worst results being in the morning when it's around 11/12 not hugely high but higher than I would like. My results throughout the day are pretty good normally 4.6 - 6.8 or thereabouts. I'm sure my blood glucose is not high enough to make me feel like this as I test 3 to 4 times per day. As I said I would like to know if anyone else has or does feel like this on Levemir or if anyone has any suggestions, as I feel the two are connected and am considering getting changed back to Lantus as I feel so cr*ppy. The nightime hypos stopped, which is the only good thing! Can anyone help PLEASE. Thank you.
 

fig

Well-Known Member
Messages
74
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
i am sorry but i don't have the answer, although i do have exactly the same problems as you so i will keep an eye on this thread to see if anybody else has the solution. Hope you get sorted and start to feel better soon
 

noblehead

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Suzi,

I don't really want to comment on whether it is caused by your levemir insulin, but could I ask you if you have mentioned this to your gp and had blood tests done to rule out anything else that may be causing these symptoms? Only by eliminating everything else can you begin to look at your insulin use, so although some might reply and mention similar experiences on levemir, its important to consult your doctor and ask for a professional opinion and tests.

Nigel
 

suziesue

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi Nigel

In answer to you yes, I have until recently been back and forth to a joint/arthritis consultant who did x-rays and examinations, although no MRI scan, and said that as far as he was concerned I had no problems with my joints!!! I have regular blood tests for anaemia as I also have coeliac disease but the consultant I was under for that has discharged me as he said that everything was very good and I stick to my diet religiously so there wasn't any point in seeing him anymore. I have been to my GP on and off over the past year but don't seem to get anywhere. As I say I may be clutching at straws here and there may not be a connection but it seemed that all this started shortly after I was changed to the Levemir. I'm 47 years old and feel like I'm an old granny, I went to the gym last night, forced myself to go as I do enjoy it, BAM - this morning, well all today, I'm exhausted, my joints are aching like mad and I could just go to bed - not good when you're going to work. Any suggestions would be helpful so at least I could go back to my GP and suggest what I think the problem might be. Thanks a lot.
 

noblehead

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Suzie,

Having now read your reply I see that you have nothing to lose by trying a alternative background insulin. The best person to discuss this with will be your diabetes specialist nurse who will tell you the options available and how best to transfer over to a new insulin, don't expect miracles straight away as it may take 2-3 months before you can be sure that the levemir was at fault and the cause of your fatigue.

You may find that your hcp are a bit dismissive that the insulin is at fault, but dig your heels in and insist you want to change to put your mind at rest. Good luck!

Nigel
 

Kash2001

Active Member
Messages
30
Hi I'm in a similar situation, but my job is sport related so I thought it was natural to feel this way did not occur that it could be th insulin. But I have been feeling a bit better just recently by taking high does of vit b complex, I mean really high. I don't eat a lot of red meat and train hard 3/4 times a week for 3 + hours.

If you want to know what I'm takin then pm me as I'm not sure I'm aloud to say on an open forum, but it has helped quite a bit.

Its not easy to say to doctors I want to change insulin cause I feel unwell, I've been sick for almost 2 years now tired with flu like symptoms said to doctors and they say your overworking rest more lol I wish they said look at us we work three days a week and don't get that ill so rest more!!

Tablets have helped but will talk to doctor about levimir, does anyone else feel like its a flu like ache in joints.

Atb
 

suziesue

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi Nigel

Thanks for your suggestions, the thought of fight tires me out!!! I think it will be worth a try though as I don't have anything to lose and hopefully will end up feeling a lot better.
 

noblehead

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suziesue said:
Hi Nigel

Thanks for your suggestions, the thought of fight tires me out!!! I think it will be worth a try though as I don't have anything to lose and hopefully will end up feeling a lot better.


Well you have nothing to lose and everything to gain Suzie..........so go kick some butt! 8)

Nigel