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Problems after changing from Lantus

gillkin

gillkin

Active Member
I recently convinced my GP that I should change my basal dose Insulin from Lantus to Hypurin Porcine Isophane (already on Hypurin Porcine Neutral) due to my feeling constanly tired, Hypo awareness loss leading to horrendous nightime episodes where I can't move or speak and generally feeling not quite there most of the time.

Since changing it is as if I am not having any long acting Insulin at all and my blood sugars have been really high. Before bed last night it was 5.8, when I woke this morning it was 9.2 so I had 2 units of Hypurin Neutral and nothing to eat, by lunchtime it was 11.4. It is now three weeks since the change and I am wondering if I will have to go back on the dreaded Lantus. I don't want to if I can avoid but am sure this is what my Consultant will say if I tell him I've changed and am having problems (they just kept telling me to lower the Lantus when I explained about the severe hypo's)

I have seen people talking about splitting the dose and wonder if this might be what I need to do. Has anybody else had similar problems when they changed? I would appreciate any help.

Gill
 
Hi Gill,
It takes time to get used to a new regime, but don't give up!!
What dose of Isophane are you on and when are you taking it?
It is common for people to split their Isophane dose. I take 22 units about 8.30 and 12 units around 10pm, had to juggle it about for couple of weeks to get it right for me. Think I was on 30-ish units of Lantus when I came off it. Also, you may find it easier to stick to your previous analogue rapid-acting before meals till you get your basal dose of Isophane adjusted. Hope that helps. Let us know how you get on.
Aside from your BGs are you feeling any better, less tired etc?
Jus
 
I have been taking 16 units of Hypurin Isophane at around 10pm which is the same dose and the same time as Lantus. It is not the 1st time I have used Isophane, I was using it prior to the Lantus (been Diabetic for 42 years) only changed to Lantus as Dr at Diabetic Clinic said it didn't have a peak time of working and was therefore more stable to use.

When I used Isophane in the past, it was just once a day around bed time so that's why I did the same thing when I started it again. Have always used pork rapid-acting Insulin it was only the long acting one that was changed so that hasn't changed.

I upped the dose to 18 last night, blood sugar 5.4 just before bed, 5.6 at 2.45am and it's now 9.7 (7.15am).

I definitely feel less tired Jus and a bit more clear headed thanks and will persevere until I hopefully get it right.
 
Hi Gill,
Glad u feel less tired and clearer headed, wish I was surprised though :( . I can't encourage you enough not to go back on Lantus. In my and many others experiences the problems escalate and appear to be accumulutive, people can be on it for many years before they make the link. I was told, as you were, that lantus would be the answer to all my BG woes and it's done nothing but ruin my life, and continues to do so.
I used to be on Insulatard prior to Lantus, and always split the dose , contrary to what my hospital specialist advised, and it worked far better that way. See how you go, and consider splitting as Carbsrok said, if things don't improve, but please do not go back to Lantus, it's not worth it.
Also, if you are convinced your tiredness and other problems were caused by that particular insulin, please report the side-effects on the MHRA website. That will help everyone, and here's a link to the website https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/mop/
Jus :)
 
Thanks I'll do that. I think I'll probably split the dose and then add an extra unit here and there until I get it right (very carefully).

Don't I just know all about body changes by the way - I'm 46 now and apart from anything else, parts of me are definitely trying to head towards the floor. :(
 
Hi,
if your blood sugar is going up in the morning without eating, maybe it's dawn phenomenon? Your liver starts letting out glucose in the early hours to get you ready for waking up. It's kind of annoying the rest of our vital organs don't know we're diabetic and try to help us out!

Anyway, my point with this (I have actually got one but seem to have left my train of thought in the operating theatre this morning...) is that doing extra insulin without eating might not help in the morning. Apparently eating is what triggers the liver to stop sending out glucose. So maybe it would be worth trying to eat breakfast and do a couple of extra units with your breakfast insulin?
Hope that helps!
 
That's very interesting, thanks for that. I didn't know about the liver continuing to produce glucose until you eat. It would explain why I've had high blood sugars mid morning in the past and wondered why when I haven't eaten anything.
 
As to why considering an alternative - the usual reasons really. Seem to have less 'get up & go' these days, feel rundown, achey etc. Might not be anything to do with lantus but have had blood tests that say i'm 'normal'. :?
 
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