Lantus

[ZoëCunningham123]

Just needing a little advice here..
I cannot handle using lantus, I just can't get a grip on my blood sugars, there is no in between. I'm scared of hypoing and always have been so I tend to run a little higher but since June I have had to use my glucogen kit 3 times, it's starting to scare me. I have now just found out I am pregnant and I know the diabetic team are going to force me to use lantus when I know I can't get blood sugars at perfect level on it. Is there another insulin I can go on? I would like mixitard again but I just don't think the diabetic team are going to let me change. What can I do about this?

 

[Juicyj]

Hi Zoe, a better alternative would be to try Tresiba, it's much more stable than Lantus, I didn't get on with Lantus I was on split doses too so I had a good 24 hour cover but I was increasing my doses and not getting good control, I am on a pump now, before that I was on Tresiba which was great it has a flat profile and one injection a day. Another suggestion as you're pregnant is to see if you can access a pump to help your control ?

 

[Deleted Account]

If you usually run your BG a little high but have recently been hypoing severely, it looks to me as if you need to do some investigation towards what is causing your BG to go up and down so much. Is it your insulin to carb ratio? Do you need less insulin after exercising? Have you been stressed recently? Are you more likely to hypo at night or during the day? ...

After a bit of pushing, my diabetes team provided me with a blind (I couldn't see the readings until they were downloaded) CGM for a week whilst I kept a food and exercise diary which gave me an insight into what was happening.

This provided very useful information to adjust my Novorapid and Lantus. For example, my ratio is different at different times of the day and I moved the time I took my Lantus.

If your team are unable to provide a CGM, this may be a good reason to trial the Libre which will provide similar information. The manufacturers are really pushing it so you may be able to get a free trial. If not, the investment of one sensor could be offset by the value you get by achieving better BG control.

If you still find problems, your local team may be more open to considering a different insulin.

Good luck.

 

[noblehead]

I have now just found out I am pregnant and I know the diabetic team are going to force me to use lantus when I know I can't get blood sugars at perfect level on it. Is there another insulin I can go on?

They can't force you to use any insulin, especially if it causing you to become hypo where you need to use the glucogen kit and is effecting your quality of life, I agree with @Juicyj that you should ask about Tresiba, it's said to have a much flatter profile and lasts up to 42 hours.