How much units insulin is a lot?

deepanshus

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I am on Type 2 diabetes, recently diagnosed and was put on Metmorfin and Insulin. I started with 6 units but now I am on 14 units and my fasting blood sugar was still 10.2 today. Nurse had asked me to increase the intake by 2 units if the reading is not in rage of 7. I take my insulin once, just before bed.

Just out of curiosity, how much units of an insulin intake is normal.
 
D

Deleted Account

Guest
There is no such thing as "normal" insulin intake - we are all different.
The right amount of insulin is what works for you.
 
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macson

Newbie
Messages
1
Hi,
I've had diabetes type 2 for over 10 years. On metformin, gliclazide and sitagliptin. I currently take 4-6 units of humalog (fast-acting) with evening meal and 15 units of humulin (background) in the morning. How do these amounts compare? Blood glucose level is usually 6-7 in the morning before breakfast. Just trying a plant-based diet at the moment and it seems to be improving my levels. Anyone else tried this with good or bad results?
 

briped

Well-Known Member
Messages
947
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Hi,
I've had diabetes type 2 for over 10 years. On metformin, gliclazide and sitagliptin. I currently take 4-6 units of humalog (fast-acting) with evening meal and 15 units of humulin (background) in the morning. How do these amounts compare? Blood glucose level is usually 6-7 in the morning before breakfast. Just trying a plant-based diet at the moment and it seems to be improving my levels. Anyone else tried this with good or bad results?
Hi macson, and welcome. You typed your question as a reply to someone else's question. If you want more replies it's better if you start your own thread. You do this by going to https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/greetings-and-introductions.20/ for example, and then click on the green button in the top right hand corner. Good luck :)
 

bulkbiker

BANNED
Messages
19,576
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I am on Type 2 diabetes, recently diagnosed and was put on Metmorfin and Insulin. I started with 6 units but now I am on 14 units and my fasting blood sugar was still 10.2 today. Nurse had asked me to increase the intake by 2 units if the reading is not in rage of 7. I take my insulin once, just before bed.

Just out of curiosity, how much units of an insulin intake is normal.
Hi and welcome
I'll tag @daisy1 for the intro to low carbing that may enable you to stop using insulin completely.
 
Messages
18,448
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Bullies, Liars, Trolls and dishonest cruel people
I am on Type 2 diabetes, recently diagnosed and was put on Metmorfin and Insulin. I started with 6 units but now I am on 14 units and my fasting blood sugar was still 10.2 today. Nurse had asked me to increase the intake by 2 units if the reading is not in rage of 7. I take my insulin once, just before bed.

Just out of curiosity, how much units of an insulin intake is normal.

Hi there, everyone is so different, some take a small amount and other's take more, it's getting a good balance that's right for for you.
 

Derbysocks

Well-Known Member
Messages
49
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I take 40 units of basal insulin in the morning. I would think you would get better results if you change taking your insulin to the morning as you are taking it at night just when you’re not going to eat for several hours.
 

bambee3

Well-Known Member
Messages
46
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
Avocado, Olives, Prunes,
I am on Type 2 diabetes, recently diagnosed and was put on Metmorfin and Insulin. I started with 6 units but now I am on 14 units and my fasting blood sugar was still 10.2 today. Nurse had asked me to increase the intake by 2 units if the reading is not in rage of 7. I take my insulin once, just before bed.

Just out of curiosity, how much units of an insulin intake is normal.

Hi and welcome.
I asked my Endocrinologist years ago as my insulin requirements were increasing, I was up towards 300 units per day of Lantus and Novorapid. He told me there is no such thing as too much insulin it takes whatever it takes to control your levels as we are all different.
I am now using an insulin pump which has been the best thing for me as my insulin requirements jumped to between 350 & 400 units per day. So please don’t stress about your levels of insulin just remember it is what is right for you, we are all different and our bodies react differently to our diabetes, life events, food, emotions, and illnesses.
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Cruelty towards animals.
@deepanshus
Hello and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and helpful.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.

  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why

  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 

rogbert

Well-Known Member
Messages
96
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
winter
@deepanshus
Hello and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and helpful.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.

  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why

  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
hi all im type 2 on novomix i used to take approx 280 units a day but since iv been dieting ie low carbs i have lost a fair bit of weight im now down to 80-100 units a day and hope to go into remission some time this year
 

deepanshus

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I take 40 units of basal insulin in the morning. I would think you would get better results if you change taking your insulin to the morning as you are taking it at night just when you’re not going to eat for several hours.
thanks i was thinking the same, but i also realised if i am active after insulin injection, it will get absorbed quicker leading to higher sugar during night time...but on the flip side, i will be awake in case if i have too much of a dose for any day !! ... thanks i will think about it and make do it for a week to see how it goes
 

Gleny

Active Member
Messages
31
Hi all
My resting B/G level is between 4.8 6.8 in the morning after not eating all night I am on a low carb diet which seems to work.i inject 8-10 units of Novomix if my level goes close to 7mmol/L. If my level is low I eat then take insulin after eating.around 6.PM I check my level again It usually drops of in the day due to my strict low carb diet it’s then around 4-6 B/G level So I don’t really need the insulin,if I do need insulin it’s 6-8 units.This seems to work for me.This routine helps keep my B/G level under control.My low diet is really crucial to keep my blood glucose level under control,where I keep insulin input as low as possible.i weight 84 Kilos.
Regards
Glenn
 

stiv2us

Member
Messages
13
I had diabetic pacemaker fitted 6yrs ago . Lately I became very unwell with sepsis causing infection in and around my pacemaker which has now been removed believe me after going through getting this removed and all the pain and being unwell now for the past 2months .it's been hard going my sugars were all over the place I still have some infection that is causing my pain and illness all my tablets have been stopped and this should have happened weeks ago as some of the tablets were making me worse ..during having septis I took a heart attack and died but the amazing staff worked on me for over 1hr and brought me back wha hoo I say ...thanks...I now have new insulin and my sugar are back to normal now hopefully it won't get out of control again. I am still in hospital as I write ✍️ this morning at 4.25am as I can't sleep my brain is racing so much ...hopefully I will get over this soon.

[Mod edit.]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Jaylee

Oracle
Retired Moderator
Messages
18,213
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi,

Don’t compare to others or see your insulin dose as “a lot.” Just get the dose right enough for you to do the job on management..
Exogenous insulin requirements are indevidual.

Best wishes.
 
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Reactions: EllieM

letsgo182

Active Member
Messages
41
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I take more than you and less than others. Don’t worry about comparing!