Any Lo-Carbers using Lantus?

[Patch]

I've started on Lantus. This is in combination with the Victoza that I've been on for 3 months, which, at 1.2mg once daily, was doing nothing.

Last night, I took my first Lantus, at the same time (18:00) as my usual 1.2mg of Victoza. I was told to start on 10units of Lantus, but, in my haste for results (and my lack of results on other long acting insulin), I started on 20units. (I've since found out that, for my weight (225lbs) 20units os not such a huge dose.) But...

BIG MISTAKE.

1 hour later, after having a shower and, foolishly, eating NOTHING, I start to feel the effects of my first ever hypo. It came on very slowly, with some minor shaking in my arms, but within 30 minutes I was dripping in sweat from my head to my feet. Soon after that I was eating the first of 3 bananas (I haven't eaten bananas for more than 10 years!) and asking the missus to go out and get me some sweets and a sugary drink.

Lesson learned.

This, after 1 week of severe carb restriction. I mean ZERO carbs have passed my lips for 7 days.

So now I start my careful experimentation to find my correct dose of Lantus - starting at just 5units. At least now I know that this stuff is not to be messed with. 20units, to my understanding, is not a huge dose. But the effect it had on me was significant to say the least! That's good - because at least I know that this drug CAN get my BG down.

Any other lo-carbers on Lantus (or, even better, a Victoza/Lantus combo) that would care to discuss my foolishness?

 

[Croc]

You took too much too soon. You should start with a low dose and gradually up it till you find your optimum dosage, that is the one that gives the BG readings you want without the hypos.

 

[Patch]

Agreed. But I don't need to be told that.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Don't understsnd how you survive on zero carbs for 7 days but I've low carbed for 30 years with mixed insulin initially, lantus, levemir, novorapid thru pump..

 

[Ambersilva]

I can see why you dived in at a dose of 20. If you were a type One that dose may be near correct for your weight. But different things are going on in your system as a Type 2.

I know, that you know, to be more cautious and not to overdue the meds to gain control.

 

[Patch]

Cautious is the word!

Tonight's 5units seems to have had a positive effect, so I'll stay at 5 for a few days and see what happens...

It's my fasting BG that I'm REALLY interested in. By BG just now (before bed) was 8.4, so if I wake up with it somewhere around there I'll bd dead happy!

DD - not sure I follow you? I'm surviving fine!

 

[donnellysdogs]

But what food is zero carb? I have 19g even with salmon n salad!!

 

[Patch]

I've only been eating food with (almost) zero carbs in them.

Pepperami.
Tuna.
Cheese.
Steak.
Eggs.
Turkey.

Y'now - practically zero carbs.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Not exactly giving you all the vitamins and minerals you need though.

I don't really understand why you are being so restrictive.

I hope you are ensuring you take a multi vitamin of some description as your vitamin and mineral balance is out of kilter.. Ie where is your vitamin C??

 

[Emmotha]

1. You don't need to eat a 0 carb diet, it's not sustainable and not healthy. You need to get your five a day!

2. I'm type 1 and on lantas/humalog. I eat around 30g carbs per day and on 5 units Lantas. There is no "low" or "high" dose, only what works for each individual.

Try to et ur 5 a day at least

Edit* by 5 a day I mean 5 fruit/veg portions, not 5 carbs