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Bolus and basal insulin

fred1234

fred1234

Well-Known Member
Messages
118
Location
Edinburgh
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi im a newly and by the looks of it a very ignorant one going by this site. What a great load of people with much to share and raise awareness and feel that you can ask someone. I'm type 2 insulin dependent. Novo mix 30 8 units injected at lunch time. I have other health probs main one being chronic copd and take 20mgs steroids daily as maintenance dose. I test bloods 6 times daily but sometimes more depending on how I am feeling but couldn't give any detailed info regarding hbc1 etc. Don't even understand what the terminology means. Feel very ignorant and stupid!!! I know that my bloods readings read not bad. Have suffered more from hyperglycemia..I have regular contact with my diabetic team at the hospital 2 or 3 times per week

What is bolus and basal insulin?
Is it type 1 that use this regime?
Why is this used?
if insulin being reduCed, is there a time limit before it affects my body ?
 
Type 2 can use basal bolus.. But GPs tend to give a cocktail of drugs before basal/bolus.
You really need to have a good understanding of carb counting for any insulin usage really.
It may be that mixed insulin is ok for you but it takes time to work out dosage and eating.
 
Many T2s are on mixed insulin which is OK if you pancreas is still producing a reasonable amount of insulin itself. Are you possibly testing too often each day and contacting your team too often; possibly becuase you are anxious about the diabetes? Knowing your HBa1C is very important so next time you are in contact with the team do ask what your last HBa1C was and come back here if you want to put it in context. If your blood suagr isn't well controlled on the one per day mix then the Basal/Bolus will give better control but at the cost of 3 or more injections and two insulins. The Basal works for up to 24 hours and the Bolus is used for each meal. Having a low-carb diet will always be a high priority. Steroids are a known serious problem for diabetes, so if any reduction is possible then agree that with the consultant. Make sure he knows of your diabetes and agrees to any reduction in possible dosage
 
willowbunny said:
You may discuss with your GP reducing the steroids. I'm on 10mg Prednisolone a day and it's very effective in controlling my COPD. Every little helps.
Click to expand...
I have discussed with gp and cons of trying to reduce steroids, but to no avail!! They fear exacerbation of copd/asthma. I also use inhaled steroid
 
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