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Changing insulin frequency

Nooch1

Nooch1

Well-Known Member
Messages
54
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all I'm currently on humlin I 8 units just at breakfast and sitagliptin 100mg and gliclazide 160mg breakfast and 80mg lunch my diabetic nurse is going put me over to insulin on it own with twice daily or basal-bolus I think I should be basal-bolus as i don't eat at regular times so I can correct if and problems but I'm not sure wot would be the best as only been on insulin since sept 2015 and what other opinion and how they get on with more injections
 
Nooch1 said:
Hi all I'm currently on humlin I 8 units just at breakfast and sitagliptin 100mg and gliclazide 160mg breakfast and 80mg lunch my diabetic nurse is going put me over to insulin on it own with twice daily or basal-bolus I think I should be basal-bolus as i don't eat at regular times so I can correct if and problems but I'm not sure wot would be the best as only been on insulin since sept 2015 and what other opinion and how they get on with more injections
Click to expand...
I think basal/bolus is the favoured approach nowadays. It not only gives more flexibility for the user but also allows for tighter control than the older style mixed insulin (I assume that's why you mean by twice daily) can offer.

Less injections would be excellent, no one wants to take anymore than they already have to. But personally, I'd take more injections daily to keep my BG tight and my options open. Rather than just take two injections and be restricted by what and when I can eat.

Everyone is different and you should ask your DSN to explain the pros and cons of each regime.

In the meantime, you can have a read through this so you can build some knowledge about various options available and tailor your questions to suit at your next appointment:

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/insulin-regimens.html

Hope this is of some use:)

Grant
 
Seen DSN today she put me on lantus 8 unit in the evening and 3 unit of nova rapid at meal times see her in a wk to see it insulin need changing, could not get my lantus today as doc pharmacy was shut and she could not get the prescription to print so that I could get it some where else so I'll have to stay on humlin till Monday when I can get my new prescription
 
@Nooch1

Has nurse arranged courses for carb counting and dose adjusting insulin.

Although its early days for you on insulin the sooner you get on courses and get in control yourself the better.

Being on a basal bolus regime do think about getting the book "think like a pancreas".....

I take it if you drive you have already notified DVLA that you are on insulin?

Please make sure you test before bed, waking up,
Before meals and 2hrs after meals and pre driving. Over 5.0 to drive. Under 4.0 and on the floor.
 
No DSN has not arrange that course I'll ask her in a wk when I speak to her I don't drive but do have a previsional license and have already updated them about this but due to other condition I cann't drive
 
Ok... Please find out about courses and attend them. Across the UK only 20% of diabetic's actually attend courses once invited.....CCGs are trying to get patients to attend. You will be one step ahead asking for courses.. And 10 steps ahead if you attend!!

Lots of info available here but you must ask to learn how to eat what food you want to and to give yourself correct dosages of insulin...

The best results for any diabetic are those that want to and can take care of themselves....

At the end of the day, it is you that faces day to day living and managing... The quicker you can control yourself with confidence the better.

Thinking of you..
 
Hi @Nooch1 - I am on the bolus/basal insulin therapy. I take lantus for basal, and apidra for bolus with meals. I think this would be better than a mixed insulin option (although I've not tried that). But as mentioned already you can get tighter control if you can bolus according to what you're eating.

You may find this free online course for carb counting and carb to insulin ratio good to do: www.bertieonline.org.uk
 
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