• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

First ever insulin injection - please help!

Really helpful thanks x
 
Thanks for your support. I like the idea of finding somewhere a bit softer to inject. The bruising and marks are unexpected I must admit - i had no idea
 
Hi @Michelle6557 - I'm not an insulin user, but from what I read, Absalagar, your insulin is "biosimilar" (explanation of biosimilar on this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosimilar) to an insulin called Lantus.

From time to time, posters have commented on Lantus stinging when they inject it. If that is of concern, it could be worthwhile having a chat about it with whomever prescribed it for you. They might suggest an alternative.
 
I don't have a whole lot to add to this topic that hasn't already been said.

I use Toujeo, and it also can burn more than my other insulin. I inject both Toujeo and Novorapid into my belly, but I'm also fat and have a lot of belly, so there hasn't been a need to inject elsewhere (yet).

One thing I do is lightly touch the needle to my skin. If it already hurts on top of the skin, I know I'll hit a nerve. If it doesn't hurt on the skin, 9 out of 10 times it doesn't hurt nor burn (as bad) when I inject. I don't know if this is because of my weight or not, but it's not uncommon for me to touch my belly with the needle in 5 different places before I find a spot that doesn't hurt.
 
Thanks daftthoughts. I’m sure you’re not ‘fat’ as you say! I like the idea of testing with th needle for pain on the skin. Contact me anytime for a chat x
 
Thanks again all.
So... 3 days in I think I’ve managed 2 successful injections. I only on basal.
Sadly there’s virtually no difference to my blood sugar readings-okay maybe about 20% down but certainly not where I wanted to be. I’ll give it until Monday morning and then speak to the nurse about whether or not we need to increase the dose.

I just want to say that the support and sense of community on this forum is wonderful for a new starter like me. I’ve been a member for a couple of years since I was diagnosed with type one Butbecause I haven’t needed any medication until now, I have stayed in the background. It would be great to have some advice from anyone about the best places to look on this forum for support around the early days of injecting and understanding carb counting and adjusting to the lifestyle changes night I havd to face in the coming months with a move to bolus . Thanks a lot X
 
It does sound like you need some fast acting insulin . The insulin you’re injecting at the moment is really to keep you steady and stable when you’re not eating, so in between meals.
It shouldn’t hurt as much as it does either, only on occasion when you have hit a blood vessel. But I’ve never used the type of insulin you have nor the type of needle you’re using so it could be either or both!
How high is your blood glucose at the moment?
 
My fasting readings are between 12-17 and that is the same through the day. As I’m low carb, slim and my bs readings don’t change much during the day (probably due to my diet), the consultant wanted to start me on basal only to lower my background readings. She didn’t think I’d need bolus for quite a while. First step I guess is to get more basal.
I’ve had a few lower readings since started on 2 units a night 4 nights ago but not enough.
It may not help that I’m fighting a cold. !!
 

You might be onto something with this... I know nerves are most sensitive to changes, so by resting the needle on your skin before piercing the skin, perhaps the nerves are desensitised?

Shiba.
 
My fasting readings are between 12-17 and that is the same through the day. As I’m low carb, slim and my bs readings don’t change much during the day (probably due to my diet), the consultant wanted to start me on basal only to lower my background readings. She didn’t think I’d need bolus for quite a while. First step I guess is to get more basal.
I’ve had a few lower readings since started on 2 units a night 4 nights ago but not enough.
It may not help that I’m fighting a cold. !!
 
For 4 days my levels were never below 16. Then one day it just happened. I don't understand the science but changed my eating habits and my body liked it.
 
When I first started to inject, my skin itched like crazy and it stung and caused bruising. After some time, it became less and less of a problem. Now I pinch up and rarely feel any stinging nor do I bruise to such a degree. Perhaps it was an allergic reaction that I was having. I am not a medical professional so can not speak as such, just noting my reactions. Your situation sounds similar to mine, so perhaps you will feel less sensation after your body gets adjusted to taking insulin. Like you, I am also very sensitive to small doses. My point being, I felt very overwhelmed at first with pain, bruising and discomfort, but that it does get better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…