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Great...I don't think insulin is working...help!

B

Blackie22

Member
Messages
11
Hi all,

I take Novorapid...and I think it's stopped working for me. Is this possible? It doesn't matter how much I whack in, my levels are still sky high. This has only started happening over the last few days and already I've lost almost half a stone.

Obviously I need to seek help. This brings me to another question. I rarely see my GP - I've never had any 'diabetic problems', etc. I occassionally visit a diabetes nurse - once a year I'd say. Who should I turn to? My doctor's great, but I don't want to hassle him if I should be seeing a nurse. Oh, I don't know - I suppose the doctor prescribes the stuff.

Who should I make the appointment with? Quick......before I waste away...
 
I would say go with the one who you can see quickest.

Have you tried a new cartridge or vial. could be a dodgy batch but unlikely.
 
Thanks for the advice.

Its not the vial - I've tried a new one virtually everytime.

I eat a really sensible diet - virtually no carbs. I also exercise regularly (and still do even though I have a bit of holiday time). I've gone from taking about 4-5 units to about 15-20 and it does nothing, so I think its got to be some sort of insulin resistance?!

Does anyone know the alternatives to Novorapid - are there any unsightly side effects?! Its a real shame if I had to change. I've been really happy with the insulin I'm on.

Would other people see their doctor if this happened?.....Or would you book to see your diabetic nurse?
 
that sounds odd - could be a dodgy badge!

You should be seeing someone more than once a year - how often are you getting your HBA done.

Does the surgery have a diabetic clinic and a dedicated nurse. I think you should ring them today and get seen urgently.
 
have you checked your background?? Maybe thats the dodgy batch...

Check both / all of your pens too. Dial up 10 units in each and squirt it on the kitchen table - does it look about the same amount?

Phone a SDN. Ketones could kill you!
 
I've been Type 1 for about 3 years now. I've never had any problems - and I'm determined this won't be the start of any!

I haven't changed the way I eat - infact, I could not eat anything and take a whole vial and it still wouldn't touch me. I've checked pens, tried new ones. I've rotated sites. I've used insulin from new batches. Its definitely me that's at fault. Will my GP change me to some other fast-acting insulin? I've made an appointment - for next week. Rang to speak to diabetes nurse. Was told she'd call me this morning - nothing!

I take Levemir of a night time - that's all fine. It keeps things down as much as possible. I'll split it and take it during the day too. Guess that's all I can do.
 
Hi,
I take Humalog made by Ely Lily, and it's always worked really well for me. It has much the same action as Novorapid.
When I thought my Humalog wasn't working I was mistaken-it was my long-acting Lantus causing the problem. I think the Lantus also interfered with the action of the Humalog and stopped it being effective. Sounds weird I know-but since I've changed my long-acting to Porcine Isophane I've have great control, and Humalog works as it should, every injection.
I believe Lantus is a faulty product, and doesn't work the way it claims. I've not looked into Levemir, but it may be worth u doing so.
I spent nearly 4 years thinking it was me that was the problem, it wasn't. I only wish I'd found out earlier and not risked my health. Contact the IDDT for advice.
Hope u get things sorted.
Jus
 
I experienced the same problems in the past after 2 - 5 years of taking an insulin I have to change it as it stops working. As previously mentioned Humalog is a good alternative also Humulin S is a good insulin always worked for me I'm currently trying to get back onto it as Novarapid doesn't work for me.
 
If this has happened sudenly as you say and it isn't a faulty batch of insulin or technique I doubt that you have changed sensitivity to a particular insulin overnight. Perhaps you have an underlying infection of some type that is making you more insulin resistant.
Whatever the reason, if your BS is high (how high?) and you are losing weight you may very well be producing ketones. If BS is consistently high you should check for ketones using urine strips (available at a chemists).
As Sarah says this is potentially serious, do not wait until next week. Contact your doctors again and tell them.
Here is a leaflet from Scotland ( I would think its generaly applicable, its about the same as I'm told to do here in France) about high BS and ketones. http://www.dgdiabetes.scot.nhs.uk/icp/icptype1/ketones.shtml
 
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