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Has anyone tried using only the legs for bolus+basal?

bobneil

Well-Known Member
Messages
55
Location
Alberta, Canada
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
This is only curiosity speaking.
I'm really skinny, I don't think I'll be able to bulk up any until I get a solid amount of money for more meat in my diet.
My basal injections in my thigh don't hurt, except for the burn of the Lantus. However, my mealtime insulin hurts a lot in my belly. I have a small amount of fat there, which is where I don't have issues, but everywhere else is painful to put in (even with a fresh 4mm) and even more painful once insulin goes in. It's honestly bothering me.

I had a thought - what if one were to switch to using one leg (both sides + buttock) for the basal, and one leg for the bolus? There's enough room for me to keep spots an inch apart and move downwards along the side, then switch sides and eventually start over on the other.
The major, obvious downside would be slower absorption on every meal, maybe meaning taking the insulin a bit after eating.

What do you think? I'll ask my specialist about it next time I see her, but I want to know if the community has experience in such a matter.
Hopefully in a few months I'll be a bit bigger and this won't be an issue!
 
@bobneil, you do know that it doesn't take expensive protein such as fillet steaks and venison to put on weight?

You can also increase your other macronutrients to assist with weight gain. I'd favour unsaturated fats over carbohydrates for weight gain, as an increase in fat is typically better for your BG rather than extra carbs.

You're right about the slower absorption rate in your thighs. If you were to go down this route, it would be beneficial for you to adopt the pre-bolus technique. This is where you leave some time between your bolus injection and eating. Everyone has different times so you'll have to work that one out for yourself.

Have you tried to pinch up some fat on your abdomen before injecting? Have you also tried to use your sides? When I say sides, I'm referring to the area often called love handles (although that's not applicable in your case by the sounds of things, you should still have enough fat there).
 
Have you tried using the back of your arms @bobneil ?
 
@bobneil . A lot of us use buttocks for basal injections, less painful for many and not so many issues with absorption.
Meat alone ain't going to bulk you up.
Hope you find new areas to have a stab at.
 

1. I understand, but at the moment I'm spending a LOT of money on insulin and supplies because I don't have insurance until the summer, so my food budget is absolutely strict - still healthy, just cutting corners. Most of my protein is from yogurt and nuts right now.

2. I honestly have nothing. I was underweight when I left the hospital and it's slowly getting back. Still, I'm hurting after most of my injections and heavily considering switching areas of the body until I have more body to work with.
 
Hi Bobneil. I occasionally use my leg for meal time especially when I'm wearing white tops as I always bleed from my stomach not a good look when wearing white! I haven't noticed any change to glucose readings when I've done this so can't see a problem but everyone is different so I would discuss with your healthcare team beforehand. Good luck!
 
1. Nuts are fairly expensive compared to other sources of fat. Olive oil, Avocado and butter would probably be cheaper. That should help your budget somewhat.

2. Hopefully your weight increases soon. Legs and buttocks are fine for bolus - but absorption rate will be slower so you will more than likely end up with spikes - unless you bolus early.

The back of your arms is the second best place for bolus insulin as suggested by @noblehead. Technique is important here as the more relaxed your arm is, the easier it is to ensure you get a nice fatty spot.

I'm pretty lean as well and still have plenty fat on the rear of my arms. I didn't think I did, but since sorting my technique it has become a good site. I was also underweight post diagnosis but managed to use all sites without problem. I understand that we're all built differently, but it never hurts to review your injection technique to ensure that you're doing it correctly - especially in the early days of being diabetic
 
My arms are tiny and I feel like I'd run out of spots real quick though. I'm currently taking bolus 3-4 times a day, and each site has to be an inch apart, and I want to avoid the same spot for a while... but there's enough real estate on my triceps for about 2 days and that's it.

I think I'll still just bring up the legs idea to the specialist. The only time it won't work is on exercise days - any leg workout at all would significantly increase the uptake rate of insulin from that area, according to her, making it unpredictable at the very least.
 
I used my legs for both basal and bolus, moving from leg to leg each injection @bobneil I had no problems personally, but I would say it's best to have as many sites as possible so each can have a rest.
 
In your experience, is it insulin itself that causes the fat lumps or is it the needle? I know that my fingertips are a bit callused from blood tests already.

I've been changing needles more because I notice that they get my belly a bit more sore than I remember.
 
It's the insulin @bobneil, as it has anabolic properties - it encourages fat growth in the area.

I know you're tight for cash, but changing your needle every time will minimise pain. Blunt needles hurt...
 
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