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how long before a meal should I inject ?

zbd

zbd

Well-Known Member
Messages
194
Location
brigadoon
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Insulin
type 2 newly on insulin.
How long before a meal should I inject myself
 
normally with the new insulins ( fast acting ) injecting with the meal or 10-15 minutes before is about right.
However many people find that they inject 30 minutes and 45 minutes before and this really helps with stopping the carb spike getting too high post meal.
have a chat with your DSN -- and then keep records of your tests and try different injection times to see which suits you best to prevent the spike without causing a hypo
 
I'd agree with himtoo - I think you need to figure out for yourself what works best - and it also depends on what type of insulin you're on - some you take in advance, some immediately as you start eating. Did your DN not advise you?

When I first went on insulin, the DN directed me to inject 15 minutes before - I think that's to keep it safe (i.e. to avoid a potential hypo) until you figure out how long it takes to work for you. I think mine is reasonably slow, so we've moved it to 30 minutes before. I think generally, I end up taking it less than that as I find it tricky sometimes to judge 30 minutes, especially if my husband is cooking.
 
Also you need to be mindful of the meal you are consuming, if its high in fat or has low-gi carbs and you inject ahead (using a fast-acting insulin such as Novorapid or Apidra) then it could catch you out, the reason being your insulin may work faster than your body can digest the food.
 
Rapid-acting insulin starts to work within a few minutes after injection.
Regular- or short-acting insulin takes about 30 minutes to work fully and lasts for 3 to 6 hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin takes 2 to 4 hours to work fully. Its effects can last for up to 18 hours.
Long-acting insulin takes 6 to 10 hours to reach peak levels in the bloodstream. It can work for an entire day.
 
I normally inject just before eating or if my BS in the 4's , I have to inject whilts consuming some of the meal.
 
I also inject my insulin (novorapid) just before I eat my meal.

If I'm in a restaurant I will inject when the meal is actually on the table in front of me as I've gone hypo before waiting for it !
 
I do like RRB but i'm currently very fined tuned to my pump. Just wondering if its going to be the same when back on mdi in 12 days time!!
 
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