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Type 1 how much actrapid to counter balance a additional meal

jackvdbuk

jackvdbuk

Well-Known Member
Messages
65
Location
London
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi All,

im currently on two injections a day (novomix) and am using actrapid at times when my BG is very high or if i have a very high carbs meal/sugar intake

im trying to work out if there is a forumla for say if i have 60 grams carbs that i wouldnt usually do and my BG is 7.3 how much actrapid would counter balance tjhose carbs to keep my sugar level around the same..?

hope that makes sense :)
 
I'm afraid I can't comment on the amount of Actirapid to inject for the carbs, but one question I have. Is there any specific reason why you are on both mixed insulin and rapid? The more common regime is Basal/Bolus e.g. a 24 hour insulin such as Lantus or Levemir plus a rapid such as Novorapid. This regime makes it easy to determine how much rapid to take to match the carbs. There may be very good reasons for the insulins you are on, but if not do discuss Basal/Bolus with the DN as it should be easier overall to manage?
 
Hi Jack, I'm also on a mixed Insulin and have rapid acting insulin sitting in the fridge for Sick Day Rules. I have never had to use it. I rely on my mixed and a low carb diet to keep my glucose in check. Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
jackvdbuk said:
Hi All,

im currently on two injections a day (novomix) and am using actrapid at times when my BG is very high or if i have a very high carbs meal/sugar intake

im trying to work out if there is a forumla for say if i have 60 grams carbs that i wouldnt usually do and my BG is 7.3 how much actrapid would counter balance tjhose carbs to keep my sugar level around the same..?

hope that makes sense :)
Click to expand...
I actually see the same medical people as June _c above. And currently have the same medication. However, I was told by the DSN at the hospital that I could use my rapid acting (sick day) insulin to bolus for meals. I've done this a few times with mixed success using the 1unit to 10g rule. But please be aware that if you're not over the hump with your mixed insulin then it is easy to overdose (insulin stacking) and go hypo at 3am.
As always, please take advice from your own medical people and don't rely on my figures, you will almost certainly be different.
At next meeting with the consultant in May I think I will be asking to try basal/bolus properly.
 
urbanracer said:
I actually see the same medical people as June _c above. And currently have the same medication. However, I was told by the DSN at the hospital that I could use my rapid acting (sick day) insulin to bolus for meals. I've done this a few times with mixed success using the 1unit to 10g rule. But please be aware that if you're not over the hump with your mixed insulin then it is easy to overdose (insulin stacking) and go hypo at 3am.
As always, please take advice from your own medical people and don't rely on my figures, you will almost certainly be different.
At next meeting with the consultant in May I think I will be asking to try basal/bolus properly.
Click to expand...

yeah im the same, have a appointment in june to go over to 4 injections a day which everyone seems to be on at the mo, helps with control i guess over two injections.

1 unit to 10 g is approx what i was going to aim for and check regularly after so thats good.

Daibell said:
I but one question I have. Is there any specific reason why you are on both mixed insulin and rapid?
Click to expand...
im not on both per se, its more if i crave a huge meal or a pack of sugary doughnuts i can imo by supplementing with act rapid
 
jackvdbuk said:
yeah im the same, have a appointment in june to go over to 4 injections a day which everyone seems to be on at the mo, helps with control i guess over two injections.

1 unit to 10 g is approx what i was going to aim for and check regularly after so thats good.


im not on both per se, its more if i crave a huge meal or a pack of sugary doughnuts i can imo by supplementing with act rapid
Click to expand...

Others on the forum have indicated that mdi offers more flexibility so i'm interested in trying it. I normally inject about 6:30 on workdays, find myself going a bit hypo mid morning, then I often don't seem to have enough insulin on board to stop myself going high after lunch unless I use a bit of rapid (or have a very low carb lunch).

And as my insulin requirements have changed I now seem to need a lot of mixed insulin to cope with evening meals. So lookin forward to trying something new.
 
Hi. I've mentioned in previous posts that when going MDI it may be possible to stay most days on only 3 injections. A lot depends on your personal profile etc. I have only one injection of Levemir Basal per day at night (many split it as it doesn't last 24 hours). I only have a low-carb breakfast so don't normally inject for breakfast as the Basal is at it's peak as well. The result is only three injections normally and a recent HBa1C of 6% and no hypos. I'm not saying this approach will work for everyone but don't assume MDI means at least 4 injections per day.
 
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