Type 2 How much insulin?

[yockney]

Hi

I am a T2 diabetic but because I am currently on steroids I have been temporarily put on insulin (NovoRapid) until I come off them. I was given insulin on Tuesday this week (29th Nov 2016) and have been trying to get back to a diet which does include some carbs as we have quite a lot in the house that I would prefer not to ditch.

I've posted this message here as I believe that T1s are generally somewhat more knowledgeable about matters of insulin.

Before lunch today I took 12 units hoping that it would be about right. However, just checked my blood and its 24.3. So to my question: is there a rule of thumb for how many units to inject per number of mmol you wish to bring your readings down by?. I seem to remember that the rule of thumb was something like 1 unit per 2mmol of BG to be brought down. I certainly seem to remember seeing something along these lines on this forum a few days ago but can't remember where I found it. Otherwise it really is trial and error. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Tracey

 

[azure]

The amount one unit brings your BS down is a personal amount and can vary from person to person. Also, if your BS is above approx 13 then many people need a different ratio - that is, more insulin to get their blood sugar down.

You don't need to post in Type 1. Type 1s do check the Type 2s on Insulin section If you're concerned, you can also put your post in Ask A Question, which is a section that many people of all types check so will get plenty of views for your post. You can also tag some Type 1 mods or members

I've moved this to Ask A Question for you

 

[fletchweb]

Something else you may want to factor (remember I'm Type 1) - if you're giving only a fast acting insulin without a basil you will likely be more prone to sugar spikes. As well - you may have some insulin resistance going on - I'm not a doctor but from what I understand some people have problems with Insulin Resistance (it seems more common with type 2s) The other issue is what you're eating that may be the cause of these spikes. Processed foods, low fat foods often get metabolized a lot faster than fatty foods. For example if you're having a hypo (which could happen if you start randomly increasing your insulin to get your sugar levels down) avoid a chocolate bar and go with a sugary pop or juice. It will get in to your body much faster than a chocolate bar where extra time is taken to metabolize because of the fats. That's about all I can tell you without following you around all day diligently taking notes - I wonder if one could build a business doing stuff like that : Anyway - good luck and I'm sure you will figure it out eventually ....

 

[noblehead]

I seem to remember that the rule of thumb was something like 1 unit per 2mmol of BG to be brought down. I certainly seem to remember seeing something along these lines on this forum a few days ago but can't remember where I found it

Is it the The 100 Rule you may have seen?

If so I believe the rule is only applicable to type1's and not type 2's like yourself.

Your best bet is to keep a bg diary and discuss your results with your diabetes team, they'll advise you on adjusting your insulin doses.

 

[catapillar]

Otherwise it really is trial and error. Any help would be most appreciated.

Sorry, it really is just trial and error. What works for me might not do anything for you, you haven't got any basal insulin, you have type 2 which presumably connotes some insulin resistance, you are on steroids which are going to push BG up, I've got no idea how active you are, whether you are unwell with whatever you are taking the steroids for, what hormones are floating round your system, youre up in the 20s so you're likely to be pretty insulin resistant from being up that high and a correction dose will take an age to work - be careful not to stack your insulin.

There are loads of things that will effect what correction factor works for an individual, we can only work out what works for us by trial and error.

How did you decide 12 units was the right bolus for lunch? What were you eating? What was your blood sugar before eating? Did you inject and wait for the insulin to start working, or did you inject and eat sraight away?

Whoever prescribed the insulin should really have given you guidance on dosing. If you aren't sure how to work out your doses do get in touch with your healthcare team for advice. With blood sugars up in the 20s you might also want to consider ketone testing.