Humilin m3

[thebean]

I've have been on this for almost 10 years, I'm just wondering if many other use it? Do you have any problems with it? Are there any better insulins?
I have managed with it to a degree, but it always seems as if I'm not getting enough of one and too much of the other. Keeping my numbers steady is almost impossible, I do have fairly good sugar levels, but it's a struggle.

 

[Antje77]

I've have been on this for almost 10 years, I'm just wondering if many other use it? Do you have any problems with it? Are there any better insulins?
I have managed with it to a degree, but it always seems as if I'm not getting enough of one and too much of the other. Keeping my numbers steady is almost impossible, I do have fairly good sugar levels, but it's a struggle.

Humulin M3 is a mixed insulin, so it makes perfect sense that you're getting too much of one and not enough of the other unless you would eat exactly the same every day at exactly the same time, had the same amount of exercise every day etc.

Most T1's use two insulins, a basal (long acting) and a bolus (short acting). So they can use the basal to keep them steady in the absence of food, and adjust the bolus for each meal depending on the amount of carbs.
It means a lot more work than using a mixed insulin, but also a lot more flexibility and more stable BG if you take the time working out how much you need for what.

Many T2's nowadays also use this basal/bolus system, although many of them are on a mixed insulin like you do.

If you're interested in starting this, by all means tell your diabetes nurse!

This may be interesting for you if you decide to swich: https://www.bertieonline.org.uk/
It's aimed at T1's (no such thing for T2's yet, sadly), and as I understand it can be a great help in learning to adjust insulin doses to your food.

 

[thebean]

Humulin M3 is a mixed insulin, so it makes perfect sense that you're getting too much of one and not enough of the other unless you would eat exactly the same every day at exactly the same time, had the same amount of exercise every day etc.

Most T1's use two insulins, a basal (long acting) and a bolus (short acting). So they can use the basal to keep them steady in the absence of food, and adjust the bolus for each meal depending on the amount of carbs.
It means a lot more work than using a mixed insulin, but also a lot more flexibility and more stable BG if you take the time working out how much you need for what.

Many T2's nowadays also use this basal/bolus system, although many of them are on a mixed insulin like you do.

If you're interested in starting this, by all means tell your diabetes nurse!

This may be interesting for you if you decide to swich: https://www.bertieonline.org.uk/
It's aimed at T1's (no such thing for T2's yet, sadly), and as I understand it can be a great help in learning to adjust insulin doses to your food.

Thank you for your reply, unfortunately my diabetes nurses are pretty useless they still try to make me use the wellness plate( I think that's its name) lots of carbs etc. I've managed quite well so far, but I do it alone, without much help. I do have to admit that the libre system has helped no end with things.

 

[Antje77]

Thank you for your reply, unfortunately my diabetes nurses are pretty useless they still try to make me use the wellness plate( I think that's its name) lots of carbs etc. I've managed quite well so far, but I do it alone, without much help. I do have to admit that the libre system has helped no end with things.

Well, if you want to switch insulins you'll have to find someone who wants to prescribe them.
It's not that unusual for T2s to be on basal bolus so it's not overasking if you bring it up.

I also see you've been put on insulin right on diagnosis.
This by itself can be a reason to look a bit further to see what type you are. Have you ever had tests to see if you might ba T1 (LADA)?
Could be worth asking for a referral, I'm assuming your diabetes nurse is your GP's practice nurse?