Humulin I for Basal?

[RN25]

Is Humulin I the best type of insulin to use for Basal? I am newly diagnosed type 1. Was started on mixed insulin Humulin M3 and after struggling to control highs and lows and advice given on this forum I asked to move to Basal Bolus regimen. The nurse has started me on Humulin I only, twice a day, and said the Bolus will come later. She wants to get the Basal dose right first. When I have looked up Basal insulin I think Humulin I is an NPH insulin and may not be the recommended type? If so why would the nurse start me on it? I am not due to speak to her again until next week. Thanks for any insight

 

[Jaylee]

Hi,

I can’t possibly question your HCP on the prescribed meds you are given right now.
Are you seeing or been referred to a specialist other than a nurse?

But back when I was diagnosed, it was a fixed dose with regular meals with snacks to counteract a strict dosage regime?
A basal bolus regime (or MDI Multiple Daily Injections.)still has it’s own personal challenges. (From the outset?)

But with a separate basal basal & o bolus regime. One can still be afforded a more flexible approach to daily management.
The start is basal testing with the long acting nsulin to build a foundation before experimenting with what the timing of a dose with & what the insulin to carb ratio does with the carbs on a meal..

 

[becca59]

Like Jaylee I would like to know who you are seeing at the moment. Is this a hospital based DN or GP based? Yes Humulin is more of a basal insulin. So a better option than your previous mixed dose. It still doesn’t address any issues you will be getting from food rises which must be difficult for you.

 

[RN25]

It's the specialist hospital diabetic nurse. Its frustrating seeing highs after eating and currently not treating them. She did give me a fast one to use only if my sugars are over 17 before a meal. Thankfully I haven't been that high but am keen to get going with the Bolus. I need to learn to be patient I guess Nice seems to suggest detemir to start. I'll ask the nurse next week.

 

[agylli]

Humalin I is still a mixed insulin, so isn't suitable as a Basal insulin.

 

[searley]

Humalin I is still a mixed insulin, so isn't suitable as a Basal insulin.

Incorrect it's not a mix.. it's was commonly used for basal before levemir and lantus.. I used it for several years as a basal as I had side effects to levemir

Humulin I is considered an intermediate acting insulin, which means unlike levemir where it lasts for 16 to 20 hours, humulin I only typically last 10 to 14 hours which is why it's taken twice a day

As a starter basal there is nothing wrong with it, can be a bit of a pain when you add bolus injections in, just due the how many injections a day

If your care team has advised humulin I, there is no need to think that decisions wrong

In fact it gives a little flexibility as morning and evening doses can be different so if you have hypos in the day you can take less in the morning but if you are high at night you can take more

I was on it for about 5 years

 

[Antje77]

Its frustrating seeing highs after eating and currently not treating them. She did give me a fast one to use only if my sugars are over 17 before a meal. Thankfully I haven't been that high but am keen to get going with the Bolus. I need to learn to be patient I guess

My nurse was reluctant to start me on a bolus insulin at first as well. I was very, very clear in my wish to start it as soon as possible because the post meal highs made eating completely frustrating.
So I wasn't patient and it helped to get what I wanted. I felt so much better once I could actually do something about my numbers!

 

[becca59]

Luckily I started both from day one. Good support from DN for a couple of weeks then off I went. Learnt to carb count from apps and books and was soon altering my own doses as I have done ever since.

 

[RN25]

I have the fast acting in the fridge so hoping she'll give me the green light afyer a telephone appointment next week. But the last few calls were all with different nurses so not sure what will happen. I'm back in clinic 2 weeks after that

 

[Antje77]

I have the fast acting in the fridge so hoping she'll give me the green light afyer a telephone appointment next week. But the last few calls were all with different nurses so not sure what will happen. I'm back in clinic 2 weeks after that

Make sure to make it very clear that not getting the green light on using the fast acting makes you very unhappy, and you really want to start using it for meals.

Many new diagnosed diabetics are reluctant and a bit scared with insulin, so it may be your nurse is thinking they're doing you a favour by giving you time to get used to injecting your basal, which keeps you out of immediate danger.
Communication is key!

 

[searley]

Make sure to make it very clear that not getting the green light on using the fast acting makes you very unhappy, and you really want to start using it for meals.

Many new diagnosed diabetics are reluctant and a bit scared with insulin, so it may be your nurse is thinking they're doing you a favour by giving you time to get used to injecting your basal, which keeps you out of immediate danger.
Communication is key!

I think it's as they stated, they want to get the basal levels correct first then work on the bolus

It is easier to see the effect of basal without bolus because slightly too much bolus will make it difficult to know which insulin is the problem

 

[Jaylee]

To be fair. Basal testing should be done whilst fasting. To determine the correct dose.

How To Successfully Test Your Basal Rate

Are you looking for basal rate information and testing instructions? Perfect! You're in the right place!

www.mysugr.com

If my basal was also handling my meals too? (Without any form of fast acting insulin bolus.)
For me it would indicate the dose was too high.. (I’d also need to snack in-between meals to stem off lows.)
When I was first put on MDI 36 years back. My instructed dosage was initially twice as high as what was actually required?

I still have to amend my basal dosage pending on what’s planned activity wise the following day.. ( or upping it slightly for “sick days?)