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Insulin Types

teacher123

teacher123

Well-Known Member
Messages
270
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hey guys - I'm on Lantus (split 5 units at night around 8pm and 2 units in the morning around 8am). I have NovoRapid for bolus but don't need it every meal because I'm low carbohydrate and also lots of exercise each week means I've insulin sensitive especially afternoon/early evening. I've also got some honeymooning as you can tell from the amount of insulin.

My query is this - I left the station sitting at 5.0 before walking home, after a mile I dropped to 2.4 despite no NovoRapid since 2pm. Why am I dropping like this? Lantus too high? Do I need to change to a different type of insulin or move the timing of my long-acting?

Confused. Thoughts?
 
Did it only happen once?

If you're honeymooning, your pancreas may have chosen that time to squeeze out some extra insulin. I've also heard that some people can be adversely affected by extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
 
I'd be very surprised if 7 units of Lantus was causing your hypos. However, I suppose it's possible.

Are you on gliclazide or any sort of sulfonylureas (oral pills that make your pancreas produce more insulin).

Also, when you say you don't need your Novorapid "Every meal" are you taking it on the days you're having hypos?
 
urbanracer said:
Did it only happen once?

If you're honeymooning, your pancreas may have chosen that time to squeeze out some extra insulin. I've also heard that some people can be adversely affected by extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
Click to expand...

It's happened a few times now - if I go running in the evening, or walked back before from the station I've crashed to the same sort of numbers despite no bolus on board. I feel like I'm hypoing too much now and something needs changed.
 
TorqPenderloin said:
I'd be very surprised if 7 units of Lantus was causing your hypos. However, I suppose it's possible.

Are you on gliclazide or any sort of sulfonylureas (oral pills that make your pancreas produce more insulin).

Also, when you say you don't need your Novorapid "Every meal" are you taking it on the days you're having hypos?
Click to expand...

Not on any pills.

Well - I will take Novorapid to counter DP and then usually 1 unit of Novorapid for lunch. In the evening, I won't need a bolus because I'm running and would hypo indefinitely with the low carb way of eating.
 
It might be because you're low carbing? You seem pretty active. Your muscles will be stealing sugar from your blood to replenish their stores during & after activity & if you are low carb your liver may not have much in reserve to help this process? I'm no expert though, have a word with your diabetes team if you're worried.
 
What are your fasting levels like? If you are below 5 regularly first thing in the morning it's recommended you take your basal down by 2 units. If it's between 5 & 7 then your basal is probably OK. If it's over 7 then you're not having enough! That's what I've been told anyway... As a guide.
 
teacher123 said:
It's happened a few times now - if I go running in the evening, or walked back before from the station I've crashed to the same sort of numbers despite no bolus on board. I feel like I'm hypoing too much now and something needs changed.
Click to expand...


Reduce your basal to see if it helps matters, no point in running low all the time and having to treat them, this will just wear you down.

If unsure what to do run it past your DSN/Consultant.
 
teacher123 said:
It's happened a few times now - if I go running in the evening, or walked back before from the station I've crashed to the same sort of numbers despite no bolus on board. I feel like I'm hypoing too much now and something needs changed.
Click to expand...

But what's the profile of your rapid insulin, mine lasts for 4 hrs, so according to your timings you might still have had some active RA on board if similar.
 
@urbanracer - I don't honestly know but it's going to be at least 4 hours with low carbing, honeymoon and exercising this morning.

I know it is cold this evening so walking back in the cold could impact it you say?

Yes - thinking of reducing my basal to reduce the hypos. Might need to change insulin profile too for meals?
 
teacher123 said:
@urbanracer - I don't honestly know but it's going to be at least 4 hours with low carbing, honeymoon and exercising this morning.

I know it is cold this evening so walking back in the cold could impact it you say?

Yes - thinking of reducing my basal to reduce the hypos. Might need to change insulin profile too for meals?
Click to expand...

I just had a peek at the web, your Novorapid can last upto 5hrs apparently!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=n...=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=07nOYWCELa5R8M:
 
Why do you split your lantus? Just out of curiosity... I take lantus but all in one hit at night before bed!
 
urbanracer said:
I just had a peek at the web, your Novorapid can last upto 5hrs apparently!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=novorapid+profile&oq=novorapid+pr&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.9103j0j4&client=tablet-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=07nOYWCELa5R8M:
Click to expand...

Wow - I never realised that. Surely a different insulin would be much better if that's the case. I took NV about 2pm, walking home at 8pm. Surely would have been exhausted by then?

Will reduce basal a little and see what happens.
 
You didn't answer a single question I asked you or even acknowledge my comments. I apologise for not being experienced enough for you to bother with. I sincerely hope you're not actually a teacher!
 
Samblease73 said:
You didn't answer a single question I asked you or even acknowledge my comments. I apologise for not being experienced enough for you to bother with. I sincerely hope you're not actually a teacher!
Click to expand...

I just answered your question regarding split Lantus :borg:
 
Umm, not really! Why was it recommend & what did you hope to achieve by doing it? Not that it matters, it's just such a tiny amount it doesn't seem worth splitting.
 
Samblease73 said:
Umm, not really! Why was it recommend & what did you hope to achieve by doing it? Not that it matters, it's just such a tiny amount it doesn't seem worth splitting.
Click to expand...

Relax? Your posts are very confrontational if I'm honest. And yes I am a teacher - anything else you want to dislike?

Recommended for better control and easier to adjust if doing sporting events like longer bike ride, 10k/half marathon runs etc as very active person. Being able to adjust Lantus on more active/less active days has helped overall control.
 
I would also try reducing your basal like @noblehead suggested, you may only be on small doses but with you being so insulin sensitive and active I think it will probably make quite a difference, I'm also sensitive to the temperature when it comes to insulin though so it's possible that could play a part but reducing bolus is how I'd start :)
 
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