Is my basal correct?

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Hi all,
Still feeling quite new to this so apologies if this is obvious ...

Im begining to think my basal needs to be adjusted.

Am.i correct in thinking if i am using the right amount of basal insulin my glucose levels should pretty much stay the same over night?
Also during the day if i dont snack then inbetween meals my glucose should be ok. As in not drop.

At the moment over night i usually drop a couple of units. Also i cant get to having only breakfast . Lunch. And dinner. I do drop between and as i have the libre its easily enough corrected by a snack
But im just wondering if maybe im on too high an amount of basal?? ( i actually only take 6 unit's of lantus at night anyway)

Any advice?

LooperCat · Jun 22, 2019

Might be worth a try - if you’re not confident adjusting your doses yourself, seek advice from your DN - but it might be worth dropping a unit and seeing how it goes? It should keep you level in the absence of food, yes.

Fairygodmother · Jun 22, 2019

Since you’re on such a low dose of basal would it, perhaps, be worth discussing a change to Levemir (twice daily) which can be delivered in a Novopen Echo that’ll give 0.5 units?
I presume you’re using a bolus too: novorapid and Fiasp can also be delivered in the Novopen Echo. Our blood sugars are also affected by bolus insulin on board.
There may be other insulins and pens that can be given in 0.5 units, your DSN should know if there are.
This would give you a greater ability to fine tune your needs.

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Mel dCP said:
Might be worth a try - if you’re not confident adjusting your doses yourself, seek advice from your DN - but it might be worth dropping a unit and seeing how it goes? It should keep you level in the absence of food, yes.

Thanks
Im ok about adjusting by a unit. Ive gone down from 10 gradually to 6. As im abroad for another few weeks cant see doc till then.
I think ill try moving down to 5 and see what happens.
Thanks for the advice, should the effect be immediate do u know? (Its lantus)

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
Since you’re on such a low dose of basal would it, perhaps, be worth discussing a change to Levemir, twice daily, which can

what is the advantage of levemir? Also i only take lantus once at night, i think id rather have less jabs than more

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
Since you’re on such a low dose of basal would it, perhaps, be worth discussing a change to Levemir (twice daily) which can be delivered in a Novopen Echo that’ll give 0.5 units?
I presume you’re using a bolus too: novorapid and Fiasp can also be delivered in the Novopen Echo. Our blood sugars are also affected by bolus insulin on board.
There may be other insulins and pens that can be given in 0.5 units, your DSN should know if there are.
This would give you a greater ability to fine tune your needs.

Ah. I see. It has half units. I think.ill certainly as the nurse about this next time i see her.

Fairygodmother · Jun 22, 2019

Personally I find that Levemir gives a smoother profile. If it means fewer highs and lows then maybe you’ll eventually get to the point when you don’t mind injecting.
Are you somewhere hot? Do you use a frio or other cool store for your pens and insulin?

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
Since you’re on such a low dose of basal would it, perhaps, be worth discussing a change to Levemir (twice daily) which can be delivered in a Novopen Echo that’ll give 0.5 units?
I presume you’re using a bolus too: novorapid and Fiasp can also be delivered in the Novopen Echo. Our blood sugars are also affected by bolus insulin on board.
There may be other insulins and pens that can be given in 0.5 units, your DSN should know if there are.
This would give you a greater ability to fine tune your needs.

Yes im on novorapid too. I didnt know there was the option of pens woth half units. I think itd help me for now as in on low doses of novorapid too
I hope its easy to get these ?

Fairygodmother · Jun 22, 2019

Mad76 said:
Yes im on novorapid too. I didnt know there was the option of pens woth half units. I think itd help me for now as in on low doses of novorapid too
I hope its easy to get these ?

Possibly online? The DSN/doc provides me with a prescription for them. My DSN is a Nurse Practitioner so she can write a script (tautology?).

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
Personally I find that Levemir gives a smoother profile. If it means fewer highs and lows then maybe you’ll eventually get to the point when you don’t mind injecting.
Are you somewhere hot? Do you use a frio or other cool store for your pens and insulin?

That would be great for me. Im getting back to decent levels after food. But lots of ups and downs. As i have the libre i see them all !!
Im in north Africa, Algeria. Very hot! I used the frios while travelling. Kept all my supplies cool. Was really worried as wecame by car so 4 days travelling !! But they were great.
Here im keeping unopened pens in fridge as back at home and ones in using seem fone in kitchen cupboards

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
Possibly online? The DSN/doc provides me with a prescription for them. My DSN is a Nurse Practitioner so she can write a script (tautology?).

I have an appointment for when im.back so will ask then

Fairygodmother · Jun 22, 2019

Mad76 said:
I have an appointment for when im.back so will ask then

Great. And I’m rather envying you the immersion in another culture, T1 or not. Hope you’re enjoying it.

Fairygodmother · Jun 22, 2019

And you’re doing really well with the T1 stuff too: it’s not always plain sailing for any of us but you’re evidently the one in charge of it. Knowledge will grow!

LooperCat · Jun 22, 2019

Mad76 said:
Thanks
Im ok about adjusting by a unit. Ive gone down from 10 gradually to 6. As im abroad for another few weeks cant see doc till then.
I think ill try moving down to 5 and see what happens.
Thanks for the advice, should the effect be immediate do u know? (Its lantus)

I was always advised to wait three days after making a basal change before making more, to establish what the effect is, as no two days are even the same with T1, as you know. It should be noticeable fairly immediately, but allow a couple of days just to make sure!

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
Great. And I’m rather envying you the immersion in another culture, T1 or not. Hope you’re enjoying it.

I am.enjoying it. We had it planned as a family before i was diagnosed. And wed already shipped our stuff over when i had dka and was diagnosed. So stressful !! Anyway gp and consultant were supportive and encouraged me to continue with our plans. Its been great but scary at times
I basically came here 3 weeks in to my diagnosis !! Thank goodness for wiffii and this site. Ive learnt soooo much from u guys. Honestly a total godsend !!!

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Looking forward to going home and having a full check up.though. and an app with hospital consultant.
I think im doing ok. But obviously still clueless. So needing that reassurance

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Fairygodmother said:
And you’re doing really well with the T1 stuff too: it’s not always plain sailing for any of us but you’re evidently the one in charge of it. Knowledge will grow!

Thank you. Thats very kind of you.

Mad76 · Jun 22, 2019

Mel dCP said:
I was always advised to wait three days after making a basal change before making more, to establish what the effect is, as no two days are even the same with T1, as you know. It should be noticeable fairly immediately, but allow a couple of days just to make sure!

Right, thanks for that.

evilclive · Jun 23, 2019

Although the novopen echo is strictly only for the 3ml novo nordisk cartridges with the little plastic screw bit on the end, the Lantus 3ml cartridges appear to have identical dimensions, and I know the little plastic screwy bit can be pulled off an old novo cartridge and put on a Lantus one. I never got round to actually trying this though beyond playing with the screwy bit, so take this information with a suitable heap of salt

(this would be a possible way to get you a 0.5 unit pen for Lantus).

karen8967 · Jun 24, 2019

evilclive said:
Although the novopen echo is strictly only for the 3ml novo nordisk cartridges with the little plastic screw bit on the end, the Lantus 3ml cartridges appear to have identical dimensions, and I know the little plastic screwy bit can be pulled off an old novo cartridge and put on a Lantus one. I never got round to actually trying this though beyond playing with the screwy bit, so take this information with a suitable heap of salt

(this would be a possible way to get you a 0.5 unit pen for Lantus).

The solo star junior pens fit the lantus vials

Is my basal correct?

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