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Just had to go onto Insulin

D

ditchy76

Member
Hi everyone.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year and have been managing it with diet and metformin. I used to check my blood a couple of times a week but everything was always ok. I must admit I haven't tested much since xmas.
Since mid January I haven't really being feeling well in myself (I was also diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 38 two years ago) but always put this down to the Parkinson's. As I have been feeling slightly worse as the weeks went on I decided to check my blood. I got a shock when I saw that my blood sugar was sky high. I went to see my GP who didn't seem to concerned and put me on more medication. It didn't help and I was rather annoyed that the doctor kind of brushed it off.
I couldn't get it down even with the extra medication so I rang the hospital who asked me to go straight in.
The consultant couldn't believe that my GP didn't send me to the hospital straight away after he saw the readings I was getting. He immediately put me on insulin and isn't 100% convinced I am type 2, he said I could be type 1.
Obviously this has come as a massive shock to me and I'm really scared being on insulin as I don't know a great deal about it (best time to inject, when to check blood etc).
If anyone can let me know more info about this that would be great and put my mind at rest!
Thanks very much.
Paul
 
Hi and welcome. Insulin isn't a problem once you understand it and get used to the routine. There are two main insulin regimes i.e. twice a day mixed insulin and what's called Basal/Bolus which consists of two different insulins. You may have been started on the mixed insulin? Do let us know which regime. The mixed is taken twice a day morning and evening I believe around a meal-time. If on Basal/Bolus, the Basal is taken once or twice day and timing isn't too critical but spaced 12 hours apart if twice day; follow the guidance you have been given. The Bolus is taken just before a meal. You should have received guidance on the number of units to inject and if not do ask the hospital or come back here if you can't get guidance from them or the GP. You should check your bloods 2-3 hours after a meal and possibly before breakfast to check that the Basal is balanced during overnight fasting. I've been on insulin now for 2 years and find it dead easy, but let the DVLA know and do test before driving and during. Always have some glucose with you in case of a hypo; I have tablets. In two years I've never had a hypo but have come close a few times. BTW the Basal/Bolus regime gives the best control but means more injections per day. From what you say I suspect you are a Late onset T1 not T2; many GPs haven't clue on this.
 
Hi .
Try reading up on Insulin facts and details to begin to grasp more about
it all .

Here is a good place to start with -
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/insulin-facts.html
There is loads to pick out and delve into .

Please do pop back with any more questions you may have .
It is a bit daunting at first and the shock does settle as you find your feet .

I love my insulin and it does 'do' its job well .
Hope this can reassure you a bit more .

Did anyone show you how to inject and get started off with an
injection technique ?
You may or may not have been shown ?
 
Hi
Thanks for the replies. I currently have to take novorapid 3 times a day and Levemir once a day (on a night before bed). They did show me how to inject in the abdomen so that hasn't been a problem so far. I have been testing my blood before each meal so I guess I need to change that because it does make sense to check the blood after eating.
I have to take 6 units of novorapid before each meal and 10 units of levemir before I go to bed.
My blood sugar has come down but not where I need it yet but I'm back at the diabetic clinic tomorrow so hopefully they will give me some more information.
It is a big help finding this forum though as it's good to communicate with other diabetics.
 
ditchy76 said:
Hi
Thanks for the replies. I currently have to take novorapid 3 times a day and Levemir once a day (on a night before bed). They did show me how to inject in the abdomen so that hasn't been a problem so far. I have been testing my blood before each meal so I guess I need to change that because it does make sense to check the blood after eating.
I have to take 6 units of novorapid before each meal and 10 units of levemir before I go to bed.
My blood sugar has come down but not where I need it yet but I'm back at the diabetic clinic tomorrow so hopefully they will give me some more information.
It is a big help finding this forum though as it's good to communicate with other diabetics.
Click to expand...

Keep a detailed diary and show this to your clinic and they will advise you further on adjusting your insulin doses.

You can also inject in the arms, legs and bum, its a good idea to rotate your injection sites so that you don't get injection site problems further down the road, the following has a diagram which shows the areas in which you can inject insulin:

http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7001&id=7261
 
I would test before meals as well as 2 hours after, as then you'll know the before and after results. This will help you and your team see any patterns forming.
 
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