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Keep getting faulty insulin cartridges!

Amrit1712

Amrit1712

Well-Known Member
Messages
107
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I've been type 1 for nearly 4 months now and have started carb counting. I have realised that I keep getting faulty insulin cartridges or that they become faulty. Its happened several times over the last month or so now. My insulin starts to become near to ineffective half way through the capacity of the cartridge. It results in my getting readings of over 12 when I'd be getting levels of 7 afterwards for the same meal. What should I do? I always store the insulin that isn't being used in the fridge.
 
You are doing right with insulin storage.

I think you are in honeymoon phase to be honest and just nedding extra insullin to your "normal" doses at times.

As much as you can get an odd rogue cartridge it is unlikely that you would get this ongoing at specific times
 
Thanks, I had a feeling it may be the honeymoon phase causing havoc but didn't think that the effects could be this random and at times extreme!
 
Just to add, the problem always disappears once I change my cartridges
 
Hi

If the problem seems to go when the cartridge is replaced, are you keeping the pen in a wsrm area at all?
Also, the problem might be the pen and the way the piston is operating. It might be getting slightly stuck as insulin is pushed through but only happens when the cartridge gets half way empty. Have you got another pen that you could use just to see?
 
Some pens had problems last year I believe. Have a look under the MHRA website to see if yours were listed....
 
Amrit1712 said:
I've been type 1 for nearly 4 months now and have started carb counting. I have realised that I keep getting faulty insulin cartridges or that they become faulty. Its happened several times over the last month or so now. My insulin starts to become near to ineffective half way through the capacity of the cartridge. It results in my getting readings of over 12 when I'd be getting levels of 7 afterwards for the same meal. What should I do? I always store the insulin that isn't being used in the fridge.
Click to expand...

Hiya! As a low-carb LADA, I use small amounts of insulin and it would be normal for me to have my insulin cartridge in the pen for a month and then throw away what's left. However, I have found many many times that my Apidra rapid acting does not last a complete month when out of the fridge no matter how carefully I store it away from heat. I even took to carrying it in a frio bag at one stage. It loses potency drastically after about 18 to 20 days. I now throw away the cartridge and use a fresh one after two weeks no matter how much is left.

I think this is a fairly common problem among LADAs as I have discussed it with others on the forum several times. The vast majority of Type 1s would use up their cartridges in plenty of time to prevent it losing potency, so would never see the issue. The insulin marketing bods say it can be stored out of the fridge for 'up to' 28 days - I would suggest in reality it is closer to 20 days in winter and less in summer - certainly for Apidra.

Smidge
 
I don't get through a whole NovoRapid cartridge in a month and also noticed it seemed to be less effective over time so make a note of 4 weeks and then make sure I change it. However, it may be best to play safe and change it every 3 weeks instead?
 
I'd second that NovoRapid in a cartridge doesn't last for 4 weeks. I've found that it becomes less affective after a period of time and you need to use more of it. I reckon three weeks is as long as you want to keep it.
 
It's amazing this sight when we talk to each other we are the ones that have the medical condition . Nurses , doctors can say all they like but it's all trial and error everyone different. I have been allergic to everything obviously not helped the situation
 
I find, if I go somewhere hot, ambient temp >26degC (Oh yeah :-)) then my pump's insulin begins to weaken after 3 days and I'm having to ramp everything up by 30% by day 5. I keep the insulin under a t shirt all the time but it still happened. The answer (on the next trip) was a frio. No probs now. The extra dosage is down to aircraft colds now ;)
 
I think the 1st thing is to change cartridges when your levels start to raise.. That will confirm whether it is cartridges and the time that you need to change them over.
Check MHRA website and find out if your pens need replacing. Get back up pens anyway, just in case. I would ask for new ones anyway to be sure.
Then check whether you have external factors that need a few basal testing sessions, such as hormones, stress, weekends etc....
 
donnellysdogs said:
I think the 1st thing is to change cartridges when your levels start to raise.. That will confirm whether it is cartridges and the time that you need to change them over.
Check MHRA website and find out if your pens need replacing. Get back up pens anyway, just in case. I would ask for new ones anyway to be sure.
Then check whether you have external factors that need a few basal testing sessions, such as hormones, stress, weekends etc....
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, I changed both my novorapid and levemir cartridges on Friday to see if it would help but it didn't. My pens don't need replacing and I'll get some spares. I figured out that if I inject the insulin for the carbs and the correction dose, it only keeps my levels at around the same - around 9 so I have to add corrections on top of the corrections. Could I have possible ended the honeymoon phase now as was mentioned earlier? Only been diagnosed for 4 months...
 
Yep, seems likely to have ended honeymoon phase. Now the harder work!! Lol:)
 
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