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Rapid insulin resistance in legs

Ellie_Wilko

Well-Known Member
Messages
130
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I never really do many injections in my legs but when I do, I'm really resistant to insulin. This only seems to be novo rapid though, my levimir is fine...

Is there anything I can do to change this as I'm conscious that I need to keep rotating sites!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated
 
Hi @Ellie_Wilko.

Have you looked at your injection technique in your legs? I know if I gave in a slightly awkward angle or crooked for want of a better term it would not be absorbed as well. The other thing to consider may be needle length for the different area. Perhaps if you have more weight around your thighs you may need a longer needle for that specific area? Are you avoiding any scarred or stretch mark areas (if you have them?)

Is it that it does not appear to work at all or do you feel it is a delayed response?

Do you have a good diabetes nurse specialist you could liaise with for support and to see their thoughts?

Also depends on what sites you are comparing them too? Arms notoriously are quicker to absorb.

Hope this helps.
Best of luck xxx
 
Ellie_Wilko said:
I never really do many injections in my legs but when I do, I'm really resistant to insulin. This only seems to be novo rapid though, my levimir is fine...
Click to expand...

That's strange, insulin takes longer to work when injected in the legs compared to the stomach and arms. maybe best just to stick with injecting your bolus doses in your stomach/arms and basal in your legs and bum, that's what I did on MDI.
 

Thanks for your reply. I think you are right in that I might need longer needles for my legs as I'm still only on 4mm - I have got some 6mm so will give them a go and see.

Yesterday for example, I injected the correct dose before I ate my lunch at 12 and then at 4.30 before I was due to leave work I tested my blood and my injection hadn't done anything atall. Even if it is just slow to absorb, it was 4 and a half hours and wasn't showing any signs of bringing my bg down. I then did a correctional dose in my tummy which worked instantly pretty much.

I think I'll give the longer needles a go and see if that does anything!

Thanks
 
It's quite common that rapid acting insulin injected into the legs takes longer to work than into the stomach. Arms vary a lot more, from what I've read, although the Beckton Dickinson site (http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7001&id=7503) suggests that arms can take a long time too.

I certainly used to see that Rapid in my legs took ages to have an effect.
 
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