Starting insulin

[fussybritches]

Hi. I am a 70 year old female. I have been type 2 for a number of years using Metformin, glimerpiride,and Semaglutide. However due to my readings going up significantly and possible CKD starting, my gp has decided to put me on insulin and I see the nurse tomorrow to learn how to inject etc. I am scared stiff and would welcome any tips forum users can give me!

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Hi. I am a 70 year old female. I have been type 2 for a number of years using Metformin, glimerpiride,and Semaglutide. However due to my readings going up significantly and possible CKD starting, my gp has decided to put me on insulin and I see the nurse tomorrow to learn how to inject etc. I am scared stiff and would welcome any tips forum users can give me!

Hi,
I have been needle phobic all my life, but for 18 years injected myself in the thighs. In 1985 a student nurse said I might get on better using the abdomen. I used to lightly pinch up a fold of skin and slowly inject myself twice a day for 28 years. She was absolutely right! As a Type 1 friend said to me "It's like a knife going through warm butter with today's fine needles." I hope you cope in the same way. Good luck!

 

[miahara]

It honestly doesn't hurt at all, in fact most of the time you won't even be sure you've got the needle inserted.

 

[Antje77]

Hi. I am a 70 year old female. I have been type 2 for a number of years using Metformin, glimerpiride,and Semaglutide. However due to my readings going up significantly and possible CKD starting, my gp has decided to put me on insulin and I see the nurse tomorrow to learn how to inject etc. I am scared stiff and would welcome any tips forum users can give me!

Hi @fussybritches , I think my first two tips would be:
1. To go to your appointment tomorrow and try to take it all in. Write down what you've learnt right after, and come back here with any questions you have.
2. Aways (ALWAYS!) carry your glucose meter and something sweet. Hypos aren't much of a problem usually, but if you do go low you want to be able to treat right then and there, without having to navigate stairs or going into a store.

You'll do just fine!

 

[In Response]

@fussybritches what are you afraid of?
As others have said, injecting is pretty much pain free.

 

[Diane60]

I am in this position at the moment. Oral medication is making my stomach problems worse. Last HB1ac was 54, up from 44, 3 months ago.
I was initially scared of insulin because of the hypos etc but reading up I think this might help me and get me free of the medication that is causing me stomach issues. I am having a chat with the DN tomorrow and would be interested in how your appointment went. Good luck!

 

[Antje77]

I see the nurse tomorrow to learn how to inject etc. I am scared stiff and would welcome any tips forum users can give me!

@fussybritches , how did the appointment go?

 

[MissMuffett]

@fussybritches what are you afraid of?
As others have said, injecting is pretty much pain free.

If you’ve never done it, it can seem huge!