• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Type 2 Type 2, on Metformin, offered insulin

N

NigelG

Newbie
Messages
1
Hi,
I've been on various combinations of Metformin with different meds over the past 8 years for Type 2. My doctor is now talking about trying me on insulin as I've basically tried everything else. Just wondering if there's anyone out there who's gone down the same route and could advise on how easy or difficult it is to change to insulin? I do appear to have a choice, so has anyone chosen insulin and then regretted it?
Any information would be much appreciated, thanks!
 
NigelG said:
Hi,
I've been on various combinations of Metformin with different meds over the past 8 years for Type 2. My doctor is now talking about trying me on insulin as I've basically tried everything else. Just wondering if there's anyone out there who's gone down the same route and could advise on how easy or difficult it is to change to insulin? I do appear to have a choice, so has anyone chosen insulin and then regretted it?
Any information would be much appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...

Nigel, thus far, I haven't used any diabetes meds, so have no wisdom to offer you, but we do have a sub-forum for T2 on Insulin you might find enlightening: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/type-2-with-insulin.57/
 
NigelG said:
Hi,
I've been on various combinations of Metformin with different meds over the past 8 years for Type 2. My doctor is now talking about trying me on insulin as I've basically tried everything else. Just wondering if there's anyone out there who's gone down the same route and could advise on how easy or difficult it is to change to insulin? I do appear to have a choice, so has anyone chosen insulin and then regretted it?
Any information would be much appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...

Sorry I can't advise you as I'm not on insulin. I do take metformin and do a low carb diet. May I ask if you have tried low carb?
I'm sure others will be able to give you their advice on insulin.
 
There’s a lot in between metformin and insulin to try.

Have you explored the diet/ low carb options?
 
I can't help with the insulin issue. I don't take any meds at all. I have managed to gain very good control on diet only and so far have avoided the med route.

Have you thought of tweaking your diet to get your numbers down?
 
Hi. I was on various combinations of diabetes tablets for years as I struggled with my BS despite being stick thin. My GP refused to accept I was a late onset T1 and initially refused me insulin. When I was offered it a year later it was a miracle for me and I've never looked back. It has given me almost complete control of my BS and I can eat a bit more freely. I do have to worry about hypos and remember to take my insulin and glucose tablets wherever I go but it has been worth. If you are not overweight and having a low carb diet then go for the insulin. If you have excess weight then perhaps you are still having too many carbs and hence insulin resistance?
 
I opted for insulin after 10 years on diet and ocassional metformin, As my eGFR hovers around 60 my doctor has to agree to the switch, To many people this is no good as insulin reguired refrigeration and you need to draw out and inject. I was given Levemir (prefilled pen) and Actrapid in vial. Those phamacy staff did not tell me that I need to purchase disposable needles for the Levemir pen. After looking at Dr Berstein diabetes university teleseminar, I use a syring to draw out the Levemir from the prefilled cartridge for injection. (No need to waste 2 units to prime the pen.) These basal shots are done at home, once before bed time and the next around 5 to 6 am next morning. The Actrapid is drawn into syringes 7 to 10 units per syringe and is used as and when necessary half an hour before food. Dr Berstein also teaches how to reuse the syringes up to 6 uses in one of his teleseminar. It is alright to predraw the Actrapid insulin and keep in a cool place in your bag. The logic is the same as prefilled pen are allowed to be stored at room temperature up to 28 days. I had used Actrapid for up to two months with no deterioration in effectiveness.

A1c less than 5.5
 
Back
Top