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Type 2 What to ask DSN

I'm type 2 diagnosed 5 1/2 years ago. Control has not been good as what I eat is linked to my mood. Questions I have how long does it take insulin to work, what does a hypo feel like
 
naulroad said:
how long does it take insulin to work
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Insulin works pretty fast but you're likely to get started on a lowish dose to see how your blood glucose reacts.
This means your dose will be titrated up slowly to find the right dose for you.

I think you'd best write down any question you can think of now to ask your DSN tomorrow, and then come back here with all the additional questions you'll find out you forgot to ask.

Wish you all the best tomorrow, let us know how it went!
 
Hi assuming you are not vastly overweight but still a T2 then the insulin will start working within a day or so. If you have a lot of excess weight then results are less predictable. Make sure you have a lower carb diet as insulin allows the body to metabolise carbs and if you have too many you may gain weight and insulin resistance. Decide whether you want disposable pends or refillable cartridge pens. I assume you will be given two insulins called Basal/Bolus or MDI. One is for 24 hour use and the other is for each meal-time. Ask about carb-counting. This means adjusting the meal-time Bolus for the carbs in the meal. Many DNs delay teaching this for months and leave you on a fixed meal-time dose. My DN explained it in 15 minutes when I started insulin.
 
In Response said:
If I was to start on insulin (again), I would want to know
- what types of insulin will I have
- how much insulin to give myself
- when should I adjust my dose
- what parts of my body should I inject
- how often should I test
- what blood sugar range should I be aiming for
- what should I do if I was too high or too low. Not just “eat something sweet” but how much
- what to do with my sharps and sharps bin
- how to minimise waste
- how to store the insulin
- how do I contact the DSN if I have any further questions
- how do I get the form needed to inform the DVLA
- anything I need to consider when I travel. It maybe useful to get a letter than confirms you must keep your insulin with you (hand luggage) when you fly.

I would suggest taking someone with you who can help you remember the answers but I know surgeries are trying to avoid contact so may not allow this. If so, ask if you can record the conversation on your phone so you can play it back. I find this easier than trying to make notes.

And remember, the forum is here if you have any further questions. Apart from dosing because this varies per person.
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Thank you that's a great help. Unfortunately no one can come with you to hospital appointments at the moment so will have to go on my own. I will write the questions down and then fill in the answers. I have already notified the DVLA and my insurance company and also my manager.
 
naulroad said:
With starting insulin tomorrow what questions should I be asking my Diabetic Specialist Nurse?
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Are you type 1 or type 2?

This will have a bearing on the regime you'll likely be put onto.

If type 1, you'll be put onto a basal bolus regime. You'll want to ask your DSN about the options for your insulin based on your lifestyle.

The analogues work the fastest, but you may not necessarily be advised to go on one of them.

Equally, the basal insulins vary considerably also. The basal bolus as I say is for type 1.

Type 2 insulins are most likely different and best to ask a type 2 diabetic for their advice (if you're type 2).
 
Antje77 said:
Insulin works pretty fast but you're likely to get started on a lowish dose to see how your blood glucose reacts.
This means your dose will be titrated up slowly to find the right dose for you.

I think you'd best write down any question you can think of now to ask your DSN tomorrow, and then come back here with all the additional questions you'll find out you forgot to ask.

Wish you all the best tomorrow, let us know how it went!
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Seen the DSN today and got my insulin after a total hullabaloo with my GP surgery . Is phoning me on Friday to see how I am getting on. 12 units of Lantus at bedtime.
 
naulroad said:
Seen the DSN today and got my insulin after a total hullabaloo with my GP surgery . Is phoning me on Friday to see how I am getting on. 12 units of Lantus at bedtime.
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Hi,

Lantus will help with your background fasting levels. (As a long acting insulin.) it's not designed to deal too well with what is eaten.

Has your DSN mentioned the possibility of a fast acting insulin to cover meals?
 
Jaylee said:
Hi,

Lantus will help with your background fasting levels. (As a long acting insulin.) it's not designed to deal too well with what is eaten.

Has your DSN mentioned the possibility of a fast acting insulin to cover meals?
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Trying this first said it may take a mix of insulin. This morning was 7.8 and just before I left work was 8.0 although I did have a Tracker bar about 3pm which probably wasn't a good idea!
 
naulroad said:
Trying this first said it may take a mix of insulin. This morning was 7.8 and just before I left work was 8.0 although I did have a Tracker bar about 3pm which probably wasn't a good idea!
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Sorry to break this to you.. If a driver. Have you been advised to notify DVLA??
Blood wise, using insulin. Not sure we're you were before. Best to "decompress" slow & steady?
 
Jaylee said:
Sorry to break this to you.. If a driver. Have you been advised to notify DVLA??
Blood wise, using insulin. Not sure we're you were before. Best to "decompress" slow & steady?
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Yes notified DVLA and insurance last week that I would be starting. HaB1c was down to 84.
 
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