Which basal insulin to ask for?

Hi acron,

Comparison between the 2 main basal insulins is difficult as the evidence is largely anecdotal. From all the comments I've read I think Levemir seems to have fewer critics overall. A number of people have attributed a lack of stability in their control, some weight gain and other side effects to the Lantus they are taking and some seem to find these things improved on Levemir. Equally, there must be many Lantus users out there for whom it works very well. Who knows?
I used Lantus until last year and had no apparent problem with it. Even so, I thought it might be worth trying Levemir for a while instead, just to see, so I started that in January.
Overall I've found little difference. The doses are exactly the same, my blood sugars follow the same pattern, weight unchanged, and I don't really feel any different either. If anything, my hypo awareness may have improved a wee bit, but it's very hard to be completely objective about it.
Equally, there are some who don't get on with the human insulins at all and have found significant benefits from using animal insulins, porcine or bovine, instead.
It's a very personal thing really and I guess you should try what your HP recommends, but keep the alternatives in mind if you feel you need to change.

All the best,

fergus

Hi, Acron
There are other long-acting insulins available besides Lantus and Levemir. Animal insulins have already been mentioned, but there are other synthetic insulins available including Insulatard, although a lot have been discontinued for no good reason.
After 20 years as a type-1 and having tried different synthetic insulins over that time, I have to say that I've had the best control since changing on Pork Insulin just over a year ago. Lantus was the worst :twisted:
Diabetes UK provide a booklet with ALL insulin and diabetes treatments listed. Give them a ring and they'll send you a copy. You can look at all the long-acting options and do your own research before seeing your doctor. Hope that helps
Best of luck
Jus

Hi there,

Excuse my ignorance, but I am currently using Humulin NPH as my long-lasting insulin. I know many are transitioning off this, but it is working for me. Can anyone tell me the main advantages/difference between NPH versus Levemir/Lantus.

Thank you!

Hi, I would say,and evidence suggests that there are no advantages in changing to Lantus/Levemir from NPH. Of course medics will tell you otherwise, but just read the amount of postings on this forum from people having problems on Lantus and Levemir, It is not the best option.

My advice would be stick with a long-acting NPH or try animal insulin. You DO have a choice, and should not be pressured by your doctor into taking analogue insulin. I was told,while on Insulatard, that Lantus would give me good control. Instead it destroyed 4 1/2 valuable years of my life, and that is no exaggeration.

Lantus and Levemir clinical studies only lasted 28 weeks maximum for type-1. These insulins are not proven safe in pregnancy or for young children, as they were only tested on rabbits and mice, and both companies state they should only be used in pregnancy "if clearly needed". The info is available on the Sanofi Aventis & Novo Nordisk websites, and is a bit of an eye opener, and a worry.

GM in relation to food has become a dirty word. Perhaps if the term "GM insulin" were used for these insulins, instead of the misleading terms "Human Insulin" and '"insulin", which they are not, people would think twice about taking them, and be better for it!

You've asked the question "which basal insulin to ask for?". I can't tell you what insulin to take,but from my experience Hyprurin Porcine Isophane is superior -with it I have the best control I've ever had in 20 years as a type-1.
Jus

I have just been doing some research on the internet about Lantus, which I use and came across this has anyone else seen or heard of this?
http://www.diabetologia-journal.org/cancer.html
Also brilliant site that my Nurse put me onto
http://www.iddtinternational.org
have a look please