levemir/lantus

[sweetjane]

I found this site today while looking for answers about levemir. Spent most of my morning reading the forums and was astounded by all the people out there who have had the same experiences and symptoms as myself.
I was on lantus for about 2 years with "ok" results, but decided to try the levemir due to many hypos. I have been using levemir for about 3 weeks and am having a very difficult time in keeping my bs below 250. I also notice I need more novolog at meal times. Over the past couple of days I've been increasing the levemir dose (started @ 9u 2x/day( which was my lantus dose), up to 12u 2x/day). Still finding bs too high, espescially fasting readings. Hopefully I'll find the right dose needed. It was reasurring to find that others had to increase their basal dose when switching to levemir, since my endo is sure that both insulins should be comparable. There were many things I found on this site that made me feel like "I'm not the only one", very comforting.

[steph1]

I am thinking of switching to Levemir from Lantus too. I tried once, but got low 3x/night for 3 days in a row. I agree, there is no easy transition. You have to test constantly. I want to attempt again to switch to Levemir because I realize that I have gained approx. 10 lbs. by using Lantus. I also just learned this through readings on the Forums. Did you experience weight gain on Lantus too?? You'll have to keep me updated on your progress.

[sweetjane]

Thanks for replying. I guess I have gained weight while being on the lantus, about 10 lbs also. But I just attributed it to my age, just turned 50. That would be great if the levemir could help me lose a few pounds, something to think about anyway.

[steph1]

My endocrinologist also told me that I was gaining weight due to my age (even though I am 29). I had checked on the Lantus website and didn't see anything on weight gain as a possible side effect.
So since this weight gain, I started really watching what I was eating and have started working out very often. But, I haven't lost a pound. I was wondering what was wrong with me...and just realized through reading other peoples' responses that it had to do with the Lantus. Apparently, it is quite common to gain weight. I just wish they would have told me that before.

[jillsp]

weight gain is not a side effect of Lantus....it is a side effect of insulin. All of the literature on Lantus shows that it is weight neutral. You are more likely to gain weight on insulin, especially if you are having lots of hypoglycemia b/c you are having to eat more. I know when I start working out really hard and trying to lose weight, I initially gain weight b/c I'm hypo all the time. Then I can back off my insulin and will end up losing weight. That's why it sucks to have diabetes and try to lose weight!

[steph1]

Thanks. I know it sucks to try to lose weight with Diabetes! However, I took Novolin for 4 years and didn't really gain any weight. It has all been since I switched to Lantus. Has anyone else noticed the same thing??