how long before insulin

[princesslinda]

I've got a question for all the T2's out there who are on insulin. How long after diagnosis before you started insulin? I've heard some say most are on insulin within 5-6 years, but see where others on here have been diagnosed for many years and haven't had to start. What's your story?

[bbrian]

I went on insulin about 1 year after diagnosis. I maxed out on the medication i was taking and DR. said time to start insulin. I could not keep my bgs below 200 with meds. I am now on a Cozmo pump and loving it I just started pumping in November and have not had low or above 220 and that only has happend twice. But I have noticed weight gain since being on insulin but not sure if it is insulin or my eating habits. Just started a strict no carb diet so I will see if I can loose some weight so my insulin usage drops.

Brian

[princesslinda]

Thanks for the info Brian...glad you're doing well on your pump. After all i've read here about insulin, it doesn't seem quite the "end of the world" it seemed before my time here. Fortunately, my meds are working so far (only been 5 months though). It's encouraging to hear from others who are doing so well on insulin.

[liz32]

I started insulin about 3-4 months after dxd but I couldn't take alot of the oral medications due to allergies and metformin and avandia couldn't (along with major diet changes) bring down my sugars. I also had gestational diabetes so I don't know how much that played into pooping out my pancrease.
Liz

[wiseguy]

This may be a very unusual case, but my father was diagnosed with type 2 at the age of 37. He started taking oral medications at that time and didn't have to go on insulin until his late sixties. He is now 82 and still going strong.

[Nannerjoe]

I was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago. Doc put me on Metformin when I was diagnosed.......after a couple weeks my blood sugars were still real high so he put me on Lantus. I changed Doctors (started going to an endocrinologist) after a year or so and she added Apridra to my daily regimen. Until recently I was a very bad diabetic .... very much in denial and just not eating right or taking care of myself. I take a lot of insulin.....my Apidra is 24u w/breakfast, 25u w/lunch and 29u w/supper and then 90u of Lantus at bedtime. But finally I think I have it under control. Doc says we may be able to start cutting back on the insulin a bit.

[June]

Hi Princesslinda
I've been D about 7 years. Approx 1 year on exercise and diet, then Amaryl for 4 years. Changed insurance and was changed off Amaryl to metformin which didn't work, back on Amaryl which didn't seem to work by then. Have now finally been put on a combination therapy of amaryl and metformin which has really corrected high sugars but I'm having to watch out for low sugars. Apparently there is a maximum dosage for every medication so it can be increased until you get to the highest dosage--then a different therapy is needed. I think the best plan is diet, exercise and a capable/informed doctor adapting the medication to the individual. I have been scared of insulin but I'm thankful it will be available if I need it (thanks to the DF!). June