Sorry....But I am Scared!!

[Nita]

After being on Humulin 70/30 twice a day with adjustments on the side with Humalog I did go to a new endocrinologist today after being with just a PCP for the last 20 years of diabetes care.

Sure enough, he is one of those that do not care for 70/30 and wonder why they still make it but he was told because many still take it. I will start taking Humalog before each meal and Lantus at night.....35 units at bed time.

I don't mind telling you I am scared!!! I have had my share of lows and they can be scary especially if you are asleep.

Has anyone experienced lows from taking Lantus at night? I need some encouragement!! I also have to go back to "school" to get in the groove on what and how much to eat. Seeing the doc in two weeks to report.

Regards,
Nita

[lgvincent]

I get up around 2:00 to 2:30 each morning to check my blood sugar. Is it possible you could do something like that?

[Emm]

Nita,

I completely understand being a bit scared - but I really believe that once you find your perfect doses you'll be SOOOO happy that you changed insulins! I think you'll love the control.

Personally I don't see why anyone would still be on those mix insulins. They're just not reliable and don't offer good control like MDI does.

You may be worried now, but just put in some time to sort out the correct doses, test test and test again, and I bet you'll be happier than ever about your BG once you see everything settle down!

Lantus really is wonderful - a nice smooth BG between meals. I love it.

Edited to add: If you're worried about going low overnight you could always knock a unit or two off your dose to start with and work your way up until you feel safe. Or take it in the morning, at least that way you're awake to catch the lows and go to bed on a higher number if you think it's too strong. Let us know how it goes! :)

[clee]

Nita,

I completely understand being a bit scared - but I really believe that once you find your perfect doses you'll be SOOOO happy that you changed insulins! I think you'll love the control.

Personally I don't see why anyone would still be on those mix insulins. They're just not reliable and don't offer good control like MDI does.

You may be worried now, but just put in some time to sort out the correct doses, test test and test again, and I bet you'll be happier than ever about your BG once you see everything settle down!

Lantus really is wonderful - a nice smooth BG between meals. I love it.

Edited to add: If you're worried about going low overnight you could always knock a unit or two off your dose to start with and work your way up until you feel safe. Or take it in the morning, at least that way you're awake to catch the lows and go to bed on a higher number if you think it's too strong. Let us know how it goes! :)


Quite frankly, I was on Lantus. Lantus did absolutely nothihg for me. My endocrinologist kept upping my units until she decided to put me on Novolog 70/30. It works. I don't think that anyone should say that any one partiular medication should be discontinued just because it does not work for them. Everyone's diabetes is unique to them and what works for one, does not work for the other.

Clee

[grace girl]

I'm on Lantus, and my advice would be to test in the middle of the night for the first few days (and after any dose changes) so you know what's going on. You will love the freedom of mdi. I used to be on a 75/25 mix and I had terrible control and was miserable! Good Luck!

[cheryl]

After being on Humulin 70/30 twice a day with adjustments on the side with Humalog I did go to a new endocrinologist today after being with just a PCP for the last 20 years of diabetes care.

Sure enough, he is one of those that do not care for 70/30 and wonder why they still make it but he was told because many still take it. I will start taking Humalog before each meal and Lantus at night.....35 units at bed time.

I don't mind telling you I am scared!!! I have had my share of lows and they can be scary especially if you are asleep.

Has anyone experienced lows from taking Lantus at night? I need some encouragement!! I also have to go back to "school" to get in the groove on what and how much to eat. Seeing the doc in two weeks to report.

Regards,
Nita



From experience of being on Lantus for about four years, it doesn't peak, it is weak, and even if you are on the wrong dose the lows go away fast when treated no where near, a wrong dose of Humalog and what not....note it takes about 3 weeks to notice if that dose is correct, if your bg is 30pts higher or lower 5hrs after giving yourself the Lantus it is the wrong dose, and like I said it takes about 3 weeks for it to settle in the system.....don't freight, they always dose you less, then what your backround insulin used to be.....

cheryl

[Nita]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. It really helps but I do have to report that I did an experiment first because I was "CHICKEN"! I did the Humalog as required before each meal but left off the Lantus at bedtime just to see if I really need this. Sure enough.....my BS was 273 this morning so I WILL take it tonight.

SOOOOO......I am understanding it all a little better and will start following Doctor's orders. A shot before each meal and one at bedtime. Lots of sticking and testing but you HAVE to do what you have to do!

Thanks again,
Nita

[mzizgayle]

That is good Nita, this does become a guessing game and lots of experimenting.. I don't take isulin but I have a friend on Lantus and she is very pleased with her results...

Don't worry about being 'chicken'..I am 60 years old and when told I would have to stick myself with that tiny little needle to test my bs, I about freaked out, thinking I can't do this, no not me hate needles, but sure enought it's old hat now, I can almost do it in the dark lol

[am1977]

I think anytime there's a change it can make you a little nervous... But, i don't think you should worry too much about this. If you test your blood sugar frequently, have food on you at all times, and are careful, you should be ok.

Good luck