Starting Insulin on Friday.

[caswellhb]

I'm starting the life of Insulin injections. Another step on the path, I guess.
My Question is: What do I need to know?
The Insulin will be Novamix 30.

Heather.

[Peggy]

I use a pen for my insulin and it is so much easier and less painful than regular syringes. If your's isn't in pen form you might want to ask your dr about it, IF your insurance will pay for it. I think the MOST important thing to remember when you're on insulin is to pay closer attention to how you are feeling and always have some form of glucose on hand. Lows are no fun, especially when you are driving. If you start feeling funny while you are behind the wheel pull over as soon as you can, get some glucose into yourself and wait til you are feeling better to get back on the road. It's much better to be late than have an accident. Good luck!

[Funnygrl]

I would recommend against Novomix. Why did your doctor choose this one for you?

[shabbie6247]

hi heather, welcome to the club!

my tip is just relax....dont get too stressed at first trying to get it just right. i've been on injections for 9 months now and i'm only just getting it nailed!

buy yourself a copy of 'using insulin' isbn 1884804853

its the best thing that ever happened to my BG's!

[shabbie6247]

novomix does come in a pen btw ;-)


funnygirl, do you have experience with novomix?

ive read plenty of people have problems with mixed insulins. some reckon their control was better when they switched to multiple daily injections (MDI)

[SueM]

I'm starting the life of Insulin injections. Another step on the path, I guess.
My Question is: What do I need to know?
The Insulin will be Novamix 30.

Heather.

You need to inform DVLA that you are now on insulin and your ins company.

Mix is pretty **** as you will be feeding the insulin.
You would be better off using a syringe and mixing the 2 in same syringe that way you can adjust your short acting for high carb meals.
Oh and welcome to the pin cushion world :D

[xMenace]

You should be intimate with the profile.

NovoMix® 30 (http://www.novonordisk.com/diabetes/hcp/pharmaceuticals/novomix/actionprofile.asp)

Your testing should try to prove that this profile matches your meal and basal profiles. Personally I think the stuff is rubbish. Go straight to MDI.

[Funnygrl]

I don't have personal experience with Novomix, honestly, because I knew better.

It pretty much sucks because it's a mix of novolog and N, arguably the worst insulin known to man currently.

N sucks because it's a suspension, making it's peak variable. When it peaks and how long it lasts depends heavily on where you inject it, how active you are, and luck. The usual twice a day dosing results in a peak in the middle of the night (great if you have severe DP and can match this peak precisely to when this occurs, otherwise very sucky and prepare for night time lows). The other peak occurs in theory at lunch time, but usually right before. This means you treat lows before lunch, then eat lunch, then spike high afterward. The fact that the N has such drastic peaks puts you at high risk for lows, and forces you into a very regimented schedule.

The fact that it's a Mix means if you are a little high or a little low you can't adjust your dose to correct for that- you're stuck with the ratio they set for you, when really, it's night the correct ratio of basal/bolus for most people anyways. Most people have a 50/50 ratio not a 70/30 ratio, but the ratio is skewed cause it uses the peak in the basal to account for a lack of bolus. Overall, a bad method.

This will work for some type 2s though, simply because their own pancreas makes up the difference, and this is just supplemental.

Doctors prescribe it because apparently people don't wanna take more than 2 shots a day, and are too stupid to mix their own insulin. Honestly, if you insist on 2 shots a day, at least get 2 separate bottles and mix it yourself, though sometimes it's cheaper to have 1 bottle, but that's not an issue in the UK.

[pjams]

My endo is against mixes because one cannot change the ratio. She put me on 10 Units of Levemir at bedtime and Lovolog (that's NovoRapid outside US) 3 times before each meal time (5-7-6 Units). That means 4 shots a day, but that does not bother me. The pens with fine needles are virtually painless and can be used anywhere, even in restaurants without anybody noticing that. Depending on the carbs the doses can be changed. I am pretty happy with this for the time being. I went on insulin just three months ago. That's the best thing I ever did!
Jay

[cheryl]

Your finally on insulin. I am so happy for you. I hope all goes well for you.....I have been wondering when you were going to go on it....

Cheryl

[caswellhb]

Sooooo mixes not so good then? I guess it is at least a starting point though? I'm just looking forward to feeling better at the moment.
I had forgotten that I need to inform DVLC. Thanks for the reminder.
I injected an Orange so that my Doc could see me handle pen etc. The Orange survived.
I will going to have more sessions with Oranges and warnings etc. at midday on friday and then I will be on my way.
Thanks for all the input folks!

Heather.

[owlyn]

Congrats on going on Insulin. I think you will feel much better. Mixes are not good, and I think they shouldn't be allowed. Others have mentioned the reasons, and I agree 100% Additionally, Novolin and Humulin (Lilly) are NPH insulins, and have a poor uptake curve. IOW, they peak at a certain time, usually around 4 hours after injection. This can play havoc with lows and eating. If you can ask the doc for Novolog or Humalog for your rapid (bolus) insulin and Lantus or Levemir for you basal.

I think many doctors use the mix so as not to scare people completely off the idea. If you demonstrate that you know what is going on, he may do the 'right" thing for you from the start.

[statdeac]

Heather, I started out right on MDI 7 years ago, then shifted to pumping last year. The start up was not all that difficult, all things considered.

That said, I have nothing much relevant to say about mixes. I have only heard others refer to them, usually telling about when they used to be on mixes. I'm not really sure why some doctors feel that it is necessary to start someone out one regimen to get used to injecting before going with something that actually conforms better to the action of the pancreas.

I am glad that you are starting insulin at all. At least you wont have to be running so high all the time. Good luck. We are here if you need us.

[kgm0612]

Just wanted to wish you Good Luck, Heather!

Karen

[shockme]

i personally was very upset about starting insulin.but after a week of lantus and i started seeing better control of my bgs-i wodered why i'd felt that way...ditto about the novamix.good luck,heather.trish

[dacruzer]

Good luck you will notice the difference:)

[pjams]

Your finally on insulin. I am so happy for you. I hope all goes well for you.....I have been wondering when you were going to go on it....

Cheryl

Cheryl:
I was wondering about what you said, then I noticed that there is another Jay who has been here much longer than I. So I will start signing as JayP.

Having started on insulin recently, I find that this forum has been a big support for me. Just reading what many write is quite informative.

Heather, congratulations on your change and good luck! You will notice that your BGLs will be much better and easier to control. Believe me, you will be glad to have switched to shots. I am.

JayP

[grace girl]

I took mixed insulin for about 4 years, and while I am now convinced that it can never work for a type 1, I've read that many type 2's have success with it.
The one thing I can tell you is this....mixed insulin is a combo of short acting and long act insulins. For best results your meals need to contain roughly the same amount of carbs, (as in, breakfast the same, lunches the same and dinners the same, not the same all day long), and you need to eat your meals at the same times every day.
I was never told these two vital things, and had horrible control the whole time I was on in.
In your case, it's a start, and if it doesn't work out it's not a big deal to switch over to MDI.
I hope everything goes great for you!

[shabbie6247]

I took mixed insulin for about 4 years, and while I am now convinced that it can never work for a type 1, I've read that many type 2's have success with it.
The one thing I can tell you is this....mixed insulin is a combo of short acting and long act insulins. For best results your meals need to contain roughly the same amount of carbs, (as in, breakfast the same, lunches the same and dinners the same, not the same all day long), and you need to eat your meals at the same times every day.
I was never told these two vital things, and had horrible control the whole time I was on in.
In your case, it's a start, and if it doesn't work out it's not a big deal to switch over to MDI.
I hope everything goes great for you!

i was offered this regimen when i started on shots, i didnt like the idea of being tied down to strict meal times etc also i was told that i would have to go on MDI at some time in the future and did i want to start that right away? to be honest i did freak about injecting myself at first but the nurse popped the needle in to my belly to demonstrate, i tried it once and that was that. its not so bad, to be honest i just love the freedom and flexibility of at least 4 shots a day. crazy huh?

[GhostRydr]

Heather,

Best of luck and I'm glad you are getting to where you need to finally be with getting the meds you should have.

I'm glad the orange survived :)

Kurt

[Jill-O]

I started on Novolog 70/30 pen about 6wks ago. I was very nervous but now think nothing of the shots, which do NOT hurt. Sometimes, I can't even tell w/o looking if I have it in! I prefer this to the oral medications. Don't worry about the shot part of it. You will be amazed I bet like me the first time -- had to look to see did I really get it in as I didn't feel it a bit :)

[jillsp]

Heather! I am so happy to hear that you are getting insulin, I"m so sad that it is novomix. Mixes really aren't the best. I know it will help bring your sugars down initially, but you would be better with more physiologic insulins like Lantus/Levemir and novorapid. I'm glad to have found you here too! ;)

[ladytaz]

Heather, I'd say give it a go! It just might work for you! It has for me! If it doesn't work for you, well, then you can go another route! :wink:

I am on mixed. Novolin 70/30 [Novolin R as needed]. It has worked very well for ME! I personally think it's the BEST thing I've done for my Diabetes.

I wasn't put on it because I didn't want to give more injections, I'm willing to give myself as many shots as it takes to be "controlled" -which I am now, and I do average only 2 shots a day - I rarely need to take any R. I'm also quite capable of mixing them myself (which I HAVE done on a few occasions with adding R when I needed it, or knew that I was going to eat a higher carb meal).

I also pretty much stick to the diet I've been on since I was dx'd. (moderately low carb). I dont use the insulin as an "excuse" to eat whatever I want! I want to use as little insulin as possible, and still keep my good numbers. :wink:

I was put on Novolin for financial reasons (no insurance, and can't afford the other insulins) I can get a vial of ReliOn [Novolin with ReliOn lable as well - Walmart Branded] for $19.96. It lasts me about 3 weeks. The Mix, because I guess cuz the doc thought it'd be easier? I've had and have been using, the same vial of R since Feb 12 and have only used maybe 1/3 of the vial! (YES it's STILL working! :wink:) That goes to show just how well the Mix is working for me, other than the occassional low I may get because I didn't eat.

I'm not exactly tied down to a "scheduled" eating routine. I don't neccessarily "feed" the insulin. I have found though, that my biggest problem is after my morning shot. I'm not much of a morning eater, and after months and months of litterally forcing myself to eat in the mornings (most mornings anyway) I've slowly slipped back into my old ways of not always eating breakfast (unless I AM hungry, or actually *remember* to eat).

I have my normal routine of waking up, taking my BG, taking my meds and insulin shot, and then if I'm not hungry and I've got a busy day ahead of me, I go on about my business and litterally forget to eat! Then, in the late morning/early afternoon, I end up going low, because, well, I haven't eaten!

For that reason only, I am considering going MDI. I mentioned it to my Endo today (or his P.A. that is) and she wasn't opposed at all, and agreed with me that the Mix has worked very well for me. The decision is mine, and I can switch any time I decide to.

[lindabelle]

Hey mum , its me linda your daughter on the other side of the lake. Hope you are doing good and not havin issues with that insulin. Im so glad you got it. Take care of yourself and I hope you as a type 2 get to eat some yummy foods guilt free again!!!! YEA

[caswellhb]

Linda, Hi Sweetie! Great to see you.

Well, today is the big day. Counting down the hours to midday.
Thanks for all the replies folks.
I'm nervous and excited all in one go!

Heather.

[londonlady]

Hi Heather,
Delighted to hear that at long last you are starting your insulin. I know this is a positive step for you and that you will manage wonderfully! Looking forward to hearing how you are getting on and that you are able to eat more!! Its about Midday now, so will be thinking of you!:)
G
x

[caswellhb]

Well, I hae got my Insulin but the pharmacy had run out of the pens to load it into. Sigh........
They will have one for me tomorrow morning though so starting tomorrow I guess.
Thanks again for all the replies.

Heather.

[statdeac]

Ah, bummer! Too bad they didn't give you one of those pens at the doctor's office. Argh!

Well, there's no time like the present, but I guess tomorrow will have to do.

[caswellhb]

I realised I could use a syringe. Well, Duhhh.....
So hae started. Here we go folks, Heather is running on Insulin!

Heather.

[ladytaz]

I realised I could use a syringe. Well, Duhhh.....
So hae started. Here we go folks, Heather is running on Insulin!

Heather.

YaY Heather!!! :D 'T'wasn't all that bad, was it?? :wink:

[Funnygrl]

Well, I hae got my Insulin but the pharmacy had run out of the pens to load it into. Sigh........
They will have one for me tomorrow morning though so starting tomorrow I guess.
Thanks again for all the replies.

Heather.
You can actually draw insulin out of pen cartridges with a syringe if you want.

edit: Ok, read whole thing, guess you figured this out already.

[xMenace]

I realised I could use a syringe. Well, Duhhh.....
So hae started. Here we go folks, Heather is running on Insulin!

Heather.


Alright! And the good and proper way! I always preferred syringes over pens.

[GhostRydr]

Congrats Heather on the positive step forward for you to feel great again. Keep us informed if you would on your progress.

BTW... did the orange survive: :D

[caswellhb]

Well, within one hour of my first shot I srated to feel better! By bedtime I was down to 5.3 so had a light snack so that I wouldn't go low during the night.
I woke up this morning feeling wonderful and tested at 7.3!!!!!!!
My fbg's are usually around 16.
I love this stuff! I have my energy back despite having a cold and just feel great!
Thank you all for your support.

Heather.

[xMenace]

...By bedtime I was down to 5.3 so had a light snack so that I wouldn't go low during the night...

While being cautious is paramount, especially now, this practice of treating lows with food for some reason leads to weight gain. It can easily lead to a vicious cycle: high sugars, adjustments, low sugars, food, high sugars ... One of your challenges will be to gain complete control.

[Lynne59]

I have been using insulin for about 10 yrs. I was at first scared. My Dr. gave me an orange to practice on lol. I realized that doing a finger stick hurt and a needle did'nt. I am glad I am on insulin. I think you have better control. I wish you only the best.
Lynne59:thumbsup:

[londonlady]

[QUOTE=caswellhb;230355]Well, within one hour of my first shot I srated to feel better! By bedtime I was down to 5.3 so had a light snack so that I wouldn't go low during the night.
I woke up this morning feeling wonderful and tested at 7.3!!!!!!!
My fbg's are usually around 16.
I love this stuff! I have my energy back despite having a cold and just feel great!
QUOTE]

Terrific news Heather. Way to go, girl! Didn't realise your FBG's were so high. You will move mountains now...lol!!!
G

[ladytaz]

AWESOMENESS Heather!!! YaY!! :five: Make sure you test LOTS right now, at least until you know exactly how the insulin affects you!! (too high, too low, etc) I was testing a good 12 (sometimes more) times a day until I made sure all was going well. I think I was very lucky in that my doc got my dosage spot on, on the first go round!! :) OH and also, set your alarm to wake you up around 3 am or about 1/2 way through your sleeping time, to test, to make sure you aren't going low in the middle of the night!! Once you learn what # you can safely go to bed at, you can stop that one if you want! :) I only tested in the middle of the night for about 2 weeks. since I was so consistant. My safe # is 76. Anything below that at bedtime, and I have a slice of bread with peanut butter on it. :wink: Are you taking R too, to treat highs?? If not, I would suggest you ask your doc about that! I think that's been the thing I love the most!!! No sitting around waiting for you BG to come down, just take some R and down it comes it just a little bit of time! :D I don't have to use my R very often at all tho, that's a good thing!!! :)

[Cyborg]

Another insulin junkie!

Congratulations :congrats:

[ladytaz]

Another insulin junkie!

Congratulations :congrats:


LOL Cyborg! That's what my son (lovingly) calls me :) and what I named my blog!

[caswellhb]

Ok. So I'm 8.9 at the moment, just taken my shot and eaten. Usually I am around 19 at this time of day.
I'm still feeling great and still low carb.
I dragged my dogs around the countryside until they hated me today and am still going strong.
I really should have started this long ago. Stupid Docs.
I am using this thread as a bit of a diary at the moment. Forgive me for being boring but it has been such a long time since I felt this well.

Heather.

[shockme]

hi heather!i'm so glad you're feeling better!isn't insulin WONDERFUL?b4 i went on it i was terrified-mainly of having to stick my self[needle phobia].but my bgs are great,my may a1c was waaaay better than my a1c at dx in jan.it's like-why didn't i want to do this?!if i weren't suffering from this stupid constant fatigue-i bet i would fell a gazillion times better.take care,trish

[xMenace]

Ok. So I'm 8.9 at the moment, just taken my shot and eaten. Usually I am around 19 at this time of day.
I'm still feeling great and still low carb.
I dragged my dogs around the countryside until they hated me today and am still going strong.
I really should have started this long ago. Stupid Docs.
I am using this thread as a bit of a diary at the moment. Forgive me for being boring but it has been such a long time since I felt this well.

Heather.

OMG no Heather. This kind of stuff makes me smile. :D Right now there's probably a dozen lurking guests deciding they need to do the same. Keep it coming!

[statdeac]

Awesome, Heather! Great to hear that this is working so well and that you feel so much better. Out of curiousity, what has your lowest reading been since starting?

[caswellhb]

My lowest reading was 4.7 and I felt a little hungry then. I guess my body is so used to outrageously high numbers that it starts to panic at low normal numbers.
I have been testing hourly today to see what happens and I have been getting mostly between 5 and 6.
Still completely hyperactive and loving it!

Heather.

[tanyatype1]

Just read this thread Heather and I'm so happy for you!

[GhostRydr]

Not boring at all Heather, I rather find it inspiring that you are doing great and sharing this not only for us here and now, but for future folks that join and see what benefits can be gotten from the right things.

[statdeac]

My lowest reading was 4.7 and I felt a little hungry then. I guess my body is so used to outrageously high numbers that it starts to panic at low normal numbers.
I have been testing hourly today to see what happens and I have been getting mostly between 5 and 6.
Still completely hyperactive and loving it!

Heather.Wonderful numbers! How excellent all around!

[Peggy]

caswelhb is a T2, as I am. I have been using Novolog for a year now and have had fantastic results. My husband has been diabetic for over 25 years now and I have had lots of experience mixing insulins. But this is so much easier and has worked so well that my endo recently reduced my dosage because he felt my A1c was TOO low. I have far fewer lows on novolog than I had on oral meds alone. When I was on Metformin and Glucovance I had so many lows I was afraid to drive. I can see why T1's would have better control when they can adjust the mix according to what they eat, but I think mixes are fine for us T2's.

[ladytaz]

I'm SO excited for you Heather!! I also know exactly how you feel!! Even 4 months down the road, I still get kinda *giddy* when I see those good numbers! :wink: It's almost like I think it's a dream sometimes, and then I'm going to wake back up to that nightmare that is higher numbers! LOL

I agree with John, there probably are some lurkers about, reading your posts, and thinking that they'll ask thier doctors about this "amazing stuff" called insulin!! :D

[sweetstick80]

Hey Taz, the wedding went well, no highs and better yet no lows. This is probably the best forum I`ve been on. Tried others, but you guys and gals have really got it together.
Congrat to Heather for doing a good job! Jack

[ladytaz]

Hey Taz, the wedding went well, no highs and better yet no lows. This is probably the best forum I`ve been on. Tried others, but you guys and gals have really got it together.
Congrat to Heather for doing a good job! Jack

YaaaY Jack!!!! w00t! w00t! w00t! :five:
Yep, Yep, DEFINITELY the best forum!!! :D

[caswellhb]

I have just got back from the Doc. She has raised my evening dose by a couple of units and wants me to raise the morning dose in three days time.
She was absolutely thrilled with my progress, as am I.
She wants to see me again in a week but thinks I am on top of things at the moment.
Thank you all so much for the help and support.

Heather.

[statdeac]

Exellent news!

[pjams]

Heather,
I am glad for you. You were so wound up a few days ago, probably you are laughing now. Keep it up! As a new user I can relate a lot of things that you mention. I am also glad to be on insulin. Should have done that a long time ago! (Dx'd in 1983)

[Cyborg]

Great news! Be careful, as you probably haven't experienced your first hypo yet. I suggest carrying a small tube of glucose tabs with you as it could save your life. Hypos are inevitable while taking insulin, IMO...

[ladytaz]

I have just got back from the Doc. She has raised my evening dose by a couple of units and wants me to raise the morning dose in three days time.
She was absolutely thrilled with my progress, as am I.
She wants to see me again in a week but thinks I am on top of things at the moment.
Thank you all so much for the help and support.

Heather.


YaY Heather!!! :D :dancing2:

[shockme]

YAAAAAY!!!trish