Starting lantus

[Alcatraz]

so i finally got my Advantajet (http://www.advantajet.com/mainsite.htm) and my lantus today, however... i have no idea how much to give myself, im supposed to go see a diabetic nurse to learn to dose but the soonest i can get in is a month. i dont have that much time, metformin isnt working for me the way it used to so im on a bit of a time crunch.
i trust a battle hardened sergeant over some west point lieutenant any day. so if you guys could help me out here that would be great. what time of day is best to take lantus, and how much should i take based on blood glucose levels? if anyone knows a web page that could help me or knows from personal experience please let me know.

[Funnygrl]

Don't take it till your doctor tells you how much to take. Lantus doses are not based on blood sugar levels. Everyone's dose is different.

Congrats on being what I think is the only jet injector user here. Why did you choose that?

[Alice]

I'm very surprised your doctor didn't start you out with the Lantus dosing...not a nurse, and a month from now at that.

You will probably start at a lower dose and work up to an average that seems to be keeping your morning fasting numbers and pre-meal numbers in good range.

Lantus originally advised taking at night so that the "warm up period" was underway when we were sleeping...but too many people have had morning lows with that timing. (Some do ok)...

So, many of us take Lantus in the morning and after some trial and error...some of us take split doses of Lantus (you aren't there yet!) for better 24-hour coverage. This is not needed by everyone, so wait and see how you do on one injection a day.

You will like Lantus, but it has a learning curve, so be patient.
Again, please find out from your doctor why you have to wait a month. Are you on another insuling currently? I hope so...especially if you're Type I.

Good Luck! I'm sure others have tons more good advice.

[Alcatraz]

ummmmm i chose the jet for a number of reasons.
1. the advantajet (not other jets) is very efficient and allows the uses to use 10-15% less insulin then a needle.
2. after 2 1/2 years its cheaper then needles.
3 good for the environment
4. i wouldnt call it a phobia, dont get me wrong i once gave myself 12 stitches across the ribs, but i hate needles not sure why i never have had a bad experience with them i just dont care for them.
5. quicker absorption (when set properly) of the insulin.
6. it looks cool :D

[Alcatraz]

im just on metformin right now

[Funnygrl]

Why would they have a type 1 just on metformin? Or just on lantus, for that matter?

Seriously, one thread and I feel like you need a new doctor.

[shockme]

hi alcatraz! i agree with funnygirl! lantus is basal insulin-lasts[usually] for 24 hrs. i take 10 units at 6 pm...my doc let me pick the time i wanted to take it....i cannot imagine why the dr didn't tell you how much to take! look on the prescription label-should say how much to take.....or call the office today! if your bgs are high-then the sooner you start the lantus ,the better! trish

[Geoff]

Hi Alcatraz, Like the others, I can not think why?? Your Doc as put you on just metformin if you have been diagnosed as being a type 1 diabetic. Metformin is mainly used by type 2 diabetics, to help them improve their resistance to the insulin that they are still producing. If you are a type 1, you will be producing very little insulin, or none at all!!

Just to bring you up to speed with using lantus the following is the best web site that I know to answer all you needs, and questions about using Lantus.

Lantus notes (http://medweb.bham.ac.uk/easdec/prevention/lantusnotes.htm)

[Alcatraz]

i dont know :( should i be on a number of things? i have a pretty good diet with zero comprimise. originaly i was diagnosed with type 2

[Funnygrl]

Type 1s should not be an orals and require both long and short acting insulin.

You either really need a new doctor, or you're not type 1.

[Alice]

Maybe the doctor forgot that you were on the oral medication? I would put a call in asap to the doctor. What is your fasting glucose without starting the Lantus?

[Alcatraz]

well i found out im not type 1 or type 2. i have LADA diabetes. oh and my fasting without lantus is 94-112

[Funnygrl]

What did they base your LADA dx on?

Those fasting numbers aren't bad at all.

[Alcatraz]

they based it on the fact that 3 dr.s went back and forth between type 2 then type 1 for about 2 months. then i went and saw a diabetic specialist at UCSF medical center. she said i had LADA, she was actualy one of the coolist people i have spoken to about diabetes, the main reason being she is a diabetic.