Insulin Detemir

[johnzoomer]

I am on a pump and for reasons that I cannot fully explain at this time my supplies are starting to cost me for infusion sets and test strips. My provider has suggested that I go off the pump and try Detemir. I may have no choice however so far my Cozmore pump and my diligence has me at an A1C of 5.6. I am not soliciting supplies just trying to weigh alternatives on trying this insulin therapy out for a while or biting the bullet and continuing what I am doing.

Does anyone have experience with this long type of insulin?

[JediSkipdogg]

I can't help you, but FYI to those that read this and don't know.... Insulin Detemir is marketed as Levemir.

[Nita]

I am on a pump and for reasons that I cannot fully explain at this time my supplies are starting to cost me for infusion sets and test strips. My provider has suggested that I go off the pump and try Detemir. I may have no choice however so far my Cozmore pump and my diligence has me at an A1C of 5.6. I am not soliciting supplies just trying to weigh alternatives on trying this insulin therapy out for a while or biting the bullet and continuing what I am doing.

Does anyone have experience with this long type of insulin?

I use LEVEMIR as my long acting one with HUMALOG for meals. I was using LANTUS but was switched to LEVEMIR after I had hives all over my face. I truly cannot tell you if it was LANTUS or not unless I tried it again.

They work basically the same and I do not know why some doctors prescribe one over the other. It is working well for me for my 24 hour basal coverage.

Nita

[shabbie6247]

using levemir is the reason i wanted to go ON the pump in the first place.
it just never gave me the consistent coverage that they promised.

many people here that use levemir split the dose to get 24 hour coverage from it.

i cant fault it otherwise :P

[johnzoomer]

Thanks do not go on here that often. I am finding out the same thing.... This insulin is like riding a roller coaster compared to the pump.

[BlueSky]

What was your basal profile when you were on the pump, in terms of units/hour during over the 24 hour cycle? Comparing it to the Levemir action profile should help identify problem areas and help in getting them sorted.

[johnzoomer]

I guess I am still trying to determine that as of this moment. As stated my basel was 3.5 per hour on the pump and I am now taking 40 units morning and 40 units evening of the Levemir Insulin detemir. I am still trying to zero in on the correct dosage any suggestions?

[pjams]

You may want to contact Novo Nordisk (manufacturers of Levemir). They may refer you to get it at reduced rates. I believe all drug companies have that program.
I am on Levemir and working to go on a pump. Levemir, for me, works better taken twice a day, rather than once as they advertise. One still needs something else to bolus before eating. My aim is for better control and more regular levels of BG, hence the pump.
JayP

[pjams]

As stated my basel was 3.5 per hour on the pump

Were you using Levemir on a pump? My CDE told me that Levemir would be dropped and I would be using only Novolog on pump.
JayP

[johnzoomer]

No I only used novolog aspart on the pump

[johnzoomer]

When I was on the pump I achieved 5.6 A1C the best I did when shooting up was in the low 7's. I think you should love the pump. I hope I can get back to it after this experiment.