New to Insulin

[jimhodges]

I have been a Type 2 for about 25 years now and started on Humulin N about a month ago. I have found I am actually not doing as well (yet) with the Humulin as I did on just oral meds.
I am at 14 units twice a day but I have no clue if this a light dosage or ?? :confused:

[princesslinda]

Hi Jim! Can't help you with your question, but wanted to welcome you to the forums. I'm sure one of our "resident insulin experts" will be along shortly to answer your
questions.;)

[Alice]

Welcome...please ask your doctor why he didn't prescribe Lantus (a very even feed long-term...24 hours or near)...the N is an older insulin, but for some reason, maybe he felt it was best for you.

Those "peaks" in the N are pretty fierce, so be sure and look at the packaging graph for what times during the day & night you are getting the highest action.

Lantus isn't perfect, but it's the best thing to come down the pike in a long time. I'd say the majority of insulin-dependent diabetics are on Lantus.

Good luck!

(If you aren't seeing an endo...that might help with the insulin!)

[Jill-O]

Hi and welcome here from Virginia http://www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/bye.gif

I'm also a type 2 on insulin. I started early into my diagnosis using a pre-mix (Novolog 70/30) 2x a day. Now I take Humalog before meals and Lantus at night. It takes awhile to get the dosing right, but I think once you do, you will like the results a lot better than oral meds http://www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/yes.gif

[jimhodges]

Thanks for the reply.

[xMenace]

Welcome.

Ya, I've never seen Humulin N prescribed like that. Typically Lantus or Levemir is the insulin of choice.

[owlyn]

Welcome.

Ya, I've never seen Humulin N prescribed like that. Typically Lantus or Levemir is the insulin of choice.

When i was on NPH, it was a dose just like that 12/14 and then 14/14.

Anyway, as others have mentioned, that is now what could be considered an old-fashioned insulin. It is a basal insulin, meant to provide a stable amount of backgorund insulin. The problem with NPH is that its response is not flat. About 4-6 hours after injecting, it "peaks", which can send your BG plummeting. Ask the doctor why he has you on NPH as opposed to Lantus or Levemir (also baslas, but have a flat reponse). If his answer doesn't sound right, ask to switch to one of them. He's probably a GP and hasn't kept up with the latest.

[jimhodges]

I think that I am changing Drs. He is a GP and get too defensive when I ask questions. Thanks a lot for your input.
Jim

[kgm0612]

Hi Jim & Welcome. Nice people and tons of information to be found here.

If your GP is getting "defensive" when you ask questions, then it's time to find a new doctor. Good luck!

Karen

[Jan B]

Jim,

A good doctor wants you to research and keep up with the best ways to take care of yourself. Good choice on your part about finding a better doctor. The doc should be impressed, not defensive!!