Newbie Question

[ubdkjrb]

Just started taking insulin with the pen. Doctor started me at 5 units and told me to advance 1 each day until I get my sugar to 110. I'm at 16 and my sugar still hasn't gone down (hanging around 200). What is the average dose? Do some people have to go to 50 units per injection? Sorry if this sounds stupid.:confused:

[Funnygrl]

What type of insulin? Does he want your FASTING sugar at 110?

[xMenace]

I take 24 basal units a day and some do take over 50. Some take under 10. Our needs are very different and variable. Don't go by what others take. Go by what gets your numbers down.

As you get closer to a good number, you may want to get up at 2am or 3am and take a test. Many drop low about then, but from what I've seen on here, new type 2 insulin users don't seem to have this issue. It only seems to raise it's ugly head once fully dependant. :stupido: That's not a fact.

[ubdkjrb]

What type of insulin? Does he want your FASTING sugar at 110?

Didn't know there were different kinds of insulin. The only thing he said was this was long lasting and only need to take once per day before bedtime. Yes, fasting sugar at 110.

[JadeMonkey]

Hi ubdkjrb,

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you along. This is a great place for information and support. Everyone is pretty cool too. ;)

If you look on the side of your pen it should tell you what kind of insulin it is. The brand name will probably be either Lantus or Levemir. Those are the two most popular long-acting insulins out there right now. When I took Lantus I took from 36-42 units a night but it really does vary a lot. I've heard everywhere from 2 units to over 100.

Do you happen to know if you are Type 1 or Type 2? I'd assume T2 if you're not taking any insulin with meals during the day. Does the doctor have you on any other meds, either injections or pills? Is this a general doctor or an endocrinologist?

-Jade

[ubdkjrb]

Jade - The pen is Lantus and I'm t2. I'm on glucophage (sp?) and actos and my doctor is a GP. I'm a little encouraged as my reading this am was 158 and I'm at 18 units.