2 Shots of Lantus

[Stanimal]

I have problems with my sugars rising in the morning. I went to bed last night with my bs @ 85. took my 40 units of lantus and woke up this morning to a nice bs @ 161. I called my doctor and they said that I should Take 2 shots of lantus @ bed instead of just one. Has anyone heard of this? I really dont want to give myself 2 shots of 20 instead of one 40.


Thanks,

Stan:confused:

[zookeeper671]

I don't get it... are you supposed to take the 2 shots back to back? Doesn't make sense to take 2 injections of 20 back to back rather than one injection of 40.

I'm thinking your doc meant for you to split the dose into a morning shot and an evening shot. Makes more sense.

If this is the case, many people have to do this, so you're not alone.

I'd call your doc back to have him confirm his instructions if you're unsure about them.

[Stanimal]

No, back to back. The nurse said that this woks better for some patients when using a higher dose. Somthing about the absorbtion.

[HeatherP]

I've never heard of such a thing. Sounds odd, but you could give it a try.

I split my Lantus into two doses a.m. & p.m.

If you decide to try it, let us know how it goes.

HeatherP

[Shalyndria]

Originally posted by Stanimal
No, back to back. The nurse said that this woks better for some patients when using a higher dose. Somthing about the absorbtion.
It's about variability. When insulin is injected only a certain amount is actually utilized (there is an average percentage but I can't remember it and can't look it up at work ;) ). By splitting a larger dosage into several smaller ones you're also decreasing the percentage of possible unused insulin. And injecting into different spots seems to have a positive result on absorption.

Shy

[jared]

i think i need to move in with Shy so i can learn some stuff. It seems like you know everything..... teach me some stuff.

[sparkle9]

As Shy mentioned, it's about variability. Dr. Richard Bernstein calls it the laws of small numbers and recommends that a single injection not exceed 7 units. He devotes an entire chapter to this topic in his book Diabetes Solutions. I believe you can read this chapter online.

Personally I take small injections (9 units at the most) anyway, so dividing it up and injecting it into 2 different sites at the same time doesn't make much difference to me. I do find that dividing the lantus into 2 doses (AM and PM - 12 hrs. apart) makes a big difference, as Heather has also mentioned.

BTW, I would like to share that my first grandchild, a 7lb. 12 0z. girl named Madalyn, was born today. She's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen, of course!

Sparkle

[Shalyndria]

Originally posted by jared
i think i need to move in with Shy so i can learn some stuff. It seems like you know everything..... teach me some stuff.
Well if you move in I'll be charging you rent ;)

All kidding aside, if you ever have a question jared or something you're curious about or would like to learn, you're welcome to PM me and I'll do my best to help you. :)

Sparkle, congrats on the new grandbaby!!! What a beautiful name!

Shy

[HeatherP]

:topic:

Congrats Sparkle9! I'm sure you're not the least bit biased! :D
I hope New Mommy and Baby are doing well!

HeatherP

[Stanimal]

Well it seems that my doctor may not be crazy after all! My bs when I got up this morning was 140. For me thats good, and I had a large snack before bed. Without the snack it probably would have been 120 or less. So I guess two shots are better than one.

Stan

[Shalyndria]

:thumbsup:
That's great news Stan! I'm glad it worked out. :)

Shy