new to list and first time insulin user

[ticacatmom]

Hi everyone. I have been a type 2 diabetic for 5 years now, and am 58 years old. I now will be taking Lantus starting on Thursday. I'm not sure how I will feel and can anyone tell me what it was like the first time they took it. I also will continue on metformin, actos, and junevia.

[sridder]

I'm a fairly recently diagnosed Type 2 and I was started on Lantus at diagnosis. I don't currently take it but when I did the only thing I noticed was that, in combination with other meds and diet changes, my BG levels came down to a great range. I used the Lantus pen The injection itself can burn a bit - noticed this more after I'd been taking for a week or so and had to up my dosage. But it didn't always burn - just sometimes.

[jps]

For me, it was a magic bullet. Only med I've ever been on in my life. Diagnosed one year ago. It's painless, so don't be afraid of that.

I worked with my insulin, ie, I ate only enough carbs to cover my insulin. I NEVER took more insulin because I wanted to splurge on carbs.

I modified my diet to low carb, exercised more and obeyed my meter. This combination worked wonderfully. Not only did I not GAIN weight as many people do on insulin. I lost it. Alot of it. Down nearly 90 pounds now.

Weight loss came, IR dropped, my dosage of insulin dropped too. Now I'm off it completely. Have been for 10 months now. Sugars are still good without it.

Don't be afraid. Alot of people are. If it doesn't work well, you'll find out soon enough and go from there. If it does work well, it can give you control you didn't think was possible.

Some people look as going to insulin as failure. For me it was graduation.

[ticacatmom]

thanks for the advice - I'm not afraid of the needle at all because I took Byetta in the past. I'm worried about gaining weight, as other meds have caused me to gain weight. I need to get this off. I've heard of people saying they were light headed when they took it. Just curious as to how my first day ill go. I guess I'll know soon enough

[sridder]

I didn't have any issues. I also didn't gain any weight. Hope it works well for you!

[jillrapp]

Good luck and congratulations on trying the Lantus! I really think you'll like it! Weight gain with insulin really only happens when you are over using carbohydrates. If you can stay at a low to moderate carb diet you should have no trouble. I would say there is a good chance you might be able to get off Actos and Juneuvia too once you get your dosage right on your lantus. Do remember, that however most people take Lantus just once/day.. someother split their doses and take about 60% of the dose at night before bed and the additional 40% does upon rising. Do talk to you doctor before making any changes, I just wanted you to be aware that there are other ways to go sometimes. :) Good luck!