are there any side effect to insulin?

[liz32]

I'm just wondering if there are any side effects to taking insulin? My diabetic nurse says that I may have to start taking other insulin besides lantus because I can't tolerate metformin and other orals are out due to allergies. As far a I can see there aren't any but if anyone know for sure I'd love to know. Thanks

[duck]

It will cause hypoglycemia. I know that's the purpose of it, but let's get that out of the way...

"Some" people attribute many of life's ills to insulin--CHF, stroke, coronary heart disease, etc. I'm not sure how I stand on those issues, but since I'd die without insulin, I'll take my chances.

[Mick]

Believe it or not, weight gain is the most common side effect of insulin. Because insulin is a food-storage hormone, guess what--the more you take, the more efficiently you will be able to store food--as fat! The only way around this is VERY careful matching of carbs eaten with insulin injected--the difficulty is in having to "feed your insulin" to maintain proper blood glucose levels--as long as you can avoid this, you can avoid weight gain!

Michael

[Lynne]

Mick is right, you're going to be come an expert at matching insulin to carbs- the fewer carbs the less insulin you need. That's why you need nutritional assistance as you move forward.

[liz32]

my doctor says that if we add more insulin to mix that I will be doing strictly carb counting in relation to insulin. I wonder if it gives you more freedom in what you eat. Right now some days are ok but others aren't and I try to do the same thing every day. I guess that I just don't really understand what's going on and need more indepth information. I definately don't want to gain any weight...I've just lost roughly 27 pounds (I'm averaging about 1 1/4 lbs a week) and I'd hate to gain any of it back. Do the ratio of carbs to insulin differ depending on the insulin or the carbs or is it always the same? I think I heard it is 15g of carb to 1 unit of insulin. Is this right? Thanks :king:

[camjen1]

Everyones carb ratio is different. Mine is 1:15 but yours might be 1:10. That is up to you and your DR to figure out.

Far as the weight gain I would have to agree. I gained initially about 45 lbs. I lost it after awhile but I gained it right back + more. My weight fluctuates between 130-200.

[HeatherP]

In addition to the above, dry skin. You may need to moisturize more often than you do now.

[Cinnabon]

In addition to the above, dry skin. You may need to moisturize more often than you do now.

Yes!!!! Weight gain is definite on this, too. This is truly unfortunate, do that we really need it.

[liz32]

thanks for all the info. This is truley a very frustrating condition! there seems to be no hard and fast rules and everything changes as you go. I am thankfull though to be here in Canada: from what I hear from you guys about trying to get insurance to pay for treatment and the likes at least I know that once they figure out what to do with me, I'll have no problem getting what I need. Hopefully I can figure this out without the weight gain..that would be the straw that breaks the camels back! thanks :)

[HeatherP]

Liz,

Weight gain is always a worry for us ladies. Insulin can cause that, BUT, get your sugars in line first. (Being a few pounds overweight is MUCH sexier than missing a foot as I keep telling myself) Losing weight on insulin is a bit more difficult, but it IS possible. Simple old fact of burning more calories than you take in (I've managed a 15 lb weight loss in the last several mo's). Keep your priorities straight and make adjustments to your activity/eating as necessary. Protein is a great pre-excercise snack combined with a low-carb food to sustain energy level on a low calorie basis.

P.S. If you start on short-acting insulin, make sure you get a glucagon injection kit!

HeatherP

[liz32]

what is a glucogon injection kit? I've never had a serious low..only a funny one just after my period, while out hiking in a wildlife park. I'm assuming that is what it's for? You are right, a little chub is better than missing a foot or otherwise....definately not attractive! I think the doc is thinking an insulin to cover my meals, would that be a short acting insulin? Thanks for the info. I've learned more here than at the doc's office. :thumbsup:

[HeatherP]

A glucagon injection kit is indeed for an emergency - it will bring your sugars up again when you've gone hypo. It's not for the "everyday" type of low, but the kind of low where you might be incoherent, having seizures and or passing out.

Severe lows like that are pretty unusual but you should be prepared just in case. Those of us taking insulin are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia, no matter if you're T1 or 2. I believe than anyone taking insulin should have one on hand. I keep two, one in my purse so it's with me and my husband keeps one on his desk so he knows where it is should I need it.

Insulin to cover meals would indeed be short-acting. I think the most popular are Humalog and Novolog these days.

I hope that answers some of your questions!

[liz32]

thanks for all the info. here's another question for you all...Does anyone get headaches after eating? I get a quick and painful headache just after eating. It sometimes goes away quickly and sometimes it doesn't. Am I doing something wrong or does everyone get these. Just a question. Thanks