Symlin and skipping doses

[BeckieLynn55]

So I just came back from my doctors today. He told me about and started me on Symlin in about 10 minutes time. I explained to him that I'm a student and have trouble keeping my insulin with me. I'm on campus for about 14 hours a day without anywhere to keep my insulin cold. For this reason, I told him that I wont be able to be consistant with using Symlin every single day. He assured me that it is fine but to try to use it as much as possible. However, as I see the increasing scale up to 10 units, I assume that missing Symlin during this time probably inst good...

Anyone have problems like this when beginning... did you stay on Symlin? I took my first dose for lunch today, and will take my second at dinner around 8 or so. I'm keeping the Symlin on me today, but I wont be able to keep it unrefridgerated every single day for 10-14 hours. I'm thinking about calling customer support. Something doesnt sound right.

Any advice? Any general advice for keeping it chilled? I've been on the pump for 6 years and havent had to deal with keeping insulin with me since I was in high school... and the school nurse kept it.

[TvBabe]

Maybe use a Frio case?

Your in the States so I don't have an American website to post but at least this Canadian website will give you an idea of what it looks like and how it works.

http://www.diabetesexpress.ca/product_info.php/cPath/40/products_id/561

[Shotokan]

The Frio packs are a good solution. Here is a link to their website:
http://www.medicool.com/diabetes/diabetes_travel.html

[Roberta]

Hi BeckyLynn,

Don't be concerned about the Symlin. I am carrying it along with a syringe and wipes with me in my meter case. I carry my insulin and a separate syringe in case of a pump issue. Symlin can be out of the refrigerator for 30 days like Insulin. One advantage is that I am losing weight. Hallelujah something I have not done in the 30 years since my diagnosis. It has regulated me to the point that I don't need to inject Symlin a lot. I only use it when my BS is above 70 and I plan to eat more than 20 grams of carb. As a pump user I was reluctant to have to go and inject prior to each meal but the Symlin is really OK. It has regulated me and I am OK with it. Learn to carry a purse as a fashion statement. You carry a meter, just dump your Symlin in and roll on.

[BeckieLynn55]

thatnk you Roberta! I am actually very excited for this Symlin now! I've been telling all my friends about it all day... I'm surprised none of them have shushed me yet. I also read today that it is good for 30 days which is obviously great news! I for some reason never thought of putting it in with my glucometer. But I'll definitely start that tomorrow. I always have a purse or bookbag with me anyhow, so it works out.

Thank you everyone for your help!

[Shotokan]

Here is some information about Byetta, which is usually prescribed to Type 2 diabetics, and Symlin, which is usually prescribed to Type 1 diabetics. It shows some impressive effects of Symlin on BG levels. It also stresses that Symlin can be left unrefrigerated for up to 28 days, but then should be discarded. This pdf file is about 1.3MB, so it will take a while if you have a slow internet connection.

http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/issues/issue265/New%20Drug%20Update.pdf