[MarkMunday]

I have a major problem with remembering whether I have had my shot. Could be because of too many hypos over the years. But, then again, it could also be just age.

A pen with a memory would be be a big help. And the Innovo by Nordisk does exactly what I need it to. Does anyone have any feedback on this product? And can it be used with Humalog (by Eli Lilly)?

You can see details of the pen here :

http://www.insulindevice.com/innovo_default.asp

The In Duo also looks pretty cool. But BD test strips are not funded in New Zealand so I can't use it. Obviously, a pump would be the ideal solution. But pumps aren't funded here either .

Mark

[pacon]

The Innovo is great, especially the memory function. I also like the size of it compared to a conventional insulin pen. The InDuo is too big and clumsy for my taste. Only Novo insulin fits in Innovo. However, you can change insulin, from Humalog to NovoRapid (NovoLog in US). The InDuo uses the same test strips as Lifescans One Touch Ultra.

[Shalyndria]

Pre-pump days I used both the InDuo and Innovo. Induo for NovoRapid and Innovo for NPH (got them both free from my CDE) and I loved them. The display tells you when you last injected (in approximate hours) and counts down the time that the needle should be left in immediately after a bolus. They're also very durable; I dropped mine many times on hard surfaces and it never had an effect.
Like Pacon said only Novo penvials can be used with these systems, so your Humalog wouldn't be compatible. But if you're willing to try NovoRapid then it's a handy option.

Let us know how it goes
Shy

[lgvincent]

I don't think you don't remember taking insulin injections because of age or too many insulin reactions. It's just something you have to do every day and it's easy to forget if you've taken your insulin or not. I have the same problem. Something that has helpe me is the Complete meter. I can make an entry with it when I take an injection and how much. By using it, I can make sure I do take the injection and make sure that I don't take it twice. It works pretty well, but once I didn't make the entry after taking the injection and ended up taking it two times, so it does have a small flaw.

[MarkMunday]

Thank you all for the input. To me, the ability to use a the Innovo device makes switching to Novorapid worthwhile. So I think I will do that when I need more insulin in about a month.

I was wondering about whether there are any significant differences between the action of Humalog and Novorapid. And what I should expect to happen when I make the changeover. The two insulins are supposed to have similar action profiles. But I found this comment on diabetesnet.com :

Differences Between Humalog Versus Novolog

A couple of major differences are being reported by users between Novolog and Humalog. Especially among pumpers who switch from Humalog to Novolog, reports have surfaced that Novolog appears to be both stronger and quicker than Humalog, and doses have to be cut in order to prevent hypoglycemia. Dose reductions are often in the 10% range, and it may be wise to reduce doses right away to prevent unwanted lows. If, instead, blood sugars rise, doses can always be raised again.

Novolog also starts working faster than Humalog. Although no direct comparison of Novolog and Humalog has been reported, one researcy study found that in normal individuals, Novolog reaches peak activity at 52 minutes, compared to 145 minutes (2 hours and 25 minutes) for Regular insulin. Humalog peaks at about 75 minutes (Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1999 May;55(3):199-203). Both pumpers and injectors may note lower post-meal readings due to the faster onset of action.

Sounds like it could take a bit of getting used to. But I find the prospect of using a faster insulin quite appealing. Although, I suppose it could have it's downsides too .... Do any of you have any comment on this?

Mark

[buzzborne]

MarkMunday,

My dad started using the innovo pen and he didnt like it at all, he found it quite awkward to use, I also asked my diabetic nurse about it, and she said that they havent got that good a review... I hope that it works out for you... let us know?

[skilz123]

Just an idea, but what about just getting a palm pilot or something like that, and making a system where you write down exactly what you take and the time immediatly after you take your shot. This way if you look back and you didn't make an entry you know you didn't take it, just make sure you never write it down if you haven't taken the shot yet, always after. Usually what I do and it works best for me, my biggest problem is I'm always worried about lows, so I have trouble keeping my sugars below 120 as I'm alwaya afraid they may just drop out of nowhere, even though that usually never happens, I can't get passed it and always eat a little more then I should, or take less insulin then I should. What can you do

[MarkMunday]

Good idea. But just haven't been able to get that system to work for me! I am not good at keeping records, even at the best of times. If I am at home, I can make a point of recording all the relevant details. But if I test/inject/eat on the fly (like between appointments), the system breaks down. I find that carrying a booklet around the whole time (and using it!) is just too hard.

Using the Complete meter, as lg suggested, is an option. I would just have to stick to a discipline of recording my shots on it. But that would also mean more work. I am the only person who ever analyses this info and I am more comfortable doing it off the top of my head.

Ther problem I am having is very specific and I don't feel the need to change the system. So I will go ahead and try the memory pen out.

Thanks for the ideas.

Mark

[Shalyndria]

Hi Mark.
I've seen that comment regarding the novorapid/humalog action differences on several other websites before, but as I've never used Humalog I can't comment on the defining points between the two. You'll have to let us know what your personal experience is regarding the comparable features of the two.

I think that you'll find the Innovo to be a great help to you, and please let us know how you like it.

Shy

[stooge4444]

Since I use Humalog pens, there is a single dial and the number goes away after you push the plunger. Sometimes, I am in my own world, and I give my shot. For some reason, sometimes, I can't remember what number I dialed eventhough it was just seconds before.

Now this isn't old age for me.......

[MarkMunday]

I mentioned in a previous post that I was interested in the Innovo pen because it has a memory. When you take the lid off, you can see how many units you took with the last injection and how long ago it was.

I phoned Novo but was told that they don't distribute the Innovo pen in New Zealand and only support a few existing users. So I spoke to the CDE about it. She made a phone call and the pen was delivered to my doorstep, by courier and free of charge, the next day. I was impressed. I have been using it for a week now and it works well.

So that I could use the Innovo pen, I had to switch from Humalog to Novorapid. It is somewhat faster so I am now injecting immediately before meals. And my PP readings don't spike as much as they did with Humalog.

Cheers,

Mark

[Shalyndria]

Wow Mark, that was an admirable thing that your CDE did! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying using your new Innovo, and also that the Novorapid is working well.

Keep us posted on your progress!
Shy

[rzrbks]

As other have said, the Innovo pen is just the InDuo withoout the blood monitor.

I really love the time feature and, for me, the combination of monitor and injector are helpful in tracking insulin use/B/G realtionship.

I was on Humalog such a short time that I don't really recall the difference between NovoRapid and Humalog---I just know ehrn I found the Induo, I was very, very happy fellow.