[Dode]

Good afternoon everyone. My husband and I have an appointment to see an endo in August and there are a few things I would like to know before we go to see him. So far we are both only on oral meds but I think maybe for me anyways that insulin is coming . I am wondering if someone would be so kind as to help me understand more about insulin-- what it does, how it is used, which is better -- needle, pen or pump? When it a pump better that the other way? How hard is it to change from pills to insulin? What kinds of problems arise from the insulin? I really want to go to this Dr. informed about all this so I can take a bit more control in my and my husbands care.
Thank you all for any and all information.

[liz32]

Hi Dode: since this is a T2 forum I'm going to assume that that is what you and your husband are. That being said, this is what I know from what I take. I am on metformin for oral medication. It is used as a base line for my sugars. I wasn't able to take more oral medication due to allergies and intolerance (severe side effects). My diabetic nurse told me about early insulin intervention. I now take lantus (also called glargin) insulin. The nice thing about it is that it works over 24hrs, so only one needle a day (at least for me). What I like about it is that there are no side effects to taking it and it gave me relavitely quick control and brought my sugars down within the target range...something the metformin alone couldn't do.
For me, taking one needle a day was better than taking three or four different pills with varying side effects...some of which made me nervous. This lantus has only been available in Canada for a couple of months now. It's been available in the states for awhile I think.
I'm not sure that pumping is open to T2..maybe someone else could answer that. The only time I hear of pumping is for T1's. If you find out differently I'd love to know. Anyways, hope this is of some help.

[liz32]

Dode: I like to use a micro fine needle..you tend to waste more insulin with the pen. Lantus is not cheap..about $80 a vial(10 ml vial). You can check out Lantus on the web and other insulin types too. It will tell you all there is to know about the subject.

[rzrbks]

As soon as I finish this last vial of Lantus, I've got everything to switch to the Lantus Opticlik pen. By doing this, I'll be able to use all the Lantus and not have to throw away half a vial each month.

If you go to Multiple Daily Injections, my personal choice is the InDuo system. It makes keeping track of your B/G and Rapid acting(bolus) insulin, so much easir.

Link to InDuo

http://www.induo.at/quickguide.html

[zookeeper671]

Originally Posted by liz32

I'm not sure that pumping is open to T2

Yes, T2's can pump.

[TvBabe]

Hi Dode

I am a type 2 on insulin. I was diagnosed April 1st, 2004. For months I had trouble with orals (they tried me on Diamicron and Glyburide, couldn't take Metformin due to other medical concerns). The Diamicron wasn't enough, the Glyburide left me having hypos constantly!

My GP told me that they could play with oral combinations/dosages for months or I could try insulin. I chose insulin and I do NOT regret my decision at all! My diabetes management is soooooo much better now. Even when I made the switch to insulin we had a few problems. I started out with one shot a day, then two and now I am doing four. Three short acting that cover my meals and a long acting insulin that gives me a baseline.

I have no experience with pumping, I use pen delivery for my short acting and syringes for my long acting. Although there is some waste with pen delivery it is my favorite. I can hardly wait for the Lantus people to make pen delivery for their product!

I also exercise every day, I am doing a walking program and walk at least 3 miles a day. I am working up to 5 miles a day or 10,000 steps because from what I've read that can reduce diabetic complications

[Dode]

Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for the replies. I guess I am looking for what others are using and how they like it and how it is working for them. I am glad to read this from your replies. I always seem to have problems telling what it is that I want or need the first time out. I feel it is important to know as much as we can before we go to this dr. so we can either agree or disagree with what he says. As neither my hubby or I can take metformin and I certainly would not want him on Actos after I have realized how sick I was on it. I would much rather they just put us on the insulin and got us regulated so we can feel like humans again. I used to think I was wrong in thinking that way but I don't anymore.
I thank you all for your information .

[liz32]

What all is involved in pumping? I hear how it has given T1's their freedom and how much they love it. What all is invoved. Do you have to have surgery to get it going? Could you tell me all that you know..I'm really interested. I inject now and don't mind it one bit...but 10 years down the road...who knows. Thanks