Comments on: On Insulin, But Not Dependent

By: Mitch

Mitch — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 06:20:44 +0000

Hi Lynn. At this time, I’ve switched from Levemir to Lantus, which you mentioned, and I’m now up to 28 units; you didn’t say how many you’re using. And, this week, I finally started working out again, and finally my glucose numbers have come down. I’d been having trouble getting my morning number under 200 for a few months; this week, the highest morning number has been 171, and all the other numbers have been in the 150’s. Hey, I’ll take that, and if working out in the evening, before I take my injection, is going to work for me, then I’m going to do it. Course, I’m still fighting the hunger issue, but I’m just drinking a little bit more and hoping that stops things.

As for the pain at times, what I’ve found is that if I go at an angle I feel the pain, so I really have to try to concentrate on going straight in. Also, taking the needle out, which was supposed to be the easy part, is problematic, mainly because my educator told me to leave it in 5 seconds, and I guess I move it around, which causes a little bit of pain coming out, plus has had me bleeding a couple of times, like an idiot. I’m sure I’ll get it figured out, though.

By: lynners

lynners — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:54:46 +0000

Bernard… have your tried Mini III (purple) needles? 3/16 inch smaller and less hurtful. How is it that you CAN injuect it incorrectly? I do the Pinch and juggle the alcohol swab and wait for it to dry and try getting pen ready to go. Sometimes so awkward, I have to stop pinching skin and use two hands to get pen in other hand, then forget where I had swabbed the injection site. How long does it take to get skilled at this?

By: lynners

lynners — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:47:27 +0000

I too found out that Lantus overnight did not bring down sugars in the morning. I also felt additional hunger. I have since used a zero calorie drink @ 1/3 bottle per meal called Slim-Lite stating good for Diabetics. It works on curbing the appetite. A case can be purchased in Sam’s Club. Go for it. Still struggling with Lantus after 5 days. New at this.
Good Luck

By: Mitch

Mitch — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:55:41 +0000

Hi Bernard. Thanks for all the information you’ve given me. I’ve also learned over the past couple of days that if you don’t inject properly, it will hurt, and hurt bad! That’s the part of needles that scares people, and I hope I’ve learned NOT to do it wrong again!

By: Bernard Farrell

Bernard Farrell — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:43:53 +0000

I should mention that the reason for the smell in insulin is so you know if some has leaked. It’s really useful if you’re using an insulin pump. And you’re right, it does smell like bandages.

By: Bernard Farrell

Bernard Farrell — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:42:33 +0000

It sounds like insulin is a move in the right direction for you. But I’m sure you’ll find it challenging.

There’s a wonderful social networking site for folks with diabetes. You can find it at http://TuDiabetes.com. And there’s a lot of support and information sharing available there.

So if you have questions or need advice try it out. You can also find me there at http://tudiabetes.com/profile/bernfarr.

Best of luck with the insulin treatments.