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May 17, 2011
Nikki H-C
23 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Feeling hungover!! Thanks Redstellaartois, you're right, my correction dose was much lower than it should have been but as I was going to bed and can sleep through a hurrican or earthquakes, (having slept through both before) I correct less than I should at bed time in case of a night time hypo. Ive only just started to do corrections at bed time so am taking it carefully!! Not that I've ever had one, I'm convinced I won't wake up if I do!Novorapidboi26, you must be on a higher ratio than my 1:1.... Good that you are confident enough to correct properly before bed.... As before, Ive only just started to do correct at bed time so am taking it carefully!! Thanks everyone... not been this high sinse I posted this, thankfully!! I love this web site! 
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May 17, 2011
MelissaF
56 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus
Hi BMR, Just seen your post - it was me who started off this thread. I think, as NRB says, there's no hard and fast rule for everyone as everyone's body reacts in completely different ways. I tried for 5 months on the Levemir and couldn't get any sort of balance at all so went back to the Lantus in the end which suits me much better. My results are a lot more consistant and a lot more predictable and I find it much much easier to apply the DAFNE principles. I have no problem with it lasting for the full 24 hours but I think that the only negative point for me is the waiting for 3+ days to see results to dosage changes. No way around that I think. From the research that I did, I've found that Levemir works very well for a large amount of people but I've also found a fair percentage of people that it hasn't suited at all who have experienced the same problems that I did and that you are now. I think that it's widely recognised that, with Levemir, it's fairly usual to have to up your doseage so, if your doc put you on it to reduce units then that seems strange. Maybe you should discuss further with them. Maybe there were other reasons though? Personally I found that my levels veered between very high and very low with particular problems with very high morning readings. As I mentioned, I found that results were very unpredictable with patterns being very hard to spot and therefore treat. I also had real problems trying to work out how to split the two doses - nothing I did seemed to work. I would keep in constant contact with your HCP and keep talking through everything with them, ask for the reasons why they changed you and take advice in trying to sort it. Sometimes these things take a long time to sort but I understand your frustration with such high levels. See what happens with an increased dosage though. If you (and they) feel that you have given it a good enough trial and you still feel that it's not working for you then it may well be that the insulin just doesn't suit you and you need to switch back to something else. Your instinct is probably a pretty good one but obviously give it a good attempt first as it may settle and improve. I got very frustrated as I was communicating weekly with my nurse who was telling me that she had never heard of anyone experiencing problems on Levemir before and that I should just keep trying. This went on for months. In the end I made the decision myself to switch back. I mentioned my problems a few weeks ago to my consultant at a clinic appointment and straightaway she said that she had heard of several of her patients experiencing similar problems which was a bit frustrating. Let us know how you're getting on. Good luck with it. Melissa xx |
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May 17, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Feeling hungover!! I would of taken 14 units to correct that 19.8, even before my bed................
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May 17, 2011
Redstellaartois
3 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Feeling hungover!! Hi, when my BG is high I feel really rough, furry mouth, foamy tongue, sickly, thirsty so I guess its kind of like a hangover, without the fun the night before. Only other comment I would make is that your 2u corrective dose seems low. On the basis that 1 ratio (so 1 unit if you're on 1:1) will bring your BG down by roughly 3, I would have done 4u to bring it down by 12 to 7. JWo is right, the odd high won't do too much harm, we all get them! bw Linzi
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May 17, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus
I wish I could answer all your questions but I cant as I have never had or used one, but I have spoken to many who have, this is where I have got my information. I will try and answer some though: I believe you can carry it in pockets as well as clipped on to trousers, for the women clipped on or position in the bra is an option also, there are also pouches available for purchase. If I had a pump I would imagine it would get annoying, but I assume this feeling may disappear quickly.... Pumps are waterproof, so the shower and swimming is permitted....a change of cannula may be needed after long exposure to submersed condition..... Using the pump on Holiday is essential, as users would not go back to MDI just for a Holiday, however a current issue I have heard discussed recently is how to keep tubing and reservoirs cool in hotter climates.... The stories I have heard from people is that control is much better, perfect even, but this can change just as quick if your background/basal needs changed, which they do from time to time, this means lots more testing, overnight etc...and this can make users feel out of sorts as they try and investigate their new doses.....so like MDI, but if control is really good then you hit a bump in the road, then the effects may be felt more intensely..... I would assume that wearing the pump does restrict some positions, but it depends where the cannula is inserted, if its in a position where it and the connecting tubing is unaffected by movement it will be fine, but as I say, I cant speak from personal experience...... The overall consensus from me, is that the pump is a wonderful device, and if you really need it, then you can get one........you will already be used to the constant testing day and night through your failed attempts to gain control through MDI, so this will make the transition much easier to the pump....... Are you thinking about inquiring...........? What are the your chances at your clinic........? Where are your current problem areas......? |
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May 17, 2011
saxman
28 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus all of AKs questions go for me too. I have been reading about the pump and wondered if it would be better for me, i already do lots of tests and carb count but my bg levels are either low (hypo) or spiking |
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May 17, 2011
AK
16 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus Do you still use a pump, Novorapidboi?How do you carry it around eg in a pocket? Does it restrict what outfits you can wear? Do you ever get sick of it? Presumably you can't wear it in the shower/swimming? Do you use it on holiday? Even though it's harder work, is the control much better? Have you ever knocked it out by mistake? Does it restrict what positions you can sleep in? Thanks! |
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May 16, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus
what information do you need........... with a pump to begin with there is a lot of background testing, and some times a continuous glucose monitor is used (CGM) to ascertain when you need the most BI and when you need less............... so then different basal rates can be programmed by the hour believe it or not............it can be good in combating dawn phenomenon, by programming the pump to give you more BI in the small hours while you sleep.............. and the QA doses, or bolus doses can be programmed to even more weird and wonderful things, can change lives, but its hard work, harder than following to DAFNE.... |
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May 16, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus
its not conflicting advice.....its a good example of how these two insulins can all benefit us all in different ways.............try everything in my opinion, test, write it down, and make a decision........... being active as you say would require that flexibility provided by levemir................ i suppose in some ways, you could split the dose into more than 2 a day, theoretically, no one try this though, im no doctor................
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May 16, 2011
AK
16 posts
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Topic: Questions for HCPs / Information on menstrual cycle I didn't go back to the pill, I stayed on the coil because I like contraception I only have to think about once every 5 years! Having said that, you do get heavier periods, I never used to have pain but I do now (but I still think it's worth it ) etc etc From the diabetes angle though, no difference between them.
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May 16, 2011
AK
16 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus Just to confuse you with more conflicting advice: I have an active lifestyle and I found that 1 dose of Lantus wasn't flexible enough for me (usually because too much BI knocking around when I was exercising, meaning I just went hypo about 3 times in an hour of sport). Switching to 2 doses of Levimir is as close to perfection as I've come. |
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May 16, 2011
AK
16 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / So what do you do? Really interesting! JWo, I used to just leave my post to the other girl and have hot chocolate breaks! This only works if there are 2 of you though.HelenP: That's good to know. Even if you're not a barrister, at least I know it's possible to pull off a hypo in public! Tweety: That's really terrible, novorapidboi is right. |
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May 16, 2011
saxman
28 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus I have switched to levemir and my bg is stable and near normal compared to high spikes with lantus,I havent changed anything else so for me it works, has anyone got any information on using a pump?? |
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May 16, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus Although Lantus and Levemir are pretty much the same, there most obvious difference is the length it lasts and also its effectiveness.........I have been on 3 types, firstly Lantus, then Levemir, then Humilin I, then back to Levemir............with each insulin you may find yourself taking more or less, just because your on 16 units of Lantus doesn't mean it will be the same for Levemir or others.......the main motivation behind changing to Levemir as you all know is action time........ Some may have more stable, predictable blood sugars on Lantus, but the single dose just isn't flexible enough for the widely changing liver secretion throughout the day that some people, like myself, experience, so reliability may have to be sacrificed in order to get enough FLEXIBLE cover at all times of the day........ Although Diabetes has a mind of its own most of the time, the DAFNE principals do, in my opinion, make it clear.....if you blood sugars have went up, then its time to give yourself more insulin.......I was reluctant at times to up my BI doses, but if you have faith and follow the principals, it works, most of the time..... Its all about finding what best suits your own needs and as other have done, splitting Lantus is also an option, you can literally try anything...... Keep up the good work.......
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May 16, 2011
ang78
12 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus I switched from Levemir to Lantus around 6 months ago. I find the Lantus much better and can hold my BG for the full 24 hrs but I suppose everyone is different and more suited to different thingsAng |
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May 16, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / So what do you do?
That seems like a bad situation, I used to work night shift in a factory and basically it was killing me, granted I was only on 2 injections a day and didn't really take care of myself, so hypo were not an issue and therefore did not bother my bosses. I took the first opportunity out of there I could........ For you this may not be feasible, even with the type of work you do they should be giving you some lee way to care for condition, if they dont they are in violation..........I would read up on Disability Discrimination on both the general front and within any documentation your employer can or has provided you with..........as soon as they hear discrimination you might find they are a bit more sympathetic..........and its likely you dont want to upset anyone, but a change in their attitude towards you will make your life a lot easier and ultimately enable you to work out how to manage your blood sugar to the best of your ability in your current work environment... |
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May 16, 2011
BigManRestless
2 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Levemir versus Lantus I was moved to Levemir a few weeks ago, and started off the dosage recommended by my specialist at the hospital. My readings rocketed to an average of around 17mmols, with results in the high 20s not uncommon. I quickly upped the background dose, twice and still I'm not geting very good results at all. I'm lucky now to get anything under 10.After three weeks of this, today I feel sluggish, with no energy at all. I'm really, really angry that I was taken off a background insulin that was working for me because I was taking "too much" according to the doctor, and now I'm having to take even more than I was before, for worse results. |
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May 15, 2011
tweety
13 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Do you usually ignore warnings to diabetics to 'consult your GP before use'? I must admit I dont really look at the warnings on products, I belive they are just there so as novorapidboi put it 'the company can cover themselves'. |
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May 15, 2011
tweety
13 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / So what do you do? I work in a factory and my managers are usually ok with me takin my breaks when i need them, needless to say they're not too happy when i need to go of the floor to fix a hypo, still tryin to work out my bi during my monthlys, so findin im hypo up to 3 times a day those wks. all in all i try to eat a few carbs at my workstation if i feel an symptoms of bein low rather than take time of floor to take bg test. i've had all sorts of problems with my work an my diabetes more bcoz they dont want to know about it they think its just a case of takin my medication and i should be fine to not bother with my diabetes for the rest of the day. my workmates are just as bad, they seem to think i enjoy bein hypo and have made comments like 'i wish i had diabetes, u get to take extra breaks and eat on the workfloor' bcoz my job is quite phsycal i wait till my bg is 4 or above after a hypo b4 i go back to work. I apologise that was more like a rant about how unsypathetic my work is where diabetes is concerned. |
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May 15, 2011
linda-d
3 posts
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Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / android apps Thanks for that. Will try that one out. Have got rid of a couple already :-) |
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May 15, 2011
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / android apps 'on track diabetes' is really good, and free............
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May 15, 2011
JayBee
587 posts
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Topic: Questions for HCPs / Information on menstrual cycle Thanks for posting AK. I would like to try the non-hormonal coil so I appreciate your feedback about your experience! I'm guessing you went back to the pill afterwards?Okay, to touch in again on my progress. I have started having consistent higher body temps for the past couple of days and after a spell of good days, my BGs have been higher than expected.... what do we think? Time for me to consider putting my BI up perhaps? Based on what we see, I think that if I do, it'll only be up by 1BI in the evening. Will be seeing what happens in the next couple of days - for my body's confirmation as well (especially considering I really should be doing some after evening meal checks as well - whoops). |