I don't like needles either. Probably got that from my mom's mother along with my diabetes. I watched her cry every time she gave herself a shot. However, when 2000mg Glucophage gave me diarrhea so bad I couldn't be more than 10 feet from a bathroom, I didn't have any choice. Fortunately, I did find a way to give myself a shot with almost no pain. I stick my needle into the center of the stretch marks on my stomach. No nerve endings in the stretch mark, so no pain on entry.
I am on Actos (pills) and Lantus, which is just one shot a day. It's a good way to get used to the needles. Might check with your doctor to see if that will work for you.

Thanks for the advice. I was on metaformin but the doctor took me off because she thought it might be harming my kidneys. She has increased the dose of the Glipizide to the max and I'm still getting readings over 200 after dinner. I had to get allergy shots every week when I was a kid and therefore hate needles. I'm alone now that my mom died and I'm wondering what's the point of it all. I'm going along with the doctor because she's going to extend my disability payments and I don't want to mess that up.

IMMEDIATELY you need to reduce your fat intake to 2g/serving. I suggest cutting out all animal products, especially eggs and dairy from your diet. The fats you do eat should be mostly monounsaturates like flaxseed, olive, peanut and canola.

For details, grab a copy of "Dr. Neal Barnard's Program For Reversing Diabetes." It's helping me so much I can hardly believe it.

Don't be afraid of the insulin. I know you probably fear the needles more. If and when you do go on insulin, you will be taught how to give the injections. Explain your fears and they will help with that too. I was afraid of taking insulin, but not so much because of the needles. I'm an LPN and have given many injections. I also lost my fear of needles from all the IV's I've endured since I had a blood clot in my lungs 6 yrs ago. Once you get past the fear of the needles and are on the insulin, you are going to start feeling so much better! I know I felt so much better after starting the insulin. When you give yourself injections, you will be giving them either in the abdomen or the thigh. There are fewer nerve endings there and it won't be quite so painful. I think you are going to do just fine with this! It's a difficult step to take, but one that you can overcome!! Remember, YOU CAN DO THIS!! Think positive and think how much better you are going to feel when you start getting the insulin!!! Best of luck to you!!!

Ive never heard of anyone having kidney harm from metformin, ask pharmacist if its a known problem

might be a good time to start the atkins diet, get a book about it

A needle is the least of you worries, unless you get your Blood Sugar under control, there are many complications ahead of you. I have been diabetic for 35+years, I am in control and you need to be, to lead a healthy life. Please talk to your Doctor about this.

I also have never heard of kidney problems with Metformin. I've been on it for 10 years with no problems. Are you sure your kidney problems aren't caused by the diabetes ?

Reply #5 - 01/09/09 6:42pm
" Ive never heard of anyone having kidney harm from metformin, ask pharmacist if its a known problem

might be a good time to start the atkins diet, get a book about it "

Yes can find nothing about Metformin kidney damage what I did find is possibility of inability to absorb vit B12

sub lingual B12 should resolve this as it goes directly into the blood stream, the bottle will say methylcobalamin not cyanocobalamin.

I put one under my tongue once a week makes me feel proactive LOL

I freaked out when I was told I had to give myself the shots. I got over that so fast. I use the short, thin needles and rarely do I feel anything. Just be patient and nurturing to yourself.

The needles are soo tiney and I have a nice big target of fat around my belly to inject. I seldom feel it.
Get that sugar under control girl!

Cliffenstein, if I cut out meats and dairy, there goes my food. I have been drinking alot of skim milk lately. The eggs I don't have often. I also love lowfat cottage cheese. I mostly eat turkey meat or fish, I don't live near any fast food places so I'm lucky there.

The doctor took me off metaformin after my lab test results showed that there was a problem with my kidneys.

Cliffenstein - I agree with Donna - I love meat and don't intend to give it up. Eating veggies all day is an absolute bore. As long as you don't eat prcessed meats like deli meat, bacon or sausage there's nothing wrong with a good steak. It goes good with sauteed mushrooms and onions.

p.s. Clittenstein - what's wrong with dairy - I'm not saying you should eat swiss cheese, but there's low fat everything today and even tho I don't like the taste of no sugar added ice cream, I disguisde it with sugar-free chocolate syrup

Hi Donna,

I started on insulin last year. It doesn't hurt. The needles are so fine that you don't even feel it going in. It will give you the control you need.