Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...

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mystie 07/01/2012

I just started taking insulin a few days ago and was wondering if it takes time to build up before it really starts to work?

So far the insulin is not lowering my blood sugars at all. My endo told me I could keep increasing the bedtime insulin until my blood sugars are normal, but didn't not say I could do that with the rapid insulin. He didn't book me to come back and see him for 3 months.

I'm feeling frustrated because my blood sugars have been very high for months and the nurse and dietitian said the could be why I'm so fatigued and muscle weakness. They told me when your blood sugars are too high your cells can't absorb the nutrients.

I have been very carefully keeping within my carb allowances as well.

deleted_user 07/01/2012

Hi Mystie! It can take a bit for the insulin to start to work and I would definitely give it a few more days. What kind of insulin are you on? Also, when I started on Lantus, I did not find it too effective and one of the things I found out was going to a longer needle really improved things. Also, maybe making an appointment with your family doctor may help as well, that is if you can't get back to see your family doctor sooner.

Take care,

lary

deleted_user 07/01/2012

mystie 07/01/2012

Hi Lary! I am on Levimer at bedtime and Novorapid for meals.
I wondered about a longer needle. They gave me 4mm but thought 5mm might be better. I worry sometimes if the needle is in all the way. unfortunately I am overweight so I find it harder to tell if the needle is in right, but there doesn't seem to be any insulin running down.

I wondered about going back to the endo sooner. I think I will call to find out.

grannie 07/02/2012

I'd be very careful increasing insulin, try injecting in your stomach area it absorbs faster. Increasing a daily exercise routine helps lower your sugars. How many units per carbs to you take?

I would contact my Doc before increasing anything unless he has put you on the sliding scale.

deleted_user 07/02/2012

You say you are keeping within your carb allowance? Is that ADA? If so, there is a significant number of diabetics who find that "allowance" is too many carbs for them. Not everybody, maybe not even the majority, but quite a few.

Nothing worked for me until I gave up some more carbs, particularly after lunch. You might try cutting back some just for a few days to see if it helps--depending on how many you are eating.

mystie 07/02/2012

Hi...thank you for the respones!

the endo told me to keep increasing my bedtime insulin until it is below 7. Since it should be between 4-7.

I have had a dietitian and nurse go over my carb allowances and I wasn't eating enough, which can in turn raise your blood sugar because they said your liver will just keep pouring it out to raise it, but ends up giving you too much.

We have decided that 3-4 carb servings per meal at three times a day and I won't be having snacks inbetween.

Thank you for the advice!

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