Diabetes - How do I determine how much insulin to take?!
Question: I have been taking oral meds for diabetes for years, but my Doctor has now ordered Insulin (Novilin 30/70), but the Insulin Training class isn't for two months. Are there any rules of thumb for adjusting the Insulin. My Doctor started me at 5 Units once a day but I know that is a small amount to determine the affect of Insulin on my Glucose meter readings. (My AM Glucose reading has dropped 12 pooints)
Answers: I have been taking oral meds for diabetes for years, but my Doctor has now ordered Insulin (Novilin 30/70), but the Insulin Training class isn't for two months. Are there any rules of thumb for adjusting the Insulin. My Doctor started me at 5 Units once a day but I know that is a small amount to determine the affect of Insulin on my Glucose meter readings. (My AM Glucose reading has dropped 12 pooints)
I know I'm just repeating what others have said, but I want to emphasize. Do not adjust your insulin yourself. You are never supposed to do that. If your sugar levels are not right then you need to call your doctor and say so. Don't let your doc make you feel badly for calling, this is important. You can be in the high range for a little bit and be safe. But if you get low it can be immediately life threading. On insulin sometimes you will feel the lows, and sometimes you won't. And if you're asleep when the low hits you could really be in trouble.
You should also have a glucagon kit. If your doctor has not prescribed you one yet then ask for one. You will need to show the people who live with you how to use it. If you have a serious low and you pass out or start convulsing (where you won't be able to take something orally to raise your blood sugar) than someone is going to have to inject you and call the ambulance.
Yeah, low blood sugars are that dangerous.
You take only what your Dr. told you to. He may increase you at your next visit. Call him if you have any problems before your next visit of the class. He may choose to put you on a sliding scale later (which gives you a range of blood sugars with appropriate insulin doses). Do not adjust your insulin without a Dr's permission.
RN
don't go messing around with your insulin dose. if you don't think it's enough, talk to your doctor before you do anything else.
dat is a question strictly for your doctor, dont ask any1 else, or take it upon urself to change dose , becuz ther could be serious consequences if you do
Call the doctor & ask what the dosage is. You cannot wait that long & you can't guess on the dosage. Make the call today or Monday.
Please DO NOT adjust your insulin without seeing your doctor first. It can be tricky, especially with a 70/30 mix. I was on Novolog 70/30 for a few months and absolutely hated it. I was either too high or too low all of the time.
Get the doctor to tell you.
Introduction
Carbohydrate counting is an important skill to help you maintain tight control of your blood sugar (glucose) level when you have diabetes. It gives you the flexibility to eat what you want and increases your sense of control and confidence in managing your diabetes.
Key points:
Carbohydrate counting helps you maintain your blood sugar at a safe level.
Carbohydrate counting allows you to adjust the amount of insulin you take based on how many grams of carbohydrate you eat at a meal or snack. The formula used to determine the amount of insulin you need is called the