Every time I test I feel like I'm in for the worst news. It's never that bad but I end up being 200 something when I shouldn't. I don't remember the last time I went into the 300's so it's not horrible but It's so annoying that I can never get anything right and I'm supposed to be in the low 100's most of the time and the lantus isn't working. Its supposed to be a 24 hour thing but it doesn't help all that much. I could not eat the whole day (which I've never actually done) and I would probably still be somewhere in the 200's with the lantus. I'm so frustrated and I could really use some comfort or advise (or both!).
Sofia,
Don't worry, I think all T1's have felt like this at some point. In my non-professional opinion, it sounds like you are not taking enough lantus. When my basal rates are too low in my pump, my blood sugar slowly creeps up, even if I haven't eaten anything. Having the correct basals/lantus dose can make a world of difference, and when they are messed up it seems like you're constantly fighting an uphill battle. Have you talked to your endo about this recently? Also, my basal insulin needs change a lot, for example, it just got really hot where I live and I had to raise all of the rates in my pump. Changes in your body like weight or hormones and even annoying things like the weather can affect your insulin needs, so it's possible that your needs have changed. I hope this helped.
Molly
Eh Sofia :)
I agree with Molly
I mean I've been on lantus for like 2-3 years now and most of the time I go low, (but thats because I used to take 36-38 unites a day) you just have to talk to your doctor and say "hey look it's going up to much, I need more insulin, best of luck EH? tell us how it go's!
~Emily The King
Hi Sofia,
I tried Lantus for several years and it never worked well for me either. Have you thought about going on a pump? I got on the Omnipod a few years ago and it has made a huge difference. My bloodsugars are difficult to control, as I tend to run high very easily, but the pump has made it easier. My body responds much better to a constant flow of short-acting insulin. I use Novalog. I hope this helps!
Hi Sofia,
It definitely sounds like you're not getting enough lantus. It may also be that you have different basal insulin needs throughout the day, and a static lantus dose may not be working for you. You should definitely consult your endo.
I agree with Sarai, and I highly recommend an insulin pump (I use the Minimed Revel 723). As long as you get a pump with a good safety record (Minimed, omnipod, and animas are popular, but there are also others available), you really can't go wrong! I was diagnosed in February 1999, and refused to get the pump until September 2004. I will never willingly go back to lantus. You may or may not like it, but I don't think you have a whole lot to lose by trying the pump.
One thing I should mention to you is that pretty much all pumps allow you to have a variable basal rate. Instead of taking one shot of lantus, the pump continuously gives the equivalent hourly rate of short acting insulin, so you only take Novolog or Humalog. Here is my current basal rate from my pump so that you can see an example of what I am talking about: From 12 am to 3 am the pump gives me 2.25 units per hour of novolog, from 3 am to 8 am 2.3 units per hour, and from 8 am to 12 am 2.25 units per hour. So you can see I get more insulin while I am sleeping so that I don't wake up high, and less when I am more active so I don't go low.
Diabetes in general is very frustrating. Just know that we are with you. All diabetics hate this disease, and it's okay to vent.
I hope that helps a little. I do highly recommend that you at least talk to your endo or diabetes educator about insulin pumps. Take it from someone who made up his mind never to go on one, and now couldn't live with out it. It will set you free. Whatever you choose, I wish you the very best!
Usually, you take Lantus and a bolus before each meal. Just taking Lantus alone is not enough.