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Permalink Reply by Stacy Terry on September 23, 2009 at 11:10am

My sister takes 100 units of humalog 3 times a day and 100 units of lantus at bedtime. She is type 2 and insulin resistant. I am type 1 and insulin sensitive. We also have opposite personalities.

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Permalink Reply by Kristin on September 23, 2009 at 11:17am

If someone is insulin resistant, they can take very high doses of insulin. This doesn't make the diabetes better or worse, just requires a different treatment. Some people use U-500 instead of U-100 insulin, which is 5 times more concentrated.

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Permalink Reply by Patricia on September 23, 2009 at 11:42am

Just to add...insulin amounts are also based on weight (metabolically active tissue) and mostly carbohydrate intake. I started on very low doses some 30 years ago and now require much more per kilogram (kg) because 1) have no insulin production (pooped out completely about 1yr after dx w/ T1), 2) have gained weight! 3) less physically active 4) hormones changing 5) and was eating the normal American diet! The only thing that has helped me reduce my insulin usage/day is to limit carbohydrates. The western diet is very high in them:) I have cut back my insulin usage by 1/2 in following a low carbohydrate diet (30-50g/d). Was using 80u/d (called Total Daily Dose or TDD) and now using 55-55u/d. Did not effect my basal amounts much yet (only lost 10 pounds so far) but, suspect it will as I lose weight. The big change has been in the amount I need to cover food and the lowered amount needed to correct high blood sugars (BGs have been rock solid...very little variability even 30 mins after meal). Look forward to getting my first HgA1c since making these changes. PS: approved by my endocrinologist. Important to note that insulin resistance can happen for many reasons (in non-diabetics)...it naturally occurs as we put on more fat weight. Common rule of thumb for insulin dosages is 0.6-0.7u/kg body weight (if overwt use adjusted value which is IBW+25% of IBW). If you are overweight...could seem like you are on a lot of insulin/insulin resistant...and actually you are on a normal amount for your body size! Hope some of this helps in understanding the differences between individuals. Just to qualify...the calculations above are standard and known by caregivers...always best to know a little and then talk w/ your caregiver about your specific issues.

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Permalink Reply by Clee on September 23, 2009 at 12:02pm

I am considered to be insulin resistant. However, I lost 50 lbs. last year but now it seems to gradually be creeping back up. As I said, I exercise 5-6 times a week. Sometimes I'm at the point of sheer exhaustion from working out. I'm trying so hard to get the few pounds I gained back off. It's a real struggle. Most of the weight is being carried in my tummy. I think I have metabolic syndrome which as I said began with me havinga hysterectomy. My fibroids were so large it made me look like I was 6 months pregnant. After surgery, I never went back to being flat. I just don't know what else to do.

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Permalink Reply by Marps on March 8, 2010 at 5:40am

Clee -

Just curious how you're doing now? It's been a few months since this post. Has your doctor put you on any type of pills (in addition to your insulin regimen) to help with your insulin resistance? I've heard of a lot of success with pills like Metformin which helps the body to absorb the insulin.

Also, if you are insulin resistant, having extra (un-used) insulin in the body tends to increase weight because the un-used insulin will latch onto fat cells.

I'm type 1 for 12 years and I'm just now going to be taking Metformin (though it's mostly known for helping type 2s)

Wonder if it's something that can help you? I know how frustrating it is to finally get a few pounds off, and then try as you might, it just creeps back on.

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Permalink Reply by Cathy on September 23, 2009 at 12:51pm

I am one of those who take the u500 as a matter of fact. Yep it is 5 times stronger than the norm. When I was taking Lantus I was taking a split dose of 160 in the morn and 160 at night. Plus pills plus novolog. Then went on pump and took 200 units + a day. Now I take the u500 and glucovance. I run the u500 in my pump.

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Permalink Reply by Stacy Terry on September 23, 2009 at 4:46pm

I will have to tell my sister about the u500. The reason she takes only 100 units at a time is because her syringes only holds 100 units and she doesn't want to take another shot. She uses10 bottles of humalog and 3 bottles of lantus per month. I have seen her BS 500 before lunch and she still would take 100u. Her A1c is 13.

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Permalink Reply by daniel billings on September 27, 2009 at 4:24pm

do have low during the day. i just when on u500 sometimes my low get to 50. i been to dr. change my setting too or three times. email me at danielbillings@charter.net for any help

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Permalink Reply by Alyssa Downing on September 23, 2009 at 1:04pm

i get about 100 units a day everyday in humalog!
a lot of other diabetics i know think it's a crazy amount!

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Permalink Reply by Clee on September 23, 2009 at 4:19pm

I'm so glad that I'm getting responses because I feel like the odd girl out sometimes. I just feel like I hear about people who take 2 units, 5 units,etc. of their basal and I'm just like...."what the heck is wrong with me"....am I that much different from everyone else? As I said, I take 45 units in the morning and 50 units at night, along wtih Novolog fast acting insulin on a sliding scale. I also take Glyburide/Metformin 5/500 three times a day wtih my meals.

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Permalink Reply by Gerri on September 23, 2009 at 5:05pm

The most important thing is that your dose keeps you at target range without many highs or lows. That's what counts more than how much. The problem with higher doses is more unpredictable absorption. Higher amounts don't absorb as well.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on September 24, 2009 at 9:02am

Hmm, if it works for you then it is the perfect amount...

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