Novolin N for Type 1 treatment?

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Permalink Reply by Gerri on November 8, 2009 at 12:46am

People can get diagnosed with Type 1 at any age, if this is what you're asking. Guess she'd know if she's a Type 1:)

Novolin N (NHP) isn't used much with rapid acting & basal available, but there may be reasons her doctor prescribed it. NPH is taken differently than the others.

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Permalink Reply by Tonya Homme on November 8, 2009 at 6:32am

What I was wondering is if she actually may be a type 2 instead. It just seemed strange to me that she doesn't count carbs or inject before or after her meals. She injects a certain amount of Novolin N at 7am and another amount at 7pm. That's it. Otherwise she just goes about her day as usual, and exercises if her BG gets high.

I know that people can get T1 at any age,and that adult treatments may be different than what we are used to with our 3 year old, but with her lack of carb counting and only 2 shots a day, it just made me wonder. She isn't the best for keeping her facts straight. I was just curious what others might say about this... Thanks for your reply.

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Permalink Reply by Gerri on November 8, 2009 at 8:06am

That's the way NPH is taken because it's an intermediate insulin--not rapid acting or basal insulin. It's an old form of insulin.

Do you know how long ago she was diagnosed? Sounds like she needs a new doctor to get updated on better insulins & methods. Unfortunately, many people not on pumps don't count carbs & don't know how to dose correctly to match what they're eating. I started a discussion called "Is it the pump?" because pumpers are better educated on carb counting & adjusting insulin.

Treatment for adults is the same as it is for children.

Maybe you can encourage her to join Tu D & find a new endo so she can learn a more effective way to manage diabetes. She can't have good control on set doses of NPH without being able to correct highs with insulin & not matching insulin to food.

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Permalink Reply by Tonya Homme on November 8, 2009 at 2:37pm

Thank you. I will encourage her to get more info, and to possibly seek a different endo. I am worried about her control (or lack there of) with this current plan. But, as Michael, who replied below said, maybe it isn't broke, she doesn't need to fix it. But, that doesn't seem to be the case. From some of her comments about her BG numbers, it sounds as if there may be a better plan. Thanks for your input.

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Permalink Reply by Michael on November 8, 2009 at 10:14am

I know a type one who is on an intermediate. When I asked her why she responded that she has been doing so well on it they are reluctant to change. If its not broke, don't fix it.

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Permalink Reply by Tonya Homme on November 8, 2009 at 2:39pm

Does your friend follow the "shot at 7am and shot at 7pm plan" with a fixed dosage? Does she take any fast-acting insulin as well? I am glad it is working well for her.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon on November 8, 2009 at 10:44am

When I was first diagnosed, I used Humulin N (NPH) twice per day. It works well for people who eat the same types of meals everyday (i.e., food that give predictable BG results). It was fairly limiting for me, which is why I switched to Lantus and Novolog (then to the pump). I am a type 1.

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Permalink Reply by Tonya Homme on November 8, 2009 at 2:42pm

So, did you have to avoid carbs? Or eat at certain times of day? And eat basically the same foods all the time? Based on how we treat our daughter's T1, this approach is so different, I'm just trying to understand more about it. Thank you for your reply.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon on November 9, 2009 at 11:33am

I was told to limit my carb intake to ~45g per meal. However, I think I used NPH *and* Humulin R (a faster acting insulin) together. I experienced poor BG control because of my active lifestyle and unpredictable work schedule. I'd have to snack often (something I don't normally do) to prevent lows.

Overall, it was not the optimal solution for me (which is why that treatment didn't last long). I think it might be more beneficial and/or easier to manage for a T2, though.

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