Type 2 diabetes and using insulin: share your story

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Permalink Reply by Tessa R. on November 8, 2008 at 5:51am

I started on insulin because I got pregnant and my endocrinologist said that having insulin shots is safer than taking metformin. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2002 and I had been taking metformin and solosa since then. When I wanted to get pregnant, my OB suggested that I stop taking solosa (I took it in the morning with metformin after lunch and dinner). I watched my glucose levels since I stopped taking solosa, and it was difficult to control. I suffered a miscarriage and my previous OB said that it was because of my diabetes.

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Permalink Reply by Catherine Pattugalan-de San Jose on November 8, 2008 at 6:06am

Two years ago i started insulin shot because my glucose is uncontrolled and my attending Physician decided that i have start using insulin because oral medicine cannot bring down my sugar level.I observe that when i had started using insulin together with my oral medicines i felt better and my sugar level is controlled.

I'am using HUMALIN-N,23 units before breakfast and 20 units before dinner and also metformin 500mg,3xaday after every meal and Actos 500mg once a day.


PS:Please update me if what better medicine to use. thank you anf god bless

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Permalink Reply by Ramon Paulino on November 8, 2008 at 8:09pm

Hello Catherine, I was also introduced to Insulin only this month of August because oral medication can't bring down my blood sugar. Humalin n is also my insulin with a dosage of 20 units in the morning (w/ 1 mg solosa) and 10 units before dinner. Somehow my sugar level right now is controlled.

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Permalink Reply by patti lopez on November 8, 2008 at 10:11am

Let's see, first i was diagnosed in Feb 2006 but I had the symthoms for at least 8 yrs before the doctor at the emergency room diagnosed me. So going to clinics acturally didn't do me any good. Well in June 2007, I started working for the Mary Lee Foundation and in 3 months I got some great insurance at the peak of my diabetes going another direction. In January, I had gotten an infection called myrsa on my thigh and was taken in for a minor surgery and spent the night at the hospital. The next day, the doctor comes in and tells me that my glipizide alone is not working for me and that I need lantus 20 units a day and metformin 2 x's 500 a day. Now my insulin went up to 26 a day to control my sugars. Because I work 3 different jobs and the stress is getting to me. So for now I'm listening to my doctor on anything new. So far insulin is my savior. So like Squibble, my bs readings use to be in the 300 - 400 at the time of my infection. So hail to the insulin. We shall one day get rid of the needles with hope----PATTI

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Permalink Reply by Big Al on November 8, 2008 at 4:40pm

I was originally diagnosed on July 19, 2007. My doctor immediately put me on insulin, Humalog Mix 75/25, 12 units in the mornings. That was the only injection that I had to give myself. Was apprehensive about giving myself the shot, but after the first day, it was no big deal. I am a real needle-phobic, but those needles were so small that I rarely felt them. In fact it hurt a lot worse to prick my finger than it did to give myself the shot. I was on that until May of this year. My A1c dropped in that time period from 12.7 to 5.69.

In May I was put on Metformin ER 500 mg twice a day. So far, so good. A1c still holding at less than 6. No side effects from the Metformin.

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Permalink Reply by James S. Anderton on November 8, 2008 at 8:36pm

I was diagnosed with type 2 on Dec. 7 ,2001 . Pearl Harbor Day ! A day that I can really remember . I was put on Amaryl. Later , Glucophage was added . After a little less than 2 years , we decided that I just didn't produce enough insulin anymore. I started on Lantus Insulin. It was 2 months after it came onto the market . When I started out I was injecting just once a day , but it just didn't last all day . Now , I take a split dose . I also am still taking Glimepiride , but it just doesn't work that well anymore . I expect to progress to basal insulin soon .

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Permalink Reply by John V. Jones on November 11, 2008 at 1:56pm

Hi Manny
I was diagnosed Type 2 in 1994 and was on oral meds. (increasing dosages and type) until eventually I was on 2000mg of Metformin; Glyburide AND Actos. The Actos was the last straw - I was getting hypo's two and three times weekly and decided that I was having no control over my life - my A1C was down to 6.8 (good!!!) but I was just popping pills and waiting to see what would happen. Eventually (two years ago last September) I saw my GP and said I wanted to go onto Insulin (gasps all round from other type 2's I knew!!!). I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!!!!! My A1C is around 6.6, I only get hypo's when I'm stupid (i.e. forgetting meals and other indiscretions!!!) and I'M IN CONTROL!!!!
By the way, I use Novolin ge NPH night and morning (16 at night and 14 in morning) and Novorapid before meals(both with Novo;in 4 pens)and 2000mg of Metformin.
Don't think you've "failed" if you go on Insulin - take control!!!
John V.

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Permalink Reply by Deborah on November 11, 2008 at 2:45pm

I was diagnosed with diabetes February 2001.

My doc finally decided it was time for me to start using insulin (Humulin N) May 2008. I wish I had started it a year and a half ago when his substitute doc thought it was time for me to start using insulin. How much damage, if any, would have been avoided in that time? I suppose I'll never know.

Anyway, my BGs have never been where they should be because I can't/won't stop eating the stuff I shouldn't. I also sit at my computer all day (I'm unemployed) and don't walk the dog (and myself!) like I should. But at the time I was put on insulin they were quite a bit higher than they had been running. I think my oral meds (metformin 500x5 and glyburide 2 per day) have given up the ghost, but the doc still has me taking them.

I saw a diabetes educator at the local hospital; she's really good - she's type 1 but deals mostly with type 2s. She taught me how to inject, gave me a free pen (a $90 value!), etc. She also didn't beat me up about my diet. She basically said since that's my sticking point, we'll just work around it and make sure I get my BGs where they should be.

I'm still trying to work out the best amounts (evening 50 units-ish and morning 30 units-ish) but I'll get there.

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Permalink Reply by Karin on November 12, 2008 at 1:40pm

Hey All, I was diagnosed wih Type 2 January 13, 2006 (yep it was FRIDAY!!) how appropo. Initially I had it in control in about 3 months with varying doses of Amaryl. Then I started the highs and lows and constant snacking etc. What a mess. I was out of control.

My doc, who is absolutely the bomb, told me we needed to try Byetta, so I went on 5 mcg twice daily -- that lasted about 1 month. Then up to 10 mcg twice daily, then I added 22 units of Lantus to my regimen. OH my gosh! What a relief.

Even tho I take 3 shots a day (started in July 2007) I have never felt better and more in control. It was absolutely the best thing I did for myself. :-) a1c = 6.5 my weight is going down... LIFE IS GOOD.

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Permalink Reply by anthony Tan on November 12, 2008 at 3:08pm

well i was recently diagnosed with type 2 and as i was always scared of needles.
my father has it and sometimes at night i would catch him mixing his insulin and doing shots. never thought i would be doing that.
when i took my first shot i was scared and thought it was kind of depressing, almost like someone cutting themselves, has anyone had that feeling?
i'm still not use to taking shots, i hesitate all the time.
basically the insulin pen was the only safe choice i had since i have a fatty liver.

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Permalink Reply by Squibble on November 12, 2008 at 3:42pm

I hesitate too.... but the thought that keeps going through my mind is "if I don't do this, I will surely die." Kinda morbid, but that's what gets me through the initial stage..... and quite frankly, sticking my fingers is actually worse than the insulin needle for me. I do know how you feel though, honestly. Especially the first time I had to inject 30 units of Lantus....... now I'm up to 58 units each night, but I am feeling so much better. I have so much more energy and my happy-go-lucky self is even happier! And it's not always just a mask now-a-days!! **cheezie grin**

Hang in there, Anthony!!

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Permalink Reply by Deborah on November 12, 2008 at 7:09pm

I had the opposite reaction - no problem using needles; it was such a relief to start using insulin and getting better BG readings. But I do feel like you when poking my fingers for testing. It's depressing because of the possible reading (too high!), the pain from the poke and the bruising afterward. I hate hate hate testing.

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