Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Zoe on March 30, 2012 at 5:35pm

Obviously, the ideal, Christalyn is to use both a basal and a bolus insulin. Some people start insulin by using only one or the other, but this is usually because they are still in their honeymoon and one or the other of their insulin responses isn't yet compromised. I don't believe this is your case? We've had threads on her before about sources of free insulin, perhaps others can suggest some of those so you can get both? Also sometimes doctors and clinics have samples.

But if push comes to shove and there is absolutely no way you can get both until May, I would say whichever time is more of a problem for you. In other words if you struggle with high numbers two hours after eating, you might want to go with the humalog. If you fight highs more on waking, bedtime, and in between meals you would want to have the levemir. Only you know which is your worst time. Another option is to drastically cut your carbs so you can manage without the humalog without going crazy high. A final option is to use the humalog to cover your basal needs as well as your bolus, by injecting small amounts every couple hours to cover your background insulin needs. (Like some people on a pump due if they have pump problems). But this is pretty tricky.

One more suggestion: I don't know much about how they work, but NPH and Regular are available otc and are way cheaper than the more modern insulins. I'm sure someone on here who has used them can explain to you how they work. Personally, I think that might be your best option so you are covering your needs and don't experience dangerous highs until you get your insurance.

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Permalink Reply by Jen on March 30, 2012 at 5:51pm

If the OP is truly insulin dependent (which they say they are), then they can't really go without either basal or bolus insulin safely. Going without basal would put them at serious risk of DKA (especially overnight), and going without bolus would mean they'd be high pretty much constantly (since they'd go high after eating but be unable to correct, and therefore stay high).

I would suggest going with the older insulin, and somehow try to turn it into at least an approximation of MDI. There are some on this site who have managed to do this, as Zoe said, and they might have some good advice. The main problem would be that both R and NPH have enormous spikes to them which make getting "basal" right really tricky, especially overnight.

This is most definitely something I'd talk to a doctor about before trying to switch to another regimen.

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Permalink Reply by Stemwinder on March 30, 2012 at 6:35pm

I don't know about the older insulinsI have never experienced either. They sound like a choice best left to seasoned professionals. If push came to shove I would probally choose the Levemir. I would low carb like hell. If someone has any insulin response they might be OK.

Before I got to that point (if it hasn't already) I would be knocking on the door of every health care agency I could think of. I might also try asking my Doc if he/she has any free samples, they frequently do. I can't think of any doctor that wouldn't help in this situtation if they could.

Gary S

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Permalink Reply by Ann on March 30, 2012 at 6:29pm

Christalyn, I hope you can find a solution that's good for you. All I can suggest is that you talk to your doctor ASAP. Pharmaceutical distributors give an incredible amount of insulin to doctors for them to give to patients. Ask your doctor if you can have some. My doctor gave me my first whole box of humalog.

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Permalink Reply by christy on March 30, 2012 at 7:26pm

Some of the insulin manufactures have assitance programs as well. Check with the makers of Humalog and Levemir. You may be able to get assistance through them.

Here is a link to Eli Lilly's patient assistance program they offer.
http://www.lilly.com/responsibility/patients/Pages/programs.aspx

And here's the link to for levemir. I would not choose one over the other. You really need both. Hope these links can help you out till your insurance starts up.

http://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/patient-assistance-program.aspx

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Permalink Reply by Christalyn on April 1, 2012 at 11:44am

Funny the other day when I discovered the costs of my insulins at the pharmacy that was a Type 1 that came in to purchase insulin too. Found out he was paying full price for his insulin which can be hard for a tattoo artist. He didn't know about patient assistance programs or even about tudiabetes. I will definitely pass this information on to him as well as the Walmart info.

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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on March 31, 2012 at 11:58am

If you can't afford the modern insulin, you couldto try Nph and R which are avalable at Walmart for $24/vial.  But unless you know how toyou set ans adjust your owndorm insulin, you willget have toyour have someoneto help you.

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Permalink Reply by Christalyn on April 1, 2012 at 11:42am

Modern insulin in my area cost 350/500 bucks for the same little 5 pack that I would pay with insurance for $25 a piece!

I went to Walmart and got the the both of the slow/fast insulin for $24 bucks with a pack of needles. This will be a new experience. I am assuming I will have to keep this refrigerated which will be a challenge at work but I am willing to give it a try. May 1 I will have insurance so I will be on the regular stuff again.

Thanks for the advance.

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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on April 1, 2012 at 5:42pm

Sorry for the totally jumbled post. I'm still hopeless posting from my phone. You will need to adjust the insulin levels and timings. If you don't have "Using Insulin," you need to get it. You will really need to inject NPH 2-3 times a day to get a somewhat flat basal. You don't have to refrigerate either R or NPH, keep them at room temperature and they are good for a month. And remember, you should really only make changes to your insulin regime under your doctors guidance.

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