Lantus and Novolog

[Hoosierdaddy15]

I am currently using Lantus and Novolog. Drs. advice is to start with 40 units of Lantus and up it 2 units every third day until I get a fasting BG of less then 130. Is it more important to get to my Lantus goal on a consistant basis before I try to adjust my Novolog?

[caregiver222]

You are using a tremendous amount of Lantus. I really think you need an in-person discussion with an endochronologist. You can use both medications, injected in different parts of the body. Even at night. A small amount of Novalog on the left side of the tummy and Lantus on the right.

[Hoosierdaddy15]

Starting Monday, (Sunday @ bedtime) I am going to begin again to get my Lantus straightened out. 100u and I'm shooting for a target of at least 120. Lower if possible. Once I get that on a consistent basis I will work on my Novolog. I hope to start thinking like a pancreas very soon!  (bought the book) Will keep in touch.

[Super_sally888]

hello. have you taken a reading a 3 or 4 am to see if this is indeed dawn phenomenon, or if it is simply high blood sugar.  What is your blood sugar when you go to bed?

80 units is not too high.  The correct dose of insulin is whatever it take to properly control your blood sugar.

are you taking any oral meds?  Metformin / Glucophage, may help increase insulin sensitivity.

[Hoosierdaddy15]

How does the Dawn Phenomenon affect the Lantus adjustment? I started at 40u and I am now at 80u but still not seeing 130. My fasting readings for 2 straight days at 6, 7 and 8 am were (average) 136, 149, 157. I know I need to eat to bring those down. It seems I might be closer to 130 if say I took my fasting reading at 3 or 4 am. It not really much of a fast if I have a snack before bed and don't go to sleep till 11 or midnight. I was worried that 80u is way too much.

[Super_sally888]

Diabetes86 is correct in the advice given.

You may want to look for the book Using Insulin or Think Like A Pancreas, which may also help you learn how to use insulin safety and effectively.

Once you are consistently on target of 130, you may wish to discuss targeting a lower fasting BG, considering that normal non-diabetic fasting blood sugar is typically in the 80-90 range.

Further, please look into eating a lower carbohydrate diet, which will also assist in managing blood sugar and reducing the amount of insulin you need to use.

[diabetes86]

I did both at the same time.  not that hard to do, just keep good records and test your BG.  when your 4 hour PP BG is the same as your pre-meal BG then you took the correct amount of novolog for the carbs you eat.  WHen your Pre-meal is under 130 and your fasting is under 130 your Lantus is correct.