This topic contains 9 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by redadare 3 months ago.
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Hi folks , well finally today my pen and sharps arrived and ive gone from somewhat interested to totally terrified of this change, Im supposed to see the diabetes educator tommorrow afternoon to learn how to use everything, but im loading to head out west for five days , was wondering if anyone knows if its ok to just learn while doing this myself, ive actually seen a video on youtube for how to administer the humalog and i think i can do it just wanted to know of any pitfalls if any
Brett
Hi Brett it can be a scary time when starting insulin but most people say when they have gotten used to it that they wished they did it sooner as it makes a big difference to their blood glucose and how they feel. However it is not recommended to start yourself. Simply because you need to use correct technique and also understand things like storage of the insulin, priming the pen each time you inject and management of hypos.
Can you arrange to see the educator on your way out west? Or give them a call to see if you should start when you are back? Where are you headed?
Once you get started you will be good to go on your own- it would just be better done with some support the first time in an ideal world
Helen
G’day Brett
In my previous job of 30 years I had to go on numerous trips away for an average of 3 weeks at a time.
It has both advantages as well as disadvantages as you possible well know.
Keep the insulin cool but do not freeze is the first thing. The sharps are free so you can use a fresh one each time if you want to.
Put the used ones in a Sharps Container or other suitable containers when full, as long as you can seal it properly. You can put that full container out with the rubbish at least in my State.
It pays to spread the injection site because if you did what I did and kept it in a small area, you will get a rather large raised bump in the tummy area due to scaring under the skin. It takes a LOT of injections to get the effect but I managed quite well
I inject SLOWLY. Very occasionally it really does sting but that’s when you hit a blood vessel. Just try again with a site nearby.
You would have been told the amount of insulin you are to start with. The medical people like having a tight rein on that amount and rightly so too. It’s a balance between getting your level down to an acceptable level but not so low as to cause hypos. It gets complicated as two factors will influence the required insulin dose – exercise and the amount and type of food.
Hypos are a body’s reaction to a sugar level that is too low. The start of a hypo can be a feeling of light-headedness, weakness in the legs, a feint feeling. The level at which this starts seems to depend on your average levels at the present time. If they are high then hypos may start at perhaps 4.5. Mine start at below 3.3.
You should NOT DRIVE under 5.0 and you should carry with you always a supply of quick acting sugar. I’m told a bottle of Lucozade is ideal as is Glucojel Jelly Beans. Be aware that cheap Jelly Beans do not act nearly as quickly as the Glucojel ones. They are available at Pharmacies. If you are having a hypo and have had you 15 Jelly Beans, eat a biscuit or similar. The Jelly Beans will give you a spike but the biscuit will sustain you for much longer.
It all sounds complicated but if common sense prevails, all will be okay.
Well, that’s my penny’s worth. Hope I haven’t lead you badly astray.
Perhaps I’d better say that I’m not a Diabetes Educator. Think you’d better listen to them rather than me
cheers
Red
- This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by redadare.
Hi Brett,
My philosophy as a diabetes educator is SAFETY first.
In my experience as a diabetes educator, injecting a dose of insulin is quite easy – most people can inject a dose of insulin without too much trouble.
Using insulin safely, and effectively is a very different subject.
Red’s advice advice above is pretty close to the mark, as far as accuracy goes. But a smal portion of all of the issues in the safe and effective use of insulin. (Thanks Red for giving such quality advice here to get Brett started
).As a diabetes educator I would aim to have a person with diabetes be able to determine:
is the type of insulin the right type for their lifestyle. i.e. does the insulin plan fit with your day, rather than having to fit your day into the insulin type.
Understanding the various causes of a) above normal BGL b) below normal BGL
Understanding how to reduce the risk of having a lower than normal BGL?
How to treat a low BGL?
Knowing how much ‘fuel’ (food) YOUR body needs?Plus much more.
It would be in your best interst to meet with your local diabetes educator, or, if more convenient, start an -e-consult here at DCO
If you go to http://www.diabetescounselling.com.au/counselling-and-diabetes-education/disclaimer-and-your-privacy/
then http://www.diabetescounselling.com.au/counselling-request/
our team would be happy to help you out
Safe travels,
David
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This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by
Imagine_David.
Hi people, thanks for the info, unfortunately I couldn’t see the educator but the people at Lilly sent me so much info and a very nice humalog pen that after reading the info and of course watching a humalog how to video on YouTube I’ve had a go and everything seems fine , doing everything they say to do recording everything so when I get back can book in to get it all checked, after 3 days I’m not sure I’m getting the right doses though but I guess they can work that out as I go along , it’s o lot nicer to have bloods at 8s and 10s rather than 18 or 24, again thanks for the feedback . Oh and Helen I’m out in the Sarat basin gas fields taking a load of steel framing to a new lay down for the pipeline
Hello Brett,
Seems like you have a fairly good plan going on here Brett. Its good that your dose has improved your BGL’s. You must feel a whole lot better
The usual process of starting insulin is start low and go slow: safety first. Then it is usual (for your prescribing doctor) to make small and frequent incremental dose increases, aiming for a dose that is safe and effective for you. Next step (or ideally already in place) is to put into place the healthy meal plan and some small frequent doses of exercise.
By following a healthy meal plan and exercising adequately, the dose of insulin can be kept to a minimum, and your weight will be less effected.
Safe travels,
David
So am I expected to lose or gain weight? I’m a pretty healthy eater better at home than in the truck but even then not bad, I carry home cooked/prepared meals and snacks are usually whole meal wraps with lean meat and salad leaves, and as its a long time in the truck I pick on pretzels and only drink water or caffeine/sugar free coke, I’m 5′ 11″ and weigh 82 kilos at the moment
So am I expected to lose or gain weight? I’m a pretty healthy eater better at home than in the truck but even then not bad, I carry home cooked/prepared meals and snacks are usually whole meal wraps with lean meat and salad leaves, and as its a long time in the truck I pick on pretzels and only drink water or caffeine/sugar free coke, I’m 5′ 11″ and weigh 82 kilos at the moment
Brett, every body is different. At a glance your body mass index would appear to be around 25 = healthy.
In the main, insulin helps your body use glucose more effectively, and often in the process of doing this some weight gain occurs. Dont be put off by this, as a little wight gain is better than those high glucose levels you were having.
Its a balance. Which is part of the reason why diabetes is such hard work every day.
As a diabetes educator, the best advice i can give you is….. consult with a dietitian to have a meal plan designed for your individual needs. The dietitians role is to help you find things you enjy, find a healthy amount to eat, and asess your overall healh needa and steer you in a direction to help you meet your health goals.
As a point of safety, espcially as you seem to be a professional driver, have some carbohyrate food each 3-4 hours > refuel your body so your fuel level (BGL) does not go below 4mmols/L.
http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Hypoglycaemia/
Safe travels,
David
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This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by Imagine_David.
In my ramblings a few posts up I said to treat a hypo with 15 Jelly Beans.
Grief. What am I saying?
I was getting mixed up with 15gms of carbohydrate which is equivalent to a serve.
I meant to say 5 to 6 Jelly Beans or 150ml of soft drink.
This should be followed by a slice of bread or a glass of milk or 1 piece of fruit or 2 semi sweet biscuits
according to SA Health.
I have a tube of Glutose15 and Jelly Beans in my workbag as well as glucose tablets on my person at all times just in case. Several years ago I had a low soon after breakfast – 1.6!!!! Totally unexpected. Never had one like that before or since but luckily I was able to get to a supply of sugar immediately. Levels CAN alter unpredictably! It pays to be prepared!
- This reply was modified 3 months ago by redadare.
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