October 28, 2003
Insulin
Question from Cortland, Ohio, USA:
I a 42 year old man (6 feet, 1 inch; 400 pounds) who was taking Glucovance along with Lantus at bedtime, but my insulin was switched to a twice daily premix. I seem to get the same results (190-275 mg/dl [10.6-15.3 mmol/L]) depending on diet and exercise, regardless of which insulin I use. The first day I switched I had a blood glucose of 118 mg/dl [6.5 mmol/L] (which I have never has before), and I figured I had some Lantus left, which, coupled with the premix, gave me that result.
Is it possible to take both a premix and Lantus to achieve a normal glucose reading? Of course, I would never do this on my own without a doctor’s approval, and I am going to ask him during my next visit. What is your opinion?
Answer:
Combinations of insulin are as varied as the physicians who prescribe the dosages. Each person could use a different combination. The use of a premix, which is a combination of NPH or a NPH analog and Humalog, along with Lantus has been tried in the past. Although my own opinion is that it is no better than the use of Humalog and Lantus, this may be effective for you.
I would discuss this with your physician and not discount any combination of insulin. I would also discuss the possibility of an insulin pump which may help you lower your insulin requirements.
ABS
