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Posted 2/5/2008 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jeannie! I haven't been here for a while. I've been
wrapped up in information gathering and exercise and
stress-relief efforts and generally trying to keep my #s
under control...and succeeding! Hooray! I have had an
unusual occurance twice over the two years that I've
been on Lantus injections. I alternate site injections and
usually have no problems.Twice, I have seen a little blood
after taking my Lantus and about an hour later, have
awakened with entire body sweats and a pounding heart.
Both times I have checked my blood sugar levels and they
were WAYYYYY low...like 38-39. Glucose tabs are my quik-
fix. (although it never feels qwik enough when you're that
hypoglycemic) Am I hitting a vein and injecting my insulin
directly into my bloodsteam instead of into the soft tissue? I will be talking to my endocrinologist later this month about it, but just wanted your opinion. I take it at almost the exact same time every night and like I said...only twice in two years has this happened. My night-time #s are always in good range (95-160 or so) and I only take 24 units. Morning #s are good also...(85-120 or so) It just happened last night and now I'm a bit stressed about tonight. Usually I'm fine, but this freaks me out a little...
and freaking out is NOT good. I try to look closely for any
visible veins, but I guess I'm catching something to be
getting this reaction. Any thoughts or suggestions on the
matter? Thanks for any input. Walker
Posted 2/6/2008 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Walker,
You may be right about the vein thing, or it's possible your food plan isn't giving you the amount of carbs you need for that dose of Lantus. If you are a thin person it's difficult to inject into the fat layer where the lantus should go. If you inject IM (into the muscle) it's absorbed much faster and that may be what is happening. I used to use the fat pads on my hips, in the area between your side seam and the back pocket on your Levi's. Very little veins there, slow circulation, hardly any pain receptors and I could see it in the mirror. I've also used the 'wing flaps' under my upper arms. Lots of fat there!

I would recommend that you call your internist's office and speak to the nurse explaining the situation and ask if he/she could speak with the doctor and give you a recommendation on lowering your meds and or changing your food plan. Hypo's are very scary, (been there, done that!) and I don't blame you for freaking out. I'd also recommend that you start a food diary right away along with your exercise regimen, meds and numbers. Keep track of this for the next few weeks until you get to the doctor. That way you can easily see what's up with your numbers and track which foods are giving you the highs.

I've been off my Lantus since early fall because I started the 'nothing white but cauliflower' food plan and I've lost about 45 lbs. I've also quit my Avandia and have cut my metformin by 1/4. Wish I could be more helpful but you will get quick feedback from that office nurse so give that a try, ok?
Posted 2/11/2008 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply Jeannie. Every bit of info is always
helpful. I'm already off all "white" foods, I'm already off
Metformin. I only take 5 mgs. of glipizide and my Lantus.
I also take Diachrome (a chromium suppl.) and a multi-
vitamin specific to diabetes control. I also am seeing a
naturopathic physician. I've started an exercise regimen
of at least 30 mins. of walking, every day and have started
using weights for some strength training. I think I should
probably cut back on my coffee -4 cups a day. I understand
caffein raises blood sugar levels. I'll start by going to de-caf
but I feel like I've given up so much that I used to enjoy,
I'm having a tough time letting that one go. Do you have
any specifics on how to fine-tune things more? I do want to
get off the insulin eventually. You once told me you loved
your Lantus and now you're off it. Congrats! I'm also
trying NOT to stress too much about my #s...stress is no
good either. I do 20 mins. of yoga every morning,too.
Again, thanks for your input. Much appreciated. My
mantra these days is 'never give up' !
Posted 2/11/2008 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, I'm confused... Who took you off the metformin? Metformin is an insulin helper that works much like exercise to move insulin across the cell membranes. Lantus is usually given in tandem with meds like metformin. By the way, the chromium supplement could be causing your lows. Chromium use should be monitored very carefully since it is a heavy metal and overdose as well as metal toxicity is a real possibility. Are you seeing a naturopath as well as a medical doctor and if so, does your M.D. know about the naturopath and the supplements? Not trying to stomp on anyone's belief system here, but want to be sure you are having the proper blood tests ordered to monitor your condition.

Whenever you go to your doctor you should be sure to list all medications as well as ALL SUPPLEMENTS you are taking. The doctor can't get an accurate picture of your condition if he/she is unaware of all the facts.
Posted 2/12/2008 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for your reply. This is the first illness I've
encountered in my life so far. I'm 51 yrs. old and am
taking this very seriously. I love my endocrinologist. I
credit him and my general physician with saving my life.
I ended up in the hospital (first time ever) with DKA and
was put on insulin, metformin and glipizide during my 4
day stay. I follow their instructions to the 'T' and have
regular blood draws every 3-4 months. I've lost over 60
lbs. in these first 2 yrs. since my diagnosis. He knows
about my research into natural remedies including all
the supplements I'm taking, and is very impressed with
my pro-active approach to my diabetes control. My naturo-
pathic physician has offered to meet with my endo. and
cover and discuss all aspects of my treatment. My endo.
had me on Avandia for about 6 months and I keep such
detailed records of my food,BS #s, times and exercise that
he determined the Avandia wasn't working for me...my #s
actually were steadily rising. So he took me off that. As
for my lows, I've only had those 2 incidents with the
insulin injections that dropped me below 40. It's not a
regular occurance. I regulate that thru diet...eating what
I should, when I should. Any highs (like after Thanksgiving
dinner...271 came right back down (to 129) after 30 mins.
of exercise...my trusty treadmill!) He took me off the metformin about 4 months ago. I think MDs and naturopaths can and should work together
towards whole body wellness. I do appreciate all points
of view,including yours! Trial and error and a bit of time,
will hopefully bring us all to a happy,healthfull conclusion
and the best treatment possible for this condition. I also
think knowledge is power and we are all in control of our
own destiny and wellness. Dare I say it...power to the
people ;-)
Posted 2/12/2008 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Great! And back to your 'hitting a vein' question. Usually when I have bleeding after an injection, then form a bruise in the next day or so I can verify that I've hit a vein. I had more trouble with that on my tummy. Eventually I started using my 'saddle bags' on the sides of my legs, and anywhere else I could reach that had a layer of fat. A couple of things that helped me avoid the veins was 1) gently pinch a lump of skin up about an inch wide that's sure to contain fat, not muscle, and 2) delicately slide the needle in, not jab or poke the way we were taught in class. When you slide the needle in you can actually push the little veins aside as it moves through the tissue. I also pushed the plunger slowly and this seemed to prevent bruising as well.

And one last thing that I learned from a member here. I would fill my syringe and then cap it and stick it under my armpit for about 20 seconds. It warms the insulin to body temp and helps reduce stinging. Do you have any tricks for pain free injections?
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