question about Lantus
I heard that when first going on Lantus, a lot of people tend to gain
weight. I was wondering if anyone had this experience or knows
anymore about it. Thanks
Liz
3 Responses to “question about Lantus”
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August 5th, 2004 at 4:16 pm
Liz–
Lantus has not caused me to gain any weight in the over 3 years
I’ve been on it. I believe that’s because I can eat a lot less, and
only need to eat if and when I want to–no food is ever required
for me to keep from going low–ever. I take less insulin in total,
and eat less food. I’ve actually lost a few more lbs since
beginning on lantus.
In response to a few other comments about lantus–it does not
need to be refrigerated after opening. No insulin needs to be.
You generally get about a month from an opened unrefrigerated
bottle of any insulin. I used to go way longer. Lantus is very
sensitive to potency after opening, and I get about 45 days out of
a bottle. I NEVER refrigerate insulin I am currently using–the
absorption of cold insulin is poor. I have been taking insulin for
40 years and have never kept my current bottle in the fridge.
Yes, fine-tuning lantus can be a bit of a challange. It can last
anywhere from 18-28 hours, from individual to individual. Yes,
the effect of it is cumulative, and taks a few fays to appear. Yes, it
it important to take it at about the same time every day.
BUT–with all this, I now hove the best control I’ve ever had in my
40 diabetic years. Worth the effort, I’d say…
Michael
August 6th, 2004 at 10:25 am
Liz–
ANY doctor who, as you put it, “brushes you off” about ANY concern should
be fired stat! And a doc who refuses to try you on a medication, however new
(and 3 years of others’ experiences is pretty tried-and-true by now…), IF it
has
the possibility of addressing your medical problems, is just plain imcompetent.
This doctor is ignorant at best, and who-knows=what at worst. Find a doctor
who will actually work WITH you, listen to you, and make you an equal partner
in treating your disease.
Michael
August 7th, 2004 at 4:43 pm
Hi! Up until almost three weeks ago I was using R on a sliding scale
and NPH at night. I started using Lantus twice a day and my control
has been much better. Not perfect, but much better.
I take 20 units at 9AM and 20 at 9pm. Since the insulin lasts for 24
hours (typically) that is why it is important to take it at the same
time(s) every day. You don’t want to have periods of time that there
is more in your system than other hours of the day. Some people only
take it once a day and it seems like night time is the more common
practice. I have found that since it starts to wear off near the 24
hour mark that I seem to have better control by dividing my dose into
the AM and PM doses rather than all at once.
I have gained two pounds in the last few weeks, but I am also two
months pregnant. So, with hormone changes and the insulin change I’m
not really surprised. Since I am now using Humalog with meals and
snacks I have also been able to have a more flexible schedule and
less glucose fluctions due to the NPH. Yea!
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Deserie
35, T1 2yrs