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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    I have been on 140 units per day for ages. How would I know if I am taking too much insulin? Or if the insulin is actually working?

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    Endocrinology Type 2 Diabetes
    How would I know if I am taking too much insulin? Or if the insulin is actually working?  Apart from low blood sugar levels, of course.



    I have been on 140 units per day for ages, lately my FBSL has been 8 so I increased the dose to 160, still 8ish, decreased the dose to 140, 7.9 this morning. Not a lot of difference.



    Just about to have some blood  tests to see what is going on, expecting a high HbA1c.  Any thoughts? Jeninsulin amountdosage
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    Thanks

    Carolien Koreneff

    Counsellor, Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator, Psychotherapist, Registered Nurse

    Carolien Koreneff is a Somatic (body-oriented) psychotherapist, Health Coach, Counsellor as well as a Credentialed Diabetes Educator with over 20 years experience. She currently sees … View Profile

    It seems to me that you have a degree of insulin resistance, as 140 units is a large dose. Most people would generally speaking need half to one time their weight in total daily dosage, if larger amounts are required, then this points to insulin resistance.

    Metformin is a very good and safe medication that helps to reduce the effects of insulin resistance. This medication is usually well tolerated as it does not increase the risk of hypos and is weight neutral. Although I appreciate that you do not want to take too many medications, Metformin can help reduce the amount of insulin that is required to get your BGLs to target, and when one uses less insulin one can generally lose some weight which in turn helps to improve glycaemic control.

    also, if you are unable to exercise it becomes even more important to watch your food intake. Not just the carbohydrates, but caloric intake as well! You may want to look into doing some other form of exercise, as the benefits of exercise last up to 24 hours. Perhaps swimming or walking in the water? The water will carry your weight and he eve there is less strain on the joints.

    These are just a few pointers to help you in the right direction, feel free to contact ,e directly if you want to discuss any of this in more detail.

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