Hello another insulin pen ( Novorapid) question. I'm still only getting used to this Novarapid/ Lantus regime. I've found recently that my Novarapid does't seem to be covering my food as well as it should be, it usually happens when I inject the pen quickly does anyone else find this happens to them, I have to inject really slowly unit for unit counting slowly eg if it's 12units I insert the injection but must press down...one...two...three..ect instead of just pressing hard and all insulin being emitted in one press. does this make sense?? I'm currently studying abroad in the US for the year and have three months supply with me from home I'm worried that maybe the change in temp has something to do with the insulin being less effective but I store it in the fridge and did so since the day I arrived here? so I'm not sure
Has anyone else had this problem
Thanks , Dee
Hey Dee,
A lot of things could be going on and it may not have anything to do with how long you're holding your pen in -- they shouldn't be so finicky that it requires a slow push to ensure proper dosage.
Here is a fact sheet from my friend Ann Bartlett on Novorapid.
(Although, the main reason I don't use pens anymore is because there is always at least a unit's worth that seems to drip out after I'm done injecting, no matter how long I hold it in my skin.)
You may just need to increase your carbohydrate to insulin ratio and/or your basal insulin (long-acting insulin).
If you're in a new country and you're eating different foods, maybe more carbohydrates, for instance, and you're taking in a larger quanitity of carbs over the course of every single day, you'll need more long-last insulin.
If your doses seems repeatedly not covering your meals, I would first start by increasing your carbohydrate to insulin ratio. If you've been doing 1 unit for every 10 grams of carbs, trying doing 1 unit for every 7 grams of carbs instead.
-Ginger