Can I make insulin substitutions to control my blood sugar?
1 answer
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Last updated: Jul 06, 2010
Q
I am taking insulin injections to help control my diabetes. I am also in the donut hole with my Insurance company and their drug plan coverage. I am currently taking 60 units twice a day of Humalog 75/25 Mix. Would I be able to stop taking the Humalog 75/25 Mix and start taking Novalin 70/30 Mix? I'm on SS Disability and I get a 30 day supply of my insulin and other medications. I asked my family doctor but I am still waiting for a reply and I would like a second opinion with this matter.
A
Theresa Garnero is clinical nurse manager of Diabetes Services at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.
100% helpful
With your doctor's authorization you should be able to switch from 75/25 to 70/30. You may need an adjustment in the amount of units taken as the action profile is different (when your new insulin peaks - or is working at its strongest). This is important to know as your risk for lows with the 70/30 is slightly later (2 to 4 hours after injection) than the risk for lows with the 75/25 (30 to 90 minutes after injection). In addition, working with a diabetes educator can help you fine tune your program within your insurance plan limitations.
