Questions Regarding Insulin Dosage and Pump Issues
I have a couple of medical concerns, and I’ll address the first one right now. While on vacation in Rome, my insulin pump unexpectedly stopped working. Fortunately, I came prepared with backups: a vial of Novolog and Lantus, which is a long-acting insulin. Typically, I use a Tslim x2 pump, but now I have resorted to using syringes for the time being. It's been about eight years since I last used injections, and during that time, my dosages were measured in units with a pen-like device that featured a numerical dial. For this trip, I purchased regular syringes from CVS in anticipation of potential issues. I’m familiar with my Lantus pen dosage, as I consulted my doctor beforehand, ensuring I had enough long-acting insulin. However, I’m perplexed by the short-acting insulin. The syringe I am currently using is marked in milliliters (mL) as .5 per cubic centimeter (CC). I'm trying to determine whether each dash on the syringe represents a unit or half a unit. During dinner, I administered five units, which I thought was appropriate according to my calculations, but after three hours, there was no significant effect. This experience has made me realize just how accustomed I've grown to my pump; I'm feeling quite lost without it. Additionally, I wasn’t aware that my pump was still under warranty. I received a phone call informing me that I should have received an email notification two months ago, but I never got anything. I also didn’t know that I could request a temporary replacement while I was away. It seems Tslim has a policy for providing loaners, but they only ship within the USA, which is unfortunate. Nonetheless, I’ll manage!
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 12:20:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation with your insulin management while on vacation. Managing your diabetes without your usual pump can certainly feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to ensure you're dosing correctly and taking care of yourself.
Main Points:
- Understanding the syringe markings for proper dosing of Novolog.
- Adjusting your short-acting insulin based on current needs.
- Emotional support during this transition back to injections.
Explanation:
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Syringe Markings: Syringes can vary, so it's crucial to identify whether your current syringe is calibrated for units or milliliters (mL). Typically, if a syringe is marked with 1 mL (or CC), then each full mL is equivalent to 100 units of insulin. Common syringes for insulin will have clear markings indicating units. Therefore:
- One full mL represents 100 units.
- Each dash often represents either 2 or 5 units, depending on the syringe's design.
- If you're unsure, use the given markings; don’t hesitate to check the packaging or consult your pharmacist for clarification.
-
Insulin Dosing Adjustments: Since your normal delivery method (the pump) is not available, it may take some time to readjust. Given that five units didn't have the expected effect, consider the following:
- Monitor Blood Glucose Levels: Keep a close watch on your blood sugar. Check it frequently to see how your body responds to the syringe dosing.
- Document Doses: Maintain a simple log of your insulin doses and their effects to help identify how much you need to adjust. This might require a bit of trial and error until you find the effective dose.
-
Emotional Adjustment: It’s completely normal to feel lost without your pump, especially after relying on it for extended periods. Allow yourself some grace as you adapt. Consider talking to someone about your feelings, or even connecting with others who have diabetes for support.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Your Syringe Markings: Confirm whether your current syringe shows dose measurements in units. If uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pharmacist.
- Monitor Blood Glucose Regularly: Check your blood sugar every few hours to understand how different doses affect you and adjust accordingly.
- Keep a Log: Document your insulin doses and blood glucose levels to identify patterns that can help you find the right dose.
- Stay Calm and Reach Out for Support: If you feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out to friends, family, or online support groups for assistance during your trip.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as extremely high or low blood sugar readings, seek medical help promptly. Remember, you are doing your best under challenging circumstances! Let me know if you have further questions or need more assistance.
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