Lantus from once to twice daily

jon · 05-23-2009, 09:08

Hey everyone,
I've been visiting this site for many weeks and decided it'd be great to finally officially join!
My first question is concerning my Lantus...I take 30-35 units each night (depending if i will be very active the next day) and am planning to split it into 2 doses per day.
For those who have split their dose before, did you simply divide the daily dose into two or did you use a smaller (or larger) dose??
For example, say you had injected 30 units once a day...would you have gone down to say 15 at noon and 15 at midnight?? or something less (or more)?
Thanks for reading : )

jon · 05-23-2009, 09:16

If that makes sense to you all!

jon · 05-23-2009, 09:18

Also, I see many of you post your A1C information and stats...how do I edit my profile to include such info.
Thanks

rubystar2 · 05-23-2009, 12:18

I don't know about Lantus, as I don't use it, but to edit your profile, look at that bar across the top. Click on User CP. Options will pop up. I think the option your are looking for would be 'edit signature'. But look around there as there are several options to personalize your profile.

Terrie · 05-23-2009, 17:09

Hello Jon:

It's Good to see you here. Welcome to our Community.

In answer to your question, many decide how to split their Lantus dose by the suggestion of their Endo or trial and error to see what percentage of dosage matches their Lifestyle.

Some do 60/40 percent, 50/50 and others do 40/60. These may be given at 10 hours apart, 12 hours apart or 14 hours apart. Perhaps60% at awakening and then 40% at 14 hours apart, etc. It's really individual to the Person. It is recommended to increase/decrease dosage by 2 units every 2 to 3 days to see the results.

I started with 60% of my dosage at awakening and then 40%, 12 hours later. Time has passed, changes have occured with my other meds., Lifestyle, etc., so now I take 50% on awakening and 50%, 12 hours later.

Some People find that Lantus does not work for them, so they switch to Levemir Insulin instead.

If you folllow Ruby's directions correctly you would be able to put your A1c, dosage, photo, etc., as others have. By going to User CP at the top left, click on edit signature, then scroll down to the message area where you can apply the info, fonts, browse and upload a picture from your computer. Click on preview signature at the bottom of the message area and if it is correct then click on save signature. You may also click on edit signature to change it later, if you wish to.

If you have other questions or comments, please feel free.

jon · 05-25-2009, 21:32

Thanks rubystar2 and Terrie

I split my 32 units each night to...15 at lunch, and 16 at bedtime...it's worked well so far after 4 days. No more highs in the evenings. Readings the last two nights before bed were 8 and 6 mmol/L. Awesome!

I think those highs happened because it was 20-24 hrs after my Lantus dose and the effects had worn off. Here's hoping this split dosage continues to work great!

Terrie · 05-25-2009, 22:30

Hi Jon:

I take it that you are not a morning Person.

Good job on working out your doses better. You're right. The higher numbers were most likely because Lantus doesn't cover the full 24 hours for most People. You will have to eventually change your dosage once in a while....just because Life happens.

I like your sig. I should put some of my info there.

I hope that it's warmer in Alberta. It's cooled down to 14 c/57 f here. I fell asleep on the swing outside and almost froze my nose off.

Have a Good day.

rubystar2 · 05-26-2009, 05:56

As I stated earlier, I don't take Lantus but reading this thread has prompted some questions. Tell me if I have this right or not. It seems your doctor has prescribed you to take a certain amount, say 30 units. Do you, as the patient, decide how to take that 30 units? Terrie, you mention 60%/40%, 50/50 or maybe a 40/60. So do you experiment and decide what works for you or does your doctor recommend all at once or you should split it and how you should split it. I am curious how you know how to use Lantus. The medications I am on is for type2 and you just take them twice a day. Not much thought needs to go into my medications. (Thank God)

Terrie · 05-26-2009, 10:06

HiYa Ruby:

Since I'm a long-termer, I would normally do my own. I would start out low. Then trial and error. Other long-termers may feel more comfortable being guided by their Endo or Family Doctor which is perfectly Fine. I do not recommend that anyone else do this.

Newly dxd. Diabetics of course, would need their Drs. and Diabetes Educator's advice on this topic. Their Dr. would tell them how much Insulin to take and at what percentages and time(s). After they get used to the Insulins and how foods and exercises affect them, then they can either get their Drs. again to suggest the needed new amounts or decide for themselves by trial and error. Insulin doses change a lot just by consuming different foods and beverages, exercise, not even mentioning anything else. Keeping the number of grams of carbs of your favourite/regular foods/drinks in your brain or written down makes Insulin changes much easier.

If I was starting on a pump however I would definitely request help from ***Everyone***.

That's a totally different animal. To me anyways.

I will add, and I'm sure most Insulin-dependant Diabetics will agree. that Fast-acting Insulins like Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, etc. and the NPH mix Insulins are more dangerous than the Long-acting Lantus, Levemir, etc.

rubystar2 · 05-26-2009, 10:45

Thanks, Terrie. You are so smart!!