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Avatar universal

how to calculate the exact amount of insulin per day

Im diabetes 2 since 3 years a go, I used pills at the begining and 2 years ago my doc changed my treatment to insulin. Some days I wake up and my BS is high as today, was 225. Im using an app for counting carbs, yesterday I ate 220gs or carbs and my insulin dosis was 28 Levemir. I don't understad what failed, I know one unit of insulin works for 10gs of carbs. What could be the reason my BS is high? Every day  I check my meals very carefully.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for all your advices and recomendations. Yesterday I went to the doctor and he told I must use levemir and novorapid and check my BS several times during the day. As the time passes the diabetes is getting more difficult, its what he also told me. I live in Peru, here there's not enough aid and information on using insulin for the diabetics people.
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2 Comments
The MD is correct.

The book
using insulin by John Walsh will help a lot
For starters go to "youtube.com" and search for the "Kahn" medical videos on diabetes. These are magnificent. .
Avatar universal
220 gr of carbs is NOT low carb.  google "low carb high fat"
How do you know 1IU of insulin works for 10gr of carbs?  and that ratio is for fast insulins.  
That is a suggestive starting point  every one has a different insulin/carb ratio

your BG is high because you are using the insulins in the wrong way.
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231441 tn?1333892766
COMMUNITY LEADER
The other posters are correct.

You need to see your Dr or nurse practioner to discuss treatment in detail, and to get training and guidance on how to proceed.

Levermir (and other long acting insulins) are called basal insulins. It is supposed to maintain your blood sugar stable if you do not eat.  Levemir is typically dosed twice a day (morning and evening).  Lantus, a different long acting insulin, is typically dosed once a day.  There is also a new extra long acting insulin called Tresiba, which is also dosed once a day.

Many people with diabetes also need a fast acting insulin, which will be taken before eating, with the dose based on how much carbs you are eating.   Such fast acting insulins are Novolog, Humalog, etc.

This approach is called MDI (multiple daily injections).

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Avatar universal
And what do you call "eating low carb"?  I eat under 50gr a day.
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Avatar universal
Yes there is a relation between insulin dose and carbs, the relation is between fast acting insulin and carbs NOT Levemir and carbs.

eating carbs will raise BG in a short time IE 3 or 4 hours.  and will stay high untill your body makes enough insulin or you inject FAST insulin.  Taking levemir to counter eating will result in dangerously low BG (Hypoglycemia)!

Insulin use is difficult to explain,  you need to talk to an MD that knows how to administer Basal/Bolus insulin therapy.  And or read the book
"Using insulin by John Walsh"

Levemir is used to regulate your fasting BG.  and the fast insulin used to counter carbohydrate in the diet.

That does NOT mean you keep eating and use Levemir to get your fasting BG to normal.
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Avatar universal
I know the fact levemir is a rapid insulin for 24 hrs, but it is supposed that exists a relation between the insulin dose and the total of carbs you consume per day.  I dont know whats happening to me, it seems that insulin can not reduce my BS.yesterday my insulin was 32u of levemir and all my meals were low carb and today my BS was 276.
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1 Comments
I have trouble with levemir. I have been diabetic fro 12 years but found out his information about insulins. You need to know the onset and peak times. The article i read is Levemir onset is 3-4 hour after initial injection and then  peaks at 6-8 hours after injection. I do not see a 24 hours effect when taking Levemir. My sugar levels seem to increase after 8 hour on levemir and Trulicity
Avatar universal
I see the confusion

If I understand you, you think Levemir is used for carbohydrates.  Levemir is a basle insulin, meaning it works for 24 hours.  Like a background insulin.  the amount of Levemir taken has nothing to do with the amount of carbohydrates (carbs) you eat.  That type of insulin is called a bolis insulin, like Apedra, Novalog...  that insulin is taken according to how many carbs are eating and YOUR particular carb to insulin ratio.
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144586 tn?1284666164
This is complicated. You really need to get in touch with a nurse-practicioner who specializes in diabetes who will explain everything.  Talk with her about the various insulins available.
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