I am out of my fast acting insulin and I have no money to go buy more. This sounds really bad but can I just take more Lantus to bring my blood sugar down? My face is getting all red and flushed so I know I need insulin, i am out of my testing supplies too so i don't even know what i'm at. I guess while i'm asking questions here, is there any programs out thee for diabetics that aren't on insurance? I don't qualify for medicare b/c i don't have children and i can't be under my father's insurance b/c i have a prexisting conditon. The only thing i do qualify for is food stamps which i just enrolled for, but i thought maybe someone had some advice. any tips would help me out.

NO!! you cannot take more lantus to make up for no fast-acting insulin--that would be very dangerous--ESPECIALLY if you cannot test your blood sugar. If you are fairly certain that your lantus dose is correct, you can do a modified fast--if you do not eat, fast-acting insulin should not be necessary. However, again, without the ability to test, it is an uncertain at best and dangerous at worst proposition. You've GOT to have bolus injections to eat any food, plain and simple. If you hold yours carb intake to almost nothing, and eat only small amounts of protein, you may be okay on just the lantus for a few days, but eventually you will need some carbs for fuel, and so you will need novolog, humalog or regular insulin. Regular is not very expensive--even without insurance, it should only cost about $15-20 per vial. Humalog may run you $20-25. Whatever else you must give up, get a bottle of insulin quickly--yourr life may depend on it.

Michael
T1 since 1965

Check with your state and see if there's an insurance program for people with low income...if you qualify for food stamps, you'd probably qualify for that.

Also, contact the manufacturers of both your insulin and test strips. They often have "compassionate" programs where they provide medications free of charge to people who don't have any insurance coverage. Here again, the fact that you've qualified for food stamps would probably mean you'd qualify for these programs as well.

Ruth

I cannot speak for your area, but one of the doctors where I go told me that if I lose my heath insurance and my job to go see him at their main office. As mentioned above the drug companies do have programs and you might find a local doctor or clinic that will work with you. If you are type 1 then it is life threatening without a doubt. I know it would be difficult to just walk off the street and ask for help. You might be surprised how much some professionals will care about your situaltion.

Ask your doc for samples he should most definitley have some in the office. All you need is 1 vial to get you through a month. Call your local hospital and ask for diabetes education, the cde or educators there have connections and can get you hooked up w/ everything you need. The patient assistance program for most pharma company is located at needymeds.com. All you do is print the paperwork out and take it to your doc. Most only take 2-3 weeks to get you started. Call your local health dept they can help with some supplies and possibly insulin too!!