Hi, I just started taking insulin recently, and I"m wondering: how long does it take for the insulin to take effect?? Right now I"m on two shots of NPH -- one in the morning, one at night, and then three shots of rapid insulin before breakfast, lunch, and supper.

My sugars ARE lower than they were, but I'm still getting blood sugar levels in the teens and even in the twenties (Canadian system), but nothing normal (4-6)

How long does it usually take for sugar levels to level out after starting insulin?

I would appreciate any info you could give me

Everyone is different. Not knowing how to exchange your numbers for american I take your word that they are high. I started at a little over 300 when I had my first shot before bed,when I woke up it was down a 100 points. It,s 4 years now and I had to fine tune the diet to get them under control, which they are now , I just kept steadily lowering them, and also was able to cut my original insulin dose by half. My way of keeping control is a very low carb diet. I try to only have 30 to 35 grams per meal and 15 for snacks. That is the only way I can keep my numbers in the good range.

Hi
You sound as though you have a great attitude towards your control. The main part of steady control is time and understanding. Each patient is unique. You will learn how the insulin works on you . You may find that you need to take additional insulin during the day if your levels stay high. But the answer to needing more insulin and less insulin is taking tests. I take 12 per day. I make sure I stay in the 80's as regularly as I possibly can. This took me many years to understand. I was a stubborn diabetic. I took a long time to learn about control. Also I was in this from the early 60's. Now back to you. If you find that an addition of 2, 4, 6, or even half of a unit makes the difference in getting under more control then that is what you will be able to judge. Do not allow yourself to go into many lows. But do find a regular regimen that will allow you to get the highs a little bit more under control. The number of shots is not how to judge the control of diabetes. It is the AIC numbers that gives you understanding of your control. You can work with your doctor closely and test as often as you think you can. Like after you eat 2 hours after you have started eating. This is long enough for you to see if you have your meal injection set to the right amount. Take notes of what you eat, what you inject and when. Each day will become a manual for your care and then it will be an answer for you. More insulin brings the Highs down, Less food brings the numbers down and so does exercise. Stress adds to highs most bad emotion can add to highs as well. a lot is factored in. Keep that journal of everything you eat and all of your insulin and your test results, and you will get your answers.
Don http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif