? Dumb question--how do you know the insulin is no longer effective?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Glennie

Glennie

Member Since 2016
I did a curve on Callie a few days ago, and she had some blues. She just had a PMPS of 446. I don't know how low she went today, if at all, since I was giving her ears a break after the curve. So how long do I wait before I change out. I don't want to waste any insulin, but I sure don't want to be injecting her for nothing or to lose the very very slow progress I think she's making.

I started this vial in January. I guess it has lasted way beyond expectations so just throw it out? Oh, the pain!
 
I would sometimes suspect my insulin was petering out, and would try switching to a new pen, and would then see the same old numbers, and so would go back and finish the old pen.
Way back when we first started I remember using a vial for a good 6 months. Is your insulin cloudy or does it have any floaties? Has it been stored well in the refrigerator the whole time?
 
My vials lasted about 5 months. The pens I used to the last drop. I'd get a box of pens if I were you next time.
 
Dyana said:
I would sometimes suspect my insulin was petering out, and would try switching to a new pen, and would then see the same old numbers, and so would go back and finish the old pen.
Way back when we first started I remember using a vial for a good 6 months. Is your insulin cloudy or does it have any floaties? Has it been stored well in the refrigerator the whole time?
Click to expand...
Nope, no floaties and still perfectly clear. And it's never been out of the frig for more than 5 minutes at each shot time, usually less while I draw up the syringe. That 446 was just out of nowhere. I guess the red startled me. I tested again and got a 451. Thanks for your response, Dyana.
 
tiffmaxee said:
My vials lasted about 5 months. The pens I used to the last drop. I'd get a box of pens if I were you next time.[/QUOTE
So with yours lasting about 5 months, maybe it's about time. I do have pens I ordered from Marks earlier in the spring. :smuggrin: I'll see what her AMPS is in the morning, and if it's still high, I'll toss it then and change over to the pen. Or maybe use a pen and hang onto to the vial like Dyana said just in case it's something else. I feel a strange kinship to that vial. LOL
But it has lasted a long time. I was hoping for another month since it's still looking good. Thanks, Elise.
Click to expand...
 
Glennie said:
Nope, no floaties and still perfectly clear. And it's never been out of the frig for more than 5 minutes at each shot time, usually less while I draw up the syringe. That 446 was just out of nowhere. I guess the red startled me. I tested again and got a 451. Thanks for your response, Dyana.
Click to expand...
tiffmaxee said:
My vials lasted about 5 months. The pens I used to the last drop. I'd get a box of pens if I were you next time.
Click to expand...
So with yours lasting about 5 months, maybe it's about time. I do have pens I ordered from Marks earlier in the spring. :smuggrin: I'll see what her AMPS is in the morning, and if it's still high, I'll toss it then and change over to the pen. Or maybe use a pen and hang onto to the vial like Dyana said just in case it's something else. I feel a strange kinship to that vial. LOL
But it has lasted a long time. I was hoping for another month since it's still looking good. Thanks, Elise.
 
Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey said:
I would hang on to the vial and make sure that's the culprit. Darned things are too expensive to throw out if they are still good!
Click to expand...
I know what you mean. I had a hard time coming up with the money to pay for that one. I've babied it along, carrying it like it's some treasure. I guess it is since it's keeping Callie going. Maybe her numbers tonight or in the morning will tell me more. Thanks, Tricia.
 
Yes, do hang on to the vial if you decide to start the pen. That way if it turns out to be okay you can go back to it and then the pen.
 
tiffmaxee said:
Yes, do hang on to the vial if you decide to start the pen. That way if it turns out to be okay you can go back to it and then the pen.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I will. Her +3 was way down from PMPS--a 247 so maybe it's fine. I'll wait and see what morning numbers are. I wasn't thinking when I first thought about tossing it right away. Thanks again.
 
Glennie said:
Maybe her numbers tonight or in the morning will tell me more.
Click to expand...
I hope Callie gets good numbers overnight so the beloved vial could stay in stay safe in the refrigerator!:)
I doubted mine on several occasions too, it was opened in February . Fingers crossed - long live the vile!
 
That was a fast dive from PMPS to +3. I would have tested again at +4 or +5. The fast dive may set up another bounce, just so you're not surprised by it.
 
Dyana said:
That was a fast dive from PMPS to +3. I would have tested again at +4 or +5. The fast dive may set up another bounce, just so you're not surprised by it.
Click to expand...
I should have tested, but I fell asleep. Setting my alarm doesn't work since I woke my DH up the last time I did that, and he was up the rest of the night. He wasn't feeling very deary the next morning when he had to be at work at 6:30. And you're right about the bounce this morning. It didn't shock me as much at the PMPS did though so thanks for the warning.
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
Glennie,
how is the rest of Callie's night?
Click to expand...
Tanya, I am a bad cat momma, and I went to sleep. Callie wakes me up a little periodically throughout the night with loves, and so if I'm worried about her, I am more aware of how she's acting. And last night she came around purring and patting me on the face (that's her version of petting me) and she seemed to be alright. When she does that I'm not awake enough to make myself get up, but I kind of know what's going on. I know that's no sure indicator since when she's low, I can't tell. But when she does that, at least I know she is conscious. I don't know how you faithful night testers keep going with no rest, but I think you're amazing. Thanks for your concern for her. I appreciate it. :bighug:
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
I hope Callie gets good numbers overnight so the beloved vial could stay in stay safe in the refrigerator!:)
I doubted mine on several occasions too, it was opened in February . Fingers crossed - long live the vile!
Click to expand...
Fingers crossed for your beloved vial also. I did use a pen this morning, but the vial remains safe and cossetted in the frig in its special mug. LONG LIVE THE VIAL! :D:bighug:
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
:p Psst...I am chronic insomniac ....But don't tell anyone and I wear the "faithful tester" tiara :D
Click to expand...

I won't tell a soul! I promise! And you keep your faithful tester tiara and wear it proudly! You deserve it! You are a good cat mama! :bighug:
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top