Question:
I'm a Type 2 diabetic. I just started insulin injections in addition to Avandia and Glocophage pills (among
other things) to get control of my blood sugar. I take insulin (Humalog
Mix 75/25) by syringe so far (2 weeks, now) but I understand clearly
that it will be more convenient take insulin by insulin pen. I've
reviewed the major makers of insulin pens and read a few short articles
on this subject. Anyone have any recommendations or real world
experiences with insulin pens?
I checked out the web sites for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Becton
Dickenson, and Owen Mumford and I think I prefer a pen that doesn't
shout out "this guy requires a medical appliance" (e.g., looks more like
a pen, looks less like a medical instrument) but from what I've read I
should give priority to a pen that can deliver reliable dosages every
time and, I think, one of the pens that will accept any other
manufacturer's cartridges would be preferable.
From what I can tell, the Novo Nordisk NovoPen 3, the Owen Mumford
Autopen, and possibly the B-D Insulin Pen (?) look somewhat less
medical. The Eli Lilly pen doesn't qualify against these criteria.
Any recommendations on insulin pens? Special features may be a plus,
but I'd like a good reliable pen that's easy to use.
Answer:
as far as the pens go, they are less "medical" looking than a syringe....
far easier to be discreet while injecting at the restaurant at the
table..... many times i have been told i forgot my glasses if i leave it on
the table
unfortunately, they maker of your insulin will determine which pen you can
or can not use..... the novo-nordisk lines use a different pen from what the
humalog/Lily pens are...... and they aren't interchangeable (i know.... i
use novo for the long acting insulin and Lily for the Humalog)
so, go for the pen, and don't worry about the asthetics of it..... you don't
have any choice
