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The Question
10/25/09 08:07 PM

"I am new at insulin & a type 2 diabetic. I just lost my job,wondering if harmful to reuse syringes. Only take 4-6units Novolog daily &30levemir eve.??"
Asked By: tweetyfan1  
Category: Insulin

Background Info Hide
I have had diabetes for the past 6 years and never changed my diet, so now paying for it with insulin. I am in my mid-50's. I previously took 1000mg metformin twice daily, glipizide 5mg twice daily and Januvia 100mg daily. It was never controlled due to my negligence. My question above includes taking 30ml Levemir at bedtime. My A1C a few weeks ago was 8.5. The dr said I now HAD to be on insulin. Also, can you get off insulin if you change your diet and exercise?

Expert Answers (1)

10/28/09 09:55 PM

Hello tweetyfan1
You have now taken ownership of your disease! That is a great step in self-management of your disease. With diet and exercise, there is a chance that you could get control of your glucose levels and not need the insulin. However, you must remember that diabetes is a progressive disease and if your pancreas is not producing insulin anymore, you will always need insulin. I hope you are ready to take charge and improve your diet and start exercising 30 minutes a day 5 times a week. Watch your portion control of the foods you eat and try to change from simple carbs to more complex carbs with high fiber. Stay away from sugars, and white food like white bread, white rice and white potatoes. Remember, the more color a food has, the more nutrient dense! Read up on healthy foods on dLife recipes!

Now to discuss the re-use of needles. This is not a safe practice. You are at risk of infection being a diabetic and re-using a needle is introducing bacteria into your system and could cause a systemic infection that could attack any of your organs. I am not naive about the cost of supplies and people will do what they need to do when funds are low. First, apply to your county welfare office to see if you qualify for Medicaid because even if you have some income, you may be able to get your insulin and supplies covered. Second, apply for Cobra benefits from your previous employer if possible. Also call your local American Diabetes Association and ask if they know of low cost needles in your area.

Infection prevention and control is a large part of self-management and knowingly introducing a non-sterile needle under your skin is asking for problems. Introducing a used needle into the vial of insulin will contaminate the entire vial.

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (2)

11/11/09 09:18 AM

I'm certainly not an expert but here's my take on this. I've had type 1 since 1978, and have had problems affording the insulin, lancets, syringes at various times. I've reused needles constantly during those years. I don't think there can be much risk of infection if: 1) you're the only one using the syringe, 2) you swab before you inject and 3)immediately put the cap on. I only do it twice, as it seems to dull the needle if you do it more often, but this has worked for me for 31 years now without incident. Others may have had a different experience...
Answered By:
FLAG
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10/29/09 09:54 AM

I know reusing needles isnt a recommended practice but I am my brother have done if ro over 20 yrs and have no side affects. Needles are fairly cheap and here is another way to save money, if you are taking a name bran insulin walmart has relion insulin for under $25.00 a bottle very cheap and here we dont need a script for it. I hope this helps you.
Answered By: furball64801
FLAG
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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