The following is a copy of a letter that I give out to my patients that are about to start insulin.  This advice may or may not apply to you.  Before following this advice make sure you have discussed the contents of this letter with your health care provider(s):

Starting insulin should be considered just that; a start.

Today, you have been prescribed a dose of insulin that is less than you will require-possibly considerably less. This has been done for safety reasons.

You should not attempt to give yourself insulin until you have met with the diabetes educator. The nurse will teach you how to give your insulin.

When you meet with the educator you should arrange with her (or him) to stay in regular touch (as often as daily! depending on your needs) so that you can report your blood glucose readings and get advice as to what changes to make with your insulin doses. As time goes by and you gain increasing confidence with insulin adjustment you will not need to speak to the educator as often. It may take weeks (or longer) before you are on a dose of insulin that gives you good blood sugar control.

As a very general rule of thumb, you can expect that your true insulin requirements will be triple (or more) your starting insulin dose. The diabetes educator may ask you to increase your insulin dose by one unit daily for the first few weeks after you have started insulin.

Remember: