How can I tell when Lantus and Novalog are not working?

Published on

How can I tell when my Lantus and Novalog are not effectively working? Maybe they have been exposed to a higher than normal temperature and only half used.

Q: How can I tell when my Lantus and Novalog are not effectively working? Maybe they have been exposed to a higher than normal temperature and have only been half used.

If your blood sugar control has worsened after beginning a new vial of Lantus and/or Novolog and nothing else in your life (diet, activity, illness, stress) has changed, it's possible that the insulin isn't working effectively. Clues that insulin has been damaged are discoloration, cloudiness, or floating particles visible in the vial. However, sometimes damaged insulin doesn't look any different. If you suspect that your insulin isn't working, contact your pharmacist to discuss obtaining a replacement order.

Answered By dLife Expert: Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE

Certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian living in Southern California.

Disclaimer

The content of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material on the site (collectively, “Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for, and dLife does not provide, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. dLife does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Reliance on any information provided by dLife, its employees and other contributors or visitors to this site is done solely at your own risk. Any information you submit to dLife or this site may be published on this site and in other dLife products. dLife retains all rights to all contributions including submitted questions and expert answers.