There has been a lot of talk about the discounted insulin from Walmart. Feeling a little rebellious (you get that way after having T1 for over 40 yrs, 24/7, 365), I decided to give it a try. Disclaimer: Those diagnosed with the disease over the past 20 yrs PLEASE CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE EVEN ENTERTAINING THE IDEA. It’s different insulin, peaks at different times, and WILL BE more confusing/dangerous than sticking to the formula you are used to. Note: You will need to schedule your time/meals accordingly, you will be on a completely different time table (insulin effects/meals/planning).
Given that I grew up on R(egular) and N(PH), it was a little less of a challenge. And I went solo, because I was getting a little frustrated with insurance and the amount of doctor appointments necessary to keep up. You CANNOT use this medication in a pump, probably will be taking at least 4 injections a day (2R + 2N), possibly less if you choose the 70/30 route. AND, I also stopped using a CGM…testing my levels with blood samples. Totally OLD SCHOOL. (yes, I could have taken it even further with vials/syr)
How did it go?
In the beginning, fairly well. The A1C was consistent with previous results. The major problems arose when I changed my diet from low carb to more countrified home cooked meals. Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. However, these meal changes will affect anyone (on any insulin) negatively if adjustments are not made…which is why you should regulate with a doctor anyways.
Is it doable (to take this insulin regularly)? Well, two of the Walmart pharmacists I spoke with stated that they thought the insulins were more “emergency” products than anything else. Yet, given that I was on this exact stuff for well over a decade, I would say it’s definitely doable. And you can buy it without prescription OR insurance. Is the discount worth the trouble?
The newer insulins are faster acting making them much more efficient. Even without a pump, 24hr/3-4hr insulins provide a more targeted approach to regulating your levels. And a pump/CGM provide (near) real time monitoring with subtle adjustment/corrections throughout the day. It may be challenging/very expensive to get this all set up though. The “accepted” sensors. CGM. Pump. Monitor. And the “accepted” insulins.
What am I doing now? I’m currently pumping again. So far, so good.