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Gina Gaudefroy/Apidra® Story


Gina

The former gymnast stays active through exercise—and in control using Apidra® as part of her diabetes treatment plan.

I was 12 years old and living in Ireland when one day, while competing in a gymnastics meet, I passed out. I was rushed to the hospital, where they made the diagnosis: I had Type 1 diabetes.

That was 32 years ago. I remember them keeping me in the hospital for a week before sending me home with NPH insulin I was to take once a day. There was very little information on diabetes available to me at the time. When my family moved to the United States three years later, I finally began to educate myself about this condition I would have for the rest of my life.

With the support and encouragement of my healthcare professionals, I took control of my diabetes and was on the path to a healthier life. I followed a healthy eating plan, monitored my blood glucose and took my medications. I was also exercising every day taking a spinning class along with other exercise classes at the YMCA. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

Since my diagnosis, treatments for patients with diabetes have come a long way in the past 32 years. So I am not afraid to try new things. When Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) was first introduced, I asked my doctor to let me try it and found that the 24-hour insulin helped me manage my blood sugar levels. So, I take my Lantus® once a day, at the same time each day.

In the fall of 2005, I was under a lot of stress, and did not like what I was seeing. I knew stress was not good for me, and sure enough, my A1C jumped during that time. My blood sugar readings were sometimes reaching extreme highs. My blood sugar was out of control and knew I had to find a way to regain it. I want to reduce the risk of complications and I know keeping my A1C under control may help.

One of the ways I got my A1C under control was through working with my healthcare provider to change my medication. I added Apidra® to my overall treatment plan. I was nervous at first because of its rapid-acting properties. But I wanted to do everything possible to help manage my blood sugar levels.

I love how Apidra® helps me deal with the blood sugar spikes associated with meals. Whenever food is ingested, blood sugar goes up and Apidra® helps bring it back down quickly. I check my blood sugar reading before every meal and then I calculate how much Apidra® I need, depending on my blood sugar reading and what I plan to eat.

I am also delighted with Apidra® because, along with proper diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications, it helps me manage my blood sugar levels. Within four months, my A1C was in control. I spend my days now talking with my sister, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes two years ago, exercising, reading, and being with my husband and two teenage children. We travel to Europe frequently to visit relatives. I've learned to manage the stress, and I know I am once again managing my disease, not letting it manage me.

Important Safety Information for Apidra®

Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Apidra®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Apidra® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

Apidra®, when given by injection under the skin, should not be mixed with insulins other than NPH. Do not mix Apidra® with any insulin when used in the pump or for intravenous administration.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Apidra®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Other possible side effects may include low blood potassium, injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Apidra®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible. Change the Apidra® in the pump reservoir every 48 hours.

Indications and Usage

Prescription Apidra® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. Apidra® is usually used with a longer-acting insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

Apidra® may be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps.

Apidra® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen.

Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.

Important Safety Information for Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution. It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

Indications and Usage

Prescription Lantus® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Click here for additional important information for Lantus®.

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• Offer is not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal- or state funded benefit programs. Offer not valid in MA (except for cash-paying patients). Void where prohibited by law.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.