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The former gymnast stays active through exercise—and in control using Apidra® as
part of her diabetes treatment plan.
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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®
Apidra® is for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for the control of high
blood sugar. Apidra® should normally be used with a longer-acting insulin. Do
not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are
allergic to insulin glulisine.
Apidra® differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset and shorter
duration of action. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given
within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Due to the
short duration of action of Apidra®, patients also require a longer-acting insulin
or insulin infusion pump therapy. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously
and only under medical supervision. Tell your doctor about all other
medicines and supplements you are taking. Glucose monitoring is recommended for
all patients with diabetes.
Possible side effects may include low blood sugar; 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.
When used in a pump, do not mix Apidra® with any other insulin or liquid.
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.
Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed.
Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.
