sad but true…as I am slowly getting out of my honeymoon phase, and my basal is no longer lasting for 24hours…hence now I have to inject twice per day my basal…anyone else with the same issue
I have heard many people who do this and have much better control. So I hope that this will help you as well!
You can even give more Lantus at one injection. If you need more basal during the day, then give 60-70% of the Lantus in the morning and 30-40% in the evening, for example. You can ask your doctor about this. It sometimes help people get better control.
When I took Lantus I always took it 2 times a day as it is way more effective than once a day. If you exercise or change your eating habits they are going to affect the working time of the Lantus. I think I took 14 units every 12 hours and it seemed to work pretty well. Good luck but it is ok and hey I give my cat 5 units of Lantus twice a day and that seems to work pretty well!!
I use Levemir (basically the same as Lantus) and I inject once per day, still- have been T1D for 11 years this september. It lasts about 23 hours- however I am using 44 units per day.
I know this sounds like a lot to most people, as I am not overweight and I don’t eat much food, but it works for me! 
I started off with Levemir…and used it for like 7 months. Though as Levemir has a peak I was adviced it lasts a shorter period than Lantus. Hence I changed…everything was working well…up till recently. With my CGM I realized that my BGL was above 200 as of 10pmish till 2-3amish…and it is a certain pattern that just repeats itself, so since last Saturday I am taking it in 2 dosages. I have to admit that my total basal is still very low (11 units) and have ofcourse no clue if this will change over time as only time will tell, but I have only had T1D for just over a year now.
I used to take a total 18 units of Lantus at night only - but ended up having hypos in the a.m. So, checked with my doctor prior to giving a go with just 8 units at night and then 10 units in the morning. No more hypos and my BG’s were more stable.
Hey Dave - I gave my cat Beauduoin (aka the Fat Cat) Lantus as well - it was cheaper to use then the insulin they sold at the vets (he used to argue with me when I was preparing for my own shot(twice a day like myself) - thinking it was time for HIS injection ).
I think when taking smaller doses of Lantus, it’s sometimes helpful to break it up into two doses… the smaller the dose, the less of it there is to neutralize, therefor the body picks it up faster. I find that injecting smaller doses (I do 9u in the evening, 7u in the morning) it doesn’t last anywhere close to 24 hours. If i am more than a an hour or two late with the split dosage, I definitely notice it. I never got a full 24 hours out of a single dose once I was done honeymooning either.
You might be insulin resistant Ms. Marps? Like you say, the main thing is it works for you - that’s all that counts!
When I changed to Lantus about 2.5 years ago, I went directly to 2 shots a day. Not long ago, I was taking 13 units when I woke up and 13 units–12 hours later. Now I take 12 units when I wake up and 7 units–12 hours later. I take less since there is more sunlight(light), heat and more running around.
I never found that Lantus lasted the reported 24 hours for me, even when honeymooning. I was taking small doses & took two doses. One immediately before bed & the other first thing in the morning. On Levemir now & I take this in two doses also.
Yeah, Anna, I am definitely insulin resistant.
It started a few years back where my body doesn’t like the fake stuff.
“But, what options do I have?” I ask it.
Still no reply.
I just keep keeping on…
haha
I have an endo appt today (in the next half hour!) and will ask him if it would be wise to take two doses instead of one very large one? We’ll see what he says.
Good Luck Marps!!
Yes I do I take 20 in the morning and 20 at night. It drives me nuts cause sometimes I forget…
…But it does help me alot!!!
hey you know what i ahve been having nothing but trouble with my lantus it is just not working llike it used to anymore. i take 40 units every night and the doc just recently changed it from 44 to 40 but it is still a lot and i wake up with lows all the time… i used to be at 30 but then it wasnt working and then tehy pushed it back up… its weird
I am on a pump now, but when I was on Lantus I dont think it did anything for me, but cause me to gain weight
I have noticed that my Lantus doesn't last 24 hours. Just found this out via my doctor recently! She didn't know this, or tell me for at least a year. For awhile I just took Lantus and no meal time insulin. I was happy thinking I only had to take one shot a day. My doctor also didnt understand how to dose. Very frustrating experience! It was recently suggested that I split my dose, but that would mean 5 shots a day. I don't want MORE shots, I want LESS! I take 24 units about 10am, it seems to peak at 3pm, and next morning I have a high BS reading!
I also find that I suffer from Darn Phenomenon (DP) and actually need more insulin overnight to combat the morning highs. In fact, it may be that the Lantus is lasting pretty much 24 hours, but you need more insulin overnight to fight the DP. You could try shifting the time you take your lantus to the evening and then you might be better able to deal with it only lasting part of the day. This would have it peaked overnight when you need it and then you could then adjust your dinner bolus to compensate for any rise late in the day.
At dsolve.com I found this:
"Lantus lasts about 22 hours in most people and Detemir lasts about 16. Either insulin can sometimes be given once a day successfully for some individuals but most people get on better with twice daily injections for both of them. The best time to give them is right before bed and when you get up in the morning. If you have a marked dawn phenomenon no more than a 9 hour gap between the night and morning injection is recommended by Dr Bernstein."
More here:
http://www.dsolve.com/content/view/129/2/