I was intrigued by Symlin when I heard a speaker talk about it at TCOYD last year. I just got a new endo since mine retired while I was away, and asked her about it and she gave me a sample to try. First attempt is going on right now. My blood sugar is slowly, steadily dropping, which is VERY unusual for me after breakfast and I am a little concerned and looking to the site for advice on what to expect.
Having said all that, all the posts I have read are about problems and complaints (I am not complaining about that, just pointing it out). So the question is, is anyone getting a great result from their Symlin use? If so, can you share your practices and the benefits you reap?
I've been successfully using Symlin for over a year now. I followed the directions on the packaging and too from what I read in the online community. To start I reduced my basal and I:C ratio by 50% and then made adjustments from there. I inject 45mcg with each meal, so three times a day I inject; I don't inject for normal snacks. I wear an OmniPod and Dexcom. Remember to NOT inject Symlin with or near your insulin injection; they don't mix and Symlin will harm (crystalize I think) insulin. I have gone as high as 60mcg, but I much preferred how I felt and how my BG reacted with the 45mcg and, like I said, it's been over a year now. I found, like you, my numbers dropped greatly and I was shocked, to say the least, and that was with less insulin. I had some short-lived belly problems. What I found most interesting though was for years I thought I was lactose intolerant, like my Mom. All treatment for that condition came to a halt with the Symlin, which, along with everything else it does, helps slow down digestion.
Edit - take-two: I edited this but it did not hold; here's hoping this one does. You have to increase your dose slowly from 15mcg and have it work for three days without any problems (belly, lows,...) before you increase to 30mcg and have it work for three days, then 45mcg ... and so on until you reach 60mcg or the dose which does the best for you.
I was diligent in my trial with Symlin - My goal was to reduce the overall insulin amount in order to lose weight. Insulin resistance put weight on me. However, I found that Symlin is just too volatile and unpredictable for me. I was always chasing either a low or a high and had to spend so much time focused on it. I think maybe my total insulin per day is just too low for Symlin to be much help; having said that, I think it is a very complex medication.
I have been able to reduce my bolus insulin GREATLY by simply having protein shakes for lunch & dinner, healthy snacks twice a day (usually fruit), and a simple 600 cal meal. As I've felt more energetic, I've stepped up the exercise and that greatly reduces my basal needs. Overall, I've managed a 60% reduction and lost 16 lbs. Color me happy. The protein I'm using is very clean - Isagenix.
This might be late for a reply so posting in case of any new users of Symlin. I've been using Symlin for about a year and 7 months. After the initial test of 15McG, the results were immediate and after starting a regular regimen of 60 McG three times a day, my insulin intake dropped over 60% (along with diet changes of VERY low carb). Over the same period of time, I dropped almost 80 pounds which was put on due to insulin resistance and wasn't aware of that until a new endocrinologist figured it out and suggested Symlin. I have and continue to have great success with Symlin including maintaining my size 6. I have had to increase it to 120McG and I do still get slightly nauseated for a couple minutes but it passes quickly. My quick acting insulin (Humalog) dropped from around 30 units a day to about 10 or less and my long-acting (Levemir)from 40 to 25. The only drawback is of course the injections so over the long holiday I am going to be testing Victoza which is supposed to be once a day.
You do not need to take Symlin at the same time as your insulin. For example, I can take Humalog in the morning (about 2 units at around 0615) then go to work and take only the Symlin at about 0830 or 0900. As long as there is some insulin still available in the body the Symlin works perfectly. It does not do anything without the insulin though. Depending on where or what I am doing, I may wait to take it because the effects help my blood sugars stay consistent. My blood sugars average about 110 and I almost never go over 180.
I've been type one over 40 years and would be considered "1.5" with the resistance. Without the Symlin, I would still be miserable trying to fight the weight with no success. Not sure of usage over a very long period of time although for myself I did have to increase the dosage. If trying it out, highly suggest testing at home for a couple days and be very aware of the amount of insulin your are taking. The Symlin may work too well causing some hypoglycemia and may be a little tough to correct until the Symlin is in the down curve of action. I great trick I found was to use honey sticks (like the flavored straws). Just chew the end off the straw and let the honey coat the inside of your bottom lip for fast absorption. It tastes great and is good for you.
I have loved it! Been using it about 4 years. I never felt full, so now I know what it feels like! I have only managed to work up to 60 mcg doses without getting very nauseous, usually only with dinner because I usually eat low-carb for breakfast and lunch. I shoot it as soon as I start eating, no earlier, then eat and bolus my insulin after. I reduce my bolus by 25%, then set a dual wave with 40% now and 60% over the next 3 hours. Lost 12 lbs. soon after starting it and have kept it off.
I am almost envious because for myself, I am up to 240. My doctor is helping me experiment with other options. Tried Victoza which worked great but is not covered by insurance so now my doctor has me testing Invokana which is a pill and seems to be working as good or better than Victoza. It is also helping me reduce the need for Symlin. They did give me Metformin as a backup but for now I am sticking with the Invokana. Symlin was truly awesome for a while and responsible for helping me lose the weight but I have to admit, not having to inject it and endure the nausea and burn is pretty nice.
