Question
A diabetic patient, who has been using NovoLog to control blood sugar levels, was advised by their doctor to switch to NovoRapid 30 due to hepatitis, with an initial dose of 8 units in the morning and evening. After three days of insulin injections, the blood sugar levels remained unstable, with fasting blood sugar ranging from 7.8 to 8.3 and post-meal blood sugar from 10.1 to 14.6. The patient inquired about adjusting insulin dosage and managing blood sugar control during a cold.
Answer
There is no interaction between insulin and cold medication. The patient’s current use of NovoRapid 30 for blood sugar control is unstable, and an increase in dosage is needed, along with dietary control. Insulin is clearly effective in treating diabetes with fewer side effects and better results than oral medications, so it is not recommended to switch to oral hypoglycemic drugs. It is suggested that the patient use 10 units of insulin in the morning and evening each day, check their blood sugar levels regularly, and carry some sugar cubes or carbonated drinks with them at all times for immediate consumption or drinking in case of hypoglycemia. It is also important to pay attention to diet, avoid overeating, control the amount of food, enrich the diet structure, and eat enough so that there is no hunger before the next meal.