What is R insulin, how do you use it, where do you buy it, how much do you need?

R insulin is Regular insulin. It’s been around for a very long time, much longer then Humalog (rapid). Its action profile is slower moving and longer lasting. It matches a smart carb diet perfectly, because it moves slowly like a protein rise.

Some people use just R insulin for meals. Some use a combination of Humalog (or rapid insulins) and R (they can be administered in the same syringe).

Dosing and timing is specific to the body.

Unlike rapid insulin - which starts working about 15m after injection, peaks at 1.5hr and is done at about hour 3 (as it claims - but this could be different for different people) ….R starts working about 45m after injection, peaks at hour 3 and can tail into hour 5-6.

I like to describe R insulin as a “Rolls Royce” and Humalog as a “Ferrari.”

Figuring out dosing is a little bit of trial and error. Dr Bernstein has a recommendation for adults, but often time kids need less. It is also possible to dilute R (just like Humalog). When we started R, I started very small, with just .25u that I added to our Humalog dose - which was already very small considering we were covering smart carbs. I took notes about the timing, type of foods and outcomes. I adjusted in .25-1u increments as needed.

Different proteins require different amounts of R for us. Chicken needs more then fish, burgers need more then eggs etc. I also factor in the time of day and activity. It took me a few months to really dial things in…. but once I figured it out, things have stayed very consistent. I now know how much a typical cheeseburger needs and can count chicken wings and eggs to appropriately dose. Sometimes things change, and as Will grows his needs go up. For example, a cheeseburger used to only need 1u of R, and now needs 2. Chicken wings usually need about .25u each. Keep in mind, these needs are specific to Will. His body, his basal dose, his activity etc all factor into his meal dosing. It’s important to figure out your kid…and you will.

Your doctor has DEFINITELY heard of R insulin. They might not understand how to use it, because they most likely are not taught how to manage diabetes without a high sugar diet. But it’s always important to talk to your doctor before adding in new insulins. If they snub the idea of smart carb and R insulin, gift them the book The Diabetes Solution, and realize that you may be on your own to figuring things out.

R insulin can be prescribed or bought over the counter at Walmart Pharmacy. It comes in vials or pens and is inexpensive. I suggest 1/2u syringes (we use 8mm) for precise and accurate dosing. I buy my syringes offline at ADW Diabetes. It’s very important to always have glucose or dextrose on hand to correct LOWS, especially when experimenting. We do not use R for high corrections, we only use Humalog. R lows may be slow moving but can be sticky. Sometimes I might feed some protein after blood sugar rises to help keep it up. Similar to a basal low for us.

I’m just a mom, I’m not a doctor. I’ve learned everything I know about diabetes from researching on my own, and other parents. I seek out people who are winning, and COPY/PASTE what they are doing so I can win too. I understand that FAILING is part of the journey, so I don’t allow bloopers or whomp whomp days to set me back. I wake up the next morning, ready to go. I expect everything is working out for us and that miracles happen.

I know it’s scary. All of it. But we have two choices when it comes to fear. We can

Face Everything And Rise or Fear Everything And Run.

For me…Will was worth the RISE. Change is always scary. But the most important things worth fighting for, never come easy.

In this picture, I was the most scared I’ve ever been in my life. If I could go back to the day I would tell myself…YOU, AND WILL, ARE GOING TO BE OKAY.

Let’s #typeWON