70/30 insulin - a thing of the past?

unknown99, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2005

I haven't heard that. However, I do notice that more and more of our physicians are prescribing it less often.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 28, 2005

I know I see most of my diabetics on Lantis these days, too. Never on 70/30.

SthRNBelle · Feb 28, 2005

Heard a rumor today thru our local, small town hospital, that they are no long going to be manufacturing 70/30 insulin and urge all practitioners to switch over to Lantus (which I personally don't like). Any thoughts? I did a search on Google and as far as I can tell, no mention of it coming off the market.

I haven't heard that 70/30 was going to be D/C....however if that happens i don't think its a good idea. I really haven't seen any good results from lantus. Seems to have a tailwind effect and makes sugars drop quickly in the AM if given at night. 70/30 seems to have a more well rounded approach to control.

bmwdrives · Mar 1, 2005

I am a new diabetic and was on 70/30 while in the hospital and for about 4 weeks when my endocrinologist changed me to 70/30 mix flex pen. Studies have shown that it is more effective in decreasing Hgb A1C than the 70/30 or Lantus. I would preper the one a day injections, but with Lantus many patietns still need additional injections of regular insulin for coverage at meals. Will try to find the research article and post it as a FYI.

Heard a rumor today thru our local, small town hospital, that they are no long going to be manufacturing 70/30 insulin and urge all practitioners to switch over to Lantus (which I personally don't like). Any thoughts? I did a search on Google and as far as I can tell, no mention of it coming off the market.

abundantjoy07, RN · Mar 1, 2005

I'm not sure about that but Lantus is really being pushed. When it first came out my physician put me on it. It's got a longer life as if lasts 24 hours which is a big plus.

Todd SPN · Mar 1, 2005

Seems to have a tailwind effect and makes sugars drop quickly in the AM if given at night. 70/30 seems to have a more well rounded approach to control.

Why is it always to be given at night if it has a 24 hour effect? I notice the drs always make it a hs med. I'd much rather give it before supper when I cover and save myself the bother of having to go back at hs.

MamaTheNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2005

I have not heard about 70/30 being discontinued but the NovoNordisk reps are really pushing their Novolog Mix 70/30 - the difference being that 70/30 is 70% NPH and 30% Regular and Novolog Mix 70/30 is 70% Novolog with something in it to make it longer acting and 30% Novolog (rapid-acting) - they claim it works better for overall control. We use lots and lots of Lantus here but I think pre-mixed have their place. By the way, Lantus can also be given in the am, not just at hs - docs here write both times - it depends on what works best for the patient. In some weird situations, I've seen endocrinologists have patients take Lantus bid.

rehab nurse · Mar 1, 2005

where i work, we use 70/30 all the time. we use lantus sometimes, but for the most part, what i've seen is that lantus doesn't work. if it's given at hs, pt would wake up with bs below 50, and the whole day their sugars are out of whack. lantus is no longer just an hs med however, we had a couple patients go home taking it in the am with much less of the dropping blood sugars.

i prefer the 70/30, i think it has much better control. my dad still uses it as well.

heather

abundantjoy07, RN · Mar 1, 2005

i always thought i take it at night because it's easier to remember and easier to schedule in. but i looked it up because it's a very good question you ask.

found this from lantus' website.

lantus has just received approval for morning dosing. as i understand it, the original clinical trials were such that lantus was dosed at bedtime with the rationale being an attempt to avoid (yet) unforeseen problems with glucose excursions in the middle of the night or at the end of the anticipated duration of the dose.

those issues have mostly not come to pass. once a day, whatever the time, is likely fine as long as one is consistent.

why is it always to be given at night if it has a 24 hour effect? i notice the drs always make it a hs med. i'd much rather give it before supper when i cover and save myself the bother of having to go back at hs.