How many extra (unopened) insulin vials/pens do you have on-hand?

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- 4 hours, 27 minutes ago
  
  AmyM likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Is a 1/2 hour a vacation? On those magic days when the pump and sensor need to be changed at the same time, I might take a "naked" shower where I don't have to worry about scrubbing one or the other off, but that's about it.
- 14 hours, 13 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  To what extent does diabetes technology reduce day-to-day stress for you?
  CGM is great, but sometimes too much data is stressful. All the pressure to be in range is a new numerical stress with statistical worries added on. The worries were always present, but nowadays they are front and center.
- 14 hours, 13 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  To what extent does diabetes technology reduce day-to-day stress for you?
  Krisit, the struggle's are real, and the ridiculous codes, makes us have to be Pharmaceutical experts. I'm a fan of the devices, but not the issues that come up when we try to fill them. Trying to travel, during a period when you are supposed to receive them, means you may have to go back to MDI. I tried to order some before a trip,, and they said they'd send them early, but that didn't happen. It's crazy, what we have to navigate to get our devices.
- 14 hours, 14 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  To what extent does diabetes technology reduce day-to-day stress for you?
  Agree!
- 14 hours, 14 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  To what extent does diabetes technology reduce day-to-day stress for you?
  I selected “ somewhat” because sometimes when it works, it’s fantastic but sometimes when it doesn’t work is a nightmare. It is either your best friend or your worst enemy.
- 14 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  To what extent does diabetes technology reduce day-to-day stress for you?
  You’re not alone, I agree and feel similar and bet many of us do!
- 14 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  To what extent does diabetes technology reduce day-to-day stress for you?
  I put somewhat since sometimes the technology adds stress (eg. Won’t connect, or alarms that tell me what I already know and am in the middle of treating)
- 14 hours, 18 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  How much do you agree with the following statement: “The financial costs of diabetes are a burden for me (or my family).”
  If I did not have diabetes I'd be a multimillionaire! All the money spent on diabetes care, supplies, etc invested in this disease since 1969!!! 😑 Yes, diabetes is a very expensive disease!
- 14 hours, 22 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Only when the pump or sensor fails & I'm not with the next replacement. Not really a vacation. (I've had them fail on vacation, too.)
- 15 hours, 26 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Never. I have severe hypoglycemic unawareness. No symptoms even at glucose levels of 40.
- 15 hours, 27 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Not sure how I would without serious ramifications!
- 15 hours, 27 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Vacation? Sounds like a bad idea, to me.
- 15 hours, 27 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Being on a pump and CGM is not something I would want to be without no matter what. The only way I would ever consider it being a vacation a life long vacation is if I was cured of T1D.
- 15 hours, 29 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  as soon as T1D "takes a vacation", then I will too! ;)
- 15 hours, 46 minutes ago
  
  Brian Vodehnal likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  I never take a vacation from my pump. But I often do with my CGM because it fails so often.
- 16 hours, 18 minutes ago
  
  Patricia Dalrymple likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Is a 1/2 hour a vacation? On those magic days when the pump and sensor need to be changed at the same time, I might take a "naked" shower where I don't have to worry about scrubbing one or the other off, but that's about it.
- 16 hours, 18 minutes ago
  
  Patricia Dalrymple likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  as soon as T1D "takes a vacation", then I will too! ;)
- 17 hours, 42 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Being on a pump and CGM is not something I would want to be without no matter what. The only way I would ever consider it being a vacation a life long vacation is if I was cured of T1D.
- 17 hours, 42 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  I never take a vacation from my pump. But I often do with my CGM because it fails so often.
- 17 hours, 44 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Is a 1/2 hour a vacation? On those magic days when the pump and sensor need to be changed at the same time, I might take a "naked" shower where I don't have to worry about scrubbing one or the other off, but that's about it.
- 18 hours, 8 minutes ago
  
  KCR likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  I took one once when I was on vacation at a beach resort and used Lantus and Novolog pens, but I kept my CGM on. It was kinda nice...
- 18 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  Marty likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  as soon as T1D "takes a vacation", then I will too! ;)
- 18 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  Marty likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Vacation? Sounds like a bad idea, to me.
- 18 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  Marty likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  Being on a pump and CGM is not something I would want to be without no matter what. The only way I would ever consider it being a vacation a life long vacation is if I was cured of T1D.
- 18 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  Marty likes your comment at
  How often do you take a “vacation” from wearable diabetes technology (insulin pump, CGM)?
  What's the alternative? MDI? No thanks. That did not work well for me when I was Dx-ed 35 years ago. I have kept my old 770 Medtronic pump and some resivors & infusion sets to fall back on.
Clear All

How many extra (unopened) insulin vials/pens do you have on-hand?

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Samantha Walsh

Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.

16 Comments

kilupx

The answer to this question varies based on where I am in the 3-month supply cycle. I try to keep a couple of extra vials in reserve for emergencies. My prescription is for 6 vials every 3 months.

2

2 years ago Log in to Reply
1. kilupx
  
  Sorry. This was posted to wrong question.
  
  2 years ago Log in to Reply
2. Gary Taylor
  
  Seems like your response is to the correct question.
  
  2 years ago Log in to Reply
Gary Taylor

8 right now because I just received a 3 month supply of 7 vials.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Sue Martin

Oh, I just counted my Humalog for my pump and not my glargine backup. I think I really have around eight vials.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Dave Akers

I have INHALED INSULIN CARTRIDGES.. must have forgotten to include that. 🙂

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Kristi Warmecke

I technically do not have back up vials. What I have are my monthly supply that I haven’t opened yet. Huge difference in back up and what I need for the month.
The question is worded badly in my opinion.

1

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Bob Durstenfeld

I get a 90-day supply and I try to always have an extra vial or two of Novolog, If the doctor has them, I try and get a sample insulin pen as a spare too.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Nichole Pleisch

I have 3 diabetics In my house so our doctor prescribes us just a little extra each just in case.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Russell Buckbee

I marked 4-6, but they aren’t “extra”. They are part of the 90 day supply that Medicare requires I get.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
dholl62@gmail.com

I have an insulin pump and the amount should last me 21/2 monthe

2 years ago Log in to Reply
TomH

You need to define “extra”. I put 10-12, but that includes my next 90-day supply (15 pens) I just picked up.

2

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Annie Wall

My 1-3 2 actually) are not really backup because I get 90 day supplies and soon I’ll be ordering a new batch.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Phyllis Biederman

As with most other respondents, my “extra” Humalog insulin is actually part of my 3 month supply (4vials )for pump use. I always keep one vial of Glargine for use in the event of pump failure.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
KarenM6

Oh! I didn’t think about this, but reading the replies, I answered 4 to 6, but that is part of my 90 day supply!
I do also have some Afrezza for emergency high BSes.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Jeff Balbirnie

Specifically designated “back-up” insulin, absolutely none. I wish I could have or afford any back-up insulin so that is a pen goes out of date, or is out of date, a vial falls/breaks…. I can STAY alive because without insulin I will die, period. There should be a mandatory safety factor which permits having a minimum of back up insulin.

2 years ago Log in to Reply