Day 3: Your Support Network
Your support network includes your healthcare team as well as your family and friends. They can help you
tremendously—especially if they truly understand what your needs are. So don't be afraid to ask for help
and tell them exactly what you need. They’re here to support you in your treatment goals.
In fact, since you’re the most important part of your support network, your family, friends, and team
members need to see that you’re with them and committed to your goal. When they see that, they’ll work
even harder for you.
Your Healthcare Team
Your doctor may be able to recommend people who can help you with your diabetes:
Endocrinologist
An "endo" is a specialist knowledgeable in the latest treatments for diabetes.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Certified healthcare professional with distinct and specialized knowledge in diabetes self-management education.
Registered Dietitian (RD)
An RD can create a diabetes meal plan, explain food labels, and suggest food substitutions.
Physical Activity Expert
Specialists trained in physiology can create an exercise program tailored to your needs.
Other Specialists
Your doctor also may recommend an ophthalmologist, podiatrist, psychologist, or dermatologist.
Your Family and Friends
Family and friends can also have a positive impact on your results. Here are some tips on how your family and friends can support you. They can:
- Help you plan and cook meals
- Exercise with you
- Help schedule fun activities that you can enjoy together
- Be there for you, so you have someone to talk to
- Help celebrate every victory, large or small
- Go with you to the doctor and help you ask the right questions
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the
inactive ingredients in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless
with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with
others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may
experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision.
Severe hypoglycemia may be serious and life-threatening. It may cause harm to your
heart or brain. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions,
including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including
itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life-threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your
doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin
pen. Please talk to your healthcare provider about proper injection technique and
follow instructions in the Instruction Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for Full Prescribing Information for Lantus®.
Click here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.
The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.